How do you know if your bit fits?
How do you know if your bit fits?
A bit that’s too small can pinch the corners of the mouth, while a bit that’s too big can move around too much and clunk against his teeth. Rubbed patches or thickened skin at the corners of the mouth are signs of bad bit fit, but it’s better not to wait to see physical evidence that a bit doesn’t fit well.
What size bit do I need for my horse?
between 5 and 6 inches
The average bit size for a horse size is between 5 and 6 inches, but will vary by breed, build, and genetic makeup. Horses and ponies with more refined noses such as Arabs and Welsh Cobs often need bits less than 5 inches.
What’s the best way to fit a horse’s bit?
If a horse is overactive in the mouth and trying to get the tongue over the top, position it a little higher to discourage this. When starting babies a bit that is a little lower will generally encourage mouthing. To fit a fixed cheek bit correctly the lips may be gently brushing up against the cheek but not squished in.
Do you have to fit your horse’s teeth?
The bit should fit comfortably across the bars (the toothless gap between the incisors and molars) of the horse’s jaw, and that may mean there isn’t just one wrinkle or any wrinkle at all. If you fit a jointed bit, like a D-ring or loose ring snaffle, there may be no wrinkle on the lips at all. That doesn’t mean the bit doesn’t fit.
Where do you put the snaffle bit on a horse?
The snaffle bit should sit within the corners of the mouth and depending on the horses lips with either one to two wrinkles. The mouthpiece should extend about 1/4 of an inch beyond the lips so that it will not cause pinching. Fulmer snaffles should also be secured to the cheek pieces by fulmer keepers which will prevent the bit sides form moving.
Can a loose ring snaffle fit a jointed horse?
If you fit a jointed bit, like a D-ring or loose ring snaffle, there may be no wrinkle on the lips at all. That doesn’t mean the bit doesn’t fit. The way the bit looks on the outside may not have anything to do with what is happening the horse’s mouth.