I’ve got a new pony, and I do not own a bit smaller than 5". I’ve measured her mouth with a soft tape (as well as I can as she chews at it etc) and come out exactly 4.5", and that’s with my fingers flush with her lips on either side. My fear is the 4.5" will potentially pinch or be too exact or slightly too small. Any harm in order the 4.75"? I’m looking at eggbutt french link snaffles.
I’m a rather indecisive shopper 
Put a 5" bit on her and see if you have a 1/2" or a 1/4" sticking out when it’s adjusted. A 1/4" too large is not usually noticeable as “OMG that bit is waaay too big!” While a 1/2" is usually much more obvious.
Loose rings are often a 1/4" larger than eggbutts on the same horse to help prevent the loose rings pinching the skin.
And curved bits are measured slightly differently too.
If it as me, I’d err on the side of generosity and just go with the 4.75.
[QUOTE=Red Barn;8902109]
And curved bits are measured slightly differently too.
If it as me, I’d err on the side of generosity and just go with the 4.75.[/QUOTE]
Thanks, that’s what I’m leaning towards as well. I did have the 5" on her but she’s young/unstarted, so was chewing the bit quite a bit. I’m just going to have to suck it up and hit “Checkout” on my order!
LOL. I can totally relate.
Think of it this way: bits that come in quarter-inch increments are actually kind of unusual, so it would be very silly not to snap it up while you have the chance!
(Not bad, right?)
Do you mean a French link or a lozenge bit for the young mouth?
Have you looked at Trust bits? - They have leather and plastic bits which may be nice and soft for her.
How old is your new girl, and what breed? Many breeds keep growing until they are 7 yrs or so.
You might want to think about growing room.
[QUOTE=csaper58;8902411]
How old is your new girl, and what breed? Many breeds keep growing until they are 7 yrs or so.
You might want to think about growing room.[/QUOTE]
Supposedly Andalusian/POA cross, 13.1h as a 4 yo. I am reasonably sure they’ll grow up a wee bit taller but I don’t think her mouth/palette is going to expand significantly. I supposed if it does 5" bits are easy (naturally none of the retailers in the nearest city had anything less than 5")
I’ve settled on the 4.75"… guess we’ll see when it arrives next week!
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