From: Donald
Dear Jessica,
I have just a real quick question, when it's time to buy a bit for Nic, what's the best way to measure him for one?, and what kind would be the best to start him off on?
Thanks, Donald Dostie
(P.S. I've really been enjoying your "Horse Sense" mailings, they have been very informative)
When it's time to buy Nic a bit, you'll measure his mouth by putting a piece of string in it and pulling it straight across, then using a marking pen to make a mark where it comes out of his mouth on each side (you may need a friend to help with this -- it's hard to do alone!). Then you will measure between the two marks, add 1/2" (so that there will be 1/4" clearance on each side of his mouth, between his lips and the bit rings), and look for a bit that matches that measurement!
When you go to the tack shop, take the measuring tape with you -- some bits aren't correctly marked as to their measurements. Measure from the inside to the inside of the rings -- the mouthpiece is what matters. In other words, if the bit looks like this O--O then the part that you measure is the center part that looks like this --
As for what sort of bit to buy, this will depend on what you want to do with Nic, and on what sort of mouth he has. Before you put any bit in his mouth, have your veterinarian check his teeth! If he has any sharp edges that need floating, or any caps that need removing, or any wolf teeth that need removing, the time to deal with them is BEFORE he is introduced to the bit.
Then have a good look at the inside of his mouth -- and a feel of it with your hand. Talk to your vet while he is looking at Nic's teeth -- he's seen a lot of horses, and he can help you figure out whether Nic has a long mouth, a short mouth, a deep mouth, a shallow mouth (low palate), a thin tongue or a thick one! All of these things will affect Nic's comfort, and all of them should be taken into account when you select a bit for him.
If his mouth is large enough -- long and deep -- that he can handle a thick mouthpiece, he might be comfortable in a straight rubber "dog bone" snaffle. I tend to advise against rubber bits, because they are often too large for the horse to carry comfortably, and because it doesn't take long before the horse chews such a bit and damages it. The chew marks can create ridges, that make this "soft" bit much more severe and uncomfortable. Soft nylon bits, like the Nathe bits, are also prone to be chewed and develop ridges.
If his mouth is not so long or so deep, a narrower straight hard nylon snaffle would be good if you can find one; if you can't, a mullen-mouth stainless steel snaffle can be a friendly bit for a young horse, as can a simple French-link stainless steel snaffle.
When you put the bit on the bridle, adjust it so that it touches the corners of Nic's mouth and creates a very small wrinkle. When he has become used to the idea of having a bit in his mouth, you can lower it so that it just touches the corners of his mouth WITHOUT making a wrinkle; that will be the correct adjustment for the rest of his riding life. It's a good idea to adjust it just a tiny bit high in the very beginning, so that while he is standing in his stall mouthing the bit, he doesn't discover that he can put his tongue OVER it.
And you thought there was such a thing as a short answer..... ;-)
Jessica
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