How to find the perfect bit for your horse
A properly fitting bit is the foundation for refined riding and a trusting relationship between you and your horse. But how can you tell if your current bit is truly right for your four-legged partner? And what information is important when seeking professional advice? This article will tell you everything you need to know about bit fitting – from the first signs of an ill-fitting bit to the best way to prepare for a personalized consultation.
Why is a properly fitting bit so important?
Every horse is an individual – and that also applies to the anatomy of its mouth. Palate shape, tongue thickness, jaw position, muzzle width and shape of the bars vary considerably from horse to horse. A bit that works perfectly for one horse can cause problems for another. Only when the bit is optimally fitted to the individual anatomy can your horse calmly accept the rider's hand, respond sensitively to rein aids, and chew contentedly. Ill-fitting bits, however, can lead to tension, acts of resistance and even to injuries in the sensitive horse's mouth.
Signs that the bit doesn't fit
Before you start looking for a new bit it's worth taking a close look at your horse's behavior. The following signals can indicate that the current bit isn't fitting optimally:
- head-shaking or rejecting: Your horse frequently shakes its head, throws it up, or doesn't approach the bitcorrectly.
- open mouth: The mouth is opened or gaped open while the teeth are inside.
- inconsistent contact: horse is evading the contact or going behind the vertical.
- visible injuries: Pressure sores, redness or open sores in the mouth, at the corners of the mouth or on the tongue
- Restlessness when bridlingYour horse resists being bridled or shows discomfort.
- increased salivation or tongue defects: Excessive salivation, chewing or biting, or sticking out the tongue
These symptoms can have various causes – from the wrong bit width or shape to an unsuitable bit thickness, to an unsuitable material or side piece.
Determining the correct bite width
The bit width is one of the most important factors for a well-fitting bit. Bits that are too narrow pinch the corners of the mouth. Bits that are too wide slide back and forth and can hit against the teeth or press against the molar when the reins are pulled from the outside.
How to determine the correct bit width
All Water Loose Ring snaffles with movable rings, the distance between the bit ring hole and the corner of the mouth should be a maximum of 3 to 5 millimeters on each side. Both rings must rotate freely without pinching the corner of the mouth.
Bits with fixed cheeks such as eggbut bits or D-ring bits should, however, lie directly against the corners of the mouth to ensure their optimal lateral limiting effect. Pay particular attention to ensuring that the corners of the mouth are not pinched, especially on horses with pronounced lips.
Practical tip: Check the bite width
Stand in front of your bridled horse and gently pull the bit rings apart. This will allow you to easily see if the bit is centered in the mouth and if the distance to the corners of the mouth is correct. Alternatively, you can use our bit width measure. Use this to determine the optimal size.
Why we don't offer intermediate sizes
There is a one-centimeter difference in width between most bit sizes – that's 5 millimeters per side. If we offered intermediate sizes, the difference would only be 2.5 millimeters per side. This minimal difference is within the natural tolerance for bit width.
The right material for a good bit
The material of the bit plays a crucial role in its acceptance and comfort in the horse's mouth. Different materials have different properties and are suitable for different types of horses.
Stainless steel bits – the entry-level models
Stainless steel remains the classic material for a horse bit. This easy-care, robust material is tasteless and odorless and has no positive effects on the horse's chewing behavior. SPRENGER Satinox bits represent the entry-level range and are available in a variety of mouthpieces and side pieces.
SENSOGAN dentures – the innovative alloy
Our SENSOGAN bits are made from a special alloy of copper, manganese, and zinc. This material combination is nickel-free and particularly well-tolerated. The material mix specifically promotes chewing and saliva production in your horse. The manganese content regulates copper release, ensuring a controlled oxidation process. Manganese also plays an important role in muscle and energy metabolism and can have a positive effect on stress reduction. By breaking down histamine, the trace element manganese can help prevent allergic reactions.
NATHE dentures – the gentle alternative
Our NATHE bits are thermoplastic bits are particularly suitable for sensitive horses or horses that prefer plastic bits. Unlike rubber, thermoplastic has a smooth surface, thus preventing an unpleasant eraser effect. The material is dimensionally stable, food-safe, and free of plasticizers and solvents. Due to the material properties, NATHE bits are more susceptible to tooth marks; ensure that the bit does not come into contact with the horse's teeth and replace it when significant wear is evident.
Rubber bits
If you use a rubber bit, your horse should salivate sufficiently. Too little saliva can quickly lead to an unpleasant feeling due to friction, which can even cause injuries; this effect is also known as the 'eraser effect'.
Choosing the optimal bit thickness
The old rule of thumb was "the thicker the bit, the softer the action." However, modern horse breeding is producing increasingly refined and smaller mouths, for which thicker bits are often too bulky and press into the palate or bars. Today, the most common bit thicknesses range between 14 and 16 millimeters.
The 2-finger test
This simple test will help you find out how much space is available in the horse's mouth for the bit:
1. Place two fingers on top of each other in the mouth where the bit will later be positioned.
2. Have your horse close its incisors.
3. If you feel pressure on both fingers, the mouthpiece should be no more than 16 millimeters thick.
4. If you don't feel any pressure, the bit can also be chosen to be thicker.
Even with the bit already fitted, you can take a look inside the horse's mouth and check how much space the current bit occupies. Make sure that the bit doesn't touch the incisors or the canine tooth and that there's at least a finger's width of space between it and the first molar.
Checklist: How do you recognize a suitable bit?
You can recognize a properly fitting and correctly fastened bit by the following characteristics:
✓ Your horse seems content and relaxed
✓ The distance between the bit ring hole and the corner of the mouth is a maximum of 3 to 5 millimeters
✓ The bridle is easy to pull over the ears, the cheekpiece sits firmly without wobbling when you take up the reins.
✓ The bit does not come into contact with the incisors/canine teeth
✓ There should be at least a finger's width of space to the first molar
✓ your pressure sores or redness on the palate or tongue
✓ The corners of the mouth are unharmed, inside and out
✓ Your horse approaches the rider's hand confidently
✓ Your rein aids are subtle and your horse chews contentedly
✓ Loose topline and relaxed jaw muscles
Professional dental consultation: How to best prepare yourself
If you are unsure which bit is right for your horse, we are happy to support you with ourprofessional dental consultationTo give you the best possible advice, some information about your horse and the current situation is helpful.
Information about the current dentition
Information about your current bit: Take a close look at the bit you are currently using. Take a photo of it or write down the exact details (Manufacturer, mouthpiece shape, side piece, width, thickness, materialThis allows us to better assess what you are currently riding and where there is potential for optimization.
Check the bit fastening.
Photographing teeth in a horse's mouthTo assess the bit width and fastening, it's very helpful if you take a photo of the bit in the horse's mouth or even a short video from around it. A [missing information - likely a specific feature or method] is particularly helpful.A side view of the bridled horse with loose reins and one where you take up the reins towards the withers.This way we can jointly check whether theBite widthIt fits and the fastening is correct.
Identifying anatomical features in the horse's mouth
A look inside the horse's mouth: Take a close look at your horse's mouth. Feel free to do so.Photosor avideoof theTongueso that we can assess whether thetongue rather thick or thinis. Also feel if theThe palatal arch is either strongly arched or flat.andhow pronounced the mandibular fossais.anatomical featuresare important for selecting the right dentures.
Describe behavior and riding style
Describe the problem: Explain to us what challenges you are experiencing while riding. Does your horse exhibit certain behaviors such as head tossing, an open mouth, or resistance? The more precisely you describe the situation, the more targeted our advice can be.
Information about your riding style: Please tell us which discipline you ride in (dressage, show jumping, eventing, leisure riding) and what level of training your horse is at. Your own riding experience is also relevant for bit selection.
Request a dental consultation now
With this information, we can give you a well-founded and personalized recommendation. Simply fill out ourDental consultation formout andUpload the relevant photos or videos.Our expertsWe will get back to you soon with a personal recommendation. Please understand that weOnly respond to fully completed forms..
Further information
Want to learn more about dentures? You'll find detailed information in our other blog posts:
- Mouthpiece shapesLearn more about the differences between single-jointed, double-jointed, and straight bar bits in ourBlog posts.
- side panelsWhich side piece is suitable for which purpose? When is a bit with leverage, such as a 3-ring snaffle or Pelham, advisable? You can find out in our article:Which side panel should I choose?
- materialsIn detail: You can find a comprehensive overview of all bit materials and their properties in the article.SPRENGER explains dental materials
