The Springfield Saddler

22/09/2025

20/09/2025

I often say to customers that if we are no further forward after trying 4 different bits, then it is probably not a bitting issue. Bit and bridle issues are often subtle and a change can help improve a horse's way of going and the communication between horse and rider/handler. It is good practice to rule out any bit or bridle issues but it is also good practice to check for pain or discomfort elsewhere as well, be that a physical problem with the horse, discomfort from the saddle, a training issue or, dare I say, the rider.

One of the hardest things I ever have to say to a client is: “the bit isn’t the problem.”

When I say this, it often goes one of two ways. Sometimes I get a list of 50 reasons why it absolutely must be the bit. Other times, I’m met with silence 👻 and I never hear back because that answer isn't what they wanted to hear.

I want to be really clear about something: when I tell someone the bit isn’t the problem, I don’t say it lightly. I don’t say it because I’m dismissing your concerns, or because I lack knowledge, or because I don’t want to help. I say it because I truly know that, in that moment, changing the bit won’t fix the issue your horse is having, you will continue to have the problem in every bit.

I’ve spent years working with horses, studying bit mechanics, and fitting them carefully. I’ve seen the difference the right bit can make and I’ve also seen how often the problem lies somewhere else. Sometimes it’s pain. Sometimes it’s teeth. Sometimes it’s body soreness, saddle fit, rider balance, training gaps, or even just a horse learning to understand what’s being asked.

The bit can refine communication. It can make your job a little clearer, and your horse a little more comfortable. But it can’t “fix” discomfort, tension, or misunderstanding. No piece of equipment can do that.

When I say “it’s not the bit,” I’m not trying to close a door on you. I’m trying to open the right one - The one that leads to real answers, and real progress, for you and your horse. Because the last thing I want is for you to spend money and hope chasing a quick fix that simply won’t work.

I promise, if I tell you it isn’t the bit, it’s because I genuinely care about helping you and your horse get to the root of the problem. My role isn’t to sell you a product for the sake of it. It’s to guide you towards what will truly make a difference.

09/09/2025

Lovely drawings from Mary Sargeant. The hyoid apparatus is a key component of horse movement. This is why bridle & bit fit are so important as discomfort in this area can affect horse locomotion.

What is hyper focus look like?? erm this at 2.30 am in the morning
92 pages done so far !! and I have given up drinking coffee 😱

09/09/2025

Following on Centaur Biomechanics noseband study, I feel it important to share these replies to some of the criticisms aimed at the study.

02/09/2025

Delighted to be a sponsor at this year's Scottish TREC Championships. My horse & I have been competing in TREC for 10 years now. We've dropped a level due to both our advancing years but for a fun, challenging and above all sociable discipline, nothing beats it. Looking forward to the weekend and the best of luck to all my fellow competitors.

20/08/2025

Quick trip to Redditch yesterday to meet up with fellow bit and bridle fitters. A chance to hear, first hand, about Sprenger bits followed by a tour of the Eilberg yard then to watch Michael try out a couple of bits. Many thanks to Zebra Products, Heiko from Sprenger and Michael for putting on a great day.

✨ What a fantastic day at our Sprenger Equestrian seminar!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, and to Eilberg Dressage & Heiko for being such brilliant hosts 🥳🦓

15/08/2025

A cautionary tale. I have a couple of thoughts on the text. First is to request that you don't put the lunge line over the poll. You can inflict a lot of pain and potential damage to the poll area and the corners of the hore's mouth should things go wrong, as in this case. (That goes for using this method in lunging as well). If you must lead from the bit use a coupler or the reins. Better still good groundwork and training can help horses manage their own anxiety and become nice citizens on the ground so that coersive tactics are no longer required.

08/08/2025

Robin the 19hh Clydesdale wearing his new show bridle. Nothing off the peg fitted him well, so his lovely owner bought him a full, handstitched bespoke bridle. Nothing too heavy as he has a stunning head. Looking forward to seeing him in the ribbons next year.

16/07/2025

Wow! 1,000 followers and lots of new likes. Welcome to all who are new to this page and thank you for your supprt 😃. Photo of a hackamore delivered to a customer this week. Bitless is as valid an option as bitted and I can help you find the right type for you and your horse.

15/06/2025

Great evening with Tayside Dressage Group talking bridle fit. Good discussion at the end. I learnt things and hopefully the group did too. Thank you for the invite and the gingerbread😋, hope you stay a bit drier today 😃

10/06/2025

What a nice surprise to find in your email! Thank you to everyone who nominated me😃

02/06/2025

The workshop is taking a break this week so I'll be back to replying to messages from 10th June.