Bit and bridle fit can have a huge impact on your horse's way of going; affecting his alignment, range of motion, proprioception and overall welfare.  Choosing the right bit can be a stressful situation with many a trial and error costing you time and money. 

Trained by Gill Batt from Horse Bit Advice, one of the UK's first independent bit fitters, means that I am not tied to one particular brand or type.  I have been trained to fit the styles of bit.  However, I do not fit single joint bits, instead I prefer to fit the bits with no "nutcracker" action, think lozenges and rollers.  Using an independent bit fitter like myself means you get to try a selection of bits from various manufacturers until we find the right one for you and your horse and all in one or two sessions! 

During your consultation, your horse will receive a static and dynamic assessment, facial palpation and an investigatory palpation where I am seeing issues through the body.  Your existing bridle and bit will be assessed for fit and, while riding, any evasions will be noted. 

I will then work with you so you can try various bits to help make your horse more comfortable.  Don't worry, I am not there to assess your riding, just your horse!

You will get a report with assessment findings, diagrams showing any tension and a link to the bit your horse has selected and... the best bit?  The reporting software is the same as the massage treatment software so all your horse's information can be stored in one easy to access report! 

Since starting my journey as a bit and bridle fitter, I have witnessed horses' changing their way of going in the appointment.  High headed and bracy horses becoming softer and trying to work long and low, horses with stiffness through the hind starting to show the occasional steps of tracking up. 

However, establishing the change to a new bit can be a gradual process as you and your horse adjust to this new way of working.  I will leave you with some follow up exercises to do with your new bit and a recommended action plan if there are a lot of issues to iron out.