Horse Tack
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Customers count on us for quality products, exceptional service and outstanding value. At IFA you’ll find even more of the products you need. From classic favorites to exciting, new additions. IFA has great selection of products to fill your tack & farrier needs.
IFA is proud to feature the highest quality and finest crafted saddles, strap goods, farrier, bits and equine accessories available. We understand the importance of having the right fit for the horse and the rider.
The right fit for the right bit
When choosing a bit, it is very important that it fits in the horse’s mouth comfortably. A ½? width should exist between the side of the horse’s mouth and the side of the bit. The bit is positioned high enough in the mouth so that the horse doesn’t put his tongue over the bit. A common mistake is when it is postioned to high, giving the horse a big “grin”. This should be avoided. The snaffle bit is the most common type of bit. It acts on direct pressure. The curb bit works using leverage.
- Choosing a saddle
- One of the most important parts of choosing a saddle is finding one that fits. It needs to fit your horse properly. This means that it is balanced, so that it can position yourself so that you fit comfortably without needing to work to keep your balance on the saddle. Also, proper fitting will protect your horse from discomfort or injury. Generally, the space behind your seat to the top edge of the cantle should be approximately a hand’s width and about 4 inches below the knee to the bottom of the flap. As you sit in the saddle, your legs should hang slightly behind you, but not so much that you tip forward. The saddle should feel natural and be comfortable, allowing you to be in a comfortable position.
- Bits
- A bit is piece of metal that is placed in the horse’s mouth, although on occasion the bit may be made of other materials. Despite popular opinion, the bit does not rest on the teeth of the horse. The bit hangs in a space behind the front “cutting” teeth and in front of the back “grinding” teeth. This space is known as the “bar”. When a horse is said to “grab the bit in its teeth” they actually mean that the horse hardens its lips and mouth against the bit to ignore the rider’s commands. Bits offer varying degrees of control and communication between rider and horse depending upon their design.
- The types of bits are too numerous to list, but here are some examples:
- Curb bit
- Snaffle bit
- Gag bit
- Pelham bit
- Kimberwicke bit
Bits come in several different mouthpieces and (for snaffles) rings. Some of these include:
- Mouthpieces:
- Single jointed
- Mullen mouth (straight bar)
- Dr. Bristol
- French mouth
- Corkscrew
- Single and double twisted wire
- Waterford
- Rings:
- Loose ring
- D-ring
- Eggbutt
- Full-cheek
- Baucher
- Half-cheek
Bits are designed to work by pressure, not pain. Of course, in the wrong hands even the mildest bit can hurt the horse.
This article is published under the GNU Free Documentation License. The original article appears here.
