Pony Bridles & Bits

What should I look for when buying a pony bridle?

Ponies need the same riding equipment as a large horse. That is why the bridles for ponies hardly differ visually from those for a warmblood. Bridles and bits are just smaller for ponies. Nevertheless, you should not simply buy a small bridle style, but make sure that it fits your pony perfectly.
The cheek straps and noseband must not go over the cheekbone or bump against it. This can cause damage to your pony's facial nerves. Some ponies have short but wide ears. This means that there is not much room for the poll strap, which is why it quickly presses against the roots of the ears. Especially in winter, when your pony develops a plush winter coat, you should check the fit of the bridle again and adjust it if necessary. Consider the winter coat factor when buying a pony bridle and it is better to choose a style that can be customised rather than buying one that is too tight.
If you would like to find out more about bridles and how they fit correctly on the horse's head, you can find answers to your questions in our guide to bridles.
At Kramer Equestrian you can equip your pony with all the necessary accessories you need for riding. You can buy various bits to match a wide range of pony bridles. Of course, you can't miss the reins, which you will find in our accessories for pony bridles. And if you would like to experience the adventure of bitless riding, you will also find what you are looking for in our online shop, because we also offer bitless bridles for ponies. Which bitless bridle is best for your pony? Find out in our guide to bitless riding.

What should I look for when buying a pony bit?

As with the big ones, the bit must also fit the little ones correctly so that it lies comfortably and calmly in the horse's mouth and communication remains fine.
When buying a pony bit, pay attention to the following things:

• Bit length
• Bit thickness
• Type of bit

A useful and simple tool for determining the correct bit width is a bit measure. You can print it out, cut it out and put it together. Then simply place it around the horse's mouth and read off the corresponding bit length. Alternatively, you can take a bit that already fits and measure it or put a rope through the horse's mouth to measure its length. Once you have determined the correct length, you can choose between single and double jointed loose ring snaffle bits, with fixed or continuous rings and different alloys for your pony's bit.
Determining the correct bit thickness is a little more difficult. The space between the bars determines how thick the bit can be. The tongue is also a deciding factor, because it must not be squeezed by the bit. The rule is that you should be able to put two fingers between the bars. However, this rule cannot be applied to ponies. Sensitivity is required here. The minimum thickness of a pony bit is 10 mm.
You have to try out which type of bit is right for your pony. Because what your pony gets along with best depends on its individual preferences. Each bit has a different effect. A single jointed loose ring snaffle bit is a style that many horses will accept well. IIf your pony likes to stiffen up and hold the bit so that you can no longer work on him finely, you may want to think about an apple-flavoured bit. You can buy apple flavoured pony loose ring snaffle bits in our online shop. These stimulate the horse to chew, which makes it more receptive to your rein aids.
We have summarised the effects of the different types of bits in our FAQs in the bit section.