By learning more about the horse’s head, horse anatomy, dental problems and biomechanics, the connection with many training and behavioural problems is easily made. Certain dental issues can create misalignment in the whole spine of a horse. The bit fitting education was an enrichment on the saddle fitting knowledge I already had. It makes bit and saddle fitting issues inseparable.
Get a more comfortable ride
When should I call a bit fitter ?
- Restless connection
- Biting on the bit
- Shaking his head frequently during a ride
- Mouth corner wounds/trauma
- Bolting off
- A overly spooky horse
- A horse that does not run smoothly through its body
- Throws its tongue over the bit
- A horse that hangs his tongue outside of his mouth
- A horse that keeps its mouth open while riding
The choices in bits nowadays
Types
- Snaffle (single or double jointed)
- Mullen mouthpiece (one piece)
- Straight bar
- Ported barrel
- Twisted/chain bit
- Waterford bits
- And more…
In combination with different cheek-pieces offer many posibilities to get your horse comfortable on the bit resulting in a smoother ride, for example:
- A loose ring
- Fixed/full cheek
- Eggbutt,
- Kimberly-D
- Balding
- Baucher
- Beval
- And more…
Materials
- Stainless steel
- Rubber
- Copper
- Plastics
- Sweet Iron
- Leather
- Blue alloy
- Aurigan/Sensogan
- Salox
- And more…
In short:
- Stainless steel is the best known.
- Argentan and Aurigan contains a lot of copper. There are horses who clearly prefer this. The copper in these bits gives a sweetness effect on the palate, which makes some horses like to nibble on the bit and produce saliva.
- Salox is pleasant for many horses.
- Sweet-iron bits have grown in popularity.
- Plastic and rubber bits for the very sensitive mouths.
What does a bit fit consult look like ?
A properly fitted bit, doesn’t just include the right size and length. The anatomy of the mouth should be thoroughly checked and it’s important to understand that sometimes a qualified horse dentist should come before we can actually start fitting bits.
During a consultation I check 3 main areas thoroughly:
- The anatomy of the horse’s head/mouth and lips as well as trauma and asymmetries and dental issues
- The current used bridle and bit
- Test riding with various bits selected from a wide variety of options after the previous done checks
Costs & prices
Bit and Bridle fitting consultation will approximately take 1 to 1,5 hour per session.
Any additional horses (of the same owner at the same location) will be charged € 45,- per consultation (on the same day).
Any additional horses (of the same owner at the same location) will be charged € 75,- per consultation (on the same day).
After you purchase a bit you can try it for 7 days free of charge.
– After one week you either decided to keep the bit,
– Continue test riding with the bit against a tariff of 5% of the new value PER WEEK
– Or you return the bit before the 7 days have finished by sending it back to us. (postage costs are for the customer).
Bit price range: In case you like the bits we used in the consultation you can directly purchase them from me. The prices for a snaffle or bridoon bit vary from €55,- tot €185,- and the prices for a Weymouth or Pelham vary from € 160,- to € 280,-.
Bridle price range: Besides the bit fitting consultation, I offer a range of top quality on the measure anatomical TIBO bridle pieces. These bridle pieces are designed by myself and can be bought as a complete bridle or as loose pieces. (complete bridle, excl reins (€280,- to €340,-)
All bridle pieces are fabricated in Europe and made of the finest Italian leather.
Travel Costs (Starting location Alzira, Spain)
VAT: all prices are exclusive of VAT. Cancellation of appointment: in case an consultation appointment is being canceled in less than 24hours before the planned consultation, 50% of the consultation price will be charged.
