Bits play a decisive role in the communication between rider and horse. They should transmit your subtle signals of rein aids precisely and effectively to your horse. Two key factors are important for a bit to have the desired effect: the shape and size of the bit must match your horse's anatomy and it must be buckled correctly. In our 4 steps flyer as a PDF you will also find all the information you need to print out.
For theSize selection of dentures Two factors are particularly important:
Let's start in order: If you want to check whether your horse's bit is big enough, you should take a look at the corners of the mouth while the reins are not tightened. For Bits with continuous rings (e.g. a water snaffle), the following applies if the bit is buckled correctly: There should be no more than half a centimeter of space between the corner of the mouth and the bit ring on the right and left. Also make sure that the ring can always move freely and does not pinch the corner of the mouth.
What many people don't know: To ensure that Bits with fixed side pieces (e.g. olive head, D-ring and thigh snaffles) can develop their framing effect optimally, the side piece should lie relatively close to the corner of the mouth. This ensures that the bit lies quietly in the horse's mouth. Due to their special fit, these bits should therefore always be selected one size smaller than classic water snaffles with continuous rings.
Every horse's mouth is unique and the size of your horse's body does not necessarily say anything about its mouth cavity. A study in collaboration with the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover has shown that horses' mouths are often smaller and flatter than previously assumed.
With the help of a horse dentist or the so-called "2-finger test", you can easily find out how much space there is in your horse's mouth and what bit thickness is therefore recommended.
Put your index and middle fingers together and place them in your horse's mouth where the bit would normally be. Then gently push your tongue to the side and wait until your horse starts to chew or the incisors come together.
Do you feel pressure on both fingers? Then the distance between the upper and lower drawer is small and probably a bit thickness of14-16mm ideal.
If the distance is greater and you hardly feel any pressure on your fingers, then you should choose a bit thickness of 16-18mm
What can happen if I choose the wrong size?
If you choose a too thick bit, there is a risk that pressure will be exerted on the sensitive palate. This can lead to painful pressure points and injuries - but is definitely unpleasant for your horse. This can manifest itself in head banging, opening the mouth or "laying on your hand".
Does this mean that a thinner bit is always the solution? Not necessarily. A Thinner bit leads to a more punctual distribution of pressure in the mouth, which requires particularly sensitive aids.
Despite the sheer number of bit models and shapes available on the market, with a little basic knowledge of the How the most common bit shapes work it is no longer so difficult to make a choice.
We know how difficult it can be to find the right bit size - especially if you haven't looked into it before. In addition to our blog posts, social media posts and information videos, we would also like to support you with our bit width gauge.
Because in the end, all that matters is the well-being of our horses. You can easilydownloadthe bit width meter and print it out at home. We explain exactly how to assemble and use it step by step in ourinstructions.
The single jointed bit is the classic par excellence. It acts on the lower jaw via the tongue. When the reins are tightened, the joint in the middle of the mouthpiece stands up slightly, relieves the middle of the tongue and directs more pressure to the edges of the tongue. Because our bits are anatomically shaped, they offer the best comfort and avoid an unpleasant nutcracker effect.
This refers to the bit being set up so that the lower bars are pinched and/or the eye of the joint presses into the horse's palate. This can happen if you use a bit that is too big or too thick. For horses with a flat palate, there is an additional risk of pressure points or even injuries in the palate area.
Take a close look at your single jointed bit: For manufacturing reasons, the shanks of conventional single jointed bits are always different lengths. As a result, a little more pressure is always exerted on one side. We therefore recommend turning single jointed bits regularly.
To solve this problem, we have developed our Turnado andSingle-jointed Dynamic RS Bits adapted accordingly: Here the joint is rotated forward by 45°. This special angle enables an even effect on both edges of the tongue. It is therefore not necessary to turn the bits.
You certainly know how a double jointed bit differs visually from a single jointed bit. But how does the effect in the horse's mouth differ?
Double jointed bits have shorter shanks that are connected by a centerpiece. This means that the pressure you exert by tightening the reins is distributed over a larger area in the mouth via the tongue and directed to the lower jaw. Sensitive horses in particular often react very positively to this more extensive distribution of pressure.
Don't worry. Our double jointed Sensogan bits have a specially adapted and forward sloping centerpiece. This means that - with the right bit size - there is no palate pressure on your horse.
Double jointed bits are used - just like their single jointed counterparts - in a wide variety of areas, disciplines and performance levels.
Whether sensitive or strong: bar bits are suitable for very different types of horses, depending on the model. The choice is huge and the way they work can vary enormously depending on the model. But wait a minute: how do you know whether a bar bit might be suitable for you and your horse?
Basically, this bit shape is less suitable if your horse is difficult to turn, position and bend. Because as soon as you have to use one-sided rein aids, the bit tilts.
A bar bit is therefore particularly suitable if you have an even connection with both hands and are able to ride your horse through turns primarily with thigh and weight aids.
A straight, rigid bar exerts constant and even pressure on the entire tongue (including the center of the tongue). Compared to broken bits, straight bars exert less pressure on the edges of the tongue. The pressure exerted on the lower jaw via the tongue increases with the strength of the rein pull.
These bits are recommended for horses that become strong, go against the hand or "lie down on the hand", e.g. when approaching an obstacle.
Compared to rigid bars, flexible bars allow slightly better one-sided action. Here too, the pressure is distributed over the entire tongue when the reins are tightened, but becomes somewhat stronger towards the edges of the tongue.
These bits are recommended for horses that occasionally "get stuck" or show impermeability when training certain lessons or when tackling obstacles. Flexible bars are also often well accepted by horses that are less comfortable with broken bits.
Compared to straight bars, bars with tongue clearance relieve pressure on the middle of the tongue and only put pressure on it when the reins are pulled harder. These bits are generally suitable for horses that go against the hand, have particularly fleshy tongues or for correcting tongue problems in horses that find pressure on the tongue uncomfortable and avoid it by pulling up or sticking out their tongue.
4 steps to the right teeth
In our flyer you can read everything summarized again.
Here you can download the flyer '4 steps to the right set of teeth'.
PART OF YOUR PASSION.
