Bit measuring and type for pony

Chic · 10-21-2008, 07:24 AM

HI all! What type of bit would your recommend for a grass snatching pony? Plus how do you measure for a bit... there are so many different sizes out there for a pony I'm not sure which one to pick. The pony in question is approx. 44 inches tall.

Thanks

CatsTack · 10-21-2008, 08:13 AM

Typically pony bits are 4 inches, but I bet your pony might need something a bit smaller. The bit is measured from cheek to cheek, in other words just the mouthpiece is measured.

There's lots of anti-grazing devices for ponies. The type of bit won't help for grass eating. The rider is probably not strong enough to prevent it. I've heard these devices work well on stubborn ponies.

Good Luck

Carri · 10-21-2008, 08:13 AM

Our grass snatching pony is ridden in an "anti-grazing device" so that she cannot snatch grass.

We use a kimberwicke on her, because it is the only thing she will stop and turn in. Our pony is 13.2 and can wear a typical 5" bit, because she has kind of a blocky head. Our other pony is a 4.5", and our 11 hand we used to have was a 4", and I just gave her old bits to a friend with an 11 h pony. You would measure just like a regular horse.

Chic · 10-21-2008, 02:47 PM

We haven't used a bit on him yet... bought him last fall and have just been using a hack on him since that is what we had. I'd like to go to a snaffle if possible. He is supposed to be cart trained (ex amish pony) so I'm assuming that he has used a bit in the past. He is terrible at stopping to eat grass with the rider not strong enough to do anything about it. Would a snaffle give enough control or should I go to a curb?

I was thinking about putting another set of reins on him and tying them to the saddle horn... tight enough that he wouldn't be able to graze.

Carri · 10-21-2008, 03:39 PM

Chic, I think that's a great idea! I have seen other western riders do that.

Slim Pikkens · 10-21-2008, 06:41 PM

When on a lead I teach my horses when they are allowed to graze. If one should suddenly snatch grass a whack on the rump gets the head up as it drives the horse forward. Once the horse realizes this is the option for grass snatching, it also works from the saddle. But the rider must be prepared for the pony to scoot forward and not snatch his mouth. With small children I'd use baler twine to make a check rein which allowed the pony room to drop his head but not past his knees. I'd tie each end to the rings on the snaffle bit bring then together part way up his face, tie a knot then run the remainder back to the saddle horn, or D rings on english. He'd punish himself by dropping his head and soon quit.

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10-21-2008, 07:24 AM
Chic Coming two Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,580	Bit measuring and type for pony HI all! What type of bit would your recommend for a grass snatching pony? Plus how do you measure for a bit... there are so many different sizes out there for a pony I'm not sure which one to pick. The pony in question is approx. 44 inches tall. Thanks __________________ Jewlery For Your HorseThe Kelley Square "I cannot do everything, but I can do something; and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." Edward Hale

10-21-2008, 08:13 AM
CatsTack Halter broke Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NC Posts: 125	Typically pony bits are 4 inches, but I bet your pony might need something a bit smaller. The bit is measured from cheek to cheek, in other words just the mouthpiece is measured. There's lots of anti-grazing devices for ponies. The type of bit won't help for grass eating. The rider is probably not strong enough to prevent it. I've heard these devices work well on stubborn ponies. Good Luck __________________ Handmade tack including rope halters, leads, barrel reins, trail reins, and rhythm beads www.catstack.com

10-21-2008, 08:13 AM
Carri Pasture Pet Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 13,649	Our grass snatching pony is ridden in an "anti-grazing device" so that she cannot snatch grass. We use a kimberwicke on her, because it is the only thing she will stop and turn in. Our pony is 13.2 and can wear a typical 5" bit, because she has kind of a blocky head. Our other pony is a 4.5", and our 11 hand we used to have was a 4", and I just gave her old bits to a friend with an 11 h pony. You would measure just like a regular horse.

10-21-2008, 02:47 PM
Chic Coming two Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,580	We haven't used a bit on him yet... bought him last fall and have just been using a hack on him since that is what we had. I'd like to go to a snaffle if possible. He is supposed to be cart trained (ex amish pony) so I'm assuming that he has used a bit in the past. He is terrible at stopping to eat grass with the rider not strong enough to do anything about it. Would a snaffle give enough control or should I go to a curb? I was thinking about putting another set of reins on him and tying them to the saddle horn... tight enough that he wouldn't be able to graze. __________________ Jewlery For Your HorseThe Kelley Square "I cannot do everything, but I can do something; and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." Edward Hale

10-21-2008, 03:39 PM
Carri Pasture Pet Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 13,649	Chic, I think that's a great idea! I have seen other western riders do that.

10-21-2008, 06:41 PM
Slim Pikkens Seasoned Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,047	When on a lead I teach my horses when they are allowed to graze. If one should suddenly snatch grass a whack on the rump gets the head up as it drives the horse forward. Once the horse realizes this is the option for grass snatching, it also works from the saddle. But the rider must be prepared for the pony to scoot forward and not snatch his mouth. With small children I'd use baler twine to make a check rein which allowed the pony room to drop his head but not past his knees. I'd tie each end to the rings on the snaffle bit bring then together part way up his face, tie a knot then run the remainder back to the saddle horn, or D rings on english. He'd punish himself by dropping his head and soon quit.