Bit Fitting and Bridle Fitting
In the past... we used to fit a saddle to a horse by eye, put a bridle on, and a bit in.
By now, we all understand the necessity of a well-fitting saddle; you wouldn't walk comfortably in shoes that are too small or too big either. Yet, all too often, a bit or bridle is placed on a horse without knowing if it truly contributes to the horse's welfare and performance.
A bit is often chosen simply because someone else at the stable has one, or because a previous horse used it. However, the right bit can make a world of difference for both the horse's welfare and its performance in sports.
We all know an example of a horse that performed wonderfully during a trial ride with its previous owner. Once home, with your bridle and bit, you notice that things are not as smooth, even months later. Or what about a horse that simply won't settle into a quiet contact? Or a horse that constantly hollows its back and raises its head, despite everything else being checked. There's a good chance that a different bit and/or bridle could achieve that desired, calm contact.
It's no coincidence that there are different types of bits, such as a snaffle, loose ring snaffle, and curb bit. Unjointed, double-jointed, single-jointed, and then also made of various materials. Each bit has specific characteristics for different developmental and training stages of the horse.
The same applies to bridles. Did you know, for example, that many nerve pathways converge where the cheek pieces run? Or that various connections originate from the hyoid bone, which in turn affect the use of the shoulder and hindquarters. All these facets are naturally perfectly coordinated, but we can obstruct them with an ill-fitting bridle or incorrect bit.
This is why a bit fitting and bridle fitting can help you and your horse.
What do you offer as a bit fitter / bridle fitter?
At Puur Paardenkracht Ruitersport, this service is provided by Ruud van den Berg and Margit Sas – Sundquest. Not only for competition riders, but also for those who ride recreationally.
Both Ruud and Margit are qualified for both bit fitting and bridle fitting, having completed their training with Astrid Hoppenbrouwers and the NHI (Nederlands Hippisch Instituut). Astrid is well-known for her experience as a bit fitter and rehabilitation therapist for horses. We are therefore very grateful that we were able to learn from her!
We offer a wide range, and for both bits and bridles, you can choose from normal prices or opt for more expensive variants. We believe it is important that this is accessible to everyone. That's why we work with bridles and bits from Kavalkade, Winderen, Fager, Horka, HKM, and HB Showtime. But also bitless and/or combination bridles from The Yellow Horse Revolution by Josepha Guillaume and from F.R.A. Of course, it's not a problem if you have a bridle and/or bit from another brand and would like us to check it.
Jumping, Dressage, Recreational
Whatever discipline you practice, it makes no difference for either a bit fit or a bridle fit. The biomechanics of the horse remain the same. As a rider, you want your horse to be able to carry you without the horse itself incurring any physical damage.
As bit fitters, we look at what contributes to the positive development of you and your horse as a team. The welfare of the horse always comes first! There are many differences between different bits, bit rings, and bridles. One bit may help your horse more with horizontal balance, while another bit might, for example, offer more support to a horse that dives behind the vertical or is just being broken in. And there are many more supportive functions of the bit.
This also means that a bit cannot last a horse's lifetime. A bit evolves with the horse and you as a rider, in other words, you as a team! And that is where we, as bit fitters and bridle fitters, can support you.
And what if you prefer to ride bitless? Bitless is not necessarily more horse-friendly or better. Sometimes it is better to choose a bit because it can be gentler for the horse than some bitless bridles. We also have bitless bridles in our range, as well as a bridle that can be used both bitless and with a bit. This allows us to always choose what best suits you and your horse!
How does a bit fitting and/or bridle fitting work?
We always schedule ample time, want to hear your wishes and your goals. During a consultation, we always check the teeth and head, feel in the mouth, and like to see you ride. While riding, we will try different bits and/or bridles, depending on your wishes.
Most bits and bridles we have with us, so they can often be kept immediately. Sometimes it happens that we need to order a bit or bridle (or part thereof); generally, you will receive it within the same week.
Brands
Quality, reliability, and affordability are very important to us. That's why we have carefully considered the brands we want to work with.
For both bridles and bits, we have chosen Kavalkade, Winderen, Fager, Horka, HKM, HB Showtime, The Yellow Horse Revolution by Josepha Guillaume, and F.R.A. From these brands, we offer bridles, reins, and bits. Each brand has its own specialities, and by combining these brands, we can offer the best for you and your horse!
We also deliberately choose affordable bits and bridles. Precisely because a bit is supportive of certain training aspects, it won't last a lifetime. In that case, it's nice if a bit doesn't immediately cost a fortune, but rather remains affordable.
The bits and bridles from these brands are of very high quality and innovative. All brands we sell are Dutch or other European brands. This also allows us to provide custom solutions regarding the type of bit, the material of the bit, and the bit rings.
Because we truly stand for the welfare of horses and make clear choices regarding our assortment, you won't find any "barbed wire" bits with us. We deliberately exclude certain bits and bridles from our range because we cannot endorse them!
From mini-pony to draft horse
We have a suitable bridle and bit for all kinds of horses and ponies, from small to large, from slender built to draft horse type. So, whether you are looking for a bridle for your mini Shetland, for your cold-blooded horse, or for your competition horse. Or if you want to see what a bitless bridle does for you and your horse? Please contact us so we can help you further with that.
Our rates are as follows:
Consultation up to a maximum of 2 hours € 82.50
Second consultation at the same location, subsequent time € 75 per combination
Curb & Snaffle consultation € 99,-
Second consultation at the same location, subsequent time € 92,- if twice curb & snaffle. Once curb & snaffle and once snaffle/bitless is € 92,- and € 75,-
Measuring a bit and/or bridle without riding (first bit for a horse) € 40,-, maximum 45 minutes. Horse must be safely manageable.
Travel costs; from postcode 6621 BS we charge € 0.30 per kilometer for both the outward and return journey. On the map below you can see our working area. For an individual bit fit and/or bridle fit consultation, we work in the provinces of Gelderland, Overijssel, Noord-Brabant, Zuid-Holland, Noord-Holland, Utrecht and Limburg. Should your location fall just outside the map, that is of course not a problem. It is also possible to visit us with your horse for a bit fit or bridle fit. We have a good, drained outdoor arena with lighting. For multiple combinations, we travel throughout the Netherlands and parts of Belgium and Germany.
