advice on bridle fit

R

rainer

Well-Known Member
Joined
5 January 2013
Messages
686
Location
herefordshire
Visit site
How do you know for sure that the bridle+bit fits the pony well? I don't want charlie to be uncomfortable while being ridden so I want to get the fit right
Thank u! :)
 
Starting with the browband.
This needs to be fitted so that it is not pulling the headpiece onto the base of the horse's ears and, not to big to allow the headpiece to slip back. Looser id better than tight.

The cheek pieces should, with a normal snaffle, reach to the centre holes of the headpiece on a new bridle. If they are at the top or only the second hole from the top then when the leather stretches the bit will be to low in the horses mouth.

The throatlash should be long enough to allow a hand width between it and the horse's cheek
Another thing about the headpiece is that the cut of the throqatlash should start below where the browband sits. If the cut is above then the throatlash could push the browband up onto the ears.

The bit should be comfortable in the horse's mouth. To narrow and it will rub, to wide and it will seesaw across its mouth. There should be one wrinkle when the bit is resting in the mouth or, if you take the bit either side of the mouth and gently pull down it should be just on the corners of the mouth.
Some horses have very little room between their bars of their mouths so a thick bit is uncomfortable for them. They should be able to hold their mouths closed comfortably.

The noseband should be two finger widths below the cheek bone and fits under the cheek pieces and two fingers width between the nose and the noseband when done up.
There are many types of noseband and ways of fitting them.

When a horse puts its head up and opens its mouth it is resisting. This can be lack of training or unbalanced hands.
 
Foxhunter covered it but also if your horse is putting its head up in a single joint snaffle it may be that the joint of the bit is poking up into the palate/roof of its mouth and may prefer a French link or even better a lozenge :-) mouth opening is general evasion and could be for a number of reasons but a change of bit may be a good idea.
 
What bit would anyone recomend for a young pony with a novice rider? I would like something that would assist with brakes and steering but don't worry I'm not going to be letting my daughter pull his mouth about :) xxx
 
rainer said:
Anybody? Lol
Also we've got him in a snaffle bit and sometimes he opens his mouth and puts his head up at the same time, why would he be doing this? :)
Click to expand...
Because he's uncomfortable!
Is your snaffle a single-jointed bit? If so try both a mullen-mouthed bit and a French-link, try eggbutt and loose ring bits. He will tell you which he is most comfortable in.
 
rainer said:
What bit would anyone recomend for a young pony with a novice rider? I would like something that would assist with brakes and steering but don't worry I'm not going to be letting my daughter pull his mouth about :) xxx
Click to expand...
I have to say, I wouldn't have got a young pony for a novice rider, with a novice parent but what is done is done now. At least you will get (mostly) good advice on here. An instructor would be even better though.
 
Have you got an instructor to help you?
It would be easier for you to have someone in rl come and see and can help you further with the pony.
 
I do know about horsecare, enough that I am not going to neglect him and I'm going to keep him happy and healthy! And isn't that what this forum is about? Being able to ask for advice and opinions? Just cause I don't know about bits does that make me a bad horse owner?
 
Sorry didn't see the other comments, I agree it was probably not the best idea getting a young pony but we have him now,he's being well looked after and as soon as I can I will be seeking help from an instructor
 
Sorry i meant no offence!! I should explained clearer i meant so someone can see the bridle fit! And help with mouth. Sorry again really ment no offence
 
No no sprockett it wasn't your comment it was a few comments back x I appreciate everyones comments and thank u sprockett for yours. I know it may seem that I'm totally inexperienced and I hold my hands up,I am inexperienced and need help with a young inexperienced pony but I am here to keep him healthy and happy and to keep my daughter safe and as long as I do that I am satisfied :)
 
Oh good, glad i didnt! Lol i do agree there is a rather uncalled for comment on here.

Thats an excellent attitude to have :) you will learn along away and im sure you have pently of people/instructor to help you as/when/if needed :)
 
rainer said:
I do know about horsecare, enough that I am not going to neglect him and I'm going to keep him happy and healthy! And isn't that what this forum is about? Being able to ask for advice and opinions? Just cause I don't know about bits does that make me a bad horse owner?
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, but don't you think you should have learnt a bit more about horse care and management which should automatically include the fitting of saddlery BEFORE you even thought about having a pony of your own? It's very unfair on your pony to be so at risk from ignorance whether intentioned or not and could do untold damage to both him and yourself.
Can you not find a friendly instructor or other experienced horse friend to help you and explain which methods and books would be helpful to you too?
 
Maesfen said:
I'm sorry, but don't you think you should have learnt a bit more about horse care and management which should automatically include the fitting of saddlery BEFORE you even thought about having a pony of your own? It's very unfair on your pony to be so at risk from ignorance whether intentioned or not and could do untold damage to both him and yourself.
Can you not find a friendly instructor or other experienced horse friend to help you and explain which methods and books would be helpful to you too?
Click to expand...

Absolutely this but also it might be worth signing your daughter up to pony club so that at least one of you has some access to stable management lessons. PC Manual of Horsemanship is a sensible book to get hold of and learn from.
 
I do have experience of horse care+managment! I worked at a yard 3-4 days a week for 8 months and learnt a lot from looking after 13 horses who were ages 6 mths-20+. A lot of what I ask I know I am just seeking advice,opinions and reassurance. Believe me I didn't just pick up a horse book and decide to get a pony! :p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top