How to fit a bit

[My_chestnut_mare]

Hi all

god so embarrassed about this but can you tell me how a bit fits properly again?

Is it you should be able to get a finger in both sides?

 

[jellybean09]

I have always been taught that once you have measured the bit size to the horse/ponys mouth then you should leave 1/4 - 1/2 inch either side to prevent the ring from rubbing, esp if its a loose ring and can pinch.

 

[china]

there should be quarter of an inch either side so the sides of it dont rub and especially for a loose ring so it doesnt pinch the corners of there mouth. and you shoul have no more than two wrinkles in the corners or the mouth!

 

[My_chestnut_mare]

ok hari's bit is to small as there are no space left.Havent ridden her in in so its all good.

Damn just spent £20 on it and its a 5 1/2" how big is her mouth lol

 

[suzysparkle]

Unless you have loose rings, you actually don't need that much of a gap. In fact too much of a gap can cause problems. It can cause friction due to the movement backwards and forwards. I've seen plenty people with bits way to wide for their Horse. If you use an eggbutt/full cheek/D ring/hangng cheek etc so long as it's not squashing the lip it's fine.
There's a good description re bit fitting on the neue schule website.
http://www.neueschulebits.com/acatalog/Enlightened%20Bitting.pdf