Checking bit fit and size

Getting a bit correctly fitted matters a great deal, or the horse risks injury to its mouth. Here are a few tips.

Length. The bit should not stick out more than about half a centimetre on each side of the mouth, or it is too big. It must not squeeze the cheeks so that the rings press in either, or it is too small.

Height. A good trick is to fasten the bit low and let the horse settle it where it wants it in the mouth. Once the horse has it where it likes it, you can adjust the bridle to that height. It is also important to look inside the mouth to check the bit is not resting against a tooth. An old myth says there should be two wrinkles at the corner of the mouth, but that is not true. Horses have different amounts of skin, so wrinkles at the corner are no way to judge the height.

Do not forget to vary the bit a few times a week, ideally with something bitless, to prevent equipment-related injuries in the mouth. Remember that every horse looks different inside the mouth. At your horse's annual oral examination, the equine dentist can help check that the tack suits your horse's particular anatomy. You can also find out whether your horse has plenty of room or is rather tight in the mouth. Good luck!