| Having your horse measured to find out the right size | | | | you are fitting them with a bit for the first time, you can |
| horse bits is crucial to their health, behavior and for | | | | take measurements using a piece of string that is |
| successful riding. Bits for horses are very important for | | | | roughly 30 centimeters in length and by tying a knot |
| achieving best levels of communication between the | | | | about 5cm in from one end. Place the knotted end in |
| rider and the horse. They will give you signs when they | | | | the horses mouth so that it rests against the lips of |
| are uncomfortable with a wrong sized bit and it is a sin | | | | one side and pull it through to make a mark on the |
| to believe that one size fits all. However, it is better not | | | | other end by the lips. |
| to wait for signs of an ill-fitted bit and have your horse | | | | There are different types of bits for horses that work |
| measured at the first possible opportunity. If you want | | | | on varying parts of the horse's head - the corners of |
| a happier horse, better communication with them and | | | | its mouth and lips, the groove of the chin, bars, the poll, |
| ultimately a better riding experience - don't | | | | nose, roof of its mouth, the tongue and the side of the |
| underestimate the importance of correct fitting bits for | | | | face. Here are some of the more popularly used bits |
| horses. | | | | for horses: |
| So how can you measure your horse to determine | | | | * Snaffles - They are used for many equestrian |
| which will be the right size and therefore the most | | | | activities and can in themselves be different in form. |
| comfortable bit for them? When fitted correctly, the | | | | Bars can be straight, jointed or double jointed |
| mouthpiece should extend each side of the lips to a | | | | according to the specific needs of the rider. Each of |
| measurement of approximately quarter of an inch. If it | | | | the different bars will put pressure on different areas |
| is too tight, the bit can end up pinching the skin when | | | | of the horse's mouth. The rings can also be differently |
| parts of the cheek move. Having it too long outside of | | | | fitted - fixed rings which prevent pinching, loose to |
| the mouth is also considered to be a bad fit. Horse bits | | | | allow more movement, a D-ring to aid steering and so |
| are made in such a way that different parts should | | | | on. |
| make contact with specific areas in the mouth. On | | | | * Pelham - This is where the two bit of a double bridal |
| fitting, it is important to make the checks that it fits | | | | have been combined to become one. It is possible to |
| perfectly at each point to avoid discomfort or a | | | | use the Pelham with one or two reigns, helping to |
| distressed horse. | | | | further refine the control and communication with the |
| If you simply need to change bits for horses from an | | | | horse and its actions. These type of bits for horses |
| old one to a newer one, assuming that the old bit was | | | | are thought to severe to be used in dressage and |
| a good fit, measure it and make a note of the | | | | must only be used by those with lots of experience. |
| measurement for when you purchase the new one. If | | | | |