The Northern Bitting Company Ltd

11/11/2022

Due to a rearranged clinic we have space available on Tuesday 22nd November for either a clinic or individual sessions, please PM to book 😊

05/10/2022

Our lovely sponsored rider and her gorgeous horse are getting famous!

Australian Lipizzaner enthusiasts are leading the world with a global database for the famous breed and attracting international entrants for the first Lipizzaner Global High Point competition.

01/10/2022

Some fabulous second hand (good quality bits) available at Nose To Tail based at Northallerton Equestrian Centre

02/08/2022

Fab article 🙌

This study showed that oral dimensions vary by age, s*x and breed in adult horses and ponies. Horses commonly had bits that did not fit in terms of the bit size in relation to oral dimensions. Horses have on average room for a 14 mm thick bit without causing compression of the tongue. Measuring oral dimensions as part of routine dental examination aids in choosing a bit mouthpiece size that fits in order to avoid discomfort. It is recommended to check bit fit regularly as the horse ages.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.879048/full?fbclid=IwAR3Jk4RjT_Hvt-qRaborjJaEGKKZGqrGmr7y3hSAnqRZyCd8sSbgOqd214w

A bit that fits is essential for horse welfare and good communication with the ridden, driven or led horses. The bit causes pressure on the sensitive structures of the horse mouth. The aim of this study was to investigate variation in oral dimensions related to bit fit in adult horses and ponies and...

30/07/2022

The mouth is directly linked to the hind legs - the reason why you shouldn’t catch your horse in the mouth when you go over a fence, it drops the back legs into the fence. And if you want to experience true collection - ain’t no pulling gonna make it happen - ever. 😋

30/07/2022

Fantastic link to bitting and bridle changes up coming - if the FEI do it, everyone else follows suit usually 👍🏼😬

https://www.facebook.com/113393104702124/posts/144326461608788/

*IMPORTANT CHANGES TO FEI DRESSAGE LEGAL BITS AS OF 19th July 2022*
British Dressage will be updating their permitted bit rules in due course.
Major changes made by the FEI to previously allowed British Dressage legal bits:

NOT ALLOWED GOING FORWARDS:

FLAT PLATE bits such as the Fager Carl, Bombers control Plate have been disallowed. (Currently on approved list by British Dressage)
The French link is currently allowed. (However, I predict this may change in the future)
FEI - “Bits with control plate as centre piece are not allowed. The centre link must have rounded edges and be shaped so it is not a plate”

HANGING CHEEK - With rotating arms/mouthpieces. (DC Morgan type)
(Currently on approved list by British Dressage.)
FEI: “The hanging cheek with rotating arm is not allowed as the cheek piece is different from the standard cheek piece. The rules do not allow for rotating mouthpieces”

CABLE JOINTED bits. (Bombers Cable Snaffle type)
(Currently on approved list by British Dressage.)
FEI: “Any single or double jointed cable bits are not allowed as they are not listed in the Rules of either Dressage or Para Dressage”

CURB BITS.
Neue Schule Turtle tilt. (Currently on approved list by British Dressage)
FEI: “Bits permitted if the maximum height is 30m from the lower part of the side of the tongue to the highest point of the deviation and must have a minimum width of 30mm. The height difference should not be downwards”
Forward tilt is allowed.

ROTATING type Weymouth. Revolver/swivel cheeks type bits
(Currently on approved list by British Dressage)
FEI: “Curbs with arms rotating around the mouthpiece are not allowed as the rotation allows the mouthpiece to rotate fully in the horses mouth which is not allowed for in the rules. The rules do not allow for rotating mouthpieces”
However, sliding cheek (up and down) styles are allowed.

No jointed/rotating mouthpieces on a curb. Where the rotation comes from the centre of the mouthpiece.
Such as Myler type Weymouth
FEI: “The rules do not allow for a jointed curb or a curb with rotation in the mouthpiece”.

Going forwards, I predict there will be more changes afoot, perhaps for next year or 2024. Especially in regard to the French link and bits that place focused pressure on the tongue. The recent amendment by the FEI to their approved bits list is a positive step forward in recognising horses welfare in competition. Photos from the FEI Dressage and FEI Para Dressage Guidelines for Use of Tack, Equipment and Dress amendment as of 19th July 2022.

29/07/2022

Having a fabulous time watching top horse and rider combinations with our stand at

01/04/2022

Interesting read, bitless isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be 🙂 I read another study that observed the same lesions in the mouth caused by over-tight nose bands being present after bitless bridle use as well ☺️

Vikki Fowler, a British Veterinary equine dentist, pointed out a fascinating paper on the pressures exerted by bitless bridles compared to a cavesson noseband. "I am neither pro nor against bitless. Both bitted and bitless have the potential to cause damage in the wrong hands, and both can be gentle...

26/01/2022

Wow! Have a look at this 😳😱 ever seen anything like it? Me neither 🤣

Good morning everyone! While we are not an equine hospital, this case is just too wild not to share. 🤯

This particular patient was the Idaho Equine Hospital's Case of the Day!

A 2 year old Quarter Horse gelding came in for an exam as the owner noticed a firm swelling on the lower jaw. The gelding was having no problems eating and no signs of pain to the touch. An exam showed no drainage with a normal oral exam. Radiographs then revealed what looked to be numerous disorganized tooth roots….

Next step surgery: Under general anesthesia the bone on the lower jaw was removed to expose a large cavity with numerous (𝟐𝟖𝟖 to be exact) unattached tooth roots. Most of these were able to be removed by flushing the cavity with saline, though some required the use of instruments to remove from the surrounding bone. No involvement of the oral cavity was noted. The cavity was left open to heal on its own with daily flushing. The horse was rechecked several weeks later and the area was healing well. He was expected to have a full recovery.

The diagnosis was a 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚, 𝐚 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧 that is rare but can occur in young horses.

TWO HUNDRED & EIGHTY-EIGHT TEETH were removed from ONE HORSE! 😳That has to be a record.

Come back next week for something new and exciting!!

*xMyVet

30/12/2021

CENTAUR BIOMECHANICS - BLOG SERIES

FLY VEILS > EQUINE COMFORT AND PERFORMANCE.

During ridden exercise, an equine fly veil (from here on referred to as a bonnet), can be used for multiple reasons; to prevent fly’s and bugs entering the ear space and causing irritation to the horse, in some cases they are used to reduce the external noises and sometimes just for fashion! Whilst there is a paucity of evidence on the effect that bonnets have on the horse from a psychological perspective, previously we have looked at the pressure distribution beneath a bonnet and its effect on equine locomotion.

Bonnets come in all shapes and sizes, varying materials, and some can feature a braided trim. The braiding can vary in thickness and can provide a mechanism (due to weight), to stabilise and prevent the front of the bonnet flapping up during locomotion, especially when jumping. In addition, riders can express themselves in terms of colour preferences. In our pilot study, we used a pressure mat to quantify the pressure distribution beneath a headpiece with and without a bonnet, in addition we also quantified limb kinematics in elite dressage horses.

When using a bonnet, as a function of the braiding running beneath the headpiece, in the region of the TMJ, resulted in areas of high pressures. From our previous blog season, we discussed the effect that headpiece design can have on head pressures and locomotion (1). In brief; in trot peak pressures beneath the headpiece occur soon after midstance (75% of stance) for both diagonal support phases. The magnitude of pressure is directly influenced by the fit and design of the headpiece (and attachment and fit of the browband). Meaning that every time the horse loads its limbs (every stride), wearing a headpiece and/or browband which is incorrectly fitted could cause areas of high pressure beneath the headpiece, every stride (1). The magnitude of pressures are further influenced by the fit and design of a bonnet, particularly those that feature a braided trim running beneath the headpiece. Previously we have demonstrated the effect that headpiece pressures induced by headpiece design, in the TMJ region, can have on equine locomotion (see previous blog) (1). A similar pattern, altered limb kinematics was observed in horses who had localised pressures in the TMJ region as a result of the braiding from the bonnet (2).

The findings of which highlight the importance of correct bridle fit but also, when using a bonnet, it is important to consider the fit and design of the bonnet and the effect that it may have on bridle fit, and consequently equine comfort and performance.

Some key points:

🟢Ensure that there is no braiding running beneath the headpiece.
🟢Ensure that the bonnet fits the horses’ ears – the horses ear can move 180 degrees using 10 different muscles, if the bonnet is too small it can restrict ear movement.
🟢Check if the bonnet has raised the headpiece, which can alter the height of the bit in the oral cavity.

In swimming, swimmers have been reported to suffer from supraorbital neuralgia (pain above the eye) headaches (3), this is thought to be due to the tightness of the goggles. Although we cannot confirm this is the case in horses, cautiously applying similar principles, we should not underestimate the effect that a bonnet which creates localised pressures, which are of a magnitude to cause discomfort can have on equine welfare, comfort, and performance. Horses will develop a locomotor strategy to compensate and alleviate any discomfort, therefore correct fit of the equipment here bonnet, but also bridle and saddle etc is essential.


Hope this blog is of interest. Please share to raise awareness on the importance fo correct tack fit.

Kind Regards

Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire

Www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk

Previous blogs http://www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/blog/




1. Murray R, Guire R, Fisher M, Fairfax V. A Bridle Designed to Avoid Peak Pressure Locations Under the Headpiece and Noseband Is Associated With More Uniform Pressure and Increased Carpal and Tarsal Flexion, Compared With the Horse's Usual Bridle. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 2015;35(11-12):947-55.
2. data from 2015 - unpublished
3. O'Brien J. C. J. Swimmer's headache, or supraorbital neuralgia. . Proceedings (Baylor University Medical Center). 2004;17(4: 418–9.

12/12/2021

🐴The Stübben Freedom Bridle 🐴

This unique Stübben bridle respects your horse’s anatomy and biomechanics. The hinged cheek pieces allow for a wider field of vision while the headstall and brow band clear all sixteen ear muscles. No pressure is exerted on any nerves or veins providing free movement of the ears. The special position of the headstall and throat latch keep the horse‘s sensitive areas in the neck and the throat free from pressure also. The horse has the opportunity to fully unfold its natural joy in moving. Comes standard with Stübben’s innovative removable flash system.
FEI & FN approved.
£359 or if you're into bling £399 with Magic Tack 💎

2 Black Full size in stock now! Message to order.

20/11/2021

The comfort show bridle is a modern take on an absolute classic bridle.

Designed with the horses comfort in mind, cut back over the ears and padding over the head and nose piece.

Available in black and brown!

16/11/2021

So proud and honoured to be part of the team - we have the full selection of Stubben products available for you. The bit range has had some fabulous results from Highlands in Slimline snaffles to Grandprix horses training in the Bucephalus (but only the red ring, not the black 😆) with Jenny Folman Dressage 🦄💕😍

09/11/2021

Eye-catching, yet sophisticated - beautiful browband overlays by Magic Tack!

📸 E J Lazenby Photography

08/11/2021

The gorgeous Jessie in her magic tack browband and loops 💎💎 They make the ideal gift, or if like Jessie, they are just worth spoiling 💞💗

04/11/2021

Lucky to have beautiful views like this! 🐴💙

01/11/2021

Like a bit of shiny-shiny?

Treat yourself to a gorgeous Magic Tack browband to go with your Stubben bridle!

These browband overlays simply click into the Magic Tack attachments on your Stubben bridle and are a quick and easy way to jazz up your tack!

*Note that not all Stubben bridles come with the magnetic clips so these may have to be bought separately

📸 E J Lazenby Photography

25/10/2021

Keep your tack in excellent condition this winter with Stubben's leathercare products!

Available via us or The Northern Saddle Company 🐴💙

📸 E J Lazenby Photography

20/10/2021

Did you know that a horse's bitting requirements change with their fitness and routine? 🐴💙

Fitter, keener horses may require a different bit to those horses in lighter work. Also, the bit you use for cross-country or showjumping may be different to the one that's best for hacking or flatwork.

As the seasons change, your horse's training, workload and fitness may also be changing. Just as you should get your horse's saddle fit checked this time of year, you should also have your bit checked too.

Contact us today to book your bit and / or bridle assessment.

10/10/2021

Another lovely day! Do come and say hi ☺️

09/10/2021

We’re at Askham Bryan College for the British Eventing Official horse trials. Come and say hi if you’re in the area - it’s free for spectators and the weather’s good. Plus they have donuts and pancakes and steak burgers! 👍🏼😬💕

20/09/2021

A beautiful bridle on a beautiful horse!

📸 Photo Credit: E J Lazenby Photography

17/09/2021

Had a brilliant time at at BETA International last week! Great to meet so many other equestrian businesses and what a fantastic stand by Neue Schule! 🌟🐴

14/09/2021

🐴💙 For sale - advertising on behalf of a client 💙🐴

Trailer for sale. Please head to the link below to view the full advert and enquire directly with the seller:

https://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/120759216/richardson-rice-treble-horse-trailer-2-large-horses-pony.html?link=%2Fsearch%3Fkeyword%3Dhorse%2B%2Btrailer&fbclid=IwAR3RG7jf2PchcUejnifyOBK-0CLN9-fXLFExkyytpDUsR_QX7oJO_S9MF4U

08/09/2021

Why not stock up on some lovely Stubben hoof care and tack cleaning products and save on your rug wash at the same time with Horse rug washing? 🐴💙

06/09/2021

Looking a for top-quality bridle that is anatomically engineered and designed with ultimate comfort in mind, as well as being versatile and customisable? 💙

Look no further than Stubben!

Stubben bridles are sympathetic to the horse's anatomy and are designed to prevent pressure and discomfort in the highly sensitive head area. Many are also available with optional Magic Tack technology, which allows you to customise your bridle with beautiful browbands and inlays.

Our range of Stubben bridles are available to shop: https://www.thenorthernbittingcompany.com/shop 🐴💙

04/09/2021

You'll find us at Richmond horse trials this weekend. Visit us for a chat, a nosey at our range or to book a bitting appointment 😊

02/09/2021

Looking for a new bridle for your horse?

Visit our website to shop our range of Stubben bridles, including this studding Stubben Freedom Bridle with Magic Tack!

Bridles are available in a range of sizes and colours 🐴💙

💙 Shop here: https://www.thenorthernbittingcompany.com/shop

30/08/2021

Anyone off for a Bank Holiday ride? 🐴💙