Does Your Bit Actually Fit?

If you’re anything like my hauling partner, you have a box full of different kinds of bits. Long shanks, short shanks, o-ring, flavored, if you name it, I bet she has a version of it hanging up in our barn. For me, I like one type of bit. No muss, no fuss. But recently I started to wonder, which style is right?

I decided to do a little research and see if the “one size fits all” mentality works here, or if each horse should have a “specialized” bit.

Your horse’s mouth:

Your horse’s mouth is an extremely sensitive place. The bit should sit on the gums, in the space between the front and back teeth, usually referred to as the “bars”. This area or empty spot is filled/alive with nerve endings as well as the tongue, cheeks, lips and palate. Because of the sensitivity of this area finding the right bit for your horse becomes not only important but imperative.

How a bit works:

Bits work by exerting pressure on certain sections of the mouth to help with control. Sometimes a bit is assisted by a bridle type that can add pressure around the horse’s head (poll, cheeks, chin or nose). The basic idea is that a horse will move away from the pressure, hopefully going in the direction the rider wants them to go! This along with seat and leg guides should create the desired affect.

Signs your bit might not be measuring up:

How can you tell if your bit isn’t working for your horse?

Behaviorial Signs:

Frequent bit chomping
Mouth constantly open
Hanging out tongue
Head shaking or tossing
Carrying head high in the air or stiffly (when normally doesn’t)
Running away with rider
Leaning on the bit
Staying behind the bit (avoiding pressure)

Physical signs:

Cuts at the corner of the mouth
Sores or irritated skin after riding

With these signs many people will add bit guards, but if a bit is too small, this will only make the problem worse!

Measuring up:

The more research I did, the more times this fact came up. Before even looking in a catalog, we as horse owners should take an actual measurement of our horse’s mouth.

I found several methods people have used to do this. The easiest was to take a soft piece of yarn or string. You can tie a large knot at one end, use a marker or piece of tape to mark one end. Then ease the string into your horse’s mouth (like a bit). Once you find the gums between your mounts front and back teeth you can take your measurement. Again using your marker, a knot or tape mark the other side of your horses mouth.

Once you’ve taken the string from your horse’s mouth, the next step is to measure the section. Always add a ¼" measurement when ordering a new bit for comfort. If you have a bit you already use, check it, does it measure up?

What should I do?

Now I’ve measured, I should run out and buy an expensive custom bit right? WRONG! Although a “one size fits all” notion doesn’t work with bits it doesn’t mean that expensive is better either. First, start with what you want out of your bit. (ex: I want WHOA! Or turn or flex.) Then do your research. Finally make sure to size the bit to your horse’s mouth. And ALWAYS ask questions. Most tack shop owners are more then happy to share what they know with you. Vets too, asking questions over the phone is usually free, so call before you buy. I’ve also found that surrounding yourself with people that know more then you is great! Asking friends what has worked for them helps weed out the bad stuff and bring on the good!

Want to find out more about Bit Fit?

Here are some great websites to check out:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2169314_fit-horses-bit.html

http://www.equusite.com/articles/riding/ridingCheckYourBitFit.shtml

http://www.horsetackreview.com/article-display/181.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWs1IiJS-Jo&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Also check out eHorseHotline.com for more great articles!

Does Your Bit Actually Fit? Written By: Martha Northwick

If you’re anything like my hauling partner, you have a box full of different kinds of bits. Long shanks, short shanks, o-ring, flavored, if you name it, I bet she has a version of it hanging up in our barn. For me, I like one type of bit. No muss, no fuss. But recently I started to wonder, which style is right? I decided to do a little research and see if the “one size fits all” mentality works here, or if each horse should have a “specialized” bit. Your horse’s mouth: Your horse’s mouth is an extremely sensitive place. The bit should sit on the gums, in the space between the front and back teeth, usually referred to as the “bars”. This area or empty spot is filled/alive with nerve endings as well as the tongue, cheeks, lips and palate. Because of the sensitivity of this area finding the right bit for your horse becomes not only important but imperative. How a bit works: Bits work by exerting pressure on certain sections of the mouth to help with control. Sometimes a bit is assisted by a bridle type that can add pressure around the horse’s head (poll, cheeks, chin or nose). The basic idea is that a horse will move away from the pressure, hopefully going in the direction the rider wants them to go! This along with seat and leg guides should create the desired affect. Signs your bit might not be measuring up: How can you tell if your bit isn’t working for your horse? Behaviorial Signs: Frequent bit chomping Mouth constantly open Hanging out tongue Head shaking or tossing Carrying head high in the air or stiffly (when normally doesn’t) Running away with rider Leaning on the bit Staying behind the bit (avoiding pressure) Physical signs: Cuts at the corner of the mouth Sores or irritated skin after riding With these signs many people will add bit guards, but if a bit is too small, this will only make the problem worse! Measuring up: The more research I did, the more times this fact came up. Before even looking in a catalog, we as horse owners should take an actual measurement of our horse’s mouth. I found several methods people have used to do this. The easiest was to take a soft piece of yarn or string. You can tie a large knot at one end, use a marker or piece of tape to mark one end. Then ease the string into your horse’s mouth (like a bit). Once you find the gums between your mounts front and back teeth you can take your measurement. Again using your marker, a knot or tape mark the other side of your horses mouth. Once you’ve taken the string from your horse’s mouth, the next step is to measure the section. Always add a ¼" measurement when ordering a new bit for comfort. If you have a bit you already use, check it, does it measure up? What should I do? Now I’ve measured, I should run out and buy an expensive custom bit right? WRONG! Although a “one size fits all” notion doesn’t work with bits it doesn’t mean that expensive is better either. First, start with what you want out of your bit. (ex: I want WHOA! Or turn or flex.) Then do your research. Finally make sure to size the bit to your horse’s mouth. And ALWAYS ask questions. Most tack shop owners are more then happy to share what they know with you. Vets too, asking questions over the phone is usually free, so call before you buy. I’ve also found that surrounding yourself with people that know more then you is great! Asking friends what has worked for them helps weed out the bad stuff and bring on the good! Want to find out more about Bit Fit? Here are some great websites to check out: http://www.ehow.com/how_2169314_fit-horses-bit.html http://www.equusite.com/articles/riding/ridingCheckYourBitFit.shtml http://www.horsetackreview.com/article-display/181.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWs1IiJS-Jo&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL Also check out eHorseHotline.com for more great articles!