How do I measure for her first bit?

[carys220]

I don't want to go sticking her first bit in her mouth and it not being right. But how do I measure her mouth?

 

[scotsmare]

What size of pony / horse are we talking about?

 

[carys220]

She's a 14.2hh haflinger, 4 yo. The middle one in my siggy.

 

[scotsmare]

You'll probably need either a 4 1/2 or 5" bit - if you have those sizes to hand, try the bigger one first - that will give you a guide. You can get bit measuring thingys that sit in their mouth but they are fiddly.

 

[carys220]

Thanks. I guess I should get good at sizing horses' mouths so I can sell lots of bits

 

[scotsmare]

You'll learn - don't worry!!

 

[nadinek82]

You could try using a bit of baler twine. Gently put it in her mouth like a bit and then you can measure it afterwards. I know a few people who do it this way and it seems to work

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Wooden spoon in mouth with martingale stops pushed up to each side of mouth. Measure to the outside edge of the stops for the correct size bit.

 

[scotsmare]

Piebald Sparkle that's a fab idea!!