When I go out and fit a bit, many aspects are taken into account including full bitting and dental history, horse and riders ages, experience and levels of training, any particular issues that they are working on at the present time and then I carry out a mouth assessment.  On this, I am looking in particular at the communication points the bit and bridle can use:  Poll, upper palate, nose, upper & lower bars, corners of the lips, chin groove and of course the tongue.  Although these are the points that can be used, obviously not every bit and bridle combination uses these points and some bits use a combination of them. 

Often people think of a stronger mouthpiece if having control issues but I often find that by bringing some of the other pressure points into use, we can avoid the use of an overly strong mouthpiece and spread the rein signal through other areas.  Examples of this type of bitting would be the Neue Schule Universal (choice of mouthpieces;  Tranz , Verbindend, Turtle Top or Waterford) with its leather curb strap and also the Myler Combination. 

As with any piece of tack, a new bit should be introduced in a methodical manner in a safe environment after seeking advice from a bitting specialist as to the most suitable bit.  For advice specific to your horse/pony, please contact Gail: gail@horsebithire.com or 07789 587 302.

What a long time since my last blog update (!)  

So things are ticking over here at HBH HQ.  We are down to just three after loosing our lovely Star back in February 2025.  She had battled with cellulitis and lymphangitis for seven long years and had a good quality of happy herd life within that time alongside the various treatments that she needed to manage her condition.  Eventually she decided it was her time to leave this earth and after a week of trying, she let me know that she was ready to go :-( Woody took her passing particularly hard but pulled back round eventually and life has continued with now a small herd of just three.  She was loved, she mattered and she is missed.