Bit- & Bridle fitting

Not sure whether your bit or bridle is the right fit for your horse?

Many riders notice that their horse:

  • struggles to maintain a consistent contact;
  • feels unsettled in the contact;
  • is sensitive in the mouth;
  • or simply doesn't move as relaxed as it could.


The cause may lie in the combination of the bit and bridle.


Our Bit & Bridle Fitting service is currently available in the Netherlands only. If you're located outside the Netherlands, we're still happy to provide personalised advice to help you choose the right bit or bridle for your horse.

Schedule a fitting

What is a Bit & Bridle fitting?

A correctly fitted bit and bridle have a significant impact on your horse's comfort, pressure distribution and communication with the rider.

The aim of the consultation is to assess to what extent the bit and, where applicable, the bridle contribute to these issues and where improvements can be made.

You can choose between a Bit Fitting, a Bridle Fitting, or a combination of both. You can also choose between a snaffle consultation or a double bridle consultation.

What can you expect?

During the fitting, we take the time to carefully assess your horse and its current equipment. We look at the complete picture and work step by step towards a suitable solution.

Analysis and intake

I start with a thorough assessment of your horse. This includes palpating the head and neck to check for any areas of sensitivity. I then examine the mouth to assess its anatomy and identify any particular features. I also assess the current bit and bridle for size, position and function. We discuss your experiences, what you would like to improve and what you notice while riding.

Baseline Assessment

Next, the rider rides the horse using their current tack. This allows me to observe how the horse moves and responds, while giving you the opportunity to feel how your horse performs in its current setup. This serves as a baseline, making it easier to assess the effect of any changes made during the fitting.

Testing various bits

Next, we test different bits. While you are riding, I observe how your horse responds to each option. I explain why certain bits work differently and which factors influence their effect. Together, we look for a bit that both you and your horse can clearly feel a positive difference with.

Bridle review (optional)

If desired, I also include the bridle in the fitting. I assess its fit, adjustment and pressure distribution to determine whether it affects your horse's comfort. Different components, such as the headpiece and noseband, are tested while riding to assess which combination provides the best result. By assessing both the bit and the bridle together, I can build a complete picture of how the tack influences your horse. During the consultation, I explain why certain bridle components work differently and which factors influence their effect.

Final result

At the end of the consultation, you will receive a clear conclusion and tailored advice based on your horse and your individual situation. The goal is to find a combination that allows your horse to feel more comfortable, move more freely and improve communication between horse and rider.

About the fitter

Hi, I'm Aniek, a qualified Bit & Bridle Fitter and the founder of Bits&Bridles.

My interest in fit, equine anatomy and horse welfare led me to specialise in bit and bridle fitting. To further expand my knowledge, I completed the Bit & Bridle Fitter course at the National Equestrian Institute (NHI) in 2025. Through my experience designing bridles, I have gained extensive knowledge of fit, pressure distribution and equine comfort.

During a consultation, I look at the complete picture: how the bit and bridle work together and how they influence your horse.

I believe it's important that you understand why something does or doesn't work. That's why I explain my findings throughout the fitting, giving you the knowledge and confidence to make the right choices for your horse.

Customer experiences

★★★★★

Great experience with Aniek! After a few adjustments to the bridle and bit, my horse felt much more active and responsive. It's amazing what the right adjustments can do!

Tessa van der Vlis
Noord - Holland
★★★★

I'm very pleased with the results of my Bit & Bridle Fitting. The bridle is beautifully finished and made from high-quality leather. The recommended bit has also made a real difference. It sits comfortably in my horse's mouth and creates a much softer, more consistent contact.

Amarins Halman
Friesland
★★★★★

Aniek visited our yard for a Bit & Bridle Fitting. She took a professional and thorough approach, taking all the time needed to assess my horse. Thanks to the combination of a new bit and a well-fitting bridle, Lucky now has a softer, more consistent contact and is much more relaxed under saddle. I would highly recommend Aniek!

Vaila Ozvarnali
Utrecht
★★★★★

I was quite sceptical beforehand, but Aniek completely changed my mind. She explains everything clearly, takes her time and carefully considers what suits each horse. The difference after the fitting was greater than I expected. My horse is lighter in the hand, has a more consistent contact and shakes his head far less. I would definitely recommend a Bit & Bridle Fitting.

Sandra de Groot
Groningen
★★★★★

I had a great experience during the Bit & Bridle Fitting. Everything was explained clearly, with plenty of time to answer my questions and explain the reasoning behind each recommendation. I'm very happy with the results.

Jessica Dobbe
Friesland

Our rates

Bit fitting

Assessment of your horse and mouth
Baseline assessment using your current tack
Testing a range of different bits
Personalised advice

Snaffle €75
Bradoon & Weymouth €85
Most popular

Bit & Bridle Fitting

Comprehensive consultation
Bridle fit & pressure distribution assessment
Testing a range of different bits
Personalised advice

Snaffle €95
Weymouth & bradoon €105

Bridle fitting

Fit assessment
Adjustment & pressure distribution assessment
Testing different bridle components
Personalised advice

Snaffle €49
Weymouth & bradoon €59

Important Information

  • Fittings are available in the Northern and Central Netherlands. If you are located outside these regions, please get in touch to discuss the possibilities.
  • All prices are per horse, including VAT and excluding travel expenses, bits and bridles.
  • Travel expenses are charged at €0.23 per kilometre from postcode 8391 AC. If multiple horses are fitted at the same location, the travel costs are shared.
  • Payment is due immediately after the consultation, either in cash or via a digital payment request (QR code).
  • During Bridle Fittings, we work exclusively with the L'Anique Exclusive Collection.
  • Appointments can be cancelled or rescheduled free of charge up to 48 hours in advance.

Interested? Complete the contact form at the bottom of this page and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Schedule a fitting

Fill out the form and we will contact you as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.

Do you have any questions?

Unsure which fitting is best for you and your horse? Feel free to contact us.