Bit Right - Equine Bit Fitting

21/12/2024

I'm often asked if I carry bits to sell or have bits to try. The answer to the first is no I don't. I leave the sale of bits to retailers although I do my best to find retailers who have stock of the bit you and your horse have chosen!

The answer to the second question is HELL YES! I've a boot full of bits. All sizes, brands and styles. There's even some organisation with each box containing different bits.

Message me with any queries you have at all!

17/12/2024

***December '24/January '25 Schedule***

Another year draws to a close! Thank you all for an amazing year. I look forward to supporting my existing clients and meeting more of you in 2025. Have a safe and happy Festive Season.

All areas listed cover surrounding areas or places on the way to/from near Ballarat also. If an area's not listed contact me to see if I'm able to travel to you. I'm able to travel to most areas in Victoria with minimum numbers required if further away.

A fitting takes around an hour and is conducted one on one. For best result the horse is ridden but I'm also able to do standing fits and fittings for horses heading off to be started or currently not under saddle. A full written report is forwarded after your booking for your records.

Any questions, please just ask! I'm based in Gordon so am easily able to do areas nearby when dates may not be specifically listed for them. For bookings please message the page.

11/12/2024

Bit Right Equine and Fiona Dearing advise they have no further association with either the School of Equine Bitting, or Bit Bank Australia Pty Ltd. I wish both organisations all the best for the future.

Bit Right Equine will continue to provide all my current and future amazing clients the best independent service available for all things bitting related. As always, message with any queries you may have.

13/11/2024

I'll be at Equitana helping out my good friends at BlackHorse Naturals. Please head to stand 532 for your bitting queries. I'll have a small range on hand so I can talk all things bitting with you. If you'd like a specific time then shoot me a message and we can book a time.
Looking forward to seeing you all!

New and shiny! ✨

You may have noticed the new Black Horse Naturals range, the new branding and the new products filtering through stores across Australia over the past few months, and if you haven’t, then pop by stand 532 at Equitana!

Chelsea, Steve and Fiona will be onsite to chat about all things pasture related, equine gut health, Trade specials and more.
We are all looking forward to meeting you!

Equitana, Melbourne Showgrounds
Site 532, Off The Track Pavilion
www.blackhorsenaturals.com.au

05/11/2024

CHALLENGE YOURSELF!

Why do you hold the beliefs and opinions you hold about horses? We all have our own beliefs on training, on gear, on nutrition, on farriery, you get the idea. WHY do we hold those beliefs and how often do we question them? Do you do something because that’s how you’ve always done it or do you regularly question if that belief is still serving you and your horses or is there new information, new research, new products.

We MUST continue to learn. We can learn from those who know more than us, we can most certainly learn from those we believe may know less than us, we can learn from other disciplines. Most of all, we can learn from our horses. Their behaviours give us such valuable information. They can’t lie. If they’re uncomfortable in the mouth there are signs. Their tongue may be active, their mouth may be open, your aids may not be as effective as you’d like. Please…listen to this. Challenge your own riding and training. Look at your equipment, its suitability, its fit. Adding another piece of equipment to mask this increases pressures, increases discomfort and ultimately denies the horse his opinion.

The misinformation I regularly see shared as FACT in regards to bitting is staggering. The amount of information I still don’t know about bitting is probably equally staggering. The difference is I continue to learn, I read peer reviewed journals, I challenge my own knowledge with further learning. I learn something from every horse I bit fit. We are all doing the best we can with the knowledge we have. We all have the opportunity to change our minds, do things differently and accept new ideas. How we do this is up to us.

27/10/2024

Bit Fittings available on the Mornington Peninsula Friday 8 and Saturday 9 and Friday 22 and Saturday 23 of November.

I cover all of the Peninsula and on the Friday can come down Pakenham/Cranbourne way if needed.

A fitting takes around an hour, is best performed ridden and I'm able to travel to you.
Please message with your preferred date, your location and any time restrictions you have.

Scheduling is the most challenging part of this so help me to help you with giving me as many details in one message as you can.
I'll then be able to organise my bookings to be as travel time efficient as possible.
Of course, any queries, just ask!

27/10/2024

***NOVEMBER 2024 bit fitting dates now available***
It's spring! Horses are coming back into work. Let's make sure they're bitted correctly as well as ticking off things like saddle fit, body work etc.

All areas listed cover surrounding areas or places on the way to/from near Ballarat also. If an area's not listed contact me to see if I'm able to travel to you. I'm able to travel to most areas in Victoria with minimum numbers required if further away.
A fitting takes around an hour and is conducted one on one. For best result the horse is ridden but I'm also able to do standing fits and fittings for horses heading off to be started or currently not under saddle. A full written report is forwarded after your booking for your records.

I've Fri/Sat dates for Bendigo and the Mornington Peninsula this month. Please note these dates will all require minimum numbers to go ahead.

Any questions, please just ask! I'm based in Gordon so am easily able to do areas nearby when dates may not be specifically listed for them. For bookings please message the page.

24/10/2024

Rant warning!!

As a bit fitter I strive every day to ensure I correctly fit horses and impart some additional knowledge around bitting to their owners. I aim to bit the horse and rider comfortably and effectively for the discipline and level they're at as a combination, this includes moving some combinations into a bitless option also.

I hear a lot in my travels out and about also. Horses started in draw reins, horses ridden in combinations of gear at 'professional stables' that'd make your hair curl etc. Horses not being listened to when they're clearly displaying oral discomfort. I'm one person but you'd better believe it when I say I'm doing my best out there.

Those that know me know I rarely stick my head above the parapet and let fly with something on socials, I really do prefer a quiet life! Then something like this pops up in my news feed and it takes me a moment to actually work it out. I've sat on this for a few days but being sent a TikTok 'unboxing' of it this morning nearly sent me over the edge.

I appreciate there may be the odd horse out there who genuinely needs bar protection through injury etc this product could assist with. For the record, I see very few bar injuries in my work.

Otherwise, the only conclusion I can draw is this is yet another product to mask a horses discomfort. To mask a riders lack of skill. To mask a riders lack of care. To mask a riders ambition being put in front of a horses comfort and wellbeing.

I'm seriously angry. If a horse 'needs' this, the horse also needs its current equipment and training assessed. Except the poor horse doesn't have a voice - that's our job.

I give to you...the Protec 'Revolution'.

STEMP SRL

10/10/2024

Planning trips where I’m travelling long distances takes a whole lot of time and has additional costs in terms of fuel and sometimes accommodation. Of course, that’s all part of my job, but that’s kind of the point, it’s my job, it’s my income. I work really hard to run this business as professionally as possible. I respond promptly to messages and I value your time as well as mine and schedule my travel to ensure I arrive on time.

Please carefully check your own calendars before contacting me. For trips when I’m travelling more than a few hours from home I often wait to schedule until I’ve a fair idea where people are based when I'm covering a large area. This helps me to group people in areas and work as efficiently as possible, often when covering 200km or so in a day before travelling home. Starting that process to then find out people are away on holidays, competitions etc. is frustrating. I understand injuries and other unexpected 'life' moments pop up, again, that’s all part of the job.

Scheduling is hands down the most challenging, and time consuming, part of what I do. Please, help me to help you.

07/10/2024

I love fitting ponies and we're fortunate there are now many more options for little mouths. My Pony Club Australia article for this month.

𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗕𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗦: 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

Our ponies deserve the best care, and that starts with understanding their unique needs—especially when it comes to bitting. For years, ponies have had limited options, often relying on the same types of bits designed for larger horses. But times have changed, and so have the choices available to make sure your pony is comfortable, happy, and performing at its best.

In this guest article from Fiona Dearing, accredited bit fitter of Bit Right - Equine Bit Fitting, we explore how modern bits are crafted to fit the unique size and shape of pony mouths. From the evolution of traditional designs to the latest advancements, Fiona explains how a well-fitted bit can make all the difference in your pony’s comfort and responsiveness..

Read more to learn Fiona’s expert tips on choosing the best bit for your pony and improving their overall experience > https://bit.ly/3ZGRTOo

04/10/2024

Bit Fittings available in Gippsland (as far as Traralgon) Friday 18 and Saturday 19 October.
A fitting takes around an hour, is best performed ridden and I'm able to travel to you.

Please message with your preferred date, your location and any time restrictions you have.

Scheduling is the most challenging part of this so help me to help you with giving me as many details in one message as you can.
I'll then be able to organise my bookings to be as travel time efficient as possible.

Please note I've minimum bookings to justify travel.
Of course, any queries, just ask!

04/10/2024

Bit Fittings available on the Mornington Peninsula Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October.
A fitting takes around an hour, is best performed ridden and I'm able to travel to you.
Please message with your preferred date, your location and any time restrictions you have.
Scheduling is the most challenging part of this so help me to help you with giving me as many details in one message as you can.
I'll then be able to organise my bookings to be as travel time efficient as possible.
Of course, any queries, just ask!

30/09/2024

***OCTOBER 2024 bit fitting dates now available***

It's spring! Horses are coming back into work. Let's make sure they're bitted correctly as well as ticking off things like saddle fit, body work etc.

All areas listed cover surrounding areas or places on the way to/from near Ballarat also. If an area's not listed contact me to see if I'm able to travel to you. I'm able to travel to most areas in Victoria with minimum numbers required if further away.

A fitting takes around an hour and is conducted one on one. For best result the horse is ridden but I'm also able to do standing fits and fittings for horses heading off to be started or currently not under saddle. A full written report is forwarded after your booking for your records.

I've some Fri/Sat dates for Mornington Peninsula, Gippsland and Yarrawanga/Albury this month. Please note these dates will all require minimum numbers to go ahead.

Any questions, please just ask! I'm based in Gordon so am easily able to do areas nearby when dates may not be specifically listed for them. For bookings please message the page.

18/09/2024

I'm heading up to sunny Stanhope Wednesday October 2 to run some fittings. Reach out if you've any queries.

09/09/2024

I love helping our TB friends feel more comfortable in their bitting! A little article I wrote for Pony Club Australia.

🐎 BITTING THE OFF-THE-TRACK THOROUGHBRED 🐎

Choosing an off the track thoroughbred (OTT) as your first large horse can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One crucial aspect of transitioning these horses to their new role as a Pony Club mount is finding the right bit.

In our latest blog, Fiona Dearing from Bit Right - Equine Bit Fitting shares her expert advice on selecting and fitting bits for OTT thoroughbreds to ensure their comfort and performance.

Read the blog 👉 https://bit.ly/4dZ36hm

📸Molly Lines and her super OTT, Tadpole, from Mansfield Pony Club

05/09/2024

Any of my bit fitting colleagues make sure you tune into this! Emma Loftus Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy for Horses and Humans is fantastic. I've had the opportunity to go to one of her presentations and learned so much.

****Webinar - September 9 at 8pm AEST****

Our September webinar sees us welcome Emma Loftus. We’re super excited to learn from Emma who’s a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist for both horses and humans! You won’t want to miss this one, Emma’s a super presenter and an incredible source of knowledge.

This webinar will cover osteopathy in relation to cranial bone motion and how this relates to considering both bridles and bits. We can never learn enough about anatomy and Emma will cover equine head anatomy, the role of the tongue in relation to the balance throughout the body and much more.

This webinar is for our members only and will be available on replay for those unable to attend. If you’re an equine bit or bridle professional and would like to join us for this webinar as well as our hub of resources on all things bitting send us a message!

Emma Loftus Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy for Horses and Humans

04/09/2024

I am not here to fix your training gap!

I’m often contacted by clients who want ‘more’ in terms of bitting for their horse. This may be more brakes, more lift, more roundness etc. The thing is I could provide this service except I can’t… At a moral and ethical level I simply can’t bit up a horse to sticky-tape over what is usually a training gap.

What bitting CAN do:
Provide a correctly fitted and comfortable communication device for both horse and rider that is appropriate for their education level.

What bitting CANNOT do:
Replace training. Sure, you’re going to have a better line of communication with a correct bit, however that bit should never be chosen to help you get somewhere faster or to skip steps in your training.

Of course you can bit a horse up to skip those steps, I see it done all the time. The thing is that the stronger bit is acting as a band-aid for a bigger problem and that problem is going to come back and bite you at some point. A stronger piece of equipment will work for, well….as long as it works. The issue is, the training gap remains. The resistance, confusion and tension in the horse remains. This puts you, and your horse at very high risk of being injured and losing confidence, particularly when we’re looking at fast work like jumping. These conversations with clients and sometimes their parents, coaches or peers are challenging to have and I’m unlikely to gain friends from it.

I’m always saying bitting is holistic. If I tell you I can ‘fix’ your horse with a bit change I’m telling you a big fat lie. Any horse’s progress is a sum of many parts of horse husbandry but training is the most important of them all. Without taking the time it takes to give a horse a foundation in the basics anything built on those basics becomes pretty shaky. Training takes time. Building neural pathways takes time. Building correct musculature to perform in your chosen sport takes time. Take the time to help your horse have a long, sound and enjoyable ridden career.

A bitting consult will ensure your horse is bitted correctly in style and size so your communication is effective and your horse is comfortable. Every rider should feel safe on their horse and often a change in bitting to something more appropriate for the combination gives you a much better feel. You’d be surprised how often I fit a bit with lighter pressures in the mouth and get much better results.

**Just a note on these photos. Any comments about the horses frame/rider position etc will be removed. These images have been taken from a video of a fitting and the client has kindly allowed them to be used for showing a moment in time on a spicy pony. I’m grateful she’s allowed this, I’m well aware of how hard it is to put yourself out there.

04/09/2024

I'm heading North later in the month, shoot me a message if you're interested :)

We are lucky enough to have the amazing Fiona Dearing from Bit Right - Equine Bit Fitting and the School of Equine Bitting coming to the Wangaratta, Yarrawonga and surrounding areas.

For those that dont know Fiona, she brings a wealth of experience in fittings, educating fitters and riders and advising associations such as Pony Club Victoria on their bitting rules.

What's better than one Bit Fitters set of eyes - 2 sets of eyes on your horse!!

Ill be doing some professional development, so whilst your fitting will be with Fiona, you'll have the added bonus of us being able to bounce ideas off of each other to get the best bit for your horse.

Currently were looking at the 21st/22nd of September. If you would be interested in this opportunity, please send me a message and ill put you on the list.