How to Figure Out the Bit Size for a Horse

Equestrians use bits, as well as other aids, to control their horses' heads and necks, to help bring the animals' body parts into alignment and to cause forward movement and impulsion in the hindquarters. Considered an essential part of the tack of most horseback riders, a bit consists of a conjoined mouthpiece, or bar, and either rings or shanks depending on the type of bit being employed. Serious amateur and professional equestrians recognize that a well-fitted bit is crucial to their mount's well-being and their own safety, and learn how to fit one properly to their horse's mouth.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter and lead rope, or cross ties
  • Unsharpened wooden pencil
  • Permanent marker
  • Ruler
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Instructions

    • 1

      Halter your horse and tie it by the lead rope in its stall, or place it in cross ties.

    • 2

      Slide the wooden pencil into the animal's mouth just as you would a bit and position the pencil on the "bars" of the gums. The bars in a horse's mouth are the open spaces on both upper and lower jaws between the canine teeth and the premolars where the bit normally sits.

    • 3

      Make a small dot with your permanent marker on either side of the pencil at the points where the horse's lips rest when its mouth is closed.

    • 4

      Remove the pencil and gauge the space between the dots with your ruler. Since most bits measure either in ¼-inch or ½-inch increments, round up to the nearest ¼ inch. This width determines the size of your bit.