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Home / Equine Research Bank / Front Vet Sci / Oral Dimensions Related to Bit Size in Adult Horses and Poni...
Frontiers in veterinary science2022; 9; 879048; doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.879048

Oral Dimensions Related to Bit Size in Adult Horses and Ponies.

Abstract: A bit that fits is essential for horse welfare and good communication with the ridden, driven or led horses. The bit causes pressure on the sensitive structures of the horse mouth. The aim of this study was to investigate variation in oral dimensions related to bit fit in adult horses and ponies and to evaluate bit fit by comparing oral dimensions with the currently used bit size selected by the horse owner. The study population consisted of 554 horses and ponies, 308 geldings and 246 mares, age 5-29 years, presented for routine dental care. Oral dimensions: mouth width, distance between upper and lower jaw, tongue thickness and lower jaw width, were measured under sedation. Oral dimensions were compared with the most used bit mouthpiece size presented to the researcher by the owner. Bit type and material were recorded. All oral dimensions in adult horses and ponies varied by breed and sex. Mouth width and distance between upper and lower jaw correlated positively with age. Oral dimensions were significantly smaller in mares than in geldings. In coldblood Finnhorses, oral dimensions were greater than in other breeds; in ponies they were smaller. The majority of the oral dimensions correlated positively with each other. Lower jaw width did not correlate with tongue thickness. It was common to use a bit that did not fit the horse: the bit was either too short or too long (over 10 mm longer) compared to mouth width, compressed the tongue in between the upper and lower jaw, or the center link was of similar length compared to lower jaw width, thus possibly causing pressure points or a nutcracker effect on the bars of the lower jaw. Horses had, on average, space for a 14 mm thick bit without compressing the tongue. The results of this study can aid in choosing a horse bit size that fits correctly and does not cause discomfort. It is recommended that the fit of the bit is evaluated regularly as the horse ages.
Copyright © 2022 Anttila, Raekallio and Valros.
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Publication Date: 2022-05-12 PubMed ID: 35647095PubMed Central: PMC9133790DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.879048Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study explores the variation in oral dimensions related to bit fit in adult horses and ponies and provides insights into how these can be utilized to ensure proper bit size and improve horse welfare and communication.

Study Objectives

  • The primary aim of this research was to examine the variations in the oral dimensions of adult horses and ponies, specifically in relation to the size of the bit used by the horse owner.
  • The research further aimed to critically evaluate how these bits were selected and how well they actually fit the horses.

Study Population

  • The subjects of the study comprised of 554 horses and ponies, including 308 geldings and 246 mares, aged between 5-29 years.
  • These subjects were presented for routine dental care, which made it possible to accurately measure their oral dimensions conveniently.

Methodology of Measurement

  • Oral dimensions of subjects – mouth width, the distance between upper and lower jaw, tongue thickness and lower jaw width – were measured under sedation.
  • These dimensions were then compared with the most frequently used bit mouthpiece size presented to the researcher by the owner.

Findings

  • The study discovered significant variation in oral dimensions based on breed and sex. The oral dimensions of Finnhorses were observed to be greater than other breeds, while ponies had the smallest measurements.
  • Mares were found to have significantly smaller oral dimensions than geldings and all oral dimensions generally increased with age.
  • With regard to fitting, it was observed that the majority of the horses had bits that were too short or too long or caused discomfort due to compression against the tongue.
  • Most common instances of unfitting involved situations where the bit was over 10mm longer than the mouth width, pressed too hard against the tongue, or the central link was similar in length to the lower jaw width.

Conclusions

  • Based on their findings, the researchers advocated for regular evaluation of bit fit as the horse ages to ensure comfort and safeguard the animal’s welfare.
  • The study provides valuable insights that can guide more accurate bit selection and fitting for adult horses and ponies.

Cite This Article

APA
Anttila M, Raekallio M, Valros A. (2022). Oral Dimensions Related to Bit Size in Adult Horses and Ponies. Front Vet Sci, 9, 879048. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.879048

Publication

Frontiers in veterinary science
ISSN: 2297-1769
NlmUniqueID: 101666658
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 9
Pages: 879048
PII: 879048

Researcher Affiliations

Anttila, Mirjami
  • Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Raekallio, Marja
  • Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Valros, Anna
  • Department of Production Animal Medicine, Research Center for Animal Welfare, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 4 times.
  1. Seck M, Jobling R, Brown AF. Trialling Locally Made, Low-Cost Bits to Improve Bit-Related Welfare Problems in Cart Horses: Findings from a Study in Senegal. Animals (Basel) 2022 Dec 20;13(1).
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  2. Krcal C, Licka T. Temperatures of the Mouthpiece of the Bit of Carriage Horses over a Period of 11 Months. Animals (Basel) 2025 Sep 7;15(17).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15172623pubmed: 40941418google scholar: lookup
  3. Faithfull R, Lewis K, Drury E, McBride S. Influences of Double Versus Snaffle Bridles on Equine Behaviour at Dressage Competitions and Factors That Interact with Their Effect. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jun 17;15(12).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15121782pubmed: 40564336google scholar: lookup
  4. Hall-Bromley A, Dixon L. Education and Licensing of Horse Owners: Addressing Poor Horse Welfare in the UK. Animals (Basel) 2025 Apr 3;15(7).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15071037pubmed: 40218430google scholar: lookup
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