Loop Ring Show Bit

The loop ring wilkie style snaffle bit is a very popular bit for ponies in need of extra brakes. The wilkie snaffle has an action similar to a continental, utilising pressure on the poll and raising the bit in the horses mouth to achieve additional control with resorting to a stronger mouthpiece. The loop ring applies this action but to a milder degree, and with a much neater cheek, which is why it has found such favour for use on ponies that need something more than a snaffle. Some ponies dislike the action of a single joint, especially those with large tongues or small mouths, in which case a french link mouthpiece would be recommended to prevent head tossing.

How to measure for a bit

A bit should fit your horse’s mouth so that the mouthpiece extends approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) beyond the horse’s lips on either side, but not so tight that the horse might be pinched by any movable cheek pieces. You also don’t want a great length of bit hanging out of the horse’s mouth.

The different parts of the mouthpieces on bits are made to sit on specific areas of the mouth. So for the bit to be effective, the bit needs to contact those areas properly. You also don’t want the bit pulling through the horse’s mouth when you pull on a rein.

Measure an old bit you know already fits. Use a tape measure to measure from the inside of each cheek piece or ring.

Use a piece of string about 12” (30cm) long. Tie a knot about 2 inches (5cm) in. Put it through your horse’s mouth, with the knot against the lips on one side. Mark the opposite side with a marker or little piece of tape.