Bit fitter

[shell23]

Looking at getting a bit fitter out to my newish horse as haven't found a bit he's happy in yet. Never had a bit fitter out before. Can anyone enlighten me as to what happens? Do I have to ride in current bit first then ride in a different one?
Thanks

 

[Bobthecob15]

First job is finding one in your area! None cover where we live. They basically look at horses mouth confirmation, will see you ride in yours then have a stash of different bits to try, as well as usually spare tack with different noseband etc. I imagine they are worth the money if you aren't sure what suits. Usually you have to buy the bit separately they suggested though some sell them themselves. Try and find an independent one if you can who stocks several brands.

Horsebit shop/bit bank etc do lend them but it'd expensive if you have a few to try x

 

[Jambarissa]

It usually starts with a conversation, what horse you have, current bit, any issues.

But fitter will look at your horses mouth and suggest some bits that will probably be a good fit and can also tell you what is likely to be a poor fit. Can assess your current bit but won't make you ride in it if you don't want to.

Most will also look at your bridle, if it's a bad fit it's hard to tell whether it's the bit or bridle causing issues.

Session should end with you having tried a few bits and having one or two solid recommendations. Most fitters don't sell bits so you won't be under pressure to buy.

The process was extremely useful for me (cob with small mouth and huge tongue), I bought two of the bits recommended but ended up experimenting further along the lines suggested and found something even better.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I'm in Devon and the one who's been recommended to me is proving difficult to contact; I have been warned by people that she is tricky to get hold of.

They're not kidding. The damn woman is mega-elusive.

 

[w1bbler]

I found having a fitter out invaluable. She assessed his mouth conformation & then we tried him in the bit that should have been ideal, his tongue went straight over & out the side of his mouth
Couple of different bits tried, one effected his movement behind, more tongue out etc
All this would have taken weeks & cost a fair bit if I'd been going through a bit hire place.
Horse then selected one of the more expensive bits in her collection, it was amazing. He just went beautifully, no fussing.

 

[nagblagger]

Just a thought, how new'ish is your horse, have you had a dentist/vet out to check their teeth?
i have a new acquisition and before i go trialling a variety of bits i'm getting her mouth, teeth checked, probably under sedation so the vet can have a decent look.

 

[dixie]

I'm in Devon and the one who's been recommended to me is proving difficult to contact; I have been warned by people that she is tricky to get hold of.

They're not kidding. The damn woman is mega-elusive.

Who’s that ?
I’ve had a bit fitter in devon and I didn’t have any trouble getting hold of her.
In fact I’ve used two in Devon.
I don’t think I’m that far from you ?

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

Daughter has decided to use a bit fitter for new horse…a ninety minute appointment (seems a long time) for £125. Seems mothers opinion of simple eggbutt snaffle with roller joint is ignorable..perhaps I should ve charged her…oh and bit fitter only advises doesn’t supply anything…

 

[southerncomfort]

If anyone is looking for a bit fitter in West Yorkshire, I can recommend Becky Brown.