Correctly Fitting a Bit

All horses have uniquely shaped mouths, lips, tongues, teeth alignment, pallet height and shape, and bars. There are many factors to consider when fitting a horses’ bit. For the interior of the mouth, you can consult a veterinarian, professional bit fitter, or very experienced horse trainer for expert advice. There are also a few basics of bit fitting that we can visually recognize from the outside.

The height of the bit determines how comfortable it is for the horse, and also influences the effectiveness of the bit. The bit contacts the corners of the horses mouth and lays across the skin of the lips. A general broad guideline for most horses is to have 1-2 wrinkles at the corners of the mouth. If the horses lips are thicker and fleshy, you may air towards the side of two wrinkles with the bit height.

If the lips are thin, adjust the height of the bit for one wrinkle.

While there are an infinite variety of bits, the most important aspect of fitting any of them is that it lays across the bars of the horses mouth and does not contact the teeth. With a loose ring bit, it should have clearance on both sides of no more than one eighth of an inch from the corner of the lip up to the hole that the ring passes through. A bit with a fixed cheek should allow the lip to gently brush up against the butt end ensuring a snug (not tight) fit. 

Ben’s Lip Butter is deeply moisturizing and nourishing to the skin at the corners of the horses mouth. This encourages a soft contact and acceptance of the bit. Consistent use will provide the care that every horse deserves.