Bit & Bridle Fit Assessment

What to Expect

During the consultation, I will collect basic information about your horse and note the current issues you are facing that may be related to tack fit. I will palpate certain areas on your horse's head to determine if there are sore areas or asymmetry. I will also take a look and feel of the horse's mouth to assess their interdental conformation and condition.

I will then observe your current bit/bridle fit on your horse and note any concerns I may have. Based on these concerns I may make some changes/adjustments to your current bridle to make your horse more comfortable. I will make some recommendations for bits and bridles to try on your own, and will write up a report which I will email to you within 1-2 days of the appointment.

While I have a large selection of bits and bridles "in stock", they are exclusively for consulting / trials. I do not lend bits to clients outside of the consultation, and know it is rare for me to have materials in my toolkit that I would be willing to sell on location.

Client Do's & Don'ts

DO:

Have a safe area to host the consultation, where the horse is calm and secured by cross-ties or a halter & lead.
Have your horse groomed with tack nearby (not on) prior to the appointment.
Desensitize your horse to being touched on all areas of the head, neck, and mouth, well ahead of the appointment if possible. This will allow me to conduct a safe and efficient consultation.
Follow all farm/property rules.
Have a responsible adult present during the entire consultation if a minor or vulnerable adult is involved.
Remember that the horse is truly my client. While it will never be my intent to offend you, the horse's well-being is my utmost concern during a consultation. Sometimes my feedback, while politely delivered, may hit a nerve. This is understandable! However, it is my job to provide you with information and recommendations to best suit you and your horse based on my experience and education. But ultimately you can choose to "take it or leave it".

DON'T:

Put yourself, myself, or others in a situation where they could not escape being kicked, crushed, or bitten by a horse.
Schedule an appointment if your horse frequently exhibits dangerous behavior when handled.
Allow crowding of the consultation area in the barn or riding area if at all possible. Always try to limit risk exposure.
Allow small children or loose animals around the consultation area, if possible.
Expect a bit/bridle change to fix a training problem. While bit/bridle fit can be the cause of several problems, it is not a resolution without correct training, fitness, and application.

Still have questions? Send me an email, fill out the contact form below, or head on over to the FAQ page.

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