The Athletic Horse Bit and Bridle Fit Consultancy & Equine Bodywork

01/08/2025

Lovely to be invited back to Beacon Park Farm Livery Yard for another clinic. Thank you to Sarah for organsing. I am so busy ‘doing’ and talking (lots of talking and explaining!) I only remembered to get a photo with my last client, Dexter. Isn’t he just gorgeous 😍

9 bridles checked ✔️
3 new bridles fitted ✔️
5 new bits fitted ✔️
5 ridden horses and riders assessed ✔️
1 x Waterford snaffle in the bin! ✔️

Now for the paperwork. It’s been a very long day but so rewarding.

30/07/2025

It’s a big birthday this coming month for me and so will be doing some really good offers on a few things for my clients!. Starting off with these fabulously comfortable boots!

PE Borelli Waterproof Zipped Boot RRP £94 offer price £80
PE Borelli Waterproof Laced Boot RRP £94 offer price £80
PE Borelli Waterproof Chelsea Boot RRP £88 offer price £78
Collection Romsley or tracked postage £4.50

one of each in sizes 5, 6 & 7; one they’re gone, they’re gone

24/07/2025

It’s heartbreaking to STILL see so many horses with tight nosebands which are totally unnecessary and cruel. Your horse can MOVE so much better and with more FREEDOM and with a longer stride length in a correctly fitted cavesson.

As soon as I arrive to work with a client, if their horse is wearing a flash or drop of any kind, I remove it. I can’t do my job, and get feedback from the horse in a bit trial if the horse doesn’t have the option to open their mouth to let me know how they are coping with the pressure. (Sometimes it’s not related to the bit but that’s a whole different subject!)

It never ceases to surprise me how much more relaxed the horse often is without something to close their mouth. Usually, to the rider’s delight. I’m not sure how many return to their drops and flashes afterwards. I fear it’s more do than don’t. But I live in hope. Especially when the evidence is presented - time and time again.

A new scientific study co-authored by Animalweb’s own Dr David Marlin in conjuction with Anglia Ruskin University students Emily Hopkins and Stacie Whitrod and ARU Writtle Associate Professor of Animal Biomechanics and Sports Medicine and School Research Lead Dr Roberta Blake, has found that tight...

20/07/2025

Lovely day spent with clients at Ali Lane's Dressage Camp at The Unicorn Centre in Stow on the Wold yesterday.
Well done to the hardcore who braved the rain and how lucky were you if you were scheduled to ride in the afternoon beneath blue skies!!
Thank you to Ali for inviting me to participate on these fabulous clinics, such lovely horses and ponies and people. Some familiar faces and some new! Looking forwards to next month already and am know my day is already full booked.

15/07/2025

Thank you to Sarah for this photo of handsome ‘Storm’ trying out a few different bits this afternoon. Don’t know about a storm, but we certainly had quite a downpour (though still not enough ☔️), but that didn’t stop our smiles, why are horsey folk all a little crazy 🤪!
I meet such lovely people and now Storm is out of his waterford (I reallly DISLIKE waterfords) and into something kinder, yet more effective.

15/07/2025

I have space along the below route/s on Monday 21st July. For bridle fitting, bit consulting or equine sport massage 😃

I am a LANTRA qualfied bridle fitter; a LANTRA qualified INDEPENDENT bit and bridle fit consultant I carry many different brands of bits and bridles; I hold a Neue Schule bitting science qualification and am a member of EAPER "Ethos Accredited Professionals Equine Register" & Society of Master Saddlers member.

Please PM for more information / pricing please check out my website / reviews 😍. Thank you.

www.theathletichorse.co.uk

13/07/2025

Just taken delivery of another range of bits to add to my toolkit (yes I am weird and obsessed); these are beautifully crafted small bits for tiny mouths. Pony owners often struggle to find bits small enough to to fit their tiny mouths; this range have smaller mouth diameters and smaller cheeks and all under 4.5”, some are even non-metal which are often impossible to find in small sizes.
I don’t sell bits which enables me to carry a larger range for clients to try as I don’t have to carry stock to sell. It also means I have no allegiance to any particular brand and can be totally impartial.

13/07/2025

This has been a topic of discussion a few times over the past couple of weeks with my therapy clients. And then I happen to see this post below which was timely for me to share. I understand why it can be confusing but you owe it to your horse to ensure you know who you are asking to fit your saddles and importantly they are Qualified.

🐴 SADDLER - clue is in the name, someone who qualified to MAKE saddles (not a FITTER)

🐴 FITTER - someone who is qualified to FIT saddles, but not MAKE them (so not a SADDLER)

Yes there are a handful of folk that are qualfied to do both.

www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

The terms are used interchangeably but there's a big difference... and, just to add to the confusion, some people are BOTH.

Check out the Society of Master Saddlers website, and use their super dooper search function to find your local Saddler, Saddle Fitter, Bridle Maker, Bridle Fitter, Harness Maker... etc.

10/07/2025

Is there anything better than British countryside? I think not. My view this morning just outside Monmouth where I arrived for my first client for a bridle / bit consultation. Thankfully my consultations were all this morning before the heat took hold! And all recommendations via word of mouth which is how 99% of my work comes to me. Plus I get to meet the nicest people who want the best for their equines 😍