Bitfit and bridle fit information
In the past… the times when we still fitted a saddle to a horse by eye, put a bridle on, and a bit in.
By now, we all know the necessity of a well-fitting saddle; you wouldn't walk comfortably in shoes that are too small or too big yourself. Yet, a bit or bridle is still all too often put on a horse without knowing if it truly contributes to the welfare and performance of your horse.
A bit is often chosen because someone at the stable also has such a bit or because a previous horse had one. However, the right bit can make a world of difference for both the welfare of the horse and its performance in sports.
We all know an example of a horse that performed wonderfully during a trial ride with the previous owner. Once home, with your bridle and bit, you notice that everything is less smooth, even months later. Or what about a horse that just won't settle into the contact? Or a horse that constantly pushes its back away and raises its head, even after everything else has been checked. There's a good chance that with a different bit and/or bridle, you'll achieve that desired, calm contact.
It's not for nothing that there are different bits, such as a snaffle, loose ring snaffle, and curb bit. Unbroken, double-jointed, single-jointed, and then also made of different materials. Each bit has specific properties for various stages of the horse's development and training.
The same applies to bridles. Did you know, for example, that many nerve pathways converge where the cheekpieces run? Or that various connections run from the hyoid bone, which in turn influence the use of the shoulder and hind leg. All facets that are naturally perfectly coordinated, but which we hinder with a bridle that isn't quite right or an incorrect bit.
This is why a bit fit and bridle fit can help you and your horse.
What do you offer as a bit fitter / bridle fitter?
At Puur Paardenkracht Ruitersport, this is done by Ruud van den Berg and Margit Sas – Sundquest. Not only for competition riders, but also for those who want to ride recreationally.
Both Ruud and Margit are qualified for both bit fitting and bridle fitting and have completed their training at Astrid Hoppenbrouwers and the NHI (Nederlands Hippisch Instituut). Astrid is well-known 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 regular prices or more expensive variants. We believe it's important that this is accessible to everyone. That's why we work with bridles and bits from BR Equestrian Equipment, 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 want us to check it.
Jumping, dressage, recreation
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 damage to its body.
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 is a big difference between the various bits, bit rings, and bridles. One bit will help your horse more with horizontal balance, while another bit, for example, offers more support to a horse that ducks 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 by definition more horse-friendly or better. Sometimes it is better to choose a bit because it can be softer for the horse than some bitless bridles. We also have bitless bridles in our assortment and also a bridle that can be used both bitless and with a bit. This means we can always choose what suits you and your horse best!
How does a bit fit and/or bridle fit 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 inside the mouth, and like to see you ride. While riding, we will try different bits and/or bridles, depending on your wishes.
We also have most bits and bridles with us, so they can stay directly. Sometimes it happens that we have to order a bit or bridle (part), which you generally receive within the same week.
Brands
Quality, reliability, and affordability are very important to us. That is why we have made a careful consideration of the brands we want to work with.
For both bridles and bits, we have chosen Kavalkade, BR Equestrian Equipment, 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 specialties, and by combining these brands, we can offer the best for you and your horse!
We also consciously choose affordable bits and bridles. Precisely because a bit supports certain training facets, it does not last a lifetime. Then it is nice if a bit does not immediately cost a fortune, but remains affordable.
The bits and bridles from these brands are of very good quality and innovative. All brands we sell are Dutch or other European brands. This allows us to also 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 should not expect "fences" from us. We consciously exclude certain bits and bridles from our assortment because we cannot support 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 to draft horse type. So whether you are looking for a bridle for your mini Shetland pony, for your cold-blooded horse, or for your competition horse. Or do you want to see what a bitless bridle does for you and your horse? Please contact us so we can help you further.
Our rates are as follows:
Consultation up to a maximum of 2 hours € 82.50
Second consultation at the same location, subsequent time slot € 75,- per combination
Curb & Snaffle consultation € 99,-
Second consultation at the same location, subsequent time slot € 92,- if two curb & snaffle. One curb & snaffle and one snaffle/bitless is € 92,- and € 75,-
Bit and/or bridle fitting without riding (first bit on a horse) € 40,-, maximum 45 minutes. Horse must be safely manageable.
Travel expenses; 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, North Brabant, South Holland, North Holland, Utrecht, and Limburg. If your location falls just outside the map, that is of course no problem. It is also possible to visit us with your horse for a bit fit or bridle fit. We have a good, drained outdoor riding arena with lighting. With multiple combinations, we travel throughout the Netherlands and parts of Belgium and Germany.
You can easily schedule your appointment with us via our calendar.
