What size bit?

[Mari]

Generally speaking what size bit would you expect a 14.2 Connemara to need?

 

[saddlesore]

At a guess I'd say a 5"-5 1/4"

 

[PorkChop]

I've got a 13.1hh Welsh X here and she takes a 5 1/2".

 

[starryeyed]

I think my 15hh connie had a 5" bit

 

[9tails]

I would expect it to need a 5" bit but it all depends on that particular pony and the bit you want. My horse (16.1) is usually a 5.5 but she's in a 5.75" NS verbindend, whereas a 5.5" mullen mouth hangs out each side like she's carrying a stick. Here's an article with some ways of measuring.

http://horses.about.com/od/bitsexplained/a/howtomeasurebit.htm

 

[Mari]

Thanks everyone. I reckoned 5". Do different makes of bits come up big or small? Like dress sizes! I am size 11!

 

[Silmarillion]

Bit size tends to vary a lot with type of horse, IME. my 15.2hh ID x Connemara took a 5.5" / 5.75" but my 16.2hh TB takes a 5" - the same bit as his friend used, who is a 14.1hh riding pony type!
Bits are measured true to size between the bit rings, but the way it sits in the mouth determines which size you need - a straight bar "comes up bigger" than say, a Neue Schule Verbindend which is very curved in the mouth.
If you're buying a new one I'd suggest using a bit bank and finding what size fits yours best, based on the suggestions of about 5"