Comments on: Mini Horse & Pony Tack Guide

By: Mary K

Mary K — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:37:04 +0000

A large pony or Cob size would probably work for a 14 hand pony. Just to be sure, measure your pony from the corner of his mouth, up the cheek, over the poll and down the opposite cheek to the opposite corner of his mouth. This gives your his Bit to Bit measurement and it will give you a clear idea of the size you will need.

By: Lara Leigh

Lara Leigh — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 01:40:06 +0000

Would a 14 hand pony be able to use a small horse bridle or would he need one sized for a large pony?

By: Kathy

Kathy — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 02:40:29 +0000

Where can I purchase your 10″ saddles?

By: Mini-Horse

Mini-Horse — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:02:00 +0000

Girth Measurements: There is a simple formula for measuring your horse for a western cinch-girth. Run a tape measure around the horse’s barrel where the girth sits, just behind his elbow and withers. Go completely around the body and pull the tape measure tight. This gives you your horse’s heart girth measurements in inches. Take the heart girth measurement, divide by 2 and then subtract 3. Girths/cinches are usually sold in 2 inch increments and even numbers. For example; 20″, 22″, 24″, 26″, etc. If the finial number you come up with is an odd number go down to the next even number for your girth size.

Bridle Measurements: I prefer to do an actual bit-to-bit tape measurement for bridles and avoid the terms mini, pony, Shetland size, except in the most general terms. Actual inch measurements are much more accurate. Measure your mini from the corner of his mouth, and run the tape measure up his cheek, behind his ears (over the poll) and down to the opposite mouth corner. You need to take into account the type of bit you use and consider the upper shank height for a curb bit or the ring size for a snaffle bit. The measure the bridle headstall from where the bit is attached, up the cheek piece, over the crown down to the opposite end where the bit is attached. Ideally the bridle you purchase should allow room for an inch or two in size adjustment.

By: Fernanda

Fernanda — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:08:29 +0000

I have a mini and I was wondering how I measure him to figure out the correct size of cinch that we need. I was also wondering how to measure for a bridle and a bit. I’m glad I stumbled across this site!

By: Mini-Horse

Mini-Horse — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 23:19:33 +0000

I would recommend a 10 inch western saddle. There are some 8 inch saddles, but they are really small and your daughter might not fit. If the 10″ is too large, she will grow into it quickly … kids grow so fast. A 31 inch mini can handle a 10 or 12″ western saddle without any problems. If you are looking for an English saddle, the measurements are slightly different. See the saddle seat chart posted on the website. Let me know if you have any other questions we can help you with.

By: Jada Wood

Jada Wood — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 22:12:11 +0000

I have a 2 yr old daughter and I want to get her a saddle for a 31″ miniture horse, but I don’t know what size to get.

By: Helene

Helene — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 22:33:47 +0000

Hi! Swedish Globus sport has a lot of bits down to 85 mm, or about 3,3 inches. http://www.globussport.se/
I also would recomend a bit with no joints, as they are not as important that they fit perfectly, since no joint can pinch the corner of the mouth on them. I use 95 mm, or about 3,75 inches om my horses, wich are norwegian fjords, 14 hands tall. Most horses in general is using too big bits, so Globus sport is great for us that wants the horses to have a size of the bit that actually fits! I get goosebumps when i see the joints of the bits coming out of the horses corner of mouth… Ouch!!! (if you have problems buying from Globus, let me know, maybe i can help!)

By: Mini-Horse

Mini-Horse — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:05:20 +0000

Hi Cathy – To be perfectly honest, I have never seen a bit smaller than the 3 1/2″ size. I just checked with some of my suppliers, and they don’t have anything smaller. My next thought is making or having made for you a hackamore or bitless bridle. A noseband that would apply pressure to the nose as opposed to a bit in the mouth. I don’t know of anyone who would or could make a metal bit. Another thought I have is taking a 3 1/2″ bit and add bit guards which would decrease the bit width. That is all I can think of that might work for you.

By: Cathy Wilson

Cathy Wilson — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:56:12 +0000

I have a very petite mini mare that I would like to train to pull a cart. I am having trouble finding a bit small enough to fit her. (3 1/2 is too big) What can I do?