Welcome to Equine Partnership. This is more than a business for me; it’s a vocation driven by my love and passion for horses. I believe that every horse deserves to be heard. My journey into professional fitting and behaviour grew from a desire to find a ‘better way’—a way that moves away from force and toward mutual understanding. As a high-welfare practitioner, I work in line with the LIMA principles, ensuring that every intervention is as gentle as possible and as effective as necessary.
My dual expertise in technical equipment fitting and coaching allows me to bridge the gap between tack and technique. I am passionate about empowering equestrians with the knowledge they need to make informed choices, ensuring their horses are not just ‘behaving,’ but are truly comfortable and willing in their work.
As a Director of the Association of Professional Bit and Bridle Fitters, my career is dedicated to a singular goal: improving the lives of horses through anatomical precision. My approach is rooted in the belief that many performance and behavioural issues are, at their core, communication breakdowns caused by physical discomfort.
Phillippa Christie, Founder
Non-Verbal Science
In 2012, my career took an unexpected turn into the study of non-verbal communication. Driven by my daughter’s diagnosis of Autism, I immersed myself in learning how to interpret micro-signals, sensory processing, and silent communication.
I realised that these same principles applied profoundly to equines. This wasn’t just “whispering”; it was observational science. It became the foundation of my methodology: listening to the horse’s subtle cues to solve behavioural issues that others labelled as “naughty.”
Meeting Teddy
In 2014, Teddy entered my life and dismantled my traditional understanding of training. He didn’t respond to mechanics; he responded to connection. Our journey into bitless riding and science-based training wasn’t just for fun—it was a rigorous investigation into why horses refuse, resist, or react.
Teddy taught me that comfort determines behaviour. This realisation drove me to specialise in bridle fit and cranial anatomy—investigating how equipment design affects the nervous system.
My motivation is simple: To ensure every horse is heard, understood, and comfortable.
MCMA BBF ECST
Watch my story here…
Equine Professional
I hold various certifications, registrations and memberships pertaining to the equine studies I have undertaken. My areas of expertise include equine behaviour, anatomy, and bridle fit & management. My achievements include winning national TREC Ireland and International agility competitions as well as previous competition experience in show jumping and mounted games. These days I enjoy having fun.
Workshops & conferences I have undertaken as part of my continued development.
2026
- Conformation Analysis of the Horse (APBBF)
- Equine Biosecurity for Bit & Bridle Fitting (APBBF)
2025
- Cranio-Mandibular Biomechanics and Bridle Interaction: Implications for Equine Performance with Lucinda Stockley
- BETA Bits, Bridles & Saddlery Conference
- Dissection Workshop with Gillian Higgins & Dr Kirsty Lésniak, Hartpury University UK
- Dressage Sadde Design, Common Variation and the Strengths and Weaknesses with Dr Ian Bidstrup
- Saddle Panel Design, Flocking & Exchange Workshop. NL
2024
- The Implications of Domestication on Equine Posture & its Relevance to Podiatry with Yogi Sharp & Karen Gellman
- Evidence-Based Saddle Fitting webinar with Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire and Mark Fisher
- Myofascial Kinetic Lines on the Equine Head Affected by Training and the Bridle webinar with Dr. Rikke Schultz
2023
- Clinical Biomechanics of the Equine Head with Professor Kevin Haussler
2021
- Anatomy in Action Conference, UK
2020
- The Open College of Equine Studies, Practical Anatomy Study Week, UK
- Biomechanics & Saddle Fit Workshop with Dr Russell Guire, UK
Pre-2020
- 2019 – Donkey Sanctuary Webinar with Ben Hart
- 2018 – IAABC Conference
- Bit Fit Training Course & Professional Shadowing (APBBF)
- Bitless Bridle Fitter Professional Award (Equine Academy)
- Craniosacral Therapy Level 1 (Equinology)
- Craniosacral Therapy – Biodynamics (Equine Academy)
- Equine Massage (Equine Academy)
- Equine Anatomy EQ50 (Equinology)
- Equine Anatomy & Physiology Level 5 (TOCES)
- Equine Psychology Diploma (Distinction, Ofqual Qualification)
- Equine Management Diploma (Distinction, Ofqual Qualification)
- Horse Sport Ireland Coaching Certificate
- Level 1 Certificate in Zoopharmacognosy
- Platinum Approved Member of the Association of Professional Bit & Bridle Fitters
- Registered Practitioner of Equine Psychology with the Complementary Medical Association (MCMA)
- Registered Bridle Fitter with the Equine Fitters Council
- Practitioner Member of the International Society for Equitation Science
- Silver Member of the International Alliance of Holistic Therapists
- Pet Professionals Guild Registered Equine Training Professional
- Approved Non-Ridden Equine UK Friendly Business
- Fully Insured Tack Fitter & Coach
Please note that memberships are not an endorsement, but recognition of my dedication to practice.