Articles
“Bridle Lameness”, Muscle Tightness & Mistaken Collection
Most of us know the saying, “The horse is connected from head to toe.” Watching this idea come to life during a bit and bridle fitting session was truly eye-opening. Recently, I worked with a client’s horse during a bit and bridle fitting session that clearly showed how the whole horse’s body works together as
Why Quick Fixes Aren’t Real Safety
Think about driving a car with faulty brakes. Instead of repairing them, you tie a heavy crowbar to the emergency brake and pull hard every time you need to stop. This might stop the car, but it’s risky and doesn’t solve the real issue. We often do something similar when working with horses. We dream
The Pressure is On! Exposing the Risks of Poor Bridle Fit
For decades, the “Two-Finger Rule” has been taught in pony clubs and riding schools worldwide. While often presented as a kindness to help horses chew or swallow, many have viewed it as a vague tradition rather than a strict guideline. A landmark 2025 study by Dr Miranda Emerson, published in the Journal of Equine Medicine,
Is Your “Anatomical” Bridle Actually Fitting Your Horse?
“Anatomical” has become one of the most frequently used terms in contemporary bridle design. Manufacturers often claim, in tack shops and on social media, that their bridles avoid facial nerves, relieve poll pressure, and fit around the face. However, these marketing messages often ignore a key fact: true anatomical accuracy is impossible if the bridle
Rethinking Professional Advice in the Equine World
We’ve all experienced this: you ask a professional for advice, but as soon as you hear it, you feel yourself resisting. Maybe it sounds too hard, challenges your usual way, or just doesn’t feel right. As a professional in the equine industry, I find myself on the other side of that wall often. As a
Is Rein Tension the True Cause of Bit/Bridle Pain in Horses?
For me, as a dedicated bitless bridle fitter, the discussion around rein tension is a key factor in the ongoing debate about bits versus bitless bridles. I am grateful for the recent scientific commentary, What if Horses Were Humans? Comparing Rein Tension and Bit Pressures to Human Pressure Pain Thresholds, because it offers compelling data