Sprenger | Size Guides | Houghton Country
Herm. Sprenger Metallwarenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG in Iserlohn has been manufacturing metal goods in the equestrian, dog and boat sports industries for around 145 years.
Sprenger Horse Bits
Mouthpieces
Bit Cheeks
- Loose Ring & Fixed Ring
- Bit with the additional lever action on the poll
- Multi Ring Rein Options
- 3-Ring & Universal Rein Option
- Bits with additional lever action on the poll and lower jaw
Bit Materials
- Sensogan
- Other materials
The Sprenger Bit Range - Characteristics of each bit design
Sprenger Stirrups
- System 4
- Bow Balance
- Flexcite
Sprenger Spurs
- Spur Collections
- British Showjumping rules 2020
- British Dressage rules 2022
Horse Bits
Sprenger make a wide range of bits suitable for a variety of equestrian activities.
If you would like more information about Sprenger, would like a catalogue or to download a Sprenger bit measure check out the Sprenger website - > Catalogues & Brochures.
How do I find the right size of Sprenger bit for my horse?
As a European company, Sprenger bits are measured in millimetres rather than inches. Not all bits are made in all widths and thicknesses however in the most popular designs there are usually a wide range of widths and two thicknesses to chose from.
Generally speaking the more conventional the bit the more likely that it has to have the fringe sizes as an option eg loose ring snaffle, the more specialised bit is more likely it is only going to be available in 5" to 6" which are the more common sizes.
| HORSE BIT CONVERSION | |
| MM | INCHES |
| 90mm | 3 1/2" |
| 95mm | 3 3/4" |
| 100mm | 4" |
| 105mm | 4 1/8" |
| 110mm | 4 1/4" |
| 115mm | 4 1/2" |
| 120mm | 4 3/4" |
| 125mm | 5" |
| 130mm | 5 1/8" |
| 135mm | 5 1/4" |
| 140mm | 5 1/2" |
| 145mm | 5 3/4" |
| 150mm | 6" |
| 155mm | 6 1/4" |
| 160mm | 6 1/2" |
Sprenger also offers a wide range of thicknesses but much like the width these are not in every bit. The most common thicknesses are 14mm, 16mm and 18mm.
Thickness of the mouthpiece
The thickness of a bit should be adapted to the anatomical needs of your horse’s mouth.
A research of SPRENGER and the Veterinary University of Hanover found that the oral cavity of horses is fairly small and the available space for a bit can be very limited.
Find the right thickness for your horse’s bit by asking your horse dentist for advice and / or try the “2-finger-test“: Put your index and middle finger together and insert them in the horse’s mouth at the point where the bit usually lies.
Pressure on both fingers (small gap between the upper and lower jawbone) requires a thinner mouthpiece (14–16 mm).
Little or no pressure on fingers (larger gap) allows a thicker mouthpiece (16–18 mm).
Using a bit that is too thick can exert pressure on the sensitive palate and can also cause bruises and injuries. The horse might react with head tossing, opening its mouth or snatching on the reins.
Width / Size of the Mouthpiece
The width of bit your horse or pony requires may depend on the type of mouthpiece and rings used.
Loose Ring snaffles should not exceed 5 mm space between the corners of the mouth and the bit ring on each side. It should also not be too narrow since it must not pinch the corners of the mouth. The ring should always be able to move freely.
Fixed cheek bits such as Eggbutt, D-Ring, Full Cheek, Pelham or Weymouth bits should fit closely to both mouth corners and must therefore be chosen smaller than loose ring snaffles. Due to the contact of the sidepart to the corner of the mouth the rider achieves additional support from the rein aids.
Doubles - The double bridle consists of a Weymouth and a bradoon. The bradoon should equal the standard snaffle in size and shape because it lies at the same position in the horse’s mouth. The Weymouth is positioned a little bit lower where the horses head gets thinner. We recommend to choose the Weymouth 0,5 to 1 cm smaller than the bradoon in order to achieve the best possible effect and to make the horse feel comfortable.
Double Jointed Bits
Mullen Mouth Bits
Max Control Bits
Bit Cheeks
Multi Ring with action on the poll
Multi Ring Rein Options
3-Ring and Universal Rein Options
Bits with additional lever action on the poll and jaw
Bit Materials
Sensogan Metal
The Sprenger Bit Range - Characteristics of each major style
Which way should the arrow on the Sensogan bits go?
All Sensogan bits are marked with a black ring at the cheeks. For all Sprenger bits that are stamped with an arrow on one side of the mouthpiece: ensure the arrow is on the left hand side, pointing forwards. When using the Sprenger Shine Bright Edition, the arrow on the front left side of the mouthpiece should point downwards.
If the arrow is not in the correct position when specifically mentioned in a competitions rules such as British Dressage you will be eliminated.
How to I clean my Sprenger Bit?
Ideally, your bit should be cleaned after every use by rinsing it thoroughly with water to help prevent discolourations caused by oxidation and deposits on the surface of the mouthpiece due to saliva or food remains.
Bits made of the innovative materials Sensogan and Aurigan contain copper. Due to the natural oxidation process (which is needed to encourage the production of saliva) these bits may tarnish and lose their shiny finish after some time. The Sprenger Diamond Paste helps you to clean, maintain and put the sparkle back into tarnished Sensogan and Aurigan bits.
Diamond Paste is kind to the skin, non-toxic, non-acidic and it contains micro-fine polishing granules.
To prevent Eggbut or D-Ring bits from squeaking, which may occur from rubbing metal on metal, we recommend thoroughly cleaning, rinsing and oiling the movable side part e.g. with cooking oil from time to time ensuring that cooking oil is not on the mouthpiece.
Duo or Rubber bits and bits with rubber parts should also be rinsed thoroughly after riding and checked for scratches, sharp edges or teeth marks. Especially if your horse tends to chew on the bit you should check the surface regularly in order to prevent injuries of the tongue and palate.
When should I replace my bits?
Sprenger produces high-quality products with an above-average durability. However, it is necessary to regularly check your products for proper condition and function. You should replace a product as soon as it presents a safety or health risk for the horse or rider. In any case of doubt please contact your local dealer who will be happy to give you advice.
In general, bits are used for everyday riding for a time period of several years. Especially older and often used bits should be checked for sharp edges in the ring holes or the eyes of the joint. Sharp-edged or worn-out bits might cause injuries and should be replaced.
You should also replace a bit when it shows sharp edges on the mouthpiece or if there are any cracks or deformation, e.g. due to a fall.
Can Sprenger Bits be Repaired?
Bits made of Sensogan and Aurigan can be refurbished by grinding and polishing by Sprenger in Germany. Also, sharp-edged ring holes that can occur after years of use can be repaired by grinding. A prerequisite is, however, that the bit is – apart from that – in a completely harmless and fully usable condition.
Stirrups
System 4 Stirrups
Sprenger developed the System-4 stirrups in cooperation with inventor Erwin Meroth. The improved flexibility of these stirrups protects joints, ligaments and menisci without being unstable, making System-4 the epitome of comfortable and saddle-proof riding to this day. It enjoys the highest level of trust among leisure and professional riders.
Bow Balance Stirrups
Building on the System 4 technology, the Bow Balance stirrups move in four directions simultaneously to help with shock absorption. Gentle on ligaments and joints with an extra wide pad for perfect balance tread with two types of rubber hardness for a better grip. High breaking strength reduces the risk of the foot becoming trapped within.
Flexcite Stirrups
The next evolution in the development of Bow Balance Stirrup, Flexcite Stirrups has System 4 technology allowing four-direction movement and reducing stress on the joints. Bow form to allow the stirrups to lie in a more comfortable position. Hermetically sealed with water-protected stainless steel joint for added durability.
Spurs
Sprenger makes more than 100 different models of spur in various materials to suit individual requirements for women, men and children.
Sprenger spurs ensure gentle but precise communication between horse and rider.
Spur Collections
Sprenger makes a wide range of spurs and within their extensive catalogue, there are a number of spurs which share characteristics.
Sprenger Spurs (without a collection name in the title) are the most basic range that Sprenger offers. These are made in zinc die-cast neverrust stainless steel mechanically polished chrome plating.
Ultra fit Spurs are made in high-quality stainless steel. Elegantly designed to fit comfortably with a Balkenhol fastening, a unique strap loop with an outward flared centre bar allows the spur to pass the boot on the inside without pinching or slipping.
Ultra fit Slimline Spurs are made in high-quality stainless steel with a slimmer design to reduce bulk on your boots. Balkenhol fastening, a unique strap loop with an outward flared centre bar to allow the spur to pass the boot on the inside without pinching or slipping.
Ultra fit Extra Grip Spurs are made of high quality stainless steel with an additional covering with a durable soft rubber coating with help give an even better fit. These spurs also have a Balkenhol fastening to help reduce pinching or slipping.
Comfort Roller Spurs and made of high quality stainless steel with a thick, smooth, free moving brass rowel that gives more direct flack contact. These spurs can either have a horizontal or vertical rowel position. Balkenhol fastenings for a more comfortable and secure position.
BootProtector Spurs are made of high quality stainless steel with a rubber coating on the inside of the spurs to help protect the riding boots. Balkenhol fastenings for a comfortable and secure position.
German Silver Spurs are made in high quality German silver which give a secure feeling as they have a heavier weight than stainless steel. Popular among dressage riders.
Rowels
Before buying a set of spurs with a rowel please check the rules of any organisation that you plan to work or compete under as some rowels are banned, these are usually of a pointed design.
The majority of Sprenger spurs as standard do not have a rowel however a number of styles are available with a selection a rowels.
Not all rowels are available on every length or design of spur.
Competition Spur Rules
British Showjumping Rules 2020
SPURS - 101.9 1. Spurs of excessively severe design are not to be worn. Spurs must be of smooth material (metal or plastic). The end of the shank must be blunt and must point only towards the rear. Only one pair of spurs are to be worn, secured to the rider’s foot in the traditionally correct manner, with the curve of the neck of the spur directed downwards.
2. The overall length of the spur is not to exceed 4cm, measured from the back of the boot to the end of the spur, in its entirety.
3. Only Dummy, Rollerball, Impulse, Rowelled, hammerhead & Prince of Wales Spurs are allowed to be worn.
4. Rowelled spurs if worn, must have smooth rowels, with a diameter of no less than 1cm and no greater than 2cm, with a minimum width of 1.8mm. The rowels must sit in the vertical plane, horizontal rowels are not allowed.
5. Spurs with interchangeable/removable shanks, spurs with necks set on the inside of the heel, spurs with roughened or cutting edges, serrated spurs, with or without necks are not allowed.
6. In pony competitions, in precedence to the above, the overall length is not to exceed 2.5cm measured from the back of the riders boot. Rowelled spurs are forbidden in these competitions
7. The misuse of spurs is an offence under Rule 82.4, but riders must also take care that the manner in which they use their spurs does not offend the public contrary to Rule 82.1.
British Dressage Spur Rules 2024
Spurs may be worn at all levels. Spurs must be a pair (except when riding side saddle), made of inflexible metal (which may be coated) and used in their manufactured state. Spurs with a smooth rotating rubber, metal or plastic ball on the shank are permitted. The band round the heel must be smooth; ‘comb’ spurs are not permitted. Any shank on the back of the heel must point towards the rear and the end must be clearly horizontal to the ground or pointing downwards. Dummy spurs are permitted, as are correctly fitted swan neck spurs. There is no restriction on the type of shank and rowels that are permitted provided that they are free to rotate horizontally or vertically. Rowels with points must have rounded ends. Spurs at all levels for national competitions / championships are no longer mandatory from Advanced level and above. For FEI competitions (including domestic CDI/CPEDI) please refer to FEI rules. Spurs incorrectly worn will result in elimination. Excessive use of spurs is forbidden.
How do I clean and care for my Sprenger Spurs?
To clean your spurs, it is recommended to rinse them thoroughly with water and dry them afterwards.
If you use rowel spurs you should be aware that the rowel must be able to rotate freely. Please do not use spurs with tight rowels as they might cause injuries on your horse. In order to keep the rowel free you should regularly remove all kinds of dirt, for example, remains of sand and sweat or hairs, especially during the change of coat.
German Silver spurs are also made of solid and break-proof stainless metal. They are extremely long-lasting but might lose their shiny appearance after some time of use. By polishing the spurs with the Sprenger Diamond Paste you can bring the sparkle back on the surface and make them look brand new.
