The correct size of a bit is essential for the horse's well-being. If the bit is too small, it can cause uncomfortable rubbing at the corners of the mouth. A bit that is too large can quickly create painful pressure points, lead to imprecise control, and become unstable.
The size to choose depends on the type of side-/cheekpiece selected: Bits with loose rings should always have some space between the corners of the mouth and the bit ring to prevent pinching. Fixed cheekpieces, such as eggbutt, D-ring, or full cheek snaffles, should fit more snugly.
How do I measure a bit correctly?
Bit measurements can vary between manufacturers.
At Stübben, we measure the bit width as the length of the mouthpiece between the sidepieces.
Consider these measurements for specific sidepieces
Loose ring
should be fittet with 0,5cm on both sides to the corners of the mouth.
Egg butt
should rest lightly against the corner of the mouth and provide gentle lateral stability.
D-Ring
should rest lightly against the corner of the mouth and provide lateral stability.
Full cheek
should rest lightly against the corners of the mouth and provide good lateral stability and guidance.
There are several approaches to determine the correct bit size for your horse:
1. Try out different bits you already have by fitting them to your horse. If the size of the bit is unknown, you can easily measure it as described above. A bit with loose rings has the right size if there is about 0.5 cm of space between the sidepiece and the corner of the mouth. A bit with fixed sidepieces should fit snugly against the corner of the mouth.
2. Take an old lead rope, a garden hose, a straw cord, or another soft material without sharp edges and cut about 20 cm. You will also need a pen to mark this material. Tie a knot at one end of one side and place the piece in your horse's mouth like a bit. The knot should lie on one side, and on the other side, you mark the material directly next to the corner of the mouth with the pen.
Now measure the marked length. However, this method is somewhat less accurate than using existing bits.
Cut the material
Cut a piece of soft material, such as an old rope about 20 cm in length.
Tie a knot & position it
Tie a knot at one end and place the material in your horse’s mouth like a bit. Position the knot directly against one corner of the mouth.
Mark the mouth corner
On the opposite side, use a pen to mark the material directly at the corner of the mouth.
Measure the length
Remove the material from the horse’s mouth and measure from the knot to the mark. The measured length indicates the required bit size.
