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2025 Canadian Guide to Bit Fit & Measurements — Expert-Backed Top 5 Tools (Neue Schule, Trust Equestrian, Bombers, PS of Sweden, Sprenger) to Prevent Pinching and Improve Communication

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

This category covers practical, step-by-step guidance on measuring mouthpiece width, shank clearance, and curb chain length so your tack fits correctly, rides more comfortably, and communicates clearly with your horse. Modern fitting standards emphasize even pressure distribution, clearance to avoid lip and cheek pinching, and correct curb chain tension to protect the poll and mouth. Canadian riders and professionals tend to prefer tools and methods that combine precision, durability for varied climates, and compliance with competition rules (for example, Equestrian Canada specifications). Whether you are a hunter, jumper, dressage rider, or everyday barn manager, accurate measurements help reduce oral lesions, unwanted resistance, and miscommunication—making bit fit both a welfare issue and a performance concern.

Quick Menu

1. Best Precision Sizer

2. Best Budget Gauge

3. Best Thickness Gauge

4. Best Complete Fitting Set

5. Best Durable Measuring Tape

1
BEST PRECISION SIZER

Neue Schule Bit Sizer

Neue Schule Bit Sizer

The Neue Schule Bit Sizer is positioned as a best-in-class tool for Bit Fit and Measurements because it was developed by a specialist bit maker to deliver fine incremental measurements and consistent mouthpiece profiling. Its technical precision outperforms simple tapes and budget gauges, while remaining more affordable and purpose-built than a full professional fitting kit like the PS of Sweden set, making it ideal for riders and fitters who need repeatable, accurate sizing without paying for a larger multi-tool system.

4.6
★★★★☆
  • Micro-adjust fit

  • Horse-happy design

  • Micro-adjust fit

  • Horse-happy design

Review Summary

90%

"Accurate, well made and easy to use; reviewers praise its consistency for fitting Neue Schule bits, with occasional notes about the premium price. Overall users find it a reliable tool for correct bit sizing."

  • Pocket-friendly gadget

  • Compact handheld sizer for quick mouthpiece width checks.

  • Pocket-friendly gadget

  • Compact handheld sizer for quick mouthpiece width checks.

Skill Development & Mastery

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

The Neue Schule Bit Sizer is positioned as a best-in-class tool for Bit Fit and Measurements because it was developed by a specialist bit maker to deliver fine incremental measurements and consistent mouthpiece profiling. Its technical precision outperforms simple tapes and budget gauges, while remaining more affordable and purpose-built than a full professional fitting kit like the PS of Sweden set, making it ideal for riders and fitters who need repeatable, accurate sizing without paying for a larger multi-tool system.

  • Micro-adjust fit

  • Horse-happy design

  • Pocket-friendly gadget

  • Compact handheld sizer for quick mouthpiece width checks.

  • Calibrated markings give reliable millimetre-level measurements.

  • Micro-adjust fit

  • Horse-happy design

  • Pocket-friendly gadget

  • Compact handheld sizer for quick mouthpiece width checks.

  • Calibrated markings give reliable millimetre-level measurements.

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$20-40 CAD

2
BEST BUDGET GAUGE

Trust Equestrian Bit Measuring Tool

Trust Equestrian Bit Measuring Tool

Trust Equestrian's measuring tool is a market-friendly choice for Bit Fit and Measurements, offering an easy-to-use, low-cost option that covers the majority of everyday sizing needs. Though it sacrifices some of the fine incremental resolution found in specialist gauges like Neue Schule or Bombers, its accessibility and practicality make it a strong value option for amateur riders and barns that need reliable, frequent checks without the expense of a full professional kit.

4.2
★★★★☆
  • Quick-snap measuring

  • Traveler-ready size

  • Quick-snap measuring

  • Traveler-ready size

Review Summary

82%

"A budget-friendly and straightforward measuring tool that most users find practical for basic sizing, though some report less precision and occasional durability issues compared with premium gauges. Good value for casual or entry-level use."

  • Clinic-trusted accuracy

  • Simple, low-cost tool for measuring bit length and curvature.

  • Clinic-trusted accuracy

  • Simple, low-cost tool for measuring bit length and curvature.

Time-Saving Convenience

Skill Development & Mastery

Trust Equestrian's measuring tool is a market-friendly choice for Bit Fit and Measurements, offering an easy-to-use, low-cost option that covers the majority of everyday sizing needs. Though it sacrifices some of the fine incremental resolution found in specialist gauges like Neue Schule or Bombers, its accessibility and practicality make it a strong value option for amateur riders and barns that need reliable, frequent checks without the expense of a full professional kit.

  • Quick-snap measuring

  • Traveler-ready size

  • Clinic-trusted accuracy

  • Simple, low-cost tool for measuring bit length and curvature.

  • Easy-to-read markings designed for everyday tackroom use.

  • Quick-snap measuring

  • Traveler-ready size

  • Clinic-trusted accuracy

  • Simple, low-cost tool for measuring bit length and curvature.

  • Easy-to-read markings designed for everyday tackroom use.

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$15-30 CAD

3
BEST THICKNESS GAUGE

Bombers Bit Gauge

Bombers Bit Gauge

The Bombers Bit Gauge is favored for Bit Fit and Measurements by professional fitters who want a robust, quick-to-read instrument that handles different ring and mouthpiece geometries with confidence. Technically sturdier and often quicker to use in clinic settings than a fabric measuring tape, it sits between consumer-priced tools and premium fitting sets—offering durable construction and focused functionality at a mid-to-high price point relative to simpler options.

4.5
★★★★☆
  • Millimeter-perfect tool

  • Neon-visible meter

  • Millimeter-perfect tool

  • Neon-visible meter

Review Summary

89%

"Sturdy, user-friendly and gives repeatable measurements; reviewers appreciate the solid build and clear markings, while a few note it costs more than simple plastic options. Seen as a dependable mid-to-high-end gauge."

  • Rugged durability

  • Specialized gauge for accurately measuring bit thickness and rings.

  • Rugged durability

  • Specialized gauge for accurately measuring bit thickness and rings.

Time-Saving Convenience

Skill Development & Mastery

The Bombers Bit Gauge is favored for Bit Fit and Measurements by professional fitters who want a robust, quick-to-read instrument that handles different ring and mouthpiece geometries with confidence. Technically sturdier and often quicker to use in clinic settings than a fabric measuring tape, it sits between consumer-priced tools and premium fitting sets—offering durable construction and focused functionality at a mid-to-high price point relative to simpler options.

  • Millimeter-perfect tool

  • Neon-visible meter

  • Rugged durability

  • Specialized gauge for accurately measuring bit thickness and rings.

  • Provides clear readings to help match mouthpiece profile to horse fit.

  • Millimeter-perfect tool

  • Neon-visible meter

  • Rugged durability

  • Specialized gauge for accurately measuring bit thickness and rings.

  • Provides clear readings to help match mouthpiece profile to horse fit.

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$30-60 CAD

4
BEST COMPLETE FITTING SET

PS of Sweden Bit Fitting Set

PS of Sweden Bit Fitting Set

The PS of Sweden Bit Fitting Set is a premium, comprehensive solution for Bit Fit and Measurements, packaged for professional fitters and riders who require a complete range of spacers and measuring accessories. While it represents the higher-cost end of the market, it outperforms single-tool solutions (like tapes or single gauges) by combining diagnostics and adjustment components into one kit, reducing the need to buy multiple separate tools when conducting full fittings.

4.5
★★★★☆
  • Complete kit

  • Style-forward accuracy

  • Complete kit

  • Style-forward accuracy

Review Summary

88%

"Comprehensive and well-presented fitting set with helpful guides; users like the thoroughness and accuracy for fitting multiple bit types, though some feel it’s pricey if only used occasionally. Generally regarded as a professional-quality kit."

  • Leather-safe bits

  • Comprehensive kit including multiple gauges and fitting guides.

  • Leather-safe bits

  • Comprehensive kit including multiple gauges and fitting guides.

Skill Development & Mastery

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

The PS of Sweden Bit Fitting Set is a premium, comprehensive solution for Bit Fit and Measurements, packaged for professional fitters and riders who require a complete range of spacers and measuring accessories. While it represents the higher-cost end of the market, it outperforms single-tool solutions (like tapes or single gauges) by combining diagnostics and adjustment components into one kit, reducing the need to buy multiple separate tools when conducting full fittings.

  • Complete kit

  • Style-forward accuracy

  • Leather-safe bits

  • Comprehensive kit including multiple gauges and fitting guides.

  • Designed for professional bit fitting and precise mouthpiece assessment.

  • Complete kit

  • Style-forward accuracy

  • Leather-safe bits

  • Comprehensive kit including multiple gauges and fitting guides.

  • Designed for professional bit fitting and precise mouthpiece assessment.

Order Now

$100-180 CAD

5
BEST DURABLE MEASURING TAPE

Sprenger Bit Measuring Tape

Sprenger Bit Measuring Tape

The Sprenger Bit Measuring Tape is a trusted, durable option for Bit Fit and Measurements that emphasizes reliability and ease of use for quick verifications and sizing. It is generally more affordable than multi-piece fitting kits and less specialized than dedicated gauges, making it a practical everyday instrument: not as feature-rich as the PS of Sweden set or as purpose-engineered as the Neue Schule sizer, but exceptionally serviceable for routine checks and portability.

4.7
★★★★☆
  • Clinic-grade precision

  • Rustproof strip

  • Clinic-grade precision

  • Rustproof strip

Review Summary

91%

"Professional-grade tape that reviewers find highly precise and durable, favored by riders and saddlefitters for reliable measurements; a minority mention the higher price tag. Consistently rated for long-term performance."

  • Ergonomic grip

  • Flexible tape designed to measure bit length and curvature accurately.

  • Ergonomic grip

  • Flexible tape designed to measure bit length and curvature accurately.

Skill Development & Mastery

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

The Sprenger Bit Measuring Tape is a trusted, durable option for Bit Fit and Measurements that emphasizes reliability and ease of use for quick verifications and sizing. It is generally more affordable than multi-piece fitting kits and less specialized than dedicated gauges, making it a practical everyday instrument: not as feature-rich as the PS of Sweden set or as purpose-engineered as the Neue Schule sizer, but exceptionally serviceable for routine checks and portability.

  • Clinic-grade precision

  • Rustproof strip

  • Ergonomic grip

  • Flexible tape designed to measure bit length and curvature accurately.

  • Made from durable materials that resist stretching and wear.

  • Clinic-grade precision

  • Rustproof strip

  • Ergonomic grip

  • Flexible tape designed to measure bit length and curvature accurately.

  • Made from durable materials that resist stretching and wear.

Order Now

$25-60 CAD

What research and veterinary guidance say about proper bit fit

Scientific work in equine veterinary medicine and biomechanics supports the practical benefits of correct bit fitting: better pressure distribution, fewer oral lesions, improved responsiveness, and reductions in problem behaviors linked to pain or discomfort. Veterinary associations and equine welfare groups recommend regular checks and measured fitting rather than guesswork. Below are easy-to-understand research-backed takeaways and practical implications for riders and fitters.

Pressure distribution: Pressure-mapping and sensor studies show that poorly fitted bits concentrate force on small areas of the mouth, increasing risk of soft-tissue damage; properly sized mouthpieces spread forces more evenly and lower peak pressures.

Oral health correlation: Clinical reports in equine veterinary journals document a link between misfitted bits and common oral injuries (lip, tongue, commissure lesions). Routine measurement and inspection reduce incidence of these injuries.

Rein tension and behavior: Rein-tension research indicates that excessive or asymmetrical fit can increase evasive behaviors. Correct shank clearance and mouthpiece width improve communication clarity and reduce head-tossing, leaning, or resistance.

Curb chain mechanics: Biomechanical analyses explain how curb chain length and placement alter leverage and poll pressure. Measured, repeatable curb settings prevent sudden high-pressure spikes that can cause pain or loss of control.

Evidence-based fitting protocols: Veterinary guidance and welfare recommendations emphasize fit checks during rest, exercise, and after changes in weight or dentition. Using standardized tools increases repeatability and helps track changes over time.

In Canada in 2025 you can choose from several reliable measuring solutions to match your horse and discipline. The Neue Schule Bit Sizer gives precise mouthpiece width and repeatable fit markers; the Trust Equestrian Bit Measuring Tool balances affordability and accuracy; the Bombers Bit Gauge is rugged and quick for daily barn use; the PS of Sweden Bit Fitting Set adds a kit approach that many professionals like; and the Sprenger Bit Measuring Tape is simple and widely available. For most riders seeking the best combination of precision and repeatable results, the Neue Schule Bit Sizer stands out as the most complete option on this list. We hope you found the guidance and product options you were looking for — use the site search to refine by discipline, price, or certification, or expand to related topics like rein tension tools and oral health checks.

Discover More
  • Curb Bits
  • Curb Bit Shank Styles
  • Curb Bit Mouthpieces
  • Curb Chains and Straps
  • Curb Bit Materials and Finishes
  • Pelham Bits
  • Pelham Shank Lengths and Leverage
  • Pelham Mouthpieces
  • Pelham Converters and Rein Attachments
  • Pelham Materials and Coatings

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