Magazine Pferd How Do I Find the Right Bit?

How Do I Find the Right Bit?

By Marleen

14 august 2024

Bits play a crucial role in the communication between rider and horse. They should precisely and effectively transmit your fine signals of rein aids to your horse. In order for a bit to have the desired effect, two essential factors are important: the shape and size of the bit must fit your horse's anatomy, and it must be buckled correctly.

There are two factors in particular to consider when choosing the size of a bit:

Let's start in order: If you want to check whether your horse's bit is wide enough, you should take a look at the mouth angles while the reins are not tightened. For bits with loose rings (e.g. a loose ring snaffle), the following applies when the bit is buckled correctly: There should be no more than half a centimetre of space between the mouth angle and the bit ring on the right and left. Also make sure that the ring is always free to move and does not pinch the mouth angle.

What many people do not know: In order for bits with fixed side pieces (e.g. Eggbutt, D-ring bits and Full Cheeks) to develop their framing effect optimally, the side piece should sit relatively close to the corner of the mouth. This also allows the bit to lie steadily in the horse's mouth. Because of their special fit, these bits should always be chosen one size smaller than classic loose ring snaffles.

Every horse's mouth is unique and the size of your horse's body does not necessarily say anything about its mouth. A study in cooperation with the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover has shown that horse mouths are often smaller and flatter than previously thought.

With the help of a horse dentist or the so-called "2-finger test", it is easy to find out how much space is available in your horse's mouth and which bit strength is therefore recommended.

To do this, put your index and middle finger together and insert them into your horse's mouth where the bit would normally be. Then gently push your horse’s tongue to the side and wait for your horse to start chewing or for the incisors to come together.

Do you feel pressure on both fingers? If so, the distance between the upper and lower arches is little and a bit thickness of 14-16mm is probably 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 bit that is too thick, 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 show itself in head shaking, opening of the mouth or pulling against the hand.

Does this mean that a thinner bit is always the solution? Not necessarily. A thinner bit leads to a more localised pressure distribution 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 how the most common bit styles work, it is no longer that difficult to make a choice.

We know how difficult it can be to find the right bit size - especially if you haven't dealt with it before. In addition to our blog posts, social media posts and info videos, we would like to support you with our bit measure.

Because in the end, all that matters is the welfare of our horses. You can easily download the bit measure and print it out at home. How exactly to assemble and use it is explained step by step in our instructions.

The single jointed bit is the classic bit par excellence. It acts on the lower jaw via the tongue. When the reins are tightened, the joint in the middle of the mouthpiece is slightly raised, relieving the middle of the tongue and directing more pressure towards the edges of the tongue. Because our bits are anatomically shaped, they offer the best comfort and avoid an unpleasant "nutcracker" action.

This refers to the bit forming a V-shape pinching the lower bars and/or pressing the eye of the joint into the horse's palate. This can happen if you use a bit that is too large or too thick. For horses with a flat palatal arch, there is then the additional risk of pressure points or even injuries in the palatal area.

Take a close look at your single jointed bit: Due to the manufacturing process, the bit shanks of conventional single-jointed bits are always of different lengths. This means that there is always a little more pressure on one side. We therefore recommend that you regularly rotate single jointed bits.

To solve this problem, we have adapted our Turnado and single jointed Dynamic RS bits accordingly: Here the joint is turned 45° to the front. This special angulation enables an even action on both edges of the tongue. It is therefore not necessary to turn the bits

You probably know that a double jointed bit looks different from a single jointed bit. But how does it work in the horse's mouth?

Double jointed bits have 2 shorter mouth pieces connected by a centre piece. This means that the pressure you apply by taking up the reins is distributed over a larger area of the mouth via the tongue and directed to the lower jaw. Particularly, sensitive horses often react very positive to this distribution of pressure over a larger area.

Don't worry. Our Sensogan double jointed bits have a specially designed centre piece that is inclined forward. This means that - with the right bit size - there is no pressure on your horse's palate.

Double jointed bits, like their single jointed counterparts, are used in a wide variety of areas, disciplines and performance levels.

Sensitive or strong: Mullen Mouth bits are suitable for a wide variety of horses, depending on the model. The choice is huge and the effect can vary enormously depending on the model. But how do you know if a mullen mouthis right for you and your horse?

Basically, this type of bit is less suitable if your horse is difficult to turn, and has problems with flexion and bend. This is because as soon as you start to use the reins, the bit will start to tilt if one-sided rein aids are given.

A Mullen Mouth bit is therefore particularly suitable if you have an even connection with both hands and are able to ride your horse through turns mainly with leg and weight aids.

A straight, rigid Mullen Mouth bit exerts steady and even pressure on the entire tongue (including the centre of the tongue). Compared to jointed bits, less pressure is applied to the edges of the tongue with straight mullen mouths. As the strength of the rein aid increases, so does the pressure that is transferred to the lower jaw via the tongue.

These bits are recommended for horses that tend to get strong or push against the hand, e.g. when approaching an obstacle.

Compared to the rigid Mullen Mouth, flexible versions are slightly better at applying pressure on one side. 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 unresponsiveness during schooling or when approaching obstacles. Flexible bars are often also well accepted by horses that are less comfortable with jointed bits.

Nathe Standardgebiss 20 mm mit biegsamer Stange | 40821_00.png | 1731065003

Nathe Standardgebiss 20 mm mit biegsamer Stange | 40821_00.png | 1729432940

Nathe Standard snaffle 20 mm with flexible Mullen Mouth

69,90 €

Duo Wassertrense 16 mm mit zweifacher Einsatzmöglichkeit Kunststoff weiß | 40801_00.png | 1731616915

Duo Wassertrense 16 mm mit zweifacher Einsatzmöglichkeit Kunststoff weiß | 40801_01.png | 1731064642

Duo Loose Ring 16 mm with dual function - Plastic white 16 mm, Loose Ring Snaffle

77,90 €

Compared to straight Mullen Mouth bits, Mullen Mouths with port relieve pressure on the middle of the tongue and only put pressure on it when the reins are taken up stronger. These bits are usually 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 the tongue.

Nathe Stangengebiss 15 mm hart mit Zungenfreiheit | 40823_00.png | 1731065003

Nathe Stangengebiss 15 mm hart mit Zungenfreiheit | 40823_00.png | 1729432940

Nathe Mullen Mouth bit 15 mm hard, with tongue clearance

69,90 €

SATINOX CM Stangengebiss 14 mm Edelstahl rostfrei | 40584_135_56.png | 1731065548

SATINOX CM Stangengebiss 14 mm Edelstahl rostfrei | 40584_135_56_Kopie.png | 1731065529

SATINOX CM Mullen Mouth 14 mm - Stainless steel

69,90 €

4 steps leading to the perfect bit

You can read a summary of everything in our flyer.

You can download the flyer '4 steps leading to the perfect bit' here.

Nathe Unterlegtrense 15 mm einfach gebrochen | 40108_00_1.png | 1731064947

Nathe Unterlegtrense 15 mm einfach gebrochen | 40108_00_1.png | 1729432927

Nathe bradoon 15 mm single jointed 15 mm, 55 mm

134,90 €

Pony Wassertrense 15 mm Edelstahl rostfrei | 40112_56.png | 1731064778

Pony Wassertrense 15 mm Edelstahl rostfrei | 40112_56.png | 1730408388

Pony Loose Ring snaffle 15 mm - Stainless steel 15 mm, 45 mm, Loose Ring Snaffle

27,90 €

Kupfer Rollengebiss D Ring 13 mm | 40155_00.png | 1731064778

Kupfer Rollengebiss D Ring 13 mm | 40155_00.png | 1729432876

Copper-Roller D-Ring 13 mm 13 mm, 60 mm, D-Ring

49,90 €

Dynamic Pony / Island Gebiss 12 mm einfach gebrochen | 40216_105_78.png | 1731064645

Dynamic Pony / Island Gebiss 12 mm einfach gebrochen | Unterlegtrense_Pony_1.png | 1731065772

Dynamic Pony / Iceland bit 12 mm single jointed 12 mm, 45 mm, Loose Ring Snaffle

From 99,90 €

KK Unterlegtrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen | 40222_78.png | 1731064871

KK Unterlegtrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen | Praegung_KK_Auschnitt.png | 1731064872

KK bradoon 14 mm single jointed 14 mm, 55 mm, Loose Ring Snaffle

111,90 €

Dynamic RS Olivenkopf Unterlegtrense mit D förmigem Ring 14 mm einfach gebrochen | 40245_78.png | 1731064645

Dynamic RS Olivenkopf Unterlegtrense mit D förmigem Ring 14 mm einfach gebrochen | 40245_78.png | 1729432849

Dynamic RS Eggbutt bradoon with D-shaped rings 14 mm single jointed 14 mm, 55 mm, Eggbutt

154,90 €

Dynamic RS Olivenkopf Unterlegtrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen Sensogan | 40249_78.png | 1731064646

Dynamic RS Olivenkopf Unterlegtrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen Sensogan | Sensogan_Pfeil_freigestellt.png | 1731064740

Dynamic RS Eggbutt bradoon 14 mm single jointed - Sensogan 14 mm, 55 mm, Eggbutt

154,90 €

SATINOX Unterlegtrense einfach gebrochen Edelstahl rostfrei | 40261_125_56.png | 1731065508

SATINOX Unterlegtrense einfach gebrochen Edelstahl rostfrei | 40261_125_56.png | 1729433063

SATINOX bradoon 12 mm single jointed - Stainless steel

39,90 €

Pronamic Unterlegtrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen Sensogan | 40270_78.png | 1731065467

Pronamic Unterlegtrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen Sensogan | Pronamic_03.png | 1731065507

Pronamic bradoon 14 mm single jointed - Sensogan 14 mm, 55 mm, Loose Ring Snaffle

132,90 €

novocontact Olivenkopfgebiss mit D förmigem Ring einfach gebrochen Sensogan | 40344_78_png.png | 1731065243

novocontact Olivenkopfgebiss mit D förmigem Ring einfach gebrochen Sensogan | Olive_D-Ring_07.png | 1731065736

novocontact Eggbutt bit with D-shaped rings 14 mm single jointed - Sensogan Sensogan with stainless steel rings / cheeks, 65 mm, Eggbutt

From 159,90 €

Olivenkopf Unterlegtrense 16 mm einfach gebrochen | 40362_78.png | 1731065263

Olivenkopf Unterlegtrense 16 mm einfach gebrochen | 40362_78.png | 1729433012

Eggbutt bradoon 16 mm single jointed 16 mm, 55 mm, Eggbutt

143,90 €

novocontact Olivenkopf Unterlegtrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen Sensogan | 40363_78.png | 1731065244

novocontact Olivenkopf Unterlegtrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen Sensogan | Sensogan_Pfeil_freigestellt.png | 1731064740

novocontact bradoon with small D-shaped rings 14 mm single jointed - Sensogan 14 mm, 55 mm, Eggbutt

161,90 €

SATINOX Olivenkopftrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen Edelstahl rostfrei | 40373_125_56.png | 1731065509

SATINOX Olivenkopftrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen Edelstahl rostfrei | 40373_125_56.png | 1729433064

SATINOX Eggbutt bit 14 mm single jointed - Stainless steel

54,90 €

Olivenkopf 16 mm Edelstahl rostfrei | 40376_56.png | 1731064791

Olivenkopf 16 mm Edelstahl rostfrei | 40376_56.png | 1729432876

Eggbutt bit 16 mm - Stainless steel 16 mm, 65 mm, Eggbutt

42,90 €

Olivenkopf 16 mm Sensogan | 40378_78.png | 1731065264

Olivenkopf 16 mm Sensogan | Olivenkopf_01.png | 1731065659

Eggbutt bit 16 mm - Sensogan 16 mm, 70 mm, Eggbutt

143,90 €

Olivenkopf 18 mm Mundstück hohl Edelstahl rostfrei | 40380_56.png | 1733139106

Olivenkopf 18 mm Mundstück hohl Edelstahl rostfrei | 40380_56.png | 1731064792

Eggbutt bit 18 mm hollow mouthpiece - Stainless steel 18 mm, 65 mm, Eggbutt

42,90 €

Dynamic RS Olivenkopfgebiss mit D förmigem Ring 16 mm einfach gebrochen | 40408_78_png.png | 1731064664

Dynamic RS Olivenkopfgebiss mit D förmigem Ring 16 mm einfach gebrochen | 40408_2.png | 1731064664

Dynamic RS Eggbutt bit with D-shaped rings 16 mm single jointed 16 mm, 65 mm, Eggbutt

154,90 €

Dynamic RS Shinebright Olivenkopfgebiss mit D förmigem Ring 16 mm einfach gebrochen | 40408_C_Chrysolite.png | 1731064666

Dynamic RS Shinebright Olivenkopfgebiss mit D förmigem Ring 16 mm einfach gebrochen | Shinebright_Kristalle.png | 1731064944

Dynamic RS Eggbutt bit with D-shaped rings 16 mm single jointed 16 mm, 65 mm, Eggbutt

174,90 €

KK D Ring 16 mm Sensogan | 40411_78.png | 1731064871

KK D Ring 16 mm Sensogan | Praegung_KK_Auschnitt.png | 1731064872

KK D-Ring 16 mm - Sensogan 16 mm, 80 mm, D-Ring

143,90 €

Dynamic RS Wassertrense einfach gebrochen | 40422_78_png.png | 1731064683

Dynamic RS Wassertrense einfach gebrochen | Wassertrense_15.png | 1731065924

Dynamic RS Loose Ring single jointed Loose Ring Snaffle

122,90 €

Dynamic RS Shinebright Wassertrense 16 mm einfach gebrochen | 40422_C_Chrysolite.png | 1731064684

Dynamic RS Shinebright Wassertrense 16 mm einfach gebrochen | Shinebright_Kristalle.png | 1731064944

Dynamic RS Loose Ring 16 mm single jointed 16 mm, Loose Ring Snaffle

142,90 €

SATINOX Aufziehtrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen Edelstahl rostfrei | 40429_56_2.png | 1731065509

SATINOX Aufziehtrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen Edelstahl rostfrei | 40429_56_2.png | 1729433065

SATINOX Gag bit 14 mm single jointed - Stainless steel

74,90 €

Dynamic RS Aufziehtrense 16 mm einfach gebrochen Sensogan | 40441_78.png | 1731064702

Dynamic RS Aufziehtrense 16 mm einfach gebrochen Sensogan | 40441_78.png | 1729432859

Dynamic RS Gag bit 16 mm single jointed - Sensogan 16 mm, 80 mm, Gag bit

164,90 €

Dynamic RS Hunter Jumper D Ring 14 mm einfach gebrochen | 40445_78.png | 1731064702

Dynamic RS Hunter Jumper D Ring 14 mm einfach gebrochen | Hunter_Jumper_02.png | 1731065642

Dynamic RS - Hunter Jumper D-Ring, 14 mm single jointed 14 mm, 70 mm, D-Ring

154,90 €

Dynamic RS Multi Ring Gebiss 16 mm einfach gebrochen Sensogan | 40452_78.png | 1731064702

Dynamic RS Multi Ring Gebiss 16 mm einfach gebrochen Sensogan | Multiring_01.png | 1731065657

Dynamic RS Multi Ring snaffle 16 mm single jointed - Sensogan 16 mm, 70 mm, 3-Ring

154,90 €

SATINOX Wassertrense einfach gebrochen Edelstahl rostfrei | 40461_125_56.png | 1731065528

SATINOX Wassertrense einfach gebrochen Edelstahl rostfrei | 40461_125_56.png | 1729433066

SATINOX loose ring snaffle 12 mm single jointed - Stainless steel

39,90 €

SATINOX Multi Ring 14 mm einfach gebrochen Edelstahl rostfrei | 40467_56.png | 1731065528

SATINOX Multi Ring 14 mm einfach gebrochen Edelstahl rostfrei | 40467_56.png | 1729433067

SATINOX Multi Ring 14 mm single jointed - Stainless steel

54,90 €

Pronamic Wassertrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen Sensogan | 40470_78.png | 1731065468

Pronamic Wassertrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen Sensogan | Pronamic_01.png | 1731065471

Pronamic Loose Ring snaffle 14 mm single jointed - Sensogan 14 mm, 70 mm, Loose Ring Snaffle

132,90 €

KK Universal 18 mm Sensogan | 40510_78.png | 1731064872

KK Universal 18 mm Sensogan | Praegung_KK_Auschnitt.png | 1731064872

KK Universal 18 mm - Sensogan 18 mm, 70 mm, 3-Ring

153,90 €

KK Wassertrense 18 mm Sensogan | 40511_78.png | 1731064872

KK Wassertrense 18 mm Sensogan | Praegung_KK.png | 1731064872

KK snaffle 18 mm - Sensogan 18 mm, 70 mm, Loose Ring Snaffle

111,90 €

KK Wassertrense 16 mm Sensogan | 40511_78.png | 1731064872

KK Wassertrense 16 mm Sensogan | Praegung_KK.png | 1731064872

KK snaffle 16 mm - Sensogan 16 mm, 70 mm, Loose Ring Snaffle

111,90 €

KK Wassertrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen Sensogan | 40511_78.png | 1731064872

KK Wassertrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen Sensogan | Praegung_KK.png | 1731064872

KK loose ring 14 mm single jointed - Sensogan

111,90 €

KK Universal 14 mm Sensogan | 40510_78.png | 1731064872

KK Universal 14 mm Sensogan | Praegung_KK_Auschnitt.png | 1731064872

KK Universal 14 mm - Sensogan 14 mm, 70 mm, 3-Ring

159,90 €

Flex Control 18 mm | 40530_78.png | 1731065468

Flex Control 18 mm | Ringtrense_Einsatz.png | 1731064738

Flex Control 18 mm flexible mullen mouth bit 18 mm, 70 mm, Loose Ring Snaffle

97,90 €

novocontact Wassertrense einfach gebrochen Sensogan | 40540_78.png | 1731065245

novocontact Wassertrense einfach gebrochen Sensogan | Sensogan_Pfeil_freigestellt.png | 1731064740

novocontact Loose Ring snaffle 16 mm single jointed - Sensogan Loose Ring Snaffle

129,90 €

Nathe Wassertrense 18 mm einfach gebrochen | 40808_00.png | 1731065001

Nathe Wassertrense 18 mm einfach gebrochen | 40808_00.png | 1729432938

Nathe Loose Ring snaffle 18mm single jointed 18 mm, 55 mm

109,90 €

Nathe Wassertrense 20 mm einfach gebrochen | 40810_00.png | 1731065002

Nathe Wassertrense 20 mm einfach gebrochen | 40810_00.png | 1729432939

Nathe Loose Ring snaffle 20 mm single jointed

109,90 €

Nathe Wassertrense 20mm einfach gebrochen | 40811_00.png | 1731065002

Nathe Wassertrense 20mm einfach gebrochen | 40811_00.png | 1729432939

Nathe Loose Ring snaffle 20 mm single jointed

109,90 €

Gummitrense 18 mm einfach gebrochen | 40833_56.png | 1732007323

Gummitrense 18 mm einfach gebrochen | 40833_56.png | 1731064798

Rubber bit soft 18 mm single jointed - Stainless steel 18 mm, 70 mm, Loose Ring Snaffle

42,90 €

Olivenkopfgebiss 16 mm Hartcarbon mit ovalen Ringen aus Edelstahl | 40861_56.png | 1731064812

Olivenkopfgebiss 16 mm Hartcarbon mit ovalen Ringen aus Edelstahl | 40861_56.png | 1729432886

Eggbutt bit 16 mm hard carbon with oval stainless steel rings - Stainless steel 16 mm, 55 mm, Eggbutt

61,90 €

Aufzieh Olivenkopfgebiss 16 mm Hartcarbon mit Aufziehringen aus Edelstahl | 40863_56_KATALOG.png | 1731064813

Aufzieh Olivenkopfgebiss 16 mm Hartcarbon mit Aufziehringen aus Edelstahl | 40863_56.png | 1731064813

Eggbutt Gag bit 16 mm hard carbon with stainless steel gag rings - Stainless steel 16 mm, 55 mm, Eggbutt Gag bit

79,90 €

D Ring 16 mm einfach gebrochen Edelstahl rostfrei | 40915_56.png | 1731064815

D Ring 16 mm einfach gebrochen Edelstahl rostfrei | D-Ring_Edelstahl_Einsatz.png | 1731064853

D-Ring 16 mm single jointed - Stainless steel 16 mm, 80 mm, D-Ring

52,90 €

SATINOX D Ring 14 mm einfach gebrochen Edelstahl rostfrei | 40925-56.png | 1732007327

SATINOX D Ring 14 mm einfach gebrochen Edelstahl rostfrei | 4092513556_2.png | 1731065545

SATINOX D-Ring 14 mm single jointed - Stainless steel

54,90 €

Nathe Schenkeltrense 18 mm einfach gebrochen | 41287_00.png | 1731065095

Nathe Schenkeltrense 18 mm einfach gebrochen | 41287_00.png | 1729432960

Nathe Full Cheek snaffle 18 mm single jointed 18 mm, 55 mm

179,90 €

3 Ring Gebiss einfach gebrochen 18 mm Springkandare Wien Edelstahl rostfrei | 41309_56.png | 1731064816

3 Ring Gebiss einfach gebrochen 18 mm Springkandare Wien Edelstahl rostfrei | 41309_56.png | 1729432891

3-Ring bit "Vienna" 18 mm single jointed - Stainless steel 18 mm, 70 mm, 3-Ring

54,90 €

Nathe 3 Ring Gebiss 18 mm einfach gebrochen | 41321_00.png | 1731065189

Nathe 3 Ring Gebiss 18 mm einfach gebrochen | 3-Ring_01.png | 1731064946

Nathe 3-Ring bit 18 mm single jointed 18 mm, 70 mm

219,90 €

Nathe 3 Ring Gebiss 20 mm einfach gebrochen | 41322_00.png | 1731065190

Nathe 3 Ring Gebiss 20 mm einfach gebrochen | 3-Ring_01.png | 1731064946

Nathe 3-Ring bit 20 mm single jointed

219,90 €

Dynamic RS Schenkeltrense 16 mm einfach gebrochen | 41422_88.png | 1731064719

Dynamic RS Schenkeltrense 16 mm einfach gebrochen | Schenkeltrense_Einsatz_02.png | 1731064739

Dynamic RS Full Cheek 16 mm single jointed 16 mm, 50 mm, Full Cheek

178,90 €

SATINOX Schenkeltrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen Edelstahl rostfrei | 41903_56.png | 1731065545

SATINOX Schenkeltrense 14 mm einfach gebrochen Edelstahl rostfrei | 41903_56.png | 1729433068

SATINOX Full Cheek bit 14 mm single jointed - Stainless steel

74,90 €

Dynamic RS Pelham 16 mm einfach gebrochen Sensogan | 42022_78.png | 1734017411

Dynamic RS Pelham 16 mm einfach gebrochen Sensogan | Sensogan_Pfeil_freigestellt.png | 1731064740

Dynamic RS Pelham 16 mm single jointed - Sensogan 16 mm, Pelham

192,90 €

PART OF YOUR PASSION.

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SPRENGER x Ingrid Klimke Collection

Together with our longtime partner Ingrid Klimke, we have designed a unique collection with our and your favorite products! Find out all about the collection here.

How Do I Find the Right Bit?

What Can Happen if I Choose the Wrong Size?

4 steps leading to the perfect bit

PART OF YOUR PASSION.

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