Bit question

[duckles]

Seeing all the bitless talk going around lately, I feel I am behind the trend ;D : ;D
BUT how much of the bit should be sticking out of the mouth each side??
I always assumed my bit was the right side but my horse has a habit of taking the bit in one side of his mouth and pulling it over. One side has about three quaters of an inch of the bar sticking out and the other has the ring beside the corners of the mouth. Today I just wondered that it might be a little big for him. It is 5"
Thanks

[dannyboy]

I'm not the most experienced person to answer this but I think that you should have a thumb's room on either side of the horses mouth. x

[duckles]

Thanks Danny, I suppose this is something I should have known, (or looked up in a book!)

[fleabitten]

I think Kierans is too big cos when its on theres a bit too much sticking out at both sides. I think he could do with a 5 inch and his is 5 1/2 inch. Like when its on i think there should only be a small bit sticking out and the corners of the mouth wrinkled but for a loose ring it chould be a bit more in case it nips.

[maximum]

DB is spot on about a thumbs width on each side when its sitting correctly.

I was teaching Pony Club a few weeks ago and 50% of the class had bits that were either too large or too small!

[duckles]

Thanks all. A thumbs width on either side is about what I have. Hmm will have to go back to the drawing board to try and stop the pulling to one side behaviour.

[brigadier]

The thumb rule needs to be taken in consideration with the thickness of the bit however, a very thicj bit with a thumb at either side would be too big and a very thin bit would look ridiculous like that. If the horse is pulling it to one side there is something not quite right with the fit. I very much go on the whole picture and how the horse goes. Post a pic Duckles and we could have a look!

[duckles]

Thanks Brig- I will get the photos at the weekend.