28/08/2026
⚠️ Slight rant alert…
Lately, I’ve had several people tell me that their trainer or coach has changed their horse’s bit or bridle set-up without any discussion with the rider or owner.
And I have a real problem with this.
I’ve seen nosebands tightened because somebody thinks they’re “too loose”.
Hanging cheeks put higher because the cheekpieces look baggy — when the whole point of the hanging cheek is the way it suspends the mouthpiece and can reduce pressure elsewhere. If you alter how it sits simply to make the cheekpieces look neater, you change how that bit is functioning.
I’ve seen horses sent away for starting in a simple snaffle and come home in a gag. 🤦♀️
Seriously.
And ponies having flashes put back on at Pony Club, despite the pony having already demonstrated very clearly that they are uncomfortable in one.
Equipment shouldn’t be changed simply because “that’s how I like it”, “that’s how I was taught” or because something doesn’t look how we expect it to look.
There should be a reason.
If a horse is opening its mouth, putting its tongue over the bit, throwing its head up, leaning, running through the hand or generally becoming difficult, adding more restriction or more leverage might suppress the behaviour.
But suppressing the behaviour isn’t necessarily solving the problem.
Sometimes the behaviour is information.
Why is the horse opening its mouth?
Why is it trying to evade the contact?
Why does it dislike the noseband?
Why does it suddenly need a stronger bit?
Before we change the equipment, we should be asking why.
And if somebody genuinely believes a different set-up would benefit the horse, then absolutely have that conversation. Explain what you’re seeing, what you’d like to change and why.
But ultimately, it is the rider/owner who needs to understand what is being put on their horse and how it works.
Do I have all the answers? Absolutely not.
Do I get it right every single time? Of course not. Horses are individuals, and sometimes finding the right answer involves listening, observing, trying something and reassessing.
But one thing I can promise is that your horse’s comfort and welfare will always be my priority — and alongside that, your safety.
Equipment should help create clearer, quieter communication between horse and rider.
It should never just be used to silence what the horse is trying to tell us.
Listen to the horse. Ask why. Then make the change. 🐴
