Horse prefers bit that's too big

[HelenBack]

I'm a bit bored in work this morning so just having a bit of a musing.

I got my horse a bit to try and he went well in it but it was really a size too large. The size down needed to be ordered in and was going to take a while to come so I just carried on to use the too big one while I waited. The smaller one turned up and is definitely a better fit but my horse just doesn't go as well in it. The only difference apart from the size is that the bigger one has a 16mm mouthpiece and the smaller one is 14mm. Could 2mm really make that much difference?

I can't decide whether to go back to the too big one because the horse seems happier in it or whether to stick with the right size on paper because surely having it too big can't be great in terms of how it sits in his mouth? I've given the smaller one quite a few weeks now so I don't think it's case of him just getting used to it.

It's an eggbutt bit if that makes any difference and this is a very sensitive horse who gets easily upset if it's a bit he doesn't like. He is okay in the smaller bit and doesn't get himself in a tizz like he has done with other bits. He just doesn't seem as happy as in the bigger one.

Not the end of the world I know but just thought I'd see what others thought.

 

[Belmont]

Go with the bigger bit if that's what he's happiest in.

 

[Abacus]

I wonder if it’s about the angle of the bit at the link, inside the mouth. I think a bigger bit would be more bent, assuming you have a contact. Maybe he prefers it. I’d also go with the bigger one.

 

[Cortez]

The person you should be listening to is your horse, he’s already told you the answer.

 

[nikkimariet]

Try wearing a pair of socks that are a bit too thick and see how you feel

 

[Horseysheepy]

Sometimes horses don't like to stick to the text book!. If I were you I'd keep him in the bit he has clearly told you he prefers.

 

[maya2008]

I like shoes a little too big . Personal preference. Go with what your horse prefers.

 

[FinnishLapphund]

He hasn't read the sizing manual, and even though the measurements says one thing, you have to go on how the bit factually works for him, in his mouth. If he one day stops preferring the sligthly bigger size, surely you can always downsize if, and when that happens.

 

[HelenBack]

Thanks all, that was my thinking too but just worried that something terrible would happen if I did. I have had instructors comment too but I guess it's my horse wearing the bit and not them

Try wearing a pair of socks that are a bit too thick and see how you feel

That probably depends on what shoes I've got over the top though!

I like shoes a little too big . Personal preference. Go with what your horse prefers.

Yes so do I actually. Can't stand having my feet squashed in and restricted.

Sometimes horses don't like to stick to the text book!. If I were you I'd keep him in the bit he has clearly told you he prefers.

I think my horses read the textbook and then do the exact opposite usually! Keeps me on my toes anyway

 

[Arzada]

Roll on the day when horses publish their own textbooks

 

[SantaVera]

Go with the bigger bit if that's what he's happiest in.

This

 

[Kaylum]

What's your bridle set up like