Is it better for a bit to be too big or too small?

Question

I know neither are preferable, but I am wanting to buy a few different bits to play around with on my horse and my sister's. However, my horse usually wears a 5 1/4-5 1/2, while my sister's wears a 5. So what size would be best for both of them?

Answer 1

Generally the thinner the bit, the harsher it is. A horse can feel the thinner bit more, so if your horse has a soft mouth I would reccomend a thicker one. Snaffles anyway.

Answer 2

PERSONALLY I would say a little on the big side because then at least you're not pinching your horse's mouth.

Answer 3

do a 5 1/4 and buy some bit gaurds to be safe.

Answer 4

well if you had to choose it would be to loose. but usally neither. the tightness could damage the teeth and the cheek muscle. the loose one could only bang against the teeth. I would choose a 51/4.

Answer 5

Honestly, the best would be to save up for one for each.  I know how you feel. I have four horses who all wear defferent bits for different events. What kind of bits? snaffles, gag, curb?

Answer 6

i would get the bigger size the smaller size might be uncomfortable to the horse

Answer 7

What type of bits are you considering, and what are you trying to change about what you are using now?

If you must use the same bit,   I would go for the slightly larger one.  It will slide back and forth in the horse's mouth when you pull on the rein,  but that is preferable to pinching the mouth.

Answer 8

Better too big.  Too small might pinch the corners of the mouth or feel too tight for the horse.  If you have to do one or the other, too big is better.  But make sure that the bit isn't too big that it will banng the teeth.  The size you are talkinng about a 5 1/4 should be good.  Also, it depends onn the kind of bit.  A snaffle should be no problem.  But wouldnt' you both be riding at the same time?  What will you do?

Answer 9

Pretzela's answer gets my vote.

Answer 10

i would go with a 5 1/4 b/c my horse wears a 5 and her mouth is cob sized also idk if u would try it but the best thing for a Very

Very

VERY

soft mouthed horse isn't a d-rings i would do with a egg butt bit or a o-ring bit mainly a o-ring b/c i use a o-ring on my horse (tequila) - thats her name she doesnt drink it !! i hope that helped a little :)

Answer 11

Well i think my teacher says perfect size is  one rinkle on side mouth.