1. horizontally, holding it in the corners of the mouth where the bit would rest. Mark right up against each cheek and measure the distance between the two marks. This will be the bit size you need. You should not be able to see more than a half inch of mouthpiece between the lips and the bit ring on each side, but the rings should not press against the face. Width: The width of a bit refers to its circumference and is usually measured in inches 2. or millimeters. In most cases, thinner bits are more severe in a horses mouth and thicker ones are more gentle. However, if a bit is too thick for the height of the roof of a horses mouth, it can cause continuous pressure in the mouth. If you are unsure of what bit width to use, ask a professional and try moderately thicker bits first before moving to thinner bits if needed. 3. and shorter shanks before trying bigger ones if needed. For curb bits, larger ports and longer shanks will be stronger, so start with smaller curbs

Length: take a piece of baling twine or string and place it in the horses mouth Bridles: When attached to the bit and placed behind the ears, the cheek piece should not be slack but not be tight. It should look as if the horse was smiling with only a couple of wrinkles at the corners of the mouth. At least four fingers should be able to be slid under the throat latch to ensure it does not interfere with breathing. You should be able to fit two fingers under the browband (the strap horizontal on the forehead or sometimes a loop in front of one ear) and it should not pull the crown or cheek pieces out of a straight line. 9

Nosebands: Nosebands can be very helpful to stabilize a snaffle bit in the horses mouth while riding. In order for them to be most useful and comfortable, they should be properly adjusted for the individual horse. Note that nosebands are not used for curb bits since drop nosebands interfere with their movement and cavessons are not necessary to keep the horse from opening its mouth to evade the bit. 1. Cavesson nosebands: the top edge of the noseband should sit roughly a finger width below the bottom of the cheekbone. It should be tightened so that one finger can fit in the noseband under the jaw. The cheekstrap of the bridle should rest outside of the noseband. 1. Drop nosebands: this noseband should rest about four fingers width above the nostril, on the bony part of the nose. It should be buckled underneath the chin to leave about two fingers room between it and the jaw bone. Drop nosebands should be placed overtop of the bridle and bit to secure them in place.

Cruppers: Cruppers attach to the back of a saddle and loop around the tail to keep the saddle from sliding forward. Correctly fitted saddles do not need cruppers, so if one is necessary to keep the saddle in place, the saddle does not fit the horse. Breastplates: Much like cruppers, breastplates clip onto the saddle to keep it from sliding too far out of place. Breastplates attach to the front D-rings of a saddle on either side and the girth between the front legs. It should leave room for the shoulders to move freely, but still prevent the saddle from sliding backwards. 10 Winter Horse Care Water: Just like in the summer, horses should have access to water 24/7 throughout the winter months. Depending on the temperature, a heater may be needed to prevent water troughs from freezing over.