Bit advice, downfall of being to big???

[chilworth23]

Ok so i brought a 5 and 1/2 for new mare, BUT i think a 5 may have been a slightly snugger, fit, as the 5 1/2 seems a tiny bit big, what are downsides to this?

 

[HumBugsey]

Here's lots of good info
http://www.sustainabledressage.net/tack/bridle.php#placement

 

[zoelouisem]

You can get a 5 and 1/4 it would be inbetween then. If you havnt used it the shop may let you swap it.

 

[chilworth23]

when the full cheek bit is flat against one side of her head, it has about 1/4-1/2 inch poking out other side, so when in mouth properly, it has about 1/4 ish either side of mouth, maybe bit less!

 

[chilworth23]

is it better to be a bit big than to small?

 

[zoelouisem]

is it better to be a bit big than to small?

Its probaly is better to be to big but really you want one that fits especially in a youngster the last thing you want is the first experience of bits is for them to be pinching.

Bit sizes got up in 1/4's so as you said a 5 inch is to small and a 5 1/2 is to big so can you not try a 5 1/4? alternatlivly get some rubber biscuits that maight help.

 

[chilworth23]

I just thought i looked a bit big, i read once that when one side of bit, it sat flush to the head, and there should be about 1/4 of inch showing on the other side, allowing for about a finger either side of mouth on the bit, is that right?

 

[Munchkin]

I thought she only came off the forest untouched last weekend?

Anyway, the mouthpiece of the bit should be 3/4 of an inch bigger than the size of her mouth measurement, allowing some for a loose ring. So 1/4 inch each side when fastened to the bridle isn't too big.

Are you going to be breaking this mare in yourself?

 

[chilworth23]

She came to me untouched a week last saturday, now she'll let me groom her, pick up all four feet, brush tail and is a very loving little mare and i will be starting to break her and do it myself yes. Just that i hadnt had to buy a new bit for age's n i was being a numpty about it lol.