A big congratulations to our recently graduated LANTRA Certified, Neue Schule Qualified Bit & Bridle Fitters!
In August 2019 our Bit and Bridle Fitting Students sat the residential modules of the course, which was held at the brand new, state of the art East Durham College Houghall Campus Equestrian Centre. Houghall was a fantastic venue, with friendly and accommodating staff, an indoor arena, excellent classroom facilities and a range of different horses to use in our practical activities.
Our Bit & Bridle Fitting course comprised of a mixture of theory and practical lessons, including equine head anatomy, mouth management, and assessing bitting issues. Our students also spent time learning about the fit of snaffle and double bridles, and various noseband types, as well as how to assess tack for wear and damage. The students worked through many specific case studies and interesting scenarios, discussing different bits and bridles that may be of benefit, before taking these new skills and applying them to ridden horses in the indoor arena.
Equine veterinarian and dentist Dr. Melissa Emson (BVSC MRCVS, BAEDT) joined us for a fantastic lecture on equine dental issues and how to spot them. This was followed by an exciting practical whereby the students got first-hand experience of a “dentist’s eye view”! Students commented on how passionate Melissa was about equine dentistry, and how important it is to keep the mouth healthy. A big thank you to Melissa and her fantastic assistant Amy for such an informative afternoon.
We were also joined by Jane Bartle-Wilson (BHSI) of The Yorkshire Riding Centre for a ridden demonstration and bit fitting of horses that in double bridles. Jane rode for Great Britain in the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 on Pinocchio, and later the pair won Silver in Toronto in 1986 for their Freestyle to Music. She has helped in the training of riders for the Olympics, as well as Badminton, Burghley and Bramham, and was Chef D’Equipe to the Senior British Dressage team at the Olympic, World and European Championships between 1993 and 2000. The team found Jane’s demo extremely informative and a pleasure to be a part of.
Neue Schule and The Academy had the pleasure of meeting and working with students from around the UK, as well as the USA and Canada. We wish each of our LANTRA Certified, Neue Schule Qualified Bit & Bridle Fitters’ the best of luck in their future endeavours.
Want to find a LANTRA Certified, Neue Schule Qualified Bit & Bridle Fitter in your area? Use our Bit & Bridle Fitter Locator found here