Bit Sizes

[kirstyhoneyb]

Probably a stupid question but do most horses of the same/simular size wear the same size bit?
Basically a friend needs to buy a new bit for a new horse but doesnt know what size to get (she doesnt get horse till just over a week away).
Its a 16'0 WB X and wants a french link loose ring snaffle if that helps

 

[OneInAMillion]

well my 12.3 wears the same size bit as my 15 hand so is thta anything to go by!!!!!!!!

 

[kirstyhoneyb]

mmmm guess not! lol

 

[Kentisheventer]

As its a warmblood i'd GUESS its more than 5 1/2. My 16.1 WB is either 5 3/4 or 6" if that helps.

 

[hellybelly6]

It depends on breeding, mouth conformation, tongue conformation and the palate as to what size bit is required for each individual horse.

My 16.3 Clydesdale x Highland takes a 6 1/2". He has bit fleshy lips and a fat tongue.

A rule of thumb is that for loose ring bits, add on an extra 1/4" so the lips are not pinched between the rings and the mouthpiece.

There are bit measures you can use or there is something you can download on the neue schule website.

At a guess your friend's horse could be anything from 5 1/2" - 6". Probably 5 3/4" if I had to put my money on it at a guess.

 

[dom09]

The easiest way to measure is to put a piece of string in the horses mouth, measure it so it has about 1/2cm on each side of the mouth. Alternatively you can try by putting in a bit you already know the size of and judging it by that. Not all horses have the same sized bit for different bits as they have different cheeks etc.