Width of the Mouthpiece - The width of a bit refers to its circumference at the widest part of the mouthpiece. This measurement may be in either inches or in millimeters. For most horses, the thinner the bit, the more severe its action on the horse's mouth. This is 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 area. However, a qualification to this guideline is that the bit cannot be too thick in relation to the space in the horse's mouth to accommodate it. The height of the palate (roof of the mouth) in combination with the thickness of the tongue determines the amount of space available for the bit. If the bit is too thick, it will put constant pressure on the horse's mouth, and could even make swallowing difficult. Always consider the conformation of a horse's mouth when choosing bit width.
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 to be used, or very low, which could reduce the thickness of the bit that may be used. You can usually identify the conformation of the horse's tongue 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.
Question: Should I borrow a bit? Borrowing a bit from a friend can be a useful tool for determining which bit size or type to purchase. However, you should never put a used bit in your horse's mouth without sterilizing it first.
The easiest way to sterilize a bit is to run the bit through a dishwasher cycle that supplies hot water at 180 degree temperature.
Another method is to scrub all aspects of the bit with a soft toothbrush and Novalsan Surgical Scrub. Let the solution remain on the bit for 15 minutes, then rinse cleanly. Next, submerse the bit in a solution of one teaspoon bleach to one quart of water. Let the bit sit in the solution for 15 minutes, and then rinse it cleanly and dry thoroughly.
Note that some bits made of combined metals, plastics or rubber will discolor during sterilization.
Tip: Bits function differently in various horses. Always consult a trainer or a knowledgeable friend who is familiar with your horse when you're selecting a new bit.
Suggestion: Have your horse's teeth checked for sharp edges and other problems every 6 to 12 months.
Shipping to the 48 Contiguous U.S. states
Method
Under $45
Over $45
DETAILS: MOST IN-STOCK ORDERS SHIP WITHIN 1-2 BUSINESS DAYS
Economy
$5.95
FREE
Order arrives 2-9 business days from shipment date depending on receipt location (in the 48 states and does not include oversized items). Carrier = USPS, Fedex, or UPS, whichever is most economical. Delivery window not guaranteed.
Standard 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 2pm 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 2pm 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 2pm 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 2pm 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 2pm 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 $45
Over $45
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 2pm 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 2pm 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 once the package is received at our Massachusetts warehouse. 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.
If your code isn’t producing the expected result, please give us a call at 800-303-7849
or connect with us via Live Chat.
Dressage Extensions supports USEF Riders! Enjoy 10% OFF from us for being a member of USEF and get everything you need for your next ride.
How To Get Your USEF Member Discount Online:
1. Add items to your cart
2. Proceed to checkout
3. On checkout page, enter CMXUSEF into the promotion code box. Press apply, the discount will be automatically applied.
4. Be sure to enter your USEF # into the comment box.
5. Proceed to payment & place your order!
*Cannot be combined with other offers.
How To Get Your Military Discount Online:
1. Add items to your cart
2. Proceed to checkout
3. On checkout page, enter CMXMILITARY into the promotion code box. Press apply, the discount will be automatically applied.
4. Be sure to enter your Military DoD# into the comment box.
5. Proceed to payment & place your order!