EquiBit Ireland - Bit and Bridle Fitting Solutions

26/07/2025

BIT EVASIONS
I get lots of messages from people who know their horses just are not happy. They can be fighting the bit, unsettled in the contact or displaying one of the many symptoms of bit evasions. My role in this scenario is to assess if the current bit and bridle fit the horse and if not to find ones that do. The horse is my client and when I make the horse more comfortable, then I have improved that horses welfare and it improves the connection between horse and rider.

A properly fitted bridle and bit are crucial for the horse's comfort and performance, ensuring that no undue pressure is placed on sensitive areas of the head and mouth. The bridle should fit the horse's head shape without causing pressure on nerves, bony prominences, or soft tissues. Similarly, the bit must be appropriately sized and shaped for the horse's mouth to avoid discomfort, rubbing, or interference with the tongue, bars, and palate.

Sounds easy doesn't it!! Well it sometimes isn't! I have probably 100 headpieces (I've never counted!) but only 1 or 2 might fit your horse. The components may need to be of different sizes (e.g. cob browband, pony cheekpieces and horse headpiece). When I have assessed the horse's mouth conformation i.e. bars, palette etc I pick a few mouth pieces out of my kit which I know will suit this horse. The combination of mouthpiece and cheekpieces (rings) I refine in the ridden part.

Sometimes after I have reduced the pressure on the horses head and in the mouth all of the issues don't go away. This is because the issue or issues are often elsewhere. The hyoid apparatus (a bone structure supporting the tongue and larynx) is connected to the rest of the body via dorsal and ventral chains of muscles and fascia, influencing movement and posture. The ventral chain runs along the underside of the horse, connecting the mouth to the chest, abdomen, and hindquarters, while the dorsal chain runs along the top, connecting the poll to the back and hindquarters.

Therefore if there is an issue with the feet this may show as an oral evasion, issues with stiff or painful hocks, pain due to poor saddle fit etc can all show up as bit evasions.

I study the horse very carefully in the ridden part of the assessment. I look for when the horse display the discomfort. Is it during transitions, turns, circles, is it more on one rein than the other and I also watch what the rider is doing. I'm watching the mouth and head and how they react.

I always leave with recommendations and keep in touch with owners to try and work through solutions to their issues. I often make suggestions such as to contact the vet, saddle fitter, farrier, physiotherapist, coach or equine behaviourist. Some behaviour is muscle memory or due to the horse not understanding what is being asked of him. Ridden behaviours such as rearing, napping, bolting are generally due to pain or misunderstanding.

I am part of a big chain of professionals whose jobs are to improve comfort and welfare for your horse and in turn improve connection, harmony and performance for you and your horse.

Are you unsure if your bit or bridle fits your horse? Is your horse displaying signs of bit evasions and you cant find answers? I have limited availability in August and Autumn time so drop me a message.

For clients in Northern Ireland the waiting time is shorter than for those in the Republic of Ireland. I am based in Fermanagh in Northern Ireland and this is not my full time job so appointments are limited. I need 4 people to travel to one area or 5 if in one yard and travel time is 1.5 hours or less. I do appointments in Galway, Dublin, Meath areas when I stay with friends/family and these appointments are limited to holiday times. I always try my best to fit people in. Sorry I do not travel to Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Wexford, Laois or Offaly. This is a passion for me, a labour of love, I don't see it as a job but can only do so much. Admin is also not my strongest ability so do bear with me as I am doing my best :-). Meanwhile if you would like to do some extra reading here are some good pages to get you started.

Love Marita X

https://www.24horsebehaviors.org/
https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/bridles-how-to-choose-and-fit-them-correctly?srsltid=AfmBOooBxr285KBG91joKxJx-ruFkRn_Fyu1JtylPL0bhBMdvPdM8N44
https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/welfare-wednesdays/bridle-fit-why-getting-it-right-is-so-important?srsltid=AfmBOop00js5Waqi7o1NT-VCU7-fBHNrDXkRJ-Vb0KQyiSsVPbmGnGXv
https://www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/centaurbiomechanics-com/_img/trainer-bridle-feature.pdf
https://horsesandpeople.com.au/horse-bit-fit-comfort-and-communication-2/
https://www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/blog/?ID=2&dbId=2152

Equine Fitters Directory
Horse Bit Fit Academy Bit/Bridle Fitting Courses
Horsemanship Saddlery UK Ltd.
Centaur Biomechanics

25/07/2025

Tight nosebands reduce stride length, cause tension without the mouth which reflects through out the body. Shutting the mouth tight is stopping the horse express discomfort. This discomfort could be anywhere in the horses body not just the mouth. By addressing the symptom and not the cause Is so unkind to your horse. Welfare & kindness should always come first ❤️ You can't say you love or appreciate your horse without listening to them speak. Equine Fitters Directory Horse Bit Fit Academy Bit/Bridle Fitting Courses Horsemanship Saddlery UK Ltd.

A new scientific study co-authored by Animalweb’s own Dr David Marlin in conjuction with Anglia Ruskin University students Emily Hopkins and Stacie Whitrod and ARU Writtle Associate Professor of Animal Biomechanics and Sports Medicine and School Research Lead Dr Roberta Blake, has found that tight...

12/07/2025

The tongue 👅. Alot of the bit issues I get called to consult on are tongue issues. The tongue is incredibly sensitive. Some horses have a huge low lying Gleniglossius muscle. I did a post before on the tongues attachment to the hyoid & the connections to the horses ventral and dorsal fascial chains. If the bit is not comfortable on the tongue there generally are evasions & other displays of discomfort which can show themselves through the poll, neck, back, abdominals, hindquarters and as far as the hind leg. By simply removing pressure from the tongue, the horses locomotion & biomechanics can instantly improve 😍 Can you tell I love what I do, I just love leaving horses happier & softer through their bodies, than when I found them 😊 ❤️ Equine Fitters Directory World Horse Welfare Horsemanship Saddlery UK Ltd. Horse Bit Fit Academy Bit/Bridle Fitting Courses

What if I told you that this picture showcased one of the best thoracic sling warm ups - ever?

The tongue has some pretty spectacular attachments that tie into the hyoid and connect down to -

1 - The sternum.

2. - The subscapular fascia.

The action of depression and retraction of the tongue (often evading the bit), causes these muscles to CONTRACT, which tightens the shoulders down, compressing nerve, blood and lymph flow AND pulls the sternum forward, which then puts pressure on the heart, diapghram and psoas!

(Also, horses that have a collapsed thoracic sling are often stuck in this cycle until it’s addressed).

The good news?

The opposite is true!

The action of elevating and lengthening of the tongue will lengthen these muscles, allowing the body easier access to shift their weight back and open through their chest to activate their thoracic sling.

So before asking for any kind of activation, this is a really safe and kind way to help get things flowing.

**Stay tuned for a free demo on how I ask for this.

“Before we ask a horse to do a movement, we must first try to be sure they have the access.”
Self-Study Nerve Release program is open for another 6 days ✨🌹

https://www.balancethroughmovementmethod.com/nerve-course

11/07/2025

A loose ring is a great option for a horse that leans on the contact. The free attachment of the mouthpiece also allows the horse to move the bit & position it to a place of comfort which can help reduce pressure. They also offer a pre signal to the horse before full pressure is applied by the rider through the rein contact. Some horses prefer stability so prefer a fixed cheek. They also don't suit a horse who is very busy in the mouth. Read below to find out more about the loose ring 👉

🌟Bitting series🌟

🔄 Understanding the Loose Ring Bit: A Closer Look 🐴

The Loose Ring bit is known for its distinctive action—offering a gentle build-up of pressure (slow on) and a quick, clean release (fast off). This makes it an excellent choice for encouraging lightness and responsiveness in the horse, especially when used with educated hands.

🪶 Slow to Engage (Gentle Pressure On)
Because the rings move independently, rein pressure is introduced in a more gradual way. As the rider picks up the contact, the mouthpiece rotates into position and softly engages the tongue and bars. This gives the horse time to respond, reducing the risk of abrupt or harsh cues.

⚡ Quick to Release (Fast Off)
As soon as the rider relaxes the reins, the bit resets quickly and cleanly to its neutral position. This fast release is essential for clear communication—it tells the horse precisely when they’ve given the right answer and helps build a lighter, more responsive connection.

🧘‍♂️ Encourages a Softer, More Mobile Contact
The free-moving nature of the loose ring means the bit never stays fixed. It keeps the feel in the mouth dynamic, which can help the horse stay mentally and physically engaged with the contact rather than bracing or becoming heavy in the hand.

🛡️ Discourages Leaning and Locking On
Because the bit is constantly moving, it’s much harder for the horse to fix or lean against it. There’s no solid point of resistance, so horses who tend to brace often find this cheekpiece encourages better self-carriage.

⚠️ A Note on Fit and Comfort
Loose rings can sometimes pinch at the corners of the mouth—especially if the bit is too small or the horse has fleshy lips. Bit guards or shaped eggbutt-style loose rings can help reduce this risk.

💡 In Summary:
The Loose Ring bit promotes clear, soft communication by combining gradual pressure with a quick release. It’s a great option for horses who dislike fixed or restrictive contact, and for riders with educated, following hands who want more feel and refinement.

Not sure if it’s the right choice for your horse? That’s where I come in 🐴💬 Let’s take the guesswork out of bitting.

11/07/2025

I rarely take videos when fitting as I get so engrossed on what's what's happening in front of me 🤩. Yesterday I had the privilege of consulting on my friends stunning dressage horse Fendi ❤️ I wanted to show her rider what I was seeing so I took a few videos which Nessa has kindly allowed me to share.

Nessa has trained Fendi herself from an unbroken 3 year old to now competing at Advanced medium & has done a stellarjob! Nessa was feeling a little unsteadiness in the head carriage & asked me to have a look.

🐎Firstly I assessed the head & mouth conformation noting the shape & size of the poll, tmj, ears, lips, bars, palette and tongue and checked for sensitivities.
🐎I assessed her Bridle & current bit discussing fit and action with Nessa. We decided her Bit & Bridle were a good fit anatomically but I wanted to see them in action.
🐎 I then watched this fabulous duo in action taking a holistic view of what was happening. This means not just looking at the mouth & lips but looking at the eye, the ears, the neck, shoulders, back, abdominal, hindquarters & hind leg & looking at behaviour & action while Nessa was putting her through her paces. This allows me to assess the bits action when the horse is being asked to do more & the reactions to each of the movements.
🐎 I also put on my Coaching hat & have a look at the effect of the rider posture, position & use of the aids and how these effect the horses movement & bit action.
🐎 We decided her current bit was a good fit & the action suited this mare but decided to try a fixed cheek with the same mouthpiece to see if we could get more stability in the frame.
🐎Every decision I make I discuss with the rider & gain valuable rider feedback on how any changes feel. Nessa felt a positive reaction from her mare & is going to give her new Bit a go for 2 weeks & see how her mare feels.
🐎I also couldn't resist taking a video of the lovely Lola, who decided an NS team up was her favourite bit ❤️.
🐎I have limited availability in August time & am now taking bookings for August, September & October. If you are interested in a consultation for your horse please send me a message.
Equine Fitters Directory

06/07/2025

I love the combination of the loose ring & the fulmer cheek in this bit. The full cheek provides stability & is useful for steering & the loose ring is good for horses who lean & they horse is able to place the bit where it is most comfortable. The loose ring also gives a pre signal to the horse. This bit has a small lozenge so less pressure on the tongue & doesn't have have big rings each side of it which also cause tongue pressure. Big vertical loops are the worst & I'm not a fan 👎I'm also not a fan of long lozenges as they can put pressure on the sensitive edges of the tongue. The Fager Fredrich doesn't suit every horse but some horses especially sensitive ones with large tongues & low palettes & require some hrlp with steering, really appreciate the stability of the sides, the short lozenge, the lack of rings each side & the feel & light weight feeling of the titanium 👌

06/07/2025

Useful article on the importance of taking it slow when rehabbing your horse 👉

Rehabbing a horse back to work slowly and carefully is critical for several important reasons — all focused on the horse’s health, soundness, and long-term performance.

Here’s why taking your time is so important:

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✅ 1. Prevent Re-injury

Horses coming off an injury (soft tissue, joint, or bone) are more vulnerable to re-injury, especially if they're pushed too fast.

Soft tissues (tendons, ligaments) take longer to heal and adapt to stress than muscles or bones.

Going slowly allows these structures to strengthen gradually, reducing the risk of a setback.

The " shell " often remains in really fit horses so it usually doesn't take them as long to come back.

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✅ 2. Restore Strength and Conditioning

Time off = loss of muscle, fitness, and coordination.

Gradual work builds up core strength, topline, and stamina without overloading the horse’s system.

Sudden exertion on an unfit horse can cause strain, tying up, or overheating.

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✅ 3. Rebuild Mental Focus and Confidence

Horses also need time to mentally adjust to being back in work.

Slow progression helps prevent stress, anxiety, or resistance during training.

Especially after pain or trauma, it helps them rebuild trust in their body and the rider.

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✅ 4. Monitor Progress & Adjust Accordingly

A careful rehab plan allows time to track subtle signs of pain, uneven movement, or swelling.

If issues arise, you can adjust before major setbacks occur.

Rushing through rehab skips the body’s natural warning signs.

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✅ 5. Supports Long-Term Soundness

A well-rehabbed horse is more likely to stay sound and perform better long-term.

Cutting corners may save time short-term but could shorten their career or lead to chronic lameness.

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Example Timeline (Varies by Injury):

Weeks 1–4: Hand-walking, controlled turnout.

Weeks 5–8: Under-saddle walking, slow introduction of trotting.

Weeks 9–12+: Gradual increase in work intensity and duration, with vet/physio guidance.

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🔁 Key Principles:

Go slow to go far.

Listen to the horse: behavior, movement, and attitude are all signals.

Work closely with your vet, physio and farrier throughout the process.

Whilst sometimes we are kean to get back to work with our horses, we must consider longterm soundness when it comes to rehab - these are your building blocks to your horses future wellbeing. I often get told im very patient.. i have to be if I want to give rehabs the best chance.

Below photos showing progress at walk over 3 months for stifle rehab ( osteoarthritis ).

06/07/2025

Eggbutt sides, like all fixed rings do....provide stability, assist turning & give a direct aid to the horse. This means as soon as you put pressure on the reins, it's transmitted quickly & directly to the horses mouth. Read this article to find out more 👉

🧠💡 Let’s Talk Bits — A New Series from Meadowbrook 💡🧠

When it comes to bridles and bits, there’s no such thing as one size fits all — and yet, so many horses are still quietly struggling in gear that doesn’t suit them.

That’s why we’re launching a brand-new series all about bits — exploring the different types, what they do, and more importantly, how they feel to your horse.

From cheekpiece styles to mouthpiece mechanics, we’ll be breaking it all down into simple, practical posts to help you make more informed, horse-friendly choices.

✨ Because when your horse feels better, they move better. And when you understand why, everything changes.

Stay tuned each week as we take the mystery out of bits — one post at a time 🐴🔍
First up, the Eggbutt Cheekpiece………..

🪻 Bit Focus: The Eggbutt 🪻
Let’s talk about one of the most commonly used — and often underestimated — cheekpieces: the Eggbutt.

Why might your horse prefer this type of bit? Let’s break it down 👇

🔒 Steady & Stable
Unlike a loose ring, the Eggbutt has fixed sides, meaning there’s less movement in the mouth. This can be really beneficial for horses who are fussy, overactive with the bit, or simply prefer a more stable feel. Less wiggle = more confidence.

🧘‍♀️ Encouraging Consistent Contact
Because the bit stays in a fixed position, it often helps horses feel more secure — encouraging them to take the contact forward and down. A great option for horses who are tentative into the hand or tend to back off the contact.

🎯 Improved Steering & Clarity
The fixed cheek design gives you more precise directional control, making it easier to communicate subtle rein aids. It’s also less likely to slide or pull through the mouth — especially useful for horses who lean or sn**ch at the rein.

🌿 A Kinder Option for Sensitive Mouths
The smooth, stable design reduces the risk of pinching at the corners of the mouth. If your horse is prone to rubs or is just particularly sensitive, an Eggbutt could offer the extra comfort they need.

💬 Have you tried an Eggbutt with your horse? What difference did you notice?

06/07/2025

Hey folks, I'll get caught up on all messages this week, I was flat out being a pony club Mum at Camp for the past week & just recovering now 😅 I have availability for 1 consultation along this route on 17th July.

13/06/2025

Delighted to be sponsoring a class at my local show 😊 Its always a great show, loads of classes, a great atmosphere & in the grounds of the beautiful Necarne Castle. There is still time to enter

With only 3 more days left to enter (entries close Sunday 5pm) check out our schedule to get your entries in!

https://buff.ly/WENXFC4

Entries via JumpTime

We would also like to thank our sponsors who have so kindly supported the show this year ❤️

's fuels & feeds - generous contribution to championships
A Taste Of The Countryside - generous contribution to championships
Loaneden Caravan park - generous contribution to championships
-bit Ireland - sponsor of the 80cm ponies novice WH
Mahon's Hotel - generous contribution to championships
Carzone NI - sponsor of a fantastic fence in the Open WH
tractors - generous contribution to championships
Aldertree Equine - generous contribution to championships and a voucher for the Fermanagh Ridden Horse class winner
Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges - generous contribution to championships
Breen Farrier - generous contribution to championships
Kavanaugh Construction - generous contribution to championships
Marcus Johnston plumbing and heating - generous contribution to championships
Treo Eile - sponsor of both Race horse to Riding horse classes which are also qualifiers for their final!
Sharon Kelly Equine Physio - sponsor of a fantastic fence in the Open WH

We are also delighted to have the Fermanagh Fun Farm & Granny Flo's Cafe at the show on Sunday with their stall and some animals!!

More thank yous to follow and if you are interested in getting involved please get in touch!

07/06/2025

Great explanation of bit materials 👍 there are so many out there & some horses just seem to prefer some more than others ☺️

Happy Friday everyone! Let’s talk bit materials 🔬

Have you ever considered what material bit you use on your horse and the possible effects it may have? With so many options, we’ll give you a quick run through of the key points of each-

🔴 Stainless Steel- Most commonly seen material. It is cheap, tasteless and durable, but can often be cold in the horses mouth, particularly in the winter months.

⚪️ Copper Alloy- Slightly warmer in the horse’s mouth compared to stainless steel, designed to encourage relaxation and salivation. Has also been shown to have antibacterial properties.

🔵 Sweet Iron- Sweet to the taste and has a high carbon content, leading to oxidisation when it comes into contact with the horses saliva. Designed to rust and often creates quicker acceptance time and relaxation.

🟠 Nickel- Can bend and develop hard edges, found in many vintage bits.

🟤 Plastic- Encourages salivation due to texture and sometimes flavour, but is prone to chewing and sharp edges can harm sensitive oral tissue.

🟢 Rubber- Warm and soft in the horses mouth but often bulky and prone to chewing. Must be reinforced to prevent the horse chewing through entirely.

🟡 Titanium- Lightweight and durable, but often expensive. Also has hypoallergenic properties.

So what is the right choice? Well, that depends entirely on your horses preference!
Whilst materials can make the bit a more pleasant experience for your horse, it’s worth noting that the mouthpiece and cheeks are as important, so a balance must be sought where all three are suitable for your horses needs and oral conformation. Why not look at booking a consultation to try for yourself?