loose ring snaffle...

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showjump2003

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Hi, sorry if this is a daft question but I'm not sure!

My horse is ridden in a 5" kimblewick. My question is... when buying a loose ring snaffle, do you go quarter of an inch up in size to avoid pinching? or go for the 5 inch? I am after buying a NS loose ring snaffle and don't want to pay £40 for the wrong size!
 
sorry i'm going to disagree with you.....
Defo don't get bit to big or small but get one which fits...
Most good tack shop will have bitting service so you can have bit for couples of days and if wrong size can go back and change it, for small charge (around our way it's £2.00)
or if buying over internet check their returns policy............. rubber bit guards in my experence are a bl00dy pain in arse and also will lesson effect of bit
Can't you borrow one from friend to check size???
if you need 5" cheap as chips, if you need 5 1/4" as rare as rocking horse sh1t
 
the NS range do a 5 1/4 so getting hold of one wouldn't be a problem. hmmm, i don't fancy using bit rings although this is what I do with my gag.
 
Kick_on i thought the 5" fitted. I was not saying to get a bit too small but i was saying dont go too big either becuase it has a worse effect then most think. I've never had a problem with rubber gaurds, i always use them on loose rings becuase it gives me a peace of mind that hes not getting hurt. Ok so if you dont have good handwork tacking up can take a second extra to fix them, cleaning also takes moment extra but rather that then any chance on ruining his comfort zone with the bit. I know when hes not riding in an outline its not because the bits hurting.
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I'm no bit expert, but I have always understood that you should allow at least 6mm clearance each side of a loose ring to avoid pinching. So that would mean an increase in total length of 12mm (or 1/4")... so I'd go for the 5 1/4" if I were you. As others have said, you can always exchange it
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elo Forget_Me_Not
not questioning your riding etc...........

just i had same problem and a very wise old friend, who is very straight and said - get one which fits - which is the best answer
 
if you are byeing a lose ring then always go the next size up so go for 5.5" if you get one to small then it will rub and become VeRy sore!
xx hope this helps xx
 
If you need rubber bit guards to stop a loose ring chaffing - its too small!

I fit bits, generally using Sprenger & Neue Schule gauges and in my experience most people have bits that are too small.

Loose rings cause a lot of damage to skin, using a bit that is too large may mean a lozenge mouthpeice is in the wrong place, but will do no harm.

The influx of warmbloods has meant that many horses need a 6", but owners are still determined to ride in a 5.5".
 
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