J M Lawrence Bit and Bridle Fitting

08/06/2025

A fabulous post from The Bit Doctor - Bit and Bridle Fitter on Micklem bridles.

I've been to quite a few clients with this style of bridle, usually bought because the client is looking for a comfortable anatomical fit. However, I usually come across the same issues where the buckles are too high and yet the noseband is too low.

For me it really highlights the importance of having a bridle fitter to assess your horses conformation and fit an appropriate bridle. Much like us all horses are individuals, what fits one horse won't necessarily fit another.

🐎 Do you use a micklem or similar bridles?

Many people ask me about the 'micklem' or similar style of bridles that have an 'anatomical' shape.

First of all, I recognise that some horses 'go well' in these types of bridles, but i think that's a matter of opinion as it's likely that previous bridles have been so poorly fitted.

But here are some points about these bridles I'm sure you haven't previously thought about.

This is one of my clients I recently visited. They very kindly allowed me to demonstrate why I tend to find 9/10 micklem or similar bridles dont fit well or suit some horse's head shape.

With everything, the horse has to have the right head for the bridle. Not all bridles are a 'one style for all', much like our human clothing and horse rugs, etc.

So, on the left is an image of where the owner had fitted the bridle.
Points to make here
- The noseband is too low and presses on soft tissue of the nasal cavity and onto the fragile nasal bone
- The strap around the mouth, so many people say to me, 'it's not a flash'. No, it's a drop noseband. Especially fitted too low, which these often are, they act like a drop noseband, and you can over tighten them to forcefully close the mouth. The drop puts pressure onto the danger zone around the nasal areas! There's no arguing here. If people are inclined to do it up tight, this is what happens.
- The buckle is way too close to the TMJ and placed too high on the Trigeminal nerve before it branches and over the main nerve centre up there!

Photo 2 - I lifted it up on the cheek buckles (note that the throatlash strap is actually not done up and I am holding it back so it's not dangling as it was now too small to go around the horses jaw).
- The noseband is in a much better position on the nasal plane. However, the curve of the noseband is rubbing too close to the sharp cheek bones.
- The buckle is now riding the TMJ and the facial nerves
- The headpiece has become tighter to the poll and pressing into the poll, ear, and brow area.

Photo 3 I have dropped it so that the buckle is at eye level between where the Trigeminal Nerve branches. (Again, I'm holding the throatlash strap)
- The noseband is so low!
- The bit can not be lifted any higher in the mouth and is sitting very loosely. With the possibility of sawing in the mouth, hitting teeth, and being very uncomfortable for her.

Bless her she was so very patient with us while we faffed with her bridle.

It demonstrates why these bridles are very hard to adjust and position right on the majority of horses.

08/06/2025

The welfare of my equine clients is my number one priority. That's why it was so important to me that I registered with the Equine Fitters Directory.

21/05/2025

An incredible bridle which can really help sensitive horses especially those who need relief around their facial nerves.

On top of the revolutionary design and like all EvoEquine LTD bridles, they are beautifully made with incredibly soft leather.

Never underestimate the impact and importance of bridle fit. A properly fitting bridle is as (if not more) important than bit selection. If your concerned that something isn't right, I would definitely encourage you to reach out to a qualified bit and bridle fitter in your area.

The EvoEquine Emperor Bridle is a revolutionary, anatomically designed bridle crafted with the comfort and wellbeing of sensitive horses in mind. Unlike traditional bridles, it avoids key facial nerves and pressure points, ensuring maximum comfort, freedom, and performance.

Key Features:
• Anatomical Headpiece: Designed for complete ear and C1 freedom, with a hidden support system and soft memory foam padding to prevent poll pressure.
• Fully Articulated Design: Every contact point moves with the horse, offering an unrestricted feel and precise, pressure-free fit.
• Customizable Fit: Modular design with optional additions to suit various training needs and disciplines.
• Unobstructed View: Cheek and noseband straps are positioned back to stay clear of the horse’s line of sight and facial nerves.
• Pressure-Free Browband: Sits externally on the headpiece with a quick-change click system and built-in keeper.
• Minimal Neural Pressure: Designed to avoid sensitive areas like facial nerves, throat, neck, and ear muscles.
• Freedom of Movement: Promotes natural motion without the limitations of traditional bridles.

Adaptable in seconds from snaffle to double, the Emperor Bridle is as functional as it is beautiful—perfect for discerning riders seeking innovation and elegance.

19/05/2025

I'm really excited to announce that I am now registered with the Equine Fitters Directory.

The Directory serves as a comprehensive online resource that provides access to an independent and verified list of saddle, bit, bridle, and harness fitters

My aim is to always put the welfare of horses first, registration with the Equine Fitters Directory allows my clients to have confidence that their horses will be seen by a fitter who has been assessed at the highest standards.

14/04/2025

Its been a busy start to the spring with some incredible owners, horses and even some nice weather!

Sorry to my lovely clients who is didn't get a photo of, I'm absolutely terrible at remembering to take some 😬.

19/03/2025

For any of my clients who are in this area or those that use Kenfig beach.

– Public Paths at Kenfig Nature Reserve & Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club

The Council’s Rights of Way team are inviting residents and visitors to participate in a comprehensive review of the public rights of way network surrounding Kenfig National Nature Reserve and Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club.

This review aims to enhance the quality and sustainability of the routes people use for walking, cycling, and horse riding.

We are eager to learn about your experiences: why you choose to visit these areas, which paths you frequent, and whether the proposed new routes align with your needs and expectations. Your feedback is crucial in ensuring these paths remain viable and beneficial for all in the long term.

You can share your thoughts online or drop into our upcoming Public Consultation event 👇

📆 Friday 21 March
⏰ 12pm – 8pm
📍Cornelly Public Hall, Heol Las, North Cornelly, Bridgend

🔗https://beinvolvedbridgend.uk.engagementhq.com/review-of-paths-kenfig-nnr-and-pyle-and-kenfig-golf-club

19/03/2025

Horse and rider combinations who are moving through training levels by more than one level are likely to need more than one fitting during the horse’s career.

09/03/2025

I'm really excited to announce that I am now collaborating with The Bit Doctor. This will give myself and my clients access to an extensive range of new and second hand bits as well as made-to- measure bridles.

I still availability for April, so if you have any concerns or just want to ensure your horse is comfortable and ready for summer then please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Jo

LANTRA, HBF qualified - EAPER Bit and bridle fitter. Registered with the Equine Fitters Directory. Fully insured. 07801 556810

04/03/2025

Its so important to ensure that nosebands aren't too tight for our horses comfort and welfare. Given the proximity to key facial nerves as well as potential for causing pressure across the molars.

You should be able to fit 'two fingers' between your horses face and the noseband, or flash all the way around the nose, not just on the side. The tightest point is usually on the front or back of the face.

If you have any doubts or are concerned that your hands are on the small side then a device like this can help ensure your nosebands are fitting correctly. Other measuring devices are available but this will be the device used by the FEI going forwards.

The FEI noseband measuring tool is now available via the FEI

https://shop.fei.org/products/fei-measuring-device?srsltid=AfmBOopxfFRxgJkC0MyuS_CCSRidl6n4y-f-DJNXUey_2l2wFDbGxI3Y

Note: Sharing for information, neither Centaur Biomechanics nor Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire has any financial connection/reward/association with the FEI tool.

23/02/2025

Hi all,

I am on holiday until next Sunday 3rd of March. I will still be available bit I might take longer to respond than usual.

Jo

10/02/2025

This weekend was a weekend of bit fitting. I had the privilege of working with two fabulous but very different clients. The very handsome Jake (who is didn't get a photo of 🫣) and the beautiful Flicka.

Both showing the difference the right bit can make but also how you need to take the whole horse into account.

I am fully booked for February, I do have some availability for March if anyone is looking to get ready for summer ☀️.

Thank you to their lovely owners for reaching out x

P.s please don't judge my photography skills, it's not a talent of mine 🤣

14/01/2025

I had a lovely time Sunday morning fitting the lovely Alfie. A very sensitive boy who is usually ridden bitless but his owner likes to have the option of a bit.

It was particularly interesting to see how he reacted to changes in the mouth piece showing a very definite preference for a barrel over a lozenge.

I hope this beautiful boy and his owner have many adventures in their new set up.