Bit and Bridle Fitting

Bridle and Bit fitting should be something that happens to every horse, regardless of your level of riding, your riding ability or the ability of the horse, it’s a welfare issue that needs to be addressed. 

Horses, and humans for that matter, have very little fat and muscle covering the skull. Because of this any small discrepancy in bridle fit can be felt 10 fold by the horse, I describe it to riders as the same sensation as rinding in a hat that’s too small or not the right shape for your head. Anyone who has experienced this will tell you how excruciating it can be and it’s the same for your horse. Bitting is no different. There are over 3 million nerve endings in the horses mouth. These will pick up the slightest discomfort of pinching, poking or teeth clattering that’s happening as you ride. Think about an ulcer or something stuck in your tooth in your own mouth, feels massive doesn’t it. Now think about popping a bit in there and having a tiny shape edge rubbing your tongue, the joint poking the roof of your mouth or the cannons pinching your lips onto bone. It’s all you’d be able to think about.

Because of this you’ll find your horse will hear your command, react better, relax more and perform better when the bit and bridle fit well.