Bit measuring - our top tips to help you choose the right size bit for your horse or pony

The Saddlery Shop’s Lucy Nicholas offers sizing tips, ahead of bit purchase..

If you want to obtain a new bit for your horse, once you’re sure your horse’s mouth is cut free and comfortable, you can then measure the horse’s mouth for the new bit. There are a few methods available that will enable you to measure your horse’s mouth in order to determine the correct size of bit. 

Firstly and most simply - use the handle of a wooden spoon as a measure, using martingale stops at either end - you can easily push them up to the corners of the horse or pony’s mouth, and then once you carefully remove it, measure the length of the handle from the outside of each martingale stop using a ruler. This will then determine the size of a fixed cheek bit design. For a loose ring design, you will need to add half an inch to this value. If this all seems too fiddly, and at risk of human error, ‘Bit Measures’ which are measuring rods, can be purchased from tack stores or online.

Most importantly, the bit can be assessed in situ on the horse. An instructor or trusted, experienced friend could also assist. Bit hire can be very useful!

A general guide to ensuring your bit is at the correct height in the mouth would be to aim for a lip wrinkle at the corners of the mouth.  Bear in mind that mouth conformation varies, and some horses are much shorter from the corner of the lip to the muzzle, so in this instance don’t be tempted to shorten the cheek pieces excessively. When fitting a bit with a fixed cheek, such as the Eggbutt, the lip should gently brush up against the butt end ensuring a snug, although not tight, fit. Whereas if using a loose ring bit, the general rule would be to have clearance either side of no more than one eighth of an inch from the corner of the lip up to the hole that the bit ring passes through.

Once you have chosen the bit you wish to buy, it is important to measure the bit itself too once you have hired or purchased it, as manufacturer’s sizings may differ.

Finally, the fit of the bit needs to be assessed at rest, and then with a contact. Obviously your horse will let you know if he’s comfortable! Bitting discomfort can be a serious issue, as if your horse is uncomfortable in its mouth, it will often lead to the equine being resistant in the contact, and unhappy and stressed in their ridden work, resulting in poor performance. Seek advice from a retailer experienced in bitting advice if required.

Lucy Nicholas is Co-proprietor of The Saddlery Shop, recent winner of the SEIB Internet Retailer of the Year Award (BETA).

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