We all more or less know what Saddle Fitting entails and what to expect when we ask a Saddle Fitter to come and give professional help to get the correct Saddle.
But what about the Bit?
This crucial form of communication that we have with our Horses. What about getting some help with your choice of bit based on your Horses conformation, his temperament, his level of training and your riding ability?
Good Bitting is about comfort, communication and contact. Getting the right bit or bits for your Horse is an important part of the whole process of patient training and good Horsemanship.
Firstly it is most important that your Horse is fit to bit. That he has had his teeth checked, that his Saddle fits well and that he is physically and mentally sound.
Then good Bitting should:
Create comfort
Be tailored to the individual Equine
Improve communication
Encourage acceptance of contact
Develop sympathetic Riding techniques
When thinking of changing your bit and introducing a new bit to your Horse.
You need help to:
Understand resistance
Know what Bit designs are suitable for each Horse and discipline
How they work in the Horse's mouth
How to fit Bits and Combination Bits
How to assess the structure of your Horse's mouth
How to select the right bit for your Horse
And lastly how to transition your Horse into a new bit successfully
And then to ride away in your new bit allowing your horse to benefit from the change
Given this sort of help and information you can be more successful with your Bitting choices.
Set yourself up for success with understandable, well-balanced, informative help