I’m so excited to add bit fitting services to my business!
The science behind bits has been evolving and now there is so much selection of bits, it can be overwhelming and hard to know what is the right bit, additionally, they are costly!
A bit fitting session enables you to try a few different bits based on your horse’s anatomy and preferences.
Why use a bit fitter?
There are a range of reasons why you might want to use a bit fitter, including:
- Your horse doesn’t seem happy in it’s current bit. It is showing behaviour such as head tossing, chewing and chomping, hard to steer, hard to stop, hard to direct, moving away from the contact, pulling on the bit etc.
- You have a new horse and want to try bits for it to set up for success.
- You have a young horse and want to start it in the right bit.
Do I have to ride?
There are two ways of doing a bit fit session: non-ridden and ridden. Non-ridden is suitable for horses that, for whatever reason, are not going under saddle. These sessions will include:
- A discussion on the horse’s history, any issues you are aware of, proposed plans for the horse etc.
- Assessment of the horse’s body and oral anatomy.
- Assessment of current bridle fit, or measure for a new bridle.
- If appropriate we will put some bits in the horse’s mouth and look at responses and fit.
A ridden bit fit will include:
- A discussion on the horse’s history, any issues you are aware of, proposed plans for the horse etc.
- Assessment of the horse’s body and oral anatomy.
- Assessment of current bridle fit, or measure for a new bridle.
- Review of current bit, including fit and problems you are facing.
- Riding in a few different bits to determine the best fit for you and your horse.
What does a bit fit involve:
- We will start on the ground so please ensure your bring a halter, your current bit(s) and have a suitable space for riding.
- Ideally your horse is not saddled and bridled when I arrive so I can see it being saddled/bridled.
- We will discuss the horse’s history, what problems you might be having, what your goals are with the horse.
- I will look over the horse’s body as well as it’s mouth. I will discuss what I see with you.
- I will look over your gear and current bit/bridle.
- I will watch you ride the horse in it’s current bit.
- Based on all this information we will try a few bits to see the horse’s response. You will get to ride in the bits as well.
- We will then discuss how we move forward based on the findings.
What is the cost?
Please get in touch to discuss cost, or fill in the Bit Fitting Form and I’ll get in touch with you.
How do I book in?
Firstly, please read my my Policies.
Secondly, please fill in this form: Bit Fitting Form
Once I receive the form, I’ll get in touch to organise a time.
Simple!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this bit EA legal?
- While I do try to keep on-top of the rules, they do change frequently and it is your responsibility to check if the bit is legal or not. For me, my main aim is ethical bit and bridle fitting, so EA and FEI rules are not my main focus.
- Do I have to ride my horse during a fitting?
- It does help but we can work around it. I do recommend you find some groundwork exercises to practice so when try different bits you have some thing to compare the response with. I can point you in the direction of exercises if needed.
- Do you sell me the bit?
- At this stage no, I can help you source the bit but I don’t currently have stock to sell. This may change in the future.
- Do you have all bits in your bit fit kit?
- There are thousands of bits out there so no, unfortunately I can’t include them all. I’ve got a pretty good collection of different bits and brands. I try to keep the bit fit kit updated with new bits when I can.
- What can I do to help my horse prepare for a bit fitting session?
- The session involves changing the bit a number of times and for the rider to mount and dismount multiple times. Some horses find this difficult as they are used to a routine of being ridden, then when the rider dismounts/the bridle is removed, the horse thinks the ride is over. You can help by ensuring your horse is comfortable to be bridled and have the bridle removed multiple times, along with mounting/dismounting numerous times in a lesson.
- Do I have to walk/trot/canter?
- Whatever you feel comfortable doing. If you only feel comfortable walking, that’s fine. This is not about making you uncomfortable or pushing your limits.