Sally O'Hara Bit and Bridle Fitter

21/09/2025

First one of the season 😍😊

28/08/2025

13/08/2025

11/08/2025

Fantastic day!

11/08/2025

Best way to start the day !

27/07/2025

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...

02/05/2025

**𝗡𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞**

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲 @ 𝟭𝟵:𝟬𝟬 𝗛𝗥𝗦 𝗕𝗦𝗧

𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿??

While the noseband is an essential component of the bridle, it is not the only factor that affects comfort and performance. Other elements need to be considered:

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲: the headpiece should be fitted with the horse’s anatomy in mind, taking into account the space between the back of the ears and the sides of the atlas – the first cervical (neck) vertebra. Headpiece pressures are highest at the base of the ears and in the region of the TMJ. Anatomical headpiece designs are useful for reducing focal pressure; however, they must be fitted to the individual horse, with the horse’s conformation being considered. The headpiece should be shaped, padded and constructed using one piece of leather providing attachments to the cheek pieces and noseband on both the left and right side.

𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱: should be fitted so that a hand (palm down) can be admitted beneath it. A browband that is too small can pull the headpiece forward and cause localised pressures at the base of the ear.

𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: the buckles should be adjusted so that the buckle is in the middle hole of the cheek piece. This should align with the upper corner of the horse’s eye. A cheekpiece that is too long will mean that the buckles are too high and close to the areas that are sensitive to pressure.

𝗕𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: the cheekpiece should be adjusted to ensure that the bit is positioned within the horses mouth at the appropriate height. The bit should also be the correct width, mouthpiece size and type for the horse.

Whilst attention is given to the noseband, the entire bridle must be properly fitted to ensure the horse’s comfort is optimised and not compromised.

𝗙𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴:

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀: https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/bridles-how-to-choose-and-fit-them-correctly?srsltid=AfmBOorOGLfgrP_MimX8-AxVG_gIOLRm7mk8I4XoNuYvC-aw7RoAcyrK

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘆:: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1j3gnKFGNo

01/05/2025

** 𝗡𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞**

𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿?

The type of noseband used should be discussed with a coach and professionals, and fitted by a qualified bridle fitter. Each noseband has a slightly different function depending on their design and if they have one or two bands encircling the mouth.

Due to the head anatomy, pressures beneath the cavesson, Swedish (crank) and flash nosebands are relatively higher on the lateral nasal bones and mandibles; therefore, noseband design is an important consideration.

The noseband should have padding on the upper (nasal bones) and lower (mandibles) parts of the noseband; it is essential to note that regardless of padding, the noseband must still be adjusted appropriately (looser or equal to 1.5 finger tightness).

The Swedish noseband has been referred to as a “crank”, due to its fastening mechanism and potential leverage effect. However, this type of noseband usually has padding under the mandibles, which may be missing on other designs. Interestingly, no differences were found in pressures for a cavesson, Swedish and flash noseband when adjusted to the same level of tightness.

As well as the additional padding over the mandibles with the Swedish noseband, the “D” ring connecting the noseband strap to the cheek piece can also be improve comfort, as this allows the noseband to remain positioned perpendicularly to the nasal bones. This provides a more uniform distribution of pressure compared to a cavesson noseband, which can cause a ridge of pressure on the upper or lower part of the noseband, depending on the position of the horse’s head and neck.

The pressures under a drop noseband are generally less than the cavesson noseband but the noseband is positioned lower on the horse’s nose, so it is important that it is fitted correctly to avoid constricting the nostrils. .

It is essential to always consult with a qualified bridle fitter to ensure optimal fit and function.

𝗙𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴::

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀: https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/bridles-how-to-choose-and-fit-them-correctly?srsltid=AfmBOorOGLfgrP_MimX8-AxVG_gIOLRm7mk8I4XoNuYvC-aw7RoAcyrK

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘆: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1j3gnKFGNo

30/04/2025

**𝗡𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞**

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵?

The simple answer is no, if the noseband is “correctly” fitted!

If the noseband is fitted correctly, the noseband pressures are of a magnitude that should not cause any pain or discomfort.

Noseband pressures are cyclical, meaning that within the stride cycle, they have a maximum and minimum value. The peaks and troughs are repeatable and occur during the early part of the stance phase. For a correctly fitted noseband, the magnitude of minimal pressure is low; it should be noted that pressure beneath the noseband only occurs when the horse pushes against it; at all other times, the pressures are close to zero.

If a noseband is fitted, or adjusted to mechanically restrict mouth movement, compressing the soft tissues, then the pressures will be high. As already discussed (Monday), this has no place in riding, training or competing, but this differs considerably to a “correctly” fitted noseband.

𝗙𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴:

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀: https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/bridles-how-to-choose-and-fit-them-correctly?srsltid=AfmBOorOGLfgrP_MimX8-AxVG_gIOLRm7mk8I4XoNuYvC-aw7RoAcyrK

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘆: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1j3gnKFGNo

29/04/2025

**𝗡𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞**

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱?

Four areas need to be considered when defining the “correct fit” of the noseband:

𝗡𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: traditionally, is it was advised that the noseband should be adjusted to allow two fingers to fit beneath the noseband. The origin of this rule is unclear and is not based on any evidence, and furthermore, the location (front vs. side of the horse’s head) or orientation of the fingers (stacked vs. side by side) varies in advice.

Studies have looked at the tightness of the noseband when adjusted to different levels; however, only recently have noseband pressures on the upper and lower part been reported in horses during ridden exercise. Previously, we showed no difference in noseband pressures when the noseband was adjusted from 2.0 to 1.5 finger-equivalent tightness; furthermore, horses were able to accept and chew a treat at the same frequency (confirming the noseband does not restrict natural mouth movement), and behavioural indicators such as eye temperature and blink rate were unchanged (indicating that the noseband did not cause any excitement or distress).

Whilst the chewing frequency and behavioural indicators were unchanged, pressures were increased when the noseband was adjusted beyond 1.5 finger tightness, therefore providing a threshold at which the noseband can be adjusted too (or looser) without causing any issues to the horse.

𝗡𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: dependent on the anatomy of the horse, and the proximity of the bit rings, the height of the noseband should be approximately 1 to 2 cm below the facial crest. The noseband should not be fitted too high, causing focal pressures on the facial crest or so low that the skin gets pinched between the noseband and bit.

𝗡𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: the noseband cheekpiece should ideally be fastened so that the buckles are at the level of the corner of the horse’s eye. Buckles should be positioned symmetrically (left and right) and should not be too high, causing pressures close to the TMJ.

𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: Keeping the bridle clean and supple is important for the horse’s comfort and health, keeping it soft and smooth and avoiding stiff, rough and irritating edges. Padding beneath the noseband, across the nasal bones, and mandibles is useful to help dampen pressures but is not a replacement for keeping a bridle supple and clean! Ensure that a good-quality material is used to prevent the pad from deforming.

The primary goal is to ensure the noseband is adjusted to allow it to function correctly without causing unnecessary pressure or discomfort to the horse. The fit of the noseband (and all elements of the bridle) must be checked regularly as the leather can fatigue and stretch, and what was fitted one day may be defined as incorrectly fitted at a later stage.

𝗙𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴:

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀: https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/bridles-how-to-choose-and-fit-them-correctly?srsltid=AfmBOorOGLfgrP_MimX8-AxVG_gIOLRm7mk8I4XoNuYvC-aw7RoAcyrK

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘆: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1j3gnKFGNo