A Bit Above Equine Bit & Bridle Fitting, LLC

A Bit Above Equine Bit & Bridle Fitting, LLC Bit and bridle fittings, specializing in hunters, jumpers and equitation.

Haven't you heard? Virtual appointments are 10% off the month of December! If you've been struggling to find the right f...
12/04/2025

Haven't you heard?

Virtual appointments are 10% off the month of December! If you've been struggling to find the right fit for your horse, now is the perfect time try virtual! Don't worry - I also allow trials for virtual appointments too, so you can still try before you buy!

Shoot me a DM if you want to get on the schedule!

12/02/2025

Parts of the German Martingale🐴

A German martingale has three key components:

🔹 Neck strap: keeps everything centered, look similar to a standing or running martingale yolk.
🔹 Fork straps: run through the bit rings and guide the rein pressure. Think of the running martingale straps that attach to the reins, but these have snaps on the ends!
🔹 Special reins: with rings to adjust how much & when it engages. Just like regular reins, but with metals rings!

Simple parts with a big influence on communication and posture.

Curious if yours is set up for success? Ask away! ⬇️

Black Friday is Here!🖤Starting TODAY through the month of December we have TWO special offers to suit your bit & bridle ...
11/28/2025

Black Friday is Here!🖤

Starting TODAY through the month of December we have TWO special offers to suit your bit & bridle fitting needs!

🖤 10% off all virtual appointments booked and held in the month of December 2025

🖤 SALE on all in stock bits listed below! Don't see what you're looking for ➡️ Message me!

SALE PRICES (Shipping not included)
* Ovation Pony Hunter Bridle - $211.07
* Happy Mouth Eggbutt Mullen Mouth 5" - $70.67
* Happy Mouth Double Jointed Dee Ring 5" - $77.95
* Happy Mouth Dee Ring Mullen Mouth 5" - $77.95

FREE SHIPPING ⬇
* Bombers Loose Ring Happy Tongue 5" - $108.16
* Bombers Full Cheek Dr. Bristol 5 1/2" - $133.12
* Bombers Dee Ring Happy Tongue 5" - $128.96
*Bombers Bomber Blue Swales Pelham 5 1/4" - $247.52

* Jumpin Leather Segunda 5" - $145.60

* Trust Loose Ring Innosense Port Hard 5 1/4" - $156
* Trust Loose Ring Sweet Iron Locking Single Joint 5 1/4" - $156
* Trust Loose Ring Single Joint Bridoon 5 1/4" - $143.52
* Trust Full Cheek Innosense Flexisoft Slim 5 1/4" - $187.20
* Trust Dee Ring Elliptical 5", 5 1/4" - $187.20
* Trust Dee Ring Innosense Flexisoft 5 1/4" - $187.20
* Trust Dee Ring Innosense Mullen 5" - $187.20

Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for all of the support my business has received in the last year! I can't wait to s...
11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for all of the support my business has received in the last year! I can't wait to see what's next!

German Martingales vs. Draw Reins: What's the difference?These tools may appear similar, and while they both influence h...
11/25/2025

German Martingales vs. Draw Reins: What's the difference?

These tools may appear similar, and while they both influence head and neck posture they don't work exactly the same.

German Martingale
🐴 Engages when the horse's nose goes above the contact
🐴 Release of pressure is quick and clear (as long as it's adjusted appropriately)
🐴 Snaffle rein connection remains more direct

Draw Reins
🐴 Continuous pressure
🐴 Release of pressure is connected to rider's hand
🐴 No specific "settings." Draw reins can be as long or a short as the rider wishes.

A better understanding of these training aids can help make better choices for you and your horse!

Two moments in time with the German Martingale What differences do you see between the two?In the first photo the German...
11/23/2025

Two moments in time with the German Martingale

What differences do you see between the two?

In the first photo the German Martingale is adjusted on the loosest setting, in the second, it's adjusted to the tightest.

What do you see happening with the front end? How does balance and engagement differ between the two?

Does Miller use his hind end differently, depending on the martingale setting?

No wrong answers! Tell me what you think in the comments below! ⬇

My professional take on the German MartingaleThe German martingale can be a useful transitional tool when fitted correct...
11/21/2025

My professional take on the German Martingale

The German martingale can be a useful transitional tool when fitted correctly, used temporarily, and paired with an understanding of biomechanics.

But no piece of equipment replaces balance, timing, and empathy.
My philosophy?

Training aids should enhance understanding of a concept, rather than forcing posture. Once you're into that territory, training will start to unravel. Like all training aids, moderation is key.

If you’re unsure whether it’s helping your horse, book a fitting or training assessment. Comfort and communication go hand in hand.

11/21/2025

When the German Martingale helps (and when it doesn’t)

Helpful when: a horse needs clear, momentary feedback to find a consistent contact in early training.

Not helpful when: used to “fix” a training or pain issue… it will only mask the root cause.

When we look at the slow motion video of the German martingale on the tightest setting, we can observe that Miller stays behind the vertical. There isn’t any release of pressure and over time this will teach him to “curl” behind the bit.

Always pair equipment with proper fit, fair training, and regular bodywork. Tools should clarify communication, not replace it.

Common ProblemsYou see it all the time - training aids being used in a way that's inappropriate for the horse or rider. ...
11/18/2025

Common Problems

You see it all the time - training aids being used in a way that's inappropriate for the horse or rider. Let's explore some ways the German Martingale can interfere with your ride.

🚫 Too short: creates over-flexion and a false frame. Think about the horse getting behind the bit.

🚫 Constant pressure: blocks the horse’s ability to stretch. There's no way for pressure to release and therefore no way for your horse to be rewarded when they do what is asked.

🚫 Used without proper bit fit: compounds discomfort at the tongue and bars. A mouthpiece that distributes pressure so that it works against the way the German Martingale functions will have your horse fighting you.

If your horse feels heavier in the hand or drops behind the contact, it’s time to reassess.

Address

Birmingham, AL

Telephone

+17179686283

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when A Bit Above Equine Bit & Bridle Fitting, LLC posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to A Bit Above Equine Bit & Bridle Fitting, LLC:

Shortcuts

Share

Category