Sizing Eggbutt/Loose Ring Hybrid Bits

I am pretty fascinated and smitten by these bits that combine the loose-ring motion with the lip protection of an eggbutt. The Stubben Golden Wings bit and the Mikmar Loose Ring Eggbutt snaffle are both examples of this. (I would post links but I’m worried about being flagged + not technologically gifted. Both can be easily Googled). I would have already bought one to try with my mare except for one concern:

How do you recommend sizing them?

I know that with a traditional loose ring you add a quarter to a half inch to allow clearance for the lips. My mare goes in a 5” bit, so she’d go in a 5.25” loose ring. But do these combo bits accommodate that extra space or not? Should I order a 5” like I normally would?

Hoping those of you who have used these bits can chime in either with sizing tips or comments in general about how you like them. Thanks in advance!

The Mikmar is dressage legal, but the Golden Wings is not. I guess I would go with the Mikmar given a choice between the two, personally. I would contact the folks at Mikmar in regards to sizing since they are the experts on their bits. :wink:

This was an excellent suggestion, and exactly what I did! They recommended sizing as you would for a loose ring, so I ordered the 5.25". We will see how it goes! I’m pretty excited.

Also it didn’t occur to me that the Golden Wings wasn’t dressage legal! I don’t compete so it wasn’t on my radar. How odd! It seems to me that they have such similar actions…

Honestly, I think some of the choices or reasons why they accept certain bits over others are odd, but I am no expert, so I try to just stay on the legal side.
Good luck and let us know how it goes!