Professional Bit & Bridle Fitting, Pacific NW, USA.
Take the guesswork out of finding the right bit.
Take the guesswork out of finding the right bit.
Take the guesswork out of finding the right bit.
For decades we have hired saddle fitters for our beloved horses, however, we haven't paid quite as much attention to ensuring our bits are the correct fit. Traditionally we focus only on the width size of the bit and the particular action we want from a bit. Horses are just as individual as us, and the same is true of their mouths; There
For decades we have hired saddle fitters for our beloved horses, however, we haven't paid quite as much attention to ensuring our bits are the correct fit. Traditionally we focus only on the width size of the bit and the particular action we want from a bit. Horses are just as individual as us, and the same is true of their mouths; There are many other factors to consider when fitting a bit correctly, to take into account the individual oral anatomy of the particular horse. As science progresses we have the opportunity to address these factors to ensure optimum comfort and acceptance of the bit. The Equine Bit Fitter has extensively educated equestrians about the importance of correct bit fitting and the effect the bit has on the horse's biomechanics.
Background
Take the guesswork out of finding the right bit.
Take the guesswork out of finding the right bit.
Originally from London UK, Tara Graham 'The Equine Bit Fitter' has been captivated by horses for as long as she can remember. She started riding at age 10 and quickly became a groom and working student for competition barns in the UK during her teens. At 25 she fell in love with an OTTB mare, her heart horse who she says made her 'want to
Originally from London UK, Tara Graham 'The Equine Bit Fitter' has been captivated by horses for as long as she can remember. She started riding at age 10 and quickly became a groom and working student for competition barns in the UK during her teens. At 25 she fell in love with an OTTB mare, her heart horse who she says made her 'want to know more, so she could do better'.
Tara trained in Canada as a Bit and Bridle Fitter, is a student of the Equine natural movement school in Washington, and also studied cranio-sacral therapy in Colorado to learn more about the cranial nerves of the horse and how to feel and help with tension in areas of the horse's head which also effect contact.
Combining these extensive areas of equine study, The Equine Bit Fitter's approach to fitting bits and bridles considers the whole horse and begins with an examination of their mouth to assess what they can accommodate comfortably.
The Bit Fitting Process
Take the guesswork out of finding the right bit.
The Bit Fitting Process
Bit-fitting appointments are comprised of three stages: The Oral assessment, the Ridden assessment, and the Bit testing stage The Equine Bit Fitter is not there to critique your riding during the ridden assessment! That is your trainer's job, she is there to closely watch your horse work in different bits for an improvement in the contact
Bit-fitting appointments are comprised of three stages: The Oral assessment, the Ridden assessment, and the Bit testing stage The Equine Bit Fitter is not there to critique your riding during the ridden assessment! That is your trainer's job, she is there to closely watch your horse work in different bits for an improvement in the contact and the rider's fee. The premise of bit fitting is to take the guess work out of selecting a bit; to truly know if it's the one she needs to see your horse ridden in it. Typically 2 to 3 bits are tested from Tara's extensive stock of trial bits before rider, trainer and Tara say 'it's the one'. She will also feel areas of your horse's head for signs of tension and sensitivity, and assess your bridle's fit.
After the fitting you will be emailed a report on your horse's fitting, including details from their oral assessment, the results of bits tested, and notes on your bridle fit. Although not compulsory to order a bit, The Equine Bit Fitter will have your bit delivered to you or to your barn when you are ready to purchase. Having Tara as part of your horse's care team means you gain a consultant; she fosters ongoing relationships and typically returns to the same barns, becoming a resource for trainers and owners, and getting to know their horses well. The Equine Bit Fitter is known and often thanked for her patient, gentle and unassuming way around horses.