Optimising Comfort & Connection: Bridle & Bit Fitting

For a full mouth, head and neck assessment, it’s important to tie the horse in a quiet, secure area where they feel relaxed and at ease. Ideally, this space should be familiar. When the horse feels settled, it’s easier to carry out a thorough bridle fit without stress or resistance.

If your horse is stabled at a livery yard, training centre, or similar facility, it’s important to pre-book the arena or ménage ahead of a bridle and bit fitting appointment. Allow extra time rather than risk running short. Make sure the arena is available, clean, and in good working condition before the session begins to ensure everything runs smoothly.

For bridle fitting, it’s important to test the bit and bridle in the context of your horse’s discipline. Whether it’s eventing, show jumping, or dressage, we want to see how the bridle performs in motion. If you need an open space to let off the handbrake in canter and really feel how the setup works, please make sure the environment supports that—so you and your horse can build confidence in the fit

It may seem obvious, but the rider’s presence is a crucial part of any bridle fitting. In cases where a horse is regularly ridden by more than one person, all riders should attend the session. 

To get the most out of your bridle fitting session, it’s important to wear appropriate riding attire. Casual clothes like jeans and trainers aren’t ideal—they can be restrictive and uncomfortable when riding. Riding kit helps you focus on how the horse feels and allows you to assess the way your horse feels in the bit and bridle.

We also support the guidance of the Society of Master Saddlers, who recommend that riders wear a correctly fitted and properly adjusted riding hat during all fittings

Bringing all the bits and bridles that have been used on your horse to the fitting is incredibly helpful. It gives us a clear picture of what’s been tried, what’s worked (or not), and how the horse has responded over time. Seeing the full history allows us to understand what the rider has been feeling in the hand and where adjustments might be needed. It’s a valuable starting point for finding a setup that offers better comfort, clearer communication, and lasting results.

If a horse’s mouth shows any signs of damage, trauma, or active injury, we will not proceed with fitting a new bit until full healing has taken place. Attempting to fit over compromised tissue risks further discomfort and long-term harm, and we will always prioritise the horse’s welfare above all else. To support ongoing oral health and comfort, it’s essential that your horse’s teeth are checked by a qualified equine dentist every 6 to 12 months, depending on their individual dental cycle. If any injury is present at the time of consultation, we will respectfully pause the process and advise appropriate veterinary or dental care before rescheduling.