About DB Bit & Bridle Fitting
I set up DB Equine following a clinic I attended back in 1995 by Richard Maxwell and the physio Andy Andrews used was also in attendance, talking to people about what he did.
Following that conversation and years observing what he did, asking questions when he treated my own horses, I got the thirst to further develop my understanding of equines. It began by asking myself why certain things were happening and how could I make them better for my horse. Numerous hours reading books (limited internet back then) by Mary Wanless, observing a Joni Bentley clinic Stressless Riding, where he used the principle of Matthias Alexander (Alexander Technique) – free the head and neck and you free the body, be in the moment and breath correctly which sits so well with horses. I was soon on the path to start to become a teacher. After falling pregnant, pursuing this career wasn’t an option but I didn’t give up using these methods to train my horses. Having had several lessons with various trainers, I found that none of them truly adopted these principals, so, I decided to train as a therapist, to treat my own horses. As I also have an interest in natural horsemanship, it was interesting to see how by releasing them, their breathing would improve and calmness became normal behaviour.
Following a broken collar bone and not being able to ride in 2018, this really brought home the big role of biomechanics when you loose the use of a limb you start to compensate this can become a downward spiral if you are not aware of it. Also at this time, Mary Wanless was presenting winter webinars of the whole biomechanics of horse and rider, so after many hours of observing, it gave me the opportunity to train to become a qualified ESMT and also begin the journey of becoming a qualified saddle fitter and SMS member. I also now give CPD training with Centaur Biomechanics, Vet Rehabbers, Horses Inside out to keep improving my knowledge.
I currently compete at dressage at Advanced Medium but intend to move further up the scale by applying all I have learned over the past 30 years to have stressless horses that work in a correct outline, because they are not blocked in the head or neck and breath correctly.
Science has also played a big part in the improvement of knowledge and the importance of a good fitting saddle and correct bit and bridle for every horse as like in humans, every horse is a unique individual.
I am a now a Lantra Accredited Bit Bridle Fitting Consultant and SMS Trainee Saddle Fitter. You can bring your horse along to our fully secure, outdoor, fenced arena, with plenty of room to unload. We can not only fit the perfect bit and bridle for you and your horse but also supply and fit from our fully stocked equine shop.
We work with Expert Bits to offer a range of affordable bits that your horse will love. We also stock Neue Schule, Sprenger, Bombers and Fager.
I am fully insured, DBS checked, friendly and happy to help you enjoy your riding, what ever your discipline.
Bit and Bridle fitting Consultation
It begins with a detailed discussion, as I’ll need your contact details as well as your horses details (name, age, breed, height, normal work/routine, current bit and bridle used) and understand the horse’s history including any current ridden issues.
Book A Consultation
If you would like to book an appointment, please call or email Debbie at DB Equine or reach out to us on our Facebook page. We will discuss availability, whether I come to your yard (as long as there is a safe suitable area to ride) or you can have the consultation at DB Equine HQ in our 20m x 60m fenced arena.
Once we you have confirmed your appointment, we require the Pre-Consultation Form to be submitted (see attached form). This is to ensure we have the appropriate type and size of kit for your horse, to reduce form filling on the day, and to give me more time to spend with you and your horse.
For all consulations involving bit fit, we recommend that we see your horse move in it’s bridle and new bit, this is to allow us to analyse the impact that each mouthpiece has on the horse’s biomechanics. It give’s us chance to make sure that you are happy as a rider with the feel of the new bit.
If your horse is newly started, then even just a ridden walking pace will be of great benefit, and provide us with lots of information. Lunging as an alternative to riding is also acceptable, if this is appropriate for you and your horse.
The Consultation
I will carry out the following:
Assess the conformation and muscular development from a therapeutic point of view. This offers an insight into how your horse utilises its body and can help identify any areas of asymmetry or imbalance that may impact bit and bridle fit.
A full assessment of head and mouth conformation to determine the most suitable bridle and/or bit options, taking into account factors such as head shape, mouth anatomy conformation and dental considerations.
I will then review your horse’s current bit and bridle setup (if there is one), analysing the fit and potential impact on your horse’s comfort and performance. This step highlights any areas for improvement or adjustments that may be necessary.
From my analysis, I will trial appropriate bits and bridles with continuous assessment of your horse’s biomechanics, behaviour and rider feedback considered.
At the end of the appointment, I will offer my personal recommendations for your horse.
Supplying Bits and Bridles
We carry a wide range of English Bridles from Horsemanship Saddlery, Expert Bits, Henrey James, Equiware, Premier Equine, offering a wide range of headpieces to get the perfect fit for your horse. Not all anatomical bridles relieve pressure but add to it if too much padding is used and they are over tightened. We offer simple bitting at affordable prices.
Benefits
It is essential that you have the correctly fitting bit and bridle for your horse, here’s why…
Horse Comfort
A correctly fitting bit and bridle will prevent unnecessary pressure points on the horse’s head, or pain the mouth, providing comfort and relaxation whilst riding and reducing the risk of any injury.
Safety & Control
If the horse is relaxed and comfortable the responsiveness to communication between the rider and horse’s will aid precise handling, reducing the risk of accidents or loss of control.
Better Performance
The performance of the horse will be at it’s optimum if they are comfortable, allowing for proper alignment of the head, neck and spine, allowing for efficient biomechanical movement, and enhancing the horse’s balance, stride length and performance.
Reducing Problems
Aiding clear communication between the rider and horse, resulting in fewer episodes of resistance, discomfort, and behavioural issues during your ride.
Bit & Bridle Consultation Prices
Consultation Costs
Combined Initial Bitting and Bridle Fitting Consultation Costs £75 (1.5 – 3 hours)
Two or more horses £60.00
Follow Up Bitting Only Consultation (within two years) £60.00
Stable Only Bit and Bridle Fit Consultation £60.00
A stable only consultation is ideal for a young horse, not yet started under saddle, or perhaps a horse coming back into work following time off for injury, where it is imperative that the education or movement is not hindered in any way due to bit and bridle fit. The horse is not seen ridden, but purely assessed on its head and mouth anatomy.
Bridle Fit Only (No bit assessment) £50.00
Qualifications
