Anna Martin - Bitting Consultant & Bridle Fitter

11/08/2025

Everyone knows how important it is to have your saddle fitted and checked regularly. But did you know that having your horse’s bit and bridle fitted is just as important? The bit is an invasive piece of equipment which if not fitting correctly can cause undue pain and discomfort within the mouth, and the bridle can be uncomfortable or even painful on pressure points on the head.

We all want the best for our horses, which is why a correctly fitting bit and bridle is vital, not only for your horse’s comfort but to enhance the trust and communication between you both.

Whether you are a happy hacker or a serious competitor, your horse’s welfare will be greatly improved by having your bit/bridle combination fitted.

Make a close study of your horse’s behaviour and see if any of the issues listed below (which are just a selection) are being displayed, which might indicate that your horse is experiencing some discomfort or distress.

Head shaking
Lacking in impulsion
Rushing
Leaning on the bit
Tail swishing
Uneven gait
Ducking behind the bit
Constant snacking when on hacks
Constant fiddling with the bit
Getting the tongue over the bit
Inconsistent contact

You will be hugely rewarded by providing them with a truly comfortable bit fitted by a qualified professional.

If you would like to book a bit fitting, please DM me, Anna Martin, or email at [email protected] 🐎🐎🐎

09/07/2025

Here is my long suffering horse, Ami, stoically trying out a new bitless bridle for me.
He is normally ridden in a Micklem with. Neue Schule Ltd verbindend so this was quite different for him ( and me).
It's the EvoEquine LTD 4 way bitless bridle which I will be adding to my stock to take on fittings.
It can be used in 2 ways as a bitless and 2 ways with bits. As a normal snaffle and as a double.
Perfect if you need to interchange between bitted and bitless.

If you're interested in a fitting for this bridle or bitless in general, then please don't hesitate to contact me.

06/07/2025

Really human? You want to go riding now?? 🐎🐎🐎

21/06/2025

My beautiful Ami after having a bath today. He really hates to be wet even in this warm weather. You'd think he'd like a refreshing shower after getting hot in the school, but no, he still hates it.
But it's nice to have a clean horse.

🐎🐎🐎

17/06/2025

🥴🥴🥴

You've got to wonder about some people haven't you??!! 🤣🤣❤️❤️ Monique Goodwin
Poor Seb was just tolerating the madness. What a good stallion he is. 😂😂

If you would like to book a bit fitting or riding sessions, please DM me, Anna Martin, or email at [email protected] 🐎🐎🐎

15/06/2025

This is Beanie showing her best side to the camera.
I see her most days because she has the stable next to my horse.

If you would like to book a bit fitting or riding sessions, please DM me, Anna Martin, or email at [email protected] 🐎🐎🐎

15/06/2025

This is Ranger looking very smart in his new bridle by He's wearing the Saffron noseband with 9.5 inch cheek pieces.

If you would like to book a bit fitting, bridle fitting or riding sessions, please DM me, Anna Martin, or email at [email protected] 🐎🐎🐎

12/06/2025

🥴🥴🥴
This is face of a horse who has spent all night stuffing himself with spring grass. 🤣

09/06/2025

Here are 2 photos of Kim Ferguson and Archie whom I worked with on Saturday. In the first photo Archie is hollow and not working from behind putting Kim in a position where her leg is too far forwards and she looks like she's stretching for the reins. In the 2nd photo, Archie is wearing his new bit, Neue Schule Ltd Turtle 🐢 Tactio with full cheeks, which he found much more comfortable. You can see that he's more relaxed, working through his back more and therefore tracking up better, and that Kim is in a much better position.

If you would like to book a bit fitting or riding sessions, please DM me, Anna Martin, or email at [email protected] 🐎🐎

05/06/2025

This is a great explanation on the breathing mechanics of a horse.
They are obligate nasal breathers, meaning that they can only breathe through their nose.

🐴Did you know that horses can’t breathe through their mouths?

Unlike humans, they’re what we call obligate nasal breathers—which means all their breathing happens through their nostrils. No exceptions!

This is down to a unique feature in their anatomy: a long, low-hanging soft palate that blocks off the mouth from the windpipe. Essentially, air can only enter their lungs through the nose. It’s a clever design that allows them to eat and move at the same time without choking—a must for a prey animal that’s always alert and on the go.

But there’s a trade-off: if a horse’s nasal passages become blocked, even slightly, it can have a serious impact on their breathing. There’s no ‘plan B’—no breathing through the mouth if something goes wrong!

04/06/2025

It's not often that I post a photo with me in it so here I am with my gorgeous Ami.

I am a qualified bit and bridle fitter.
I also offer riding sessions; either schooling, hacking or groundwork.

I am a calm, sensible and professional rider with extensive experience with young or old horses.

I will give your horse the confidence to face the world.
I will tackle all situations in a controlled and thoughtful manner.

Maybe you are at work all day and feel guilty that you can't give your horse enough exercise and training. I can help.

If you would like to book a bit fitting or riding sessions, please DM me, Anna Martin, or email at [email protected] 🐎🐎🐎