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
- Pulling up the tongue
- 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
Mouthpieces
- Snaffle (single or double jointed), Mullen (one piece) bits
- Ported, lock up or elliptical bits
- Bits with rolling pieces, tongue plates or French links
- Waterford bits and many more…
There are many more possibilities in combination with different cheekpieces:
- Loose ring, Eggbutt
- Full cheek, Kimberly-Dee
- Beval, Balding, Universal
- Baucher and many more…
Materials
- Salox /Aurigan/Sensogan
- Sweet Iron / Stainless steel
- Rubber / Copper / Plastic
- Leather / Blue alloy /Rope
In short the most common used:
- Stainless steel is durable and smooth and used for many years.
- Argentan and Aurigan contains a lot of copper which gives a sweetness effect on the palate, resulting in a smooth acceptance of the bit while producing saliva.
- Salox is a soft and warm metal, which is pleasant for many horses .
- Sweet-iron bits stimulate the production of saliva.
- Plastic and rubber bits are for the very sensitive mouths or young horses.
Before booking your bit-fitting appointment make sure that you have done the following:
- Have an specialized equine dentist revised / done the teeth of your horse not more than 3 months ago (Especially if it is a young horse, 3-6 years old’s need regularly check ups!)
- Make sure your horse is recovered from any type of physical injury he might have had before (green light by your veterinarian). And that your horse is being worked / trained normally for at least 3 months.
- Clean your tack thoroughly, open and close all the leather straps and add leather conditioner on your bridle and reins before your bit-fitting session appointment!
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 specialized equine dentist should come before we can actually start bit-fitting.
During a first consultation 3 main areas are thoroughly checked:
- The anatomy of the horse’s head, neck, cheeks, mouth and teeth.
- Muscle development, sensitive areas, pain triggers and symmetry.
- Dental issues, mandibula restrictions as well as trauma or injuries.
- The currently used bridle and bits, its placement and sizes.
- Test riding with various bits chosen from the selected options.
Costs & prices
Bit and Bridle fitting consultation will take 1,5 hour per session.
A discount can be given to a second horse at the same location from the same client (on the same day).
A discount can be given to a second horse at the same location from the same client (on the same day).
After you purchase a bit you can test-ride it for 7 days (free of charge).
– A notice should be given within those 7 days, in case you don’t want to continue with the bits.
– The bits should be returned in the week after the trial week, once received back at our facilities, the value of the bits will be reimbursed to your account.
Note: Postage costs are always for the customer.
Price Ranges:
Bits: used in the consultation can be purchased directly.
Snaffle prices vary from €55,- tot €185,-
Weymouth / Curb prices vary from € 160,- to € 280,-.
Bridles: Top quality on the measure anatomical bridle pieces designed and made by TIBO Equestrian. Bridle pieces can be bought as a complete bridle or as individual parts. A complete bridle, without reins have a price varying between €280,- to €340,-
All bridle pieces are fabricated in Europe and made of the finest Italian leather.
VAT: all prices are exclusive VAT.
Cancellation of appointment: in case an consultation appointment is being canceled in less than 12hours before the planned consultation, 50% of the consultation price will be charged.