How Bits Are Measured To find the right size bit for your horse or pony, consider both the length of the mouthpiece and the width of the mouthpiece in combination with the conformation of your horse's mouth.
Length of the Mouthpiece Bit length corresponds to the width of your horse's mouth. This measurement is usually provided in inches and fractions of an inch, such as 5 inch or 5 1/2 inch.
When attached to an appropriately adjusted bridle, a bit should rest comfortably at the corners of a horse's mouth and shouldn't press too hard against a horse's face. This would indicate the bit length is too short, and the horse may feel pinching at the sensitive corners of his mouth.
Conversely, if you see a 1/2 inch or more on each side between the lips and bit rings, the bit is too long. A bit that is too long can slip sideways in a horse's mouth, becoming ineffective and causing soreness.
The specific type of bit you choose will influence slightly the desirable bit length. A full cheek snaffle, Pelham or elevator bit should sit snuggly next to your horse's cheeks, but should not squeeze or pinch. For a loose ring snaffle or any bit with moveable rings, make sure that your horse's lips completely clear the bit ring holes by 1/8 inch on each side. Otherwise, the horse's skin can become pinched into the holes as the action of the loose rings works with the reins.
Measure your horse's mouth to determine the length of bit required in either of two ways:
A Bit Sizer, simple but accurate, is a plastic device that measures in inches and corresponds to bit sizes. Take the reading as you would on a ruler. Slide the Bit Sizer across the horse's tongue, resting it against the corners of his mouth. The end piece should rest against one cheek comfortably. At the other side, read the inch measurement at the corner of the mouth.
Use a piece of string in place of a Bit Sizer if your horse will cooperate. Mark the spots on the string that meet the corners of the horse's mouth, then lay the string against a ruler to obtain your bit length measurement.
As described previously, depending on the type of bit you're selecting, you may want to add 1/4 to 1/2 inch to your measurement.
Width of Mouthpiece Bit width refers to the bit circumference at the widest part of the mouthpiece. This measurement may be in inches or millimeters.
For most horses, the thinner the bit, the more severe its action is on the horse's mouth because the pressure from the bit is exerted on a narrower surface. Similarly, in general, the thicker the bit, the more gentle its action on the horse's mouth because the pressure is distributed over a wider surface. With this in mind, also consider the conformation of a horse's mouth when choosing bit width. A bit should never be too thick in relation to the space in a horse's mouth.
The height of the palate (roof of the mouth) plus the thickness of the tongue determines the amount of space available for the bit. You can usually identify the conformation of the horse's mouth by prying open the side of the lips. A small or average sized tongue lies below or level with the bars of the mouth; a thick tongue rises above the bars or spills over the bars and between the teeth.
Your equine dentist, veterinarian or a knowledgeable trainer can help you determine whether your horse's palate is normal or high, which could allow for a thicker bit, or very low, which could reduce the thickness of the bit that may be used.
Clean your horse's bit routinely after every ride. Any dried spit or food particles left to harden on a bit become abrasive and uncomfortable to your horse's mouth. With regular cleaning you're not only ensuring your horse's comfort, you�re also ensuring that the moving parts of the bit, such as the cheek or ring joints or center lozenges, function as smoothly as intended.
Give the bit a good rinse with water and wipe it thoroughly with a clean rag. Alternatively, use flavored Horse Amour® Bit Wipes. These pre-moistened, disposable wipes remove grime quickly and leave a pleasant taste for your horse to enjoy at the next bridling.
Over time, bits may become tarnished from use and exposure. Use a non-toxic, non-acidic metal polish such as Herm Sprenger® Diamond Paste to remove tarnish gently. Developed for use on bit mouthpieces and all types of metal, HS Diamond Paste helps prevent tarnish from recurring. If you use any other type of metal polish, be sure to wash the bit thoroughly with water to remove any trace of the product.
The Easiest and Best Guarantee in The Business
Shop with 100% confidence at Dressage Extensions. If something doesn’t fit you or your horse, return your original purchase within a year, and we’ll make it right with a refund, exchange or replacement.
Our experience as riders and horse owners ourselves is that in most situations a year’s time is fair enough to evaluate proper fit and function. PLUS: For manufacturer’s defects, we’ll extend the manufacturer’s warranty to a maximum of 24 months, regardless of their individual policies. (AND: Manufacturer warranties longer than 24 months will be honored and supported by us as well up to the length of those warranties).
Exceptions: Safety items such as helmets and protective vests may only be returned within 30 days, with their original tags intact. Saddles and riding boots may be returned within the one year period, but are subject to a prorated refund based on usage. Used saddles may be returned for 30 days only. For everyone’s protection, treats and vet meds which have been opened are not returnable, and returned blankets must clean and free of debris.
Special Conditions
To protect all customers and ensure that every return or exchange is handled fairly, we may require a receipt or decline a return in these situations:
• Item was not purchased directly from Dressage Extensions. (It was purchased at a used tack sale or from a retailer or online seller other than Dressage Extensions.)
• Item is missing a label or has been defaced.
• No receipt and no valid identification in our stores.
• Item is wet, dirty or contaminated, or until it has been cleaned. (For health and safety reasons, we cannot accept returns on used, defective or poorly fitting blankets if they are UNWASHED.)
• Item has been lost, stolen, damaged, or misused.
• On rare occasions, based on the nature of prior transactions.
• Supplements have been opened or used.
• Multiple returns of the same item.
• Personalized items may not be returned unless defective.
Security Guarantee
Dressage Extensions understands your concerns regarding online security. We share in your concerns and therefore work hard with experts in the field to maintain a highly secure ordering environment. Along with our comment to security, we offer you a Secure Order Guarantee - this gives you 100% protection for your credit card transactions on DressageExtensions.com.
Our Secure Order Guarantee means that you will never have to pay any money related to unauthorized charges to your credit card account, as long as those charges are a direct result from a transaction on DressageExtensions.com.
How it works: If you experience credit card fraud, the Fair Credit Act specifies that your credit card company can hold you liable for no more than $50.00 in fraudulent charges to your account. Our Secure Order Guarantee will reimburse you for any amount up to $50.00 billed to you by your credit card company for unauthorized charges to your account, if those charges result from an order you placed with DressageExtensions.com. For this protection you must promptly notify your credit card company of fraudulent charges and follow their procedures as outlined in your credit card agreement.
The Herm Sprenger Dynamic RS Sensogan® Loose Ring Bit features the innovative Sensogan mouthpiece metal. As a result of ongoing research and development, experts at Herm Sprenger have created Sensogan for a mouthpiece that offers all the benefits of Aurigan®, yet retains its discreet and elegant silver color much longer. Like Aurigan, Sensogan promotes a delicate and sensitive connection to the horse. It instills a pleasant taste, encourages salivation and promotes bit acceptance. It also significantly regulates the oxidation process to allow the bit to maintain its beautiful color. Distinctively unique, this metal is a propriety blend of copper, zinc and manganese. A reduced copper content allows some oxidation to occur, but the addition of manganese regulates and slows oxidation which in turn slows discoloration. Manganese is also an important micronutrient for horses, as a crucial component and activator of enzymes. All Sensogan bits are marked with a black ring at the cheeks. The Herm Sprenger Dynamic RS Sensogan® Loose Ring Bit is designed to give soft, but effective instructions for optimal communication between horse and rider. Combining an ergonomically formed curved 14mm Sensogan mouthpiece with the same angled center joint found in KK Ultra bits, this bit lies perfectly in the mouth. The result is soft and even pressure for maximum bit acceptance. 70mm stainless steel rings.
Imported.
How Bits Are Measured To find the right size bit for your horse or pony, consider both the length of the mouthpiece and the width of the mouthpiece in combination with the conformation of your horse's mouth.
Length of the Mouthpiece Bit length corresponds to the width of your horse's mouth. This measurement is usually provided in inches and fractions of an inch, such as 5 inch or 5 1/2 inch.
When attached to an appropriately adjusted bridle, a bit should rest comfortably at the corners of a horse's mouth and shouldn't press too hard against a horse's face. This would indicate the bit length is too short, and the horse may feel pinching at the sensitive corners of his mouth.
Conversely, if you see a 1/2 inch or more on each side between the lips and bit rings, the bit is too long. A bit that is too long can slip sideways in a horse's mouth, becoming ineffective and causing soreness.
The specific type of bit you choose will influence slightly the desirable bit length. A full cheek snaffle, Pelham or elevator bit should sit snuggly next to your horse's cheeks, but should not squeeze or pinch. For a loose ring snaffle or any bit with moveable rings, make sure that your horse's lips completely clear the bit ring holes by 1/8 inch on each side. Otherwise, the horse's skin can become pinched into the holes as the action of the loose rings works with the reins.
Measure your horse's mouth to determine the length of bit required in either of two ways:
A Bit Sizer, simple but accurate, is a plastic device that measures in inches and corresponds to bit sizes. Take the reading as you would on a ruler. Slide the Bit Sizer across the horse's tongue, resting it against the corners of his mouth. The end piece should rest against one cheek comfortably. At the other side, read the inch measurement at the corner of the mouth.
Use a piece of string in place of a Bit Sizer if your horse will cooperate. Mark the spots on the string that meet the corners of the horse's mouth, then lay the string against a ruler to obtain your bit length measurement.
As described previously, depending on the type of bit you're selecting, you may want to add 1/4 to 1/2 inch to your measurement.
Width of Mouthpiece Bit width refers to the bit circumference at the widest part of the mouthpiece. This measurement may be in inches or millimeters.
For most horses, the thinner the bit, the more severe its action is on the horse's mouth because the pressure from the bit is exerted on a narrower surface. Similarly, in general, the thicker the bit, the more gentle its action on the horse's mouth because the pressure is distributed over a wider surface. With this in mind, also consider the conformation of a horse's mouth when choosing bit width. A bit should never be too thick in relation to the space in a horse's mouth.
The height of the palate (roof of the mouth) plus the thickness of the tongue determines the amount of space available for the bit. You can usually identify the conformation of the horse's mouth by prying open the side of the lips. A small or average sized tongue lies below or level with the bars of the mouth; a thick tongue rises above the bars or spills over the bars and between the teeth.
Your equine dentist, veterinarian or a knowledgeable trainer can help you determine whether your horse's palate is normal or high, which could allow for a thicker bit, or very low, which could reduce the thickness of the bit that may be used.
Clean your horse's bit routinely after every ride. Any dried spit or food particles left to harden on a bit become abrasive and uncomfortable to your horse's mouth. With regular cleaning you're not only ensuring your horse's comfort, you�re also ensuring that the moving parts of the bit, such as the cheek or ring joints or center lozenges, function as smoothly as intended.
Give the bit a good rinse with water and wipe it thoroughly with a clean rag. Alternatively, use flavored Horse Amour® Bit Wipes. These pre-moistened, disposable wipes remove grime quickly and leave a pleasant taste for your horse to enjoy at the next bridling.
Over time, bits may become tarnished from use and exposure. Use a non-toxic, non-acidic metal polish such as Herm Sprenger® Diamond Paste to remove tarnish gently. Developed for use on bit mouthpieces and all types of metal, HS Diamond Paste helps prevent tarnish from recurring. If you use any other type of metal polish, be sure to wash the bit thoroughly with water to remove any trace of the product.
Shipping to the 48 Contiguous U.S. states
Method
Under $35
Over $35
DETAILS: MOST IN-STOCK ORDERS SHIP WITHIN 1-2 BUSINESS DAYS
Standard
$7.95
FREE
Order arrives 2-9 business days from shipment date depending on receipt location (in the 48 states and does not include oversized items).
Low Weight Economy
$4.95
FREE
Order arrives 2-10 business days from shipment date depending on receipt location (in the 48 states and does not include oversized items). This option is only available on orders which weigh less than 0.9 lbs.
Expedited Ground
$12.95
$5.00
Order arrives 2-5 business days (Monday-Friday) from shipment date. Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes.
Guaranteed 3-business day
$19.95
$12.00
Orders are prioritized to arrive within 3 business days (Monday-Friday) if the order is placed by 3pm ET, Monday-Friday. If you need an expedited order between 3-4pm ET, please call customer service. Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes.
Guaranteed 2-business day
$24.95
$17.00
Orders are prioritized to arrive within 2 business days (Monday-Friday) if the order is placed by 3pm ET, Monday-Friday. If you need an expedited order between 3-4pm ET, please call customer service. Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes.
Guaranteed Next business day
$34.95
$27.00
Orders are prioritized to arrive on the next business day (Monday-Friday) if the order is placed by 3pm ET, Monday-Friday. If you need an expedited order between 3-4pm ET, please call customer service. Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes.
Guaranteed Next Day Saturday
$49.95
$42.00
Orders are prioritized to arrive on Saturday if the order is placed by 3pm ET on Friday. Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes.
Over-sized Items: Free standard shipping to the contiguous 48 states, applies to items FedEx deems “normal & customary” in size and weight. Large, bulky, or odd-shaped items may be subject to FedEx Oversize/Overweight charges.
“Business days” = Monday – Friday
When calculating shipping time, please use the next business day to start the clock for all orders received AFTER 3pm ET.
Shipping to AK, HI, PR and VI
Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands ship via FedEx where service is available. Now offering 2 Business Day and Next Business Day shipping options. For questions please call or email us for a shipping quote.
Ship Method
Under $35
Over $35
Details
Standard
$24.95
$17.00
Order arrives 6-9 business days (Monday-Friday) from shipment date depending on receipt location. These orders typically ship within 24-48 hours of the order being placed.
Guaranteed 2 Business Days
$44.95
$37.00
Orders are prioritized to arrive within 2 business days (Monday-Friday) if the order is placed by 3pm ET. Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes.
Guaranteed Next Business Day
$54.95
$47.00
Orders are prioritized to arrive on the next business day (Monday-Friday) if the order is placed by 3pm ET. Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes.
Description
Style
Regular order of initials (example Emily Jane Smith = EJS)
A, B, G
Traditional monogram order of initials (example Emily Jane Smith = ESJ)
C, DD, F, H, K, BB, CC, EE, FF, KK, LL
First and Last Initial (example Emily Smith = ES)
L, M, Y
Single Initial (example Emily Smith = E)
D, AA, J, GG, N, P, Q, V, X, W, Z
Spelled out Name (example Emily Smith = Emily)
E, R, S, T
Please allow extra delivery time for monogrammed products.
The Easiest and Best Guarantee in The Business
Shop with 100% confidence at Dressage Extensions If something doesn’t fit you or your horse, return your original purchase within a year, and we’ll make it right with a refund, exchange or replacement.
Our experience as riders and horse owners ourselves is that in most situations a year’s time is fair enough to evaluate proper fit and function. PLUS: For manufacturer’s defects, we’ll extend the manufacturer’s warranty to a maximum of 24 months, regardless of their individual policies. (AND: Manufacturer warranties longer than 24 months will be honored and supported by us as well up to the length of those warranties).
Exceptions: Safety items such as helmets and protective vests may only be returned within 30 days, with their original tags intact. Saddles and riding boots may be returned within the one year period, but are subject to a prorated refund based on usage. Used saddles may be returned for 30 days only. For everyone’s protection, treats and vet meds which have been opened are not returnable, and returned blankets must clean and free of debris. Click here for our full Return Policy.
Your e-gift card will be delivered via email within 24 hours regardless of shipping method selected. If your purchase contains other items, select the ship method you would like the remainder of your order to use and it will arrive in the identified time frame.
Gift Card Number Format: There are no letter O used, only the number 0. For your Gift Card Number:
Please enter your promotional gift card number into the payment information section of checkout, under Gift Card Number.
Click here to find out if your store is curbside pick-up, shop by appointment, or fully open.
Make your Curbside order easy and Contactless:
1. Download the Curbside Delivery form
2. Fill out your order. Do NOT include credit card info.
3. Take a picture with your phone or scan it
4. Email the form to your local Dover Saddlery Store
5. We’ll contact you to confirm & get your payment info.
Dear Customers,
We would like to inform you there has been a recall on the 6 lb. German Horse Muffins, manufactured November 29, 2018, lot # 8333, due to a quality control problem. The lot number can be found at the bottom of the bag on a small white sticker. The company believes this is an isolated incident but we want to make you aware as an additional precaution. Please contact us at DoverSaddlery.com/chat or email customerservice@doversaddlery.com with questions.
We thank you and appreciate your patience while we catch up on our returns processing. We are slowed down due to COVID-19 and staffing constraints. We expect returns and refunds to take 10-14 days for processing. You will receive an email notification when your return has been processed.
Where is my Refund or Exchange?
*Please note: Your refund may take several business days from the time your return is processed until you see the refund in your financial institution*
How it works:
- Your return is shipped back to our warehouse in Massachusetts. It arrives in Massachusetts 2-10 business days after you ship it back depending on your geographic shipping location.
- Once your return is delivered to Dressage Extensions, your request for a refund or exchange is processed in 1-2 business days.
Refunds:
- Your refund is processed, and information is sent from Dressage Extensions to your financial institution.
- Your refund will be accepted by your financial institution and show on your account in 1-4 business days. (This varies depending on your financial institution’s policy and processing time)
Exchanges:
- Your exchange item is processed depending on availability and is shipped from our warehouse within 48 business hours from the time the exchange order is placed. Items shipping from the manufacturer may take a bit longer.
- Your exchange order is shipped to you via standard shipping and should arrive in 2-9 business days depending on your geographic location.
