Why should I get my horses Bit fitted?

The bit is what we use to communicate with our horses and help them to understand what we are asking of them more clearly.

Imagine 2 people that don't speak the same language, you need someone to communicate between them. That is what a bit is like, the riders ask a question through the bit and the horse then is able to underhand what the rider is asking.

If the bit is not fitting correctly either too big, too small ,pinching, to much pressure. The communication between rider and horse gets lost and both become frustrated. With an incorrect bit your horse will not be comfortable and perform their full potential.

Proper bit and bridle fit are crucial for a horse's comfort and performance.

Just as saddle fit is important, the bit fit is equally essential.

An incorrectly fitted bit could cause contact issues that affect a horse's performance, leading to habits and behaviors that are difficult to break.

This could also create tension and soreness in the horse's body which will overall impact the horse's suppleness and overall well-being.

some signs that indicate a bit of issue are, gaping, tension in the poll and throatlatch, excessive chewing in horses that have tongue evasion issues, head tossing, pulling, overly strong, abrasions, pinches, bruising, and splitting at the corner of the mouth.

The most common issues are incorrect bit tension and bits that are too wide or big for the horse's mouth. To ensure a proper bit fit, several measurements of the horse's oral cavity are taken to assess the palate profile and identify any limiting factors in choosing a bit that would suit the horse's needs. Just like shoes not every bit works for every horse depending on their mouth shape, conformation, and pressure points.

Several factors need to be considered when fitting a bit for a horse.

The bit comes in various sizes, including length, mouthpiece thickness, and ring diameter.

To determine the correct size, several options can be used to measure the horse's mouth, including using a measuring bit. Once attached to the bridle, the bit should sit at the correct height in the horse's mouth, with proper tension and no solid pressure( the bit should not be able to slide through the mouth when rein pressure is applied) The width of the bit should provide 1/8" to 1/4" of space on either side of the horse's mouth, and the thickness of the bit should be comfortable depending on the horse's mouth conformation.

Ring diameter and check piece length are also essential aspects to consider, with the horse's mouth conformation and preferences taken into account.

It is crucial to get your horse's bit professionally fitted and checked regularly to ensure that it is comfortable and effective. A properly fitted bit can improve communication between the rider and horse, leading to better performance and a more enjoyable riding experience for both. The Bombers Ultra Comfy Lock Up bit, for instance, is a comfortable and effective option for horses in need of relief from pressure and tongue relief.

An incorrectly fitted bit can cause tension, discomfort, and performance issues. By getting your horse's bit professionally fitted and checked regularly by us ETS bit and bridle fitting , you can ensure that your horse's bit is comfortable and effective.