https://www.facebook.com/165836046617962/

A Bit Above Equine Bit & Bridle Fitting, LLC

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

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

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

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!

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!

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! ⬇

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.

11/18/2025

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.

11/12/2025

Fitting the German Martingale correctly
 Fit makes the difference between guidance and restriction.
 🐴The martingale should activate only when the horse lifts past a natural balance point, not when they’re in a correct outline. 🐴Reins should allow clear, elastic contact, not constant pressure. 🐴The rings should sit evenly and symmetrically on both sides. You never want one rein adjusted to the first ring, and the other rein adjusted to a different ring.
 A well-fitted martingale supports learning; a poorly fitted one teaches resistance. What do you think of the fit of the German Martingale on Miller? Does it support him, or does it interfere with the way he uses his body? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

11/08/2025

Anatomy, Biomechanics and the German Martingale

Every aid interacts with the horse’s body and the German martingale is no exception.

Because it influences the bit and leverage, it directly affects:
🔹 The muscles of the underside of the neck - over use can cause these muscles to become over developed
🔹 The poll and hyoid connection - it encourages the horse to flex at the poll
🔹 The ability of the back to lift and the hind end to engage - especially if it's adjusted too tight

A balanced use supports posture; overuse shortens the frame and limits freedom.
Biomechanics first, equipment second.

11/07/2025

How the German Martingale Works

When your horse raises his head or resists the contact, the German martingale applies downward pressure through the reins and bit. Similar to draw reins, they operate like a pulley. The pulley part of the martingale can be adjusted to different loops on the reins, making them looser or tighter.

When your horse softens and his head is in the correct position, the pressure releases which is the feedback loop.

The thought is that the German Martingale is a softer training aid as it engages only when "needed" and the rider can maintain a feel, like a typical setup.

Used thoughtfully, it helps teach the horse to find balance.
Used incorrectly, it can create false flexion or tension through the poll and jaw.
Understanding how the mechanics work is key to deciding if it fits your training goals.

11/04/2025

📣 Atlanta Fall Classic II — I’m coming to Chatt Hills! 📣

Bit fitting appointments open Nov 13–16 🗓️

DM me to book your spot before they fill up!

Address

Birmingham, AL

Telephone

+17179686283

Website

facebook.com

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

Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service in Birmingham?