QUESTION:
I have read Amy's article on bits and was wondering (much contention in the household) about the correct fitting of a curb shank bit in the horse's mouth. How tight or loose should it sit. Are there different rules for different types of mounts i.e. soft, heavy, pushy. If you can advise it would be very much appreciated. I am in Australia so email would be your best way of communication. I would also really like to put the answer in Reining Australia's Slider newsletter so if you would like to write an article of any length that would be awesome.
Cheers
Sonya"
ANSWER:
"Dear Sonya,
A general rule of thumb when correctly fitting a bit to a horse's mouth snaffle or curb would be to look for one wrinkle in corner of the mouth/lips. Occasionally, a horse that has a very soft mouth may need no wrinkle meaning you loose the bit to one hole or both but it still sits firmly in the corners. The same philosophy maybe used for se cathedral bits or bits with high ports because ideally these bits should be used on a very well broke horse that needs little pressure placed in its mouth for direction or guidance. Some of these bits are often seen in Vaquero or cow horses and again are intended for broke horses that are guided by the rider's seat and legs. The higher port also maybe used to help "set" the horses headed meaning a small amount of pressure is placed on the reins and the horses flexes at the poll, then the withers the croup and has a rounded appearance.
However, please keep in mind allowing a horse to wear a bit that is to low or to high in its mouth may promote an uncomfortable feeling and the horse may exhibit signs of discomfort such as tossing its head, shaking its head and even trying to place it's tongue over the top of the port or mouthpiece.
Also, horses prefer different mouthpieces just like we all prefer different shoes. What's comfortable for one person may not feel good for another. We also want to make sure that the bars fit the horse properly (the mouthpiece) and again like a pair of shoes this piece of the bit is not to wide or narrow in the horses mouth.
I hope this has helped with your questions and please feel free up send pictures and or videos if needed.
Amy
Amy K. McLean, PhD
Equine Specialist
North Carolina State University