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:
- A specialized equine dentist have revised and done the teeth of your horse (less than 3 months ago) Especially a young horse needs regular check ups because he is changing milk teeth and molars, 3-6 years old’s!
- Make sure your horse is healthy and sound (green light by your veterinarian to be ridden). Make sure your horse is being trained regularly and he is working normally at least the past 3 months.
- Clean and nourish your leather bridle and 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 is included in a bit fitting consultation?
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 minimum 1,5 hour per session.
After you purchased 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 want to return them after these 7 days.
– The items should be returned directly after the trial week ends, once the items are received at our facilities, the value of the items will be reimbursed to your account immediately.
Note: Postage costs are always for the customer.
Price Ranges:
Bits: used in the consultation can be purchased directly.
Snaffle / Bradoon prices vary from €55,- tot €185,-
Weymouth / Curb prices vary from € 160,- to € 250,-.
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).
Travel Costs (Starting location Alzira, Spain)
VAT: all prices are exclusive VAT / IVA
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.
