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A Bit Above Equine Bit & Bridle Fitting, LLC

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United States
Birmingham, AL
A Bit Above Equine Bit & Bridle Fitting, LLC

Bit and bridle fittings, specializing in hunters, jumpers and equitation.

07/11/2025

The Problem vs. The Fix 🔧

Do you see it?

These two pictures compare what a bit shouldn't and should look like when the bridle's on. The first picture shows a bit that's 1/4 inch too big, and the second picture shows the correct size.

Takeaway: If you can see the cannons of the mouthpiece, it's too big. The bit cheekpiece should sit flush to your horse's skin.

The exception: If you ride in a loose ring cheekpiece, the mouthpiece should be 1/4 inch larger than your horse's measured size to prevent pinching.

07/09/2025

Struggling to find the right bit for your horse?
What if you could try a variety of options on the spot—with a certified fitter guiding you every step of the way?

My most popular service is my in-person bit and bridle fitting appointments, and for good reason:
✅ Try multiple bits during your ride
✅ Get up to 2 custom bridle fittings
✅ Walk away with a setup that works—for both you and your horse

Based in Birmingham, AL, I travel throughout the Southeast (TN, MS, GA, FL) and regularly attend major horse shows.

🗓️ Ready to book your fitting? DM me to reserve your spot!

07/04/2025

Happy 4th of July!! 🎆❤️🤍💙

07/03/2025

This is what they don't tell you about bit fitting:

🐴 It's not a magic bullet. Realistically, it's a piece to the puzzle of helping your horse perform their best. Just like your vet, farrier and bodyworker are part of your team, your bit fitter should be as well.

🐴 Horses are honest, but you might not see an immediate change. 90% of the time, you can feel a difference in your horse when we find *the* bit, but sometimes it can take a few rides for your horse to fully accept it.

🐴 A bit won't replace training. The bit will help to make working through training issues easier, it won't take those issues away.

07/01/2025

Hi to all the new faces around here!
Since it’s been a while, here’s a little re-intro!

🔹 I’m originally from Pennsylvania, now based in Alabama
🔹 I compete in the Amateur Owner Hunters with my horse, Tio
🔹 I got into bit fitting thanks to my mare, River—she was strong and sensitive, and finding the right bit for her changed everything

And just for fun...
🍝 I could eat pasta every day, no regrets
🧀 Extra toasty Cheez-Its are my go-to snack
⏰ Not a morning person—at all
🧽 When I’m bored, I clean everything (tack, car, house—you name it)

Tell me something random about you in the comments! 🔽

06/29/2025

Does the type of bit influence how a running martingale works?

The short answer -- yes. When a horse raises its head high enough, the running martingale engages applying downward pressure onto the horse's oral tissues.

🔹 Snaffle bits work off of direct pressure so when the running martingale engages, pressure will be applied mainly to the bars and commissures of the lips.

🔹Curb bits such as Pelhams should technically be used with two reins when a running martingale is attached. (See previous post!) A running martingale can interfere with the action of the curb bit if used on the curb rein. It can change how pressure is distributed to the bit, poll and curb chain.

🔹Gag bits and running martingales are generally discourage if using one rein. When used together, they give conflicting signals to the horse. The nature of a gag bit brings the horse's head up, while the running martingale asks the horse to lower its head.

The running martingale has significant influence on the bit and pressures it applies.

06/25/2025

Hot Take: 💥 Never attach a running martingale to a curb rein.

In the jumper and equitation rings, the running martingale is there to assist with head carriage by applying downward pressure on the snaffle rein if the horse raises his head too high.
⠀
🚫 When attached to the curb rein, which already uses leverage to influence the poll and chin groove, the martingale can amplify pressure dangerously. This can cause confusion, discomfort, or overreaction—especially mid jump course.
⠀
✅ To maintain clarity and control, the martingale should always go on the snaffle rein. This keeps your aids clean and avoids sending mixed signals over fences or through tight turns.

Check your setup -- refined aids come from clean, consistent rein signals.

06/23/2025

📚 Tack Talk: How Does a Running Martingale Affect the Bit?

A properly fitted running martingale should only come into play when needed—like when a horse raises their head too high or lands from a jump. When it’s not engaged, it quietly goes along for the ride without influencing the bit at all.

But when it does activate, the pressure dynamic changes:
🔹 The rider typically applies rein pressure backward, which lifts the bit and stretches the corners of the mouth.
🔹 The running martingale, on the other hand, adds downward pressure, directing force onto the tongue.

This combination can be helpful in specific scenarios—but only when used thoughtfully. If the martingale is adjusted too short, it may engage with every stride, especially in the canter, causing unnecessary and repeated pressure on the horse’s mouth. Ouch.

✅ Takeaway: The goal is timely influence, not constant interference.

06/21/2025

Fitting a Running Martingale 🐴✨
The running martingale, often used in jumpers and jump seat equitation, features both a neck strap and a girth loop -- just like a standing martingale. The girth loop threads between the horse’s front legs and attaches to the girth, while the neck strap fastens around the neck, held in place by the martingale “donut” at the base of the neck—right where the neck meets the chest.

Unlike the standing martingale, which connects to the noseband, the running martingale splits into two straps that attach to the reins. This design offers more flexibility while still encouraging a correct headset.

✅ Fit check:

▪️You should be able to fit four fingers between the horse’s neck and the neck strap.

▪️The martingale straps should just reach the withers when pulled back, ensuring the martingale doesn't engage unnecessarily.

▪️Always use rein stops! These prevent the metal rings from sliding up and getting caught on the bit.

Correct fit = clear communication & safe rides 💫

Address

Birmingham, AL

Telephone

+17179686283

Website

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