Bit for shetland?

[P0ny Lover]

I was wondering which bit to get for a sheltand. This would be the shetlands first bit as I'm breaking it in. I was looking at the bits on dinky rugs. I was wondering between the fine mouth jointed loose ring snaffle and the normal jointed loose ring snaffle. Which one would be better? Also dose anyone know if all dinky rug bits are designed for small/miniature ponys?

 

[The Xmas Furry]

I was wondering which bit to get for a sheltand. This would be the shetlands first bit as I'm breaking it in. I was looking at the bits on dinky rugs. I was wondering between the fine mouth jointed loose ring snaffle and the normal jointed loose ring snaffle. Which one would be better? Also dose anyone know if all dinky rug bits are designed for small/miniature ponys?

1st of all you need to bit to the mouth. Do you mean a jointed loose ring, but one is more narrow in the mouth, which can be more severe.
Does the pony have a low palette or a fleshy tongue?
Are there any wolf teeth or tushes to be careful of?

Dinky sell for small ponies which usually have small bits, I've had shetlands of different sizes from 28ins to full up 42ins and have used from 3inch to 4 inches for bits, which can be sold in quarter inch intervals in sizes, occasionally in 1/8 increments. (Look up mm comparisons).

 

[SpeedyPony]

First bits I tend to go rubber/nylon, as if they catch their teeth when learning to take the bit it won't hurt them. I tend to use a mullen bit for their first bitting, then swap to a jointed once actually using the bit. Whether to go single or double jointed will depend on the pony's mouth and preference- it may be a case of suck it and see.
Personally I'd go for a D-ring for the first riding/long reining bit, as it offers a bit more support for steering, but some people do prefer loose ring.
The size will vary between animals, even of the same breed. If you can borrow a bit, that's probably the easiest way to get a size- you want there to be a finger's width either side of the bit. If the bit you've borrowed is too large you'll be able to measure how much extra you have.

 

[rabatsa]

There is a lot already in a small mouth with the tongue and teeth, so a thin bit may be preferrable to a thick one. There is also less space for joints in bits so be careful if wanting to go down a double joint route as the joints may end up sitting on the bars and not the tongue. With donkeys I have generally gone metal mullen mouth first and changed later if needed.