Well, if your horse could talk, I’m sure they would say it’s the utmost priority to get it right.
Before I became a qualified professional bit fitter, I too was unaware of the many points to consider when choosing a bit, and would make my selection based solely on function of the bit, without any consideration of comfort for the horse, bridle fit, mouth conformation or rider style.
Many years ago I bought a horse who presented with multiple bitting issues, and even though I was an advanced rider, with a sound knowledge of bits, I look back now and realise I was guessing about most of my bit choices. I really didn’t know where to start!
Fast forward: Now as a qualified and very experienced bit fitter I know better. I now understand there are so many points to consider when selecting bits for horses.
In my consultations I don’t just put on five or maybe six bits to see what the horse likes and hope for the best, I select bits based on the following considerations:
- Rider requirement
- Bridle fit
- Comfort
- Mouth/head anatomy
- Dental issues
- Evasions
- Physical issues
- Breed of horse
- Training level
- Rider experience
- Discipline
- Physio/chiropractic reports
With all of these points and more in mind at every consultation, I select bits that can help to alleviate the most prominent issues, and assist you and your horse to move forward with confidence and clear communication.
This all round approach can help you to become more accustomed to noticing evasions or training issues and how to fix them, thus helping your horse to understand your aids and move forwards with your riding. This is why my bit fitting service is a little different to most bit fitters. My background in riding and training, along with biomechanics and rider balance can give insightful input to ensure you and your horse are understanding each other.
If you’d like to find out more, please pop us a message.
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Our bit fitting expert Angela covers Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Norfolk and surrounding areas. She also covers further afield for clinics, bitting talks, bitting demonstrations and rider training.
To find out more, please email us at info@equinebittingsolutions.co.uk
