EquiBit Ireland - Bit and Bridle Fitting Solutions

12/08/2024

Every horse owner, rider, trainer should make themselves familiar with this research from Dr Sue Dyson. I love this simple version of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHPE)

02/08/2024

When used knowledgeably, bits can allow us to affect and improve the horse's movement, and release tension in the horses's body. The bit influences the tongue and the tongue connects to a chain of muscles and fascia that extend directly to the chest, shoulders and poll, and indirectly to the abdominal muscles, neck, back, pelvis, and the hind legs of the horse. Read the fabulous article below to find out

30/07/2024

Welfare should come before winning. If the horse really needs to be 'controlled' whilst compromising welfare, training methods & good old fashioned horsemanship really needs to be questioned. I hate the word 'control' I prefer communication, understanding, partnership. The Bomber bits ethos is 'pressure = resistance, resistance = lack of control'. Through correct Bit & Bridle fitting we look at removing the pressure to remove the resistance so the partnership can flourish.

30/07/2024

Bridle fit is so important. We put bridles on every day & should be noticing if fit is correct for optimum performance & welfare. Restriction or pressure can cause pain. Scientific research shows how poor fit effects performance. Does your bridle fit?

18/07/2024

Every horse has their own unique mouth conformation. Some horse's have really sensitive tongues 👅 & don't like the feel of jointed bits. Some have low palettes & not much room for the tongue or have large tongues which don't leave much space for the bit. An unsuitable bit which doesn't fit comfortably into the interdental space is often the reason why a horse wont work into the contact, relax the jaw, flex the poll & the reason why the horse carries tension in the jaw, neck, shoulder & hindend

07/07/2024

Have a read at some positive differences even a change in headpiece can bring to your horse's way of going and performance

This may not look like much but it’s all very exciting

Last weekend I had James Cooling, Bit and Bridle fitter extraordinaire come to stay.

I am the first to admit that I have been very sceptical in the past as I have had clients spend a huge amount of money for very little positive gain.

However, at a clinic in Feb, James had a look at the horse I was riding and offered to try a different bit. I’m always looking for ways to be better for my horses and I’m willing to give most things a go so I agreed. The first bit made no real difference but the second 🤯 I have to say, totally blew my mind. The horse completely released in his withers. Over the next 8 weeks, he’s gone up 2 saddle widths, developing a nice topline and is finally, after 4 years and a bit that was recommended to the owner, he is quiet in his mouth.

So, after this eye opener, I booked a weekend consultation with James to look at all the horses on the yard. The results were astonishing.

One horse came through more with his sticky left hind just from changing the headpiece of the bridle, a different bit had his right front leg free up and he came vertical in his withers

Another, a 16 yr old hunter who rarely goes in the school, stopped drawing his neck in and actively stretched towards the new bit

Another hunter let go of his under neck with a different noseband and then opened up the stride in front with a change in bit

Every horse, without fail, made positive changes either from changing part or all of the bridle and playing with different bits. And every horse needed a slightly different set up.

This then meant a large and complex order to Horsemanship Saddlery. James is not affiliated to any particular brand but often uses Horsemanship Saddlery as they will mix and match all parts of the bridles. He also likes their bit range and most of the horses will be going in their range except for a few bridle parts from Henry James Saddlery and a couple of bits from Neue Schule and Sprenger

After a fun afternoon identifying and putting together 8 full bridles and assorted bits, we are ready to see what happens next

My intention is to document any changes in the horses over the next few months, positive or negative, that we can put down to the change in bits and/or bridles.

A huge thank you to James for his time and expertise and I will be fascinated to see what this leads to.

Yet another rabbit hole 😂

https://www.facebook.com/BitandBridleJamesCooling

04/07/2024

This 👌 Riding with a heavy hand often leads to leaning, blocking & stiffness from the horse. The rider then says the horse is strong & looks for a stronger bit. The horse is simply reacting to pressure caused by the rider. Sometimes a stronger bit is not the answer, finding a mouthpiece which the horse is happy to relax in & educate the rider to make better use of the aids & activate the hindend to get the horse off the forehand & therefore not leaning on the hand is a more effective & more welfare friendly option 😊

Pushing with the leg into a closed hand is a cheap cop out for good back to front riding - it doesn’t take much education or self discipline to push and hold, and the results are heavy, tense, and not conducive to suppleness. It creates a brick without the ability to breathe deeply or feel the seat of the rider, let alone enjoy the aids of the rider.

Good back to front riding, in essence, is about educating the hind leg. It’s about teaching the horse to flex the joints downward, so the front legs can flex upward. It’s about creating swinging, suppleness, stability, and a swinging, moving back.

To get this, the rider commits to becoming stable and supple themsleves. They commit to the discipline of learning to use aids subtly with good timing, and to never use an aid outside of their own center: the emphasis is on the seat, and so the hand is never a solution to a stability problem. The rider gains over time the discipline to check themsleves first: to not make knee jerk corrections to the horse when it’s likely the rider has lost center, feel, rhythm, or swing. It is a commitment to responsibility to be what you want the horse to be- to provide a balanced opening forward, not to chase, prod, beg, or threaten the horse into balance (which is an oxymoron and an impossibility)

This way of riding creates a very confident horse who is calm but energetic. One who can breathe deeply, feel unafraid of the aids but understands they are actually their friend , one who has very comfortable gaits to ride because of their suppleness. It creates long term soundness and best of all, it creates a deep and lasting friendship between horse and person.

The reason so much poor quality back to front riding can be seen is because it’s easy and requires no real
Self discipline from the rider - the focus is all about making the horse take a shape and go forward. It’s cheap and easy enough to learn quickly.

The reason so little high quality back to front riding can be seen is because of the arduous commitment to better positioning and mind frame development - to be flexible mentally while maintaining commitment.

It could take me two lifetimes to get it. I’m not great at it now, but I am committed to learning and grateful for the guidance toward the most beautiful way of being with a horse I’ve discovered. Some days it feels incredible, other days too difficult to manage. Some days I miss feeling like I know what I’m doing. But overall I adore the art, and the self development required.

If it were easy everyone would be doing it -

04/07/2024

There are so many options of bits out there. Assessing what's right for your horse involves not just assessing physical traits such as head & mouth conformation, it's taking a holistic view of the whole horse including temperament, behaviour & stage of training.

𝑼𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑩𝒊𝒕 𝑴𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕: 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝑩𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆.🐴

When it comes to bits, the amount of movement within the mouthpiece and sides can greatly influence your horse's comfort and performance. Some horses prefer bits with less movement, while others may thrive with a bit that offers more flexibility. This preference is often tied to the horse's individual character, sensitivity, training level and previous experience with a bit and contact with rider(s).

The horse’s previous experience with a bit and contact may have been good, but sadly not always and horses will learn behaviours which protect their mouths from heavy or unbalanced rider’s hands. Such as clamping and holding the bit with their tongue, jaw, teeth or a combination of all 3. There are of course other forms of resistance that tell us when a horse in uncomfortable with the bit and or contact from the rider.

The bit itself is an inanimate object, but it becomes activated by the horse's mouth and the rider's hands. This interaction brings the bit to life, turning it into a tool for communication and connection between horse and rider.

For both horse and rider, achieving consistent and comfortable contact is the ultimate goal. This harmony comes with education, training, and the ability to achieve self-carriage. The bit you choose plays a crucial role in this journey. The right bit, with the appropriate amount of movement, depends on the level of education and experience of both horse and rider.

In the picture below, I show a number of different bits with different levels of movement in the mouthpiece - (there are clearly other designs and styles of bits with more and some less movement). I prefer bits that are simple, un fussy and well designed to fit in an anatomical and comfortable way.

When I’m watching a horse and rider in a ridden consultation I am looking at what the horse and rider is doing with the bit.- Is the horse calm and relaxed with it, ie the tongue and jaw are relaxed? Or is the horse activating the bit or holding the bit still to deactivate it in a certain way? ��

How is the rider activating the bit through their hands and reins? Is the riders activation of the bit being done in an understanding communicative helpful way or in a reactive blocking unhelpful way?

Remember, the perfect bit is one that helps encourage relaxation and responsiveness in the jaw and tongue, allowing for seamless communication and fluid movement. And each horse and rider combination are unique, so need a bit that suits them both.

Happy riding!

04/07/2024

Reducing pressure in the poll region is a really important factor of good bridle fitting. Some of the newer 'anatomical bridles' are too wide & can indeed put pressure on the wing of the atlas. This can cause pain & restriction, which can effect movement & performance. The right fit of bridle is the one that correctly fits the individual horse's conformation.

04/07/2024

With technological advances and more money spent on research in the past 10/15 years we now have a clearer picture of how our tack can either enhance or negatively effect movement and performance. As our sport is under threat more now than ever due to public approval we really need to look to more welfare friendly equipment and put horse comfort/welfare at the forefront of our decisions.

Centaur Biomechanics have many blogs relating to tack fitting and run regular webinars with up to date research on many issues relating to horse training, welfare and performance

30/06/2024

Week 1 of our Myth Busting series and we are discussing are thicker bits kinder to your horse than thinner bits.

FACT: Thicker bits are in fact not always kinder to your horse and can often cause discomfort to the horse. Yes they cover more surface area, so pressure isn't as concentrated in one area, compared to a thinner bit where pressure can indeed be sharp as they cover a smaller surface area.

In 2022 a research paper entitled Oral Dimensions Related to Bit Size in Adult Horses and Ponies was published. In the study Oral dimensions were seen to be smaller in mares than geldings. Mouth width and distance between upper and lower jaw correlated with age. So your horses jaw changes in shape as your horse gets older. The bit fits between the tongue and the upper palette. One of the concluding remarks of the study was that horse's have on average room for a 14 mm thick bit without causing compression of the tongue. Sizes of bits go up to 21mm!!

Mouth conformation is very individual. Some horses have a high concave upper palette, whilst others have a flat palette. Some horses have large thick tongues and some have finer tongues.

If you put a thick bit into the mouth of a horse with a low palette and a thick tongue, that horse is going to feel really uncomfortable and is really going to struggle swallowing! Horse's produce on average 35 to 40 litres of saliva a day. That's almost 3 times what humans does! To swallow the horse (and humans) need to be able to lift their tongue to the roof of their mouth (you are doing it now, aren't you!!)

If there is not enough room in the mouth for the tongue, the horse may display this discomfort through a range of tongue evasions. This could be putting the tongue to the side, opening the mouth or trying to get the tongue over the bit, anything to relive the pressure.

People see the horse opening the mouth and evading the bit and what do they do.....try to shut it with a flash which results in more discomfort for the horse. In this scenario a thinner bit will allow the horse to swallow and relax and therefore be more responsive to the aids.

The size of the bit is not the only thing that is important. The tongue connects to the Hyoid which connects right back to the pelvis. Any problems with the tongue in the mouth directly effects movement and performance. I will be discussing this further in a different post.

The bit should be chosen to suit the horse's mouth conformation. We cannot totally remove pressure from the horse's mouth if we want to ride or drive them. Even a Bitless bridle inflicts pressure on the nose and cheeks and sometimes underside of head. What we can do is identify where the pressure is and find a bit that suits the horses individual conformation and places the pressure where the horse feels most comfortable.

If you are interested in a consultation please PM me.

Happy Sunday :-)

30/06/2024

*MYTH BUSTING SUNDAY'S*

Join me over the next few weeks to Myth Bust some commonly thought facts about Bit & Bridle Fitting. I'll be back with the first post later this evening discussing why thicker buts are not necessarily kinder to your horse than thinner bits!

The aim of EquiBit Ireland - Bit & Bridle Fitting Solutions is to improve welfare and comfort for your horse therefore improving connection with the rider resulting in a more harmonious partnership through education and fittings.

28/06/2024

Some people contact a Bit & Bridle Fitter if their horse is displaying signs of bit evasions. We ask our horses to do so much for us, its only right that we should want them to be comfortable doing it. The main reason for Bit Evasion is pain and discomfort. This pain could be coming from inside the mouth but can also stem from a poorly fitted saddle, badly balanced feet, back pain, unbalanced jaw/sharp teeth.

As part of a consultation, I assess conformation of the mouth and the head to see if there are any anomalies which could be causing pain. Then I watch you ride to assess way of going in your normal tack. Then the fun part! You get to try new bits/bridles to find which one suits your horse best.

To get the best out of your appointment, please ensure that you get your horse's teeth checked by a BAEDT registered dentist at least 6 months before your appointment; your saddle fitted or checked by a SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter or IASF Advanced Saddle Fitter, ensure your horses feet are balanced and you have seen a vet if your horse is displaying any signs of lameness or soreness.

My ETHOS is very much about improving comfort and welfare for your horse thus improving your connection and refinement of the aids, with the overall aim of producing a happier more harmonious partnership! For further information, please PM me.

Happy horsing!

25/06/2024

Sorry folks for the radio silence 👋 I've been working hard behind the scenes building up my kit & adding more Bits & Bridles. I have a lovely range of Sprenger, Neue Schule, Bombers and Stubben & have an order in for some Beris Konnex's, Trust Inno Sense, Fager & Winderen 😍 So excited, can't wait for them to come. I've purchased some lovely Bridles including a Quantum bridle in full size. I couldn't be a Bit & Bridle without treating Honeysuckle to an Anatomical Willow Pony Bridle from Dragonfly Saddlery. Thank you to those who messaged me to book in, I am looking forward to getting out & meeting you 😊

10/06/2024

Correct bridle fitting is about relieving pressure on the important nerves and sensitive structures on the horses face. Relieving pressure on the infraorbital foramen and mental foramen is crucial to consider when selecting and fitting nosebands. A horse simply cannot perform to the best of their ability if they are restricted or in pain

10/06/2024

HELLO Welcome to my page :-) My name is Marita O’Loughlin. I have embarked on this journey as a Bit and Bridle Fitting Consultant as I am passionate about educating owners & riders in finding optimal comfort for their horse to promote individual health, welfare, & performance. Combining over 25 years experience in horse management and rider coaching, I can offer customers a unique bit and bridle fitting service that recognises the effect of badly fitting equipment on horse welfare and performance.

My aim is to find the most appropriate Bit and Bridle fit to improve comfort for the horse, effective communication for the rider, thus enhancing connection and harmony within the partnership. I believe a holistic approach is necessary to optimise function and welfare for the ridden horse and as a Bit and Bridle Fitter, I will form a part of the large circle of professionals required to achieve this such as the Saddle Fitter, Farrier, Physiotherapist, Equine Dentist and Veterinarian. Linking together input from professionals will help horse owners make informed decisions for the benefit of their horse.

I am fully insured, police checked and have current First Aid and Child Safeguarding Certification. I attend regular CPDs to ensure all my practice is current and evidence based.

Please send me an email if you are interested in booking a bit and bridle fitting for your horse.

[email protected]

09/06/2024

I have some Bomber Happy Tongues on order from The Bit Doctor - Bit and Bridle Fitter Looking forward to fitting these & alleviating tongue pressure & making happier horses

09/06/2024

Does your horse display signs of bit evasions? Equi-Bit Ireland -Bit and Bridle Fitting can help you make your horse more comfortable, thus improving connection between you and your horse. Here are some signs & causes of common bit evasions

Understanding and Addressing Bit Evasions: The Key to a Happier Horse

At Equine Bitting Solutions, we believe that every horse deserves to be comfortable and confident while performing at their best. One of the critical aspects of achieving this is selecting the right bit. Today, we’re diving into the world of bit evasions, helping you recognize them, understand their causes, and explaining why the correct bit is vital for your horse's well-being.

What Are Bit Evasions?

Bit evasions occur when a horse tries to avoid the pressure or discomfort caused by the bit. This behavior can manifest in various ways, each indicating a different underlying issue. Recognizing these evasions is the first step toward addressing them effectively.

Common Signs of Bit Evasion

1. Mouth Open
What it is: When a horse frequently opens its mouth while being ridden, it's often an attempt to avoid the pressure of the bit.

Possible Causes:
- Discomfort from the bit: The bit might be too thick, too thin, or improperly fitted.
- Dental Issues: Sharp edges or dental pain can cause a horse to react by opening its mouth.
- Noseband issues: A too-tight or poorly adjusted noseband can exacerbate discomfort.

2. Excessive Chewing and Chomping
What it is: Constant chewing or chomping on the bit can indicate discomfort or anxiety.

Possible Causes:
- Bit Material, Fit or Size: The horse might dislike the taste or feel of the bit.
- Nervousness: Some horses chew when they are anxious or stressed.
- Training Issues: Lack of proper acceptance and understanding of bit pressure.
- Hind end unsoundness can manifest in the mouth.

3. Tongue Over the Bit
What it is: When a horse gets its tongue over the bit, it can no longer respond to rein aids properly. This evasion often follows excessive chomping and chewing.

Possible Causes:
- Bit Placement: The bit might be sitting too low in the mouth.
- Tongue Pressure: Some horses find the pressure on their tongue intolerable and react by putting their tongue over the bit.
- Bit Size and Type: The bit could be too large or thick, causing discomfort.
- Dental issues.

4. Head Tilting
What it is: A horse that tilts its head to one side while being ridden is trying to escape bit pressure or discomfort.

Possible Causes:
- Bit Asymmetry: The bit might be unevenly balanced.
- Mouth Pain: Uneven pressure distribution causing discomfort.
- Rider Influence: Uneven rein pressure or rider imbalance can cause head tilting.

5. Lack of Performance
What it is: This broad category includes resistance to moving forward, reluctance to perform specific movements, or general issues with training and communication.

Possible Causes:
- Discomfort or Pain: A poorly fitting bit can cause significant discomfort, leading to poor performance.
- Bit Type: The bit might not be suitable for the horse’s mouth conformation or the discipline.
- Training Issues: Inadequate training or misunderstanding of aids.

6. Not Accepting the Contact
What it is: Horses that avoid steady contact with the bit often drop the contact, resulting in inconsistent communication.

Possible Causes:
- Bit Fit and Comfort: Discomfort can cause the horse to avoid contact.
- Rider Hands: Inconsistent, harsh, or unsteady hands can make a horse reluctant to accept contact.
- Lack of Training:The horse might not understand the concept of maintaining contact.

7. Ignoring Rein Aids
What it is: When a horse seems unresponsive to rein aids, it might be deliberately avoiding or not feeling the pressure correctly.

Possible Causes:
- Desensitisation: If the horse has learned to ignore the bit due to constant pressure, or perhaps far too much movement so the horse becomes confused.
- Pain or Discomfort: The bit might cause pain, leading to avoidance of rein aids.
- Improper Bit Type: The bit might not be appropriate for the horse or the discipline.

8. Head Above the Bit
What it is: Raising the head above the bit line to escape bit pressure.

Possible Causes:
- Bit Discomfort: The horse might find the bit uncomfortable or painful.
- Inconsistent Contact: Erratic rein pressure can cause the horse to evade by raising its head.
- Physical Issues: Neck or back pain can also cause this behavior.

9. Tucking Behind the Bit
What it is: The horse tucks its head behind the vertical to avoid contact with the bit.

Possible Causes:
- Harsh Bit or Hands: The horse might be avoiding harsh rein pressure.
- Training Issues: Incorrect training techniques leading to fear of the bit.
- Sensitive Mouth: Some horses have very sensitive mouths and react strongly to bit pressure.

10. Fear of Being Bridled
What it is: Resistance or fear shown when being bridled, such as raising the head, moving away, or showing signs of distress.

Possible Causes:
- Previous Trauma: Negative past experiences with bitting or bridling.
- Bit Pain: The horse associates the bit with discomfort or pain.
- Bridle Fit: Poorly fitting bridle causing discomfort.

Causes of Bit Evasions

Understanding why bit evasions occur is crucial for addressing them. Here are some common causes:

1. Ill-Fitting Bits: Bits that are too large, too small, or otherwise ill-fitting can cause discomfort and lead to evasions.
2. Harsh Bits: Bits that apply too much pressure can be painful and cause a horse to react negatively.
3. Dental Issues: Problems with a horse's teeth can make any bit uncomfortable, leading to evasions.
4. Rider Hands: Inconsistent or heavy hands can cause a horse to become resistant to the bit.
5. Lack of Training: Sometimes, bit evasions stem from a lack of proper training and understanding of bit pressure.

The Importance of Selecting the Correct Bit

Choosing the right bit is essential for the comfort and performance of your horse. Here’s why:

1. Comfort and Welfare: A well-fitting, appropriate bit ensures that your horse is comfortable and willing to work, reducing the likelihood of evasions.
2. Effective Communication: The right bit facilitates clear and effective communication between horse and rider.
3. Performance: A comfortable horse performs better, making the correct bit crucial for any discipline.
4. Health: Avoiding discomfort prevents long-term issues such as mouth sores, stress, and behavioral problems.
5. Preventing Long-Term Issues: Addressing bit discomfort early prevents the development of long-term behavioral and physical issues.

How We Can Help

At Equine Bitting Solutions, we specialise in finding the perfect bit for your horse. Our bitting consultations involve:

1. Detailed Assessment: We assess your horse’s mouth conformation, dental health, and current bitting issues.
2. Tailored Recommendations: Based on our assessment, we provide recommendations tailored to your horse’s needs and your riding style.
3. Follow-Up Support: We offer ongoing support to ensure that the selected bit continues to work well for your horse.

Don’t let bit evasions hinder your horse’s performance and well-being. Contact us today for a professional bitting consultation and discover the difference the right bit can make. Please send us a message to find out more about the services we offer and to book your appointment.
Creating Harmony and Connection With Your Horse

09/06/2024

Excellent advice as always from The Bit Doctor 👍