Horse Chestnut Bespoke Bridles and Bits

23/05/2022

🐴 Latest update from Horse Chestnut 🐴

I wanted to start by saying thank you for visiting Horse Chestnut, and for your support.

Unfortunately as of May 2022 I am unable to accept any new clients as my client list is full. Due to my busy schedule & wanting to focus on existing clients and my interest in ethical training of horses, I have also decided to close my online shop for the foreseeable future.

Thank you so much for your understanding ❤️

Happy riding all!

Jo X

25/02/2022

04/02/2022

A really interesting read from about the use of rope halters 🐎

Would love to hear thoughts and experiences ❤️

31/01/2022

"Bridle fit is often overlooked despite the huge influence it can have on our horses’ performance and welfare.

The bridle sits over muscle, nerves and blood vessels, and the horse’s teeth, so poorly fitting bridles can have adverse affects and even alter gait."

A really useful read, with research from equine vet and researcher, Dr Rachel Murray 👇

https://bit.ly/3t9bdUf

Dr Rachel Murray offers expert insight into why bridle fit matters and how we can optimise comfort.

31/01/2022

"Cues are signals that tell us some ‘thing’ is going to happen.
Cues can predict things that are good or bad & understanding cues is important for carers of horses. As humans, we might not observe cues that are highly visible to a horse or we may misinterpret them. But confused horses become fearful and will be unable to learn.
Teaching and learning mutually understood cues in a calm situation is ideal."

It's so important to develop this communication between horse & rider and this is a great read from Trudi Dempsey at Equine Training. During the next month, I'll have lots more helpful tips and advice coming up from Trudi so please do keep an eye on the page ❤️

https://www.equine.training/equine-training/looking-for-cues/

Cues are signals that tell us some ‘thing’ is going to happen and predict things that are good or bad. Understanding them is critical.

25/01/2022

Are you looking for a new bridle for your horse? 🐴 Our bridles are available to buy directly on the website - no need to book a fitting consultation if you are ready for a new bridle!

💖Beautiful leather
💖Soft padding
💖Range of colours
💖Ultimate comfort for your horse & a great riding experience

Explore our shop today 👇
http://www.horsechestnutbridles.com/shop/

19/01/2022

This time of year there can be limited turnout for your horses - here's some great tips from Haygain UK 👇
https://bit.ly/3JF3vab

Any tips to add? Pop them in the comments below, we would love to hear them ❤️

Our handy tips to make the winter a little easier for both you and your horse

14/01/2022

Let horses be horses. This looks at the necessity to fulfill our horses natural needs whatever level they are competing at. A fantastic read 🐎🐎

Domestication is relatively new to horses, which is why two Italian researchers are urging competitive riders to allow their horses to engage in natural behaviors.

13/01/2022

Booking a fitting consultation? I currently cover the following areas:

SN1, SN3, SN4, SN8, SN9, SN10, SN11, SP1, SP4, SP9, SP10, SP11
RG14, RG17, RG20

Fitting consultations are £75 + mileage fees. I will always confirm the full cost before your appointment 😊

Look forward to meeting you!

Jo X

11/01/2022

Hello everyone! I'm so excited to see this page growing and wanted to say a big 2022 hello and thank you to all page followers - old & new.

I'm Jo - a passionate and horse mad bit fitting consultant. Horses have always been a huge part of my life and I've been working as a professional equine practitioner for over 10 years, training in the UK and The Netherlands.

No two horses are the same and there is so much to understand about them - that's what makes my work so fascinating! For years we have understood the importance of a correctly fitted saddle, but now we also know how important bridle fitting is. And that's where I come in 😊❤️

When I’m not researching horse anatomy, you can find me with my horses or squeezed up on the sofa with my 3 dogs!

I look forward to meeting more of you in 2022 and thank you again for your support 🙏

Jo X

08/01/2022

Any New Year's resolutions out there?

These made us smile 😃😃
https://bit.ly/3eJR8ve

Here are a few resolutions that you might find trickier to keep than you think…

07/01/2022

Just adorable ❤

03/01/2022

Small changes can make a BIG difference 💖

Thank you Caroline for taking the time to leave this feedback!

31/12/2021

Do you want your horse to be a unicorn? 🦄 Really worth reading these wise words by Trudi

Over a quiet Christmas break I caught up with several favourite podcasts and one really resonated with me, "Unicorns are Fake" by Sarah Stremming at Cog Dog Radio (worth checking out, it's dogs but the techniques and considerations are the same).

I remember searching for my unicorn. Changing horses to find 'the' one that would be my perfect horse. The go anywhere, do anything paragon of virtue. I'm not proud that I was searching for a mythical creature. I am proud that I learned better and have done better.
At this time of year my inbox gets busy. I used to try and take January off to recharge my batteries but strangely it has become one of my busiest months. Maybe it's the winter blues, wading through mud, not enough daylight to do anything but the minimum and wondering what it's all about. Perhaps it's the 'monster' your horse turns into over winter because of limited turn out and raging storms. Just like your horse's behaviour it is a process of trigger stacking. Between November and January those little knock backs add up to a big bang and...winter is only just getting going!
If I could go back and tell young me something it would be that unicorns in horse form are real. You know I'm going to say BUT...your unicorn is your responsibility. You create the partnership, the best environment and a safe place for your unicorn to flourish.

It's us who must change.

Us who need to understand that forcing a horse into a unicorn shaped hole is never going to be good for either of us.

Us who need to lower our expectations and take the strain.

Old me might not have listened but I hope she would have. I hope, if this resonates with you, that you will listen to your horse and create your own special unicorn.

To add some positivity as we head into 2022 drop a photo or word in the comments of you and your unicorn 🦄 (be they equine, canine, feline or other species) tell me how you turned it around.

29/12/2021

Thinking about booking a bridle & bit fitting consultation for next year? Perhaps you have noticed some of the following?

🐴Does your horse evade the bridle when you tack up?
🐴Does your horse evade the bit by trying to draw their tongue back or put its tongue over the bit?
🐴Tilting their head when you take up rein contact?
🐴Is your horse heavy in your hand?
🐴Inconsistent contact?
🐴Snatching the reins?

You can head over to the website to join the 2022 waiting list. Look forward to meeting more of you in the New Year! ❤️

Join the waiting list 👉 https://bit.ly/30cIder

25/12/2021

🎅🎄Merry Christmas from Horse Chestnut🎄🎅

19/12/2021

Is your horse at the top of your Christmas list? 🎁🎅🏻
Here's a few fun ideas for you!
https://bit.ly/3DC9B6W