The Bitless Bridle Lab

06/07/2025

SOME BITLESS BRIDLES DELIVER POLL PRESSURE... AND? The article discusses as though pressure over the poll on a bitless bridle is surprising, however some bridle designs use it as an "advert* so I'm not sure why they were so surprised.

We already know from several studies that bridles deliver an element of poll pressure just from the weight of them being present on the horse's head. Some bitless bridles are designed to impose additional pressure via the rein contact giving the rider the control over how much pressure is exerted.

I'm not sure it's really news to the bitless community but I do think it's a topic that requires highlighting. Why?....

The more I understand about the head anatomy of the horse the more I tend to cringe at the amount of pressure being used.Ive also come to learn that the placement of the pressure makes a huge difference to some horses.

I'm exploring this more and would like you to share this journey in to learning more with me ':)

Original publication --> https://horsesport.com/magazine/tack-equipment/poll-pressure-bit-bridle-fitting

Bit, bridle and bitless fitter Géraldine Vandevenne discusses her poll pressure measurement study on bridle fit and horse comfort.

06/07/2025

06/07/2025

WELCOME TO THE BITLESS BRIDLE LAB!

I've got some big news to share! My page has a new name, and I'm thrilled to introduce you to The Bitless Bridle Lab!

This new name perfectly reflects our deep dive into bitless bridle design, fit, and function.

I'm dedicating myself to detailed reviews, in-depth analysis, and practical insights to help you better understand these important tools.

Think of it as your go-to resource for everything that makes a bitless bridle truly work for your horse!

I hope you enjoy the ride and do let me know which bridles you would like me to review in the comments.

Lots of new content to come 🤗

17/04/2024

Having to start my business page from scratch 9 years after setting out is awful 😖. Sadly my personal and business page were hacked and subsequently disabled by Facebook. I have not been able to make contact with a human to get it sorted as both the hacking and the disabling of the account are two separate issues.

So I have come to terms with the fact I have lost every picture and video , every post and comment my lovely followers would have written , the lot .

I would very much be obliged if you ever liked our page to start with if you could like and share it again with anyone you think would like us or benefit. 🙏🏻❤️.

It takes an awful lot of time and effort to plug social media business pages so I will continue to give it my best effort 💪.

Thank you everyone 💓 it really means a lot xx

17/03/2024

From my brilliant, bitless boy!

Flashback to 2018 and our efforts for St Patrick's Day ☘️
Teddy is so good to put up with me! Today he is relaxing with his herd on the track and enjoying a rare dry day to wander up to the pasture.

Happy St Patrick's Day, from Ted & the herd
💚💚💚💚💚

12/03/2024

NEW to our 3D print collection! Perfect for learning materials or just if you're curious and want one for yourself.

The HYOID Bone - the latest addition to our 3D print collection. These are available in 3 sizes to correspond with the skulls we also print.

I will bring a limited number with me on my UK tour and orders will be available afterward.

This image is the copyright of Equine Partnership

09/03/2024

Horseback riding is often seen as a romantic partnership between humans and equines. But have you ever stopped to consider if your horse is truly happy to carry you? While horses can’t give verbal consent, understanding their body language can bridge the communication gap and create a more positiv...

06/03/2024

I know it's not bitless, but what a wonderful story of how equines help us 🙏

Our work with Emerge Leeds NHS Foundation Trust has allowed us to provide vital support to a young man during a difficult time. 💙

Kaiden found himself in a dark place mentally, but he says being in the presence of donkeys has helped to transform his life ➡️ bray.news/3V1EFcO

05/03/2024

Excited for the tour and finishing at the wonderful bitless & R+ venue Maggie's Voice Equestrian Center is the icing on the cake.

The BITLESS 101 WORKSHOP is back! My short tour of the UK is confirmed, and I am seeking two more venues in April. Please drop me a DM if you want a workshop in your area.

VIEW DATES -> https://equinepartnership.ie/workshops/

👉My workshops are perfect for horse owners, but also professionals seeking more information on bitless (CPD available).

👉I aim to create a fun and interactive experience complete with a copy of the revised Bitless 101 Workshop Guide.

👉Join me to learn about head anatomy in relation to bridle fit, bitless bridle design, and how to select a bitless bridle.

👉Even if you currently ride bitless this workshop is a great experience to learn more about fit and various designs.

READ THE REVIEWS
Here are just a few reviews (please see my page for more!)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Brilliant workshop, would highly recommend to anyone interested in learning about bitless bridles and how to fit any bridle correctly." - James T
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Full of really useful information. Excellent value for money will definitely be doing more workshops." - Sarah B
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Cannot recommend enough, lots of information, clear explanations, excellent resources! Phillippa took you through the whole process and explained clearly how all the different bridles work. The day really gave you a good insight into why/how to go bitless and how to ensure the transition period was safe for you and your horse." - Chris K

❓Did you book with us pre-covid or order the book? You can use your payment against the cost of the workshop (or choose to receive a copy of the revised 101 guide). Just send us a copy of your receipt.

I can't wait to meet you and share my passion and knowledge for great bitless bridle design and comfortable fit!

BOOK HERE-> https://equinepartnership.ie/workshops/

Phillippa Christie - Bitless Boutique and professional bridle fit course writer for Equine Academy

03/03/2024

Miniatures to full size! Our printers are currently very busy printing with new filament colours to try out.

I am very excited to share that I am working with a 3D designer to create new equine anatomy files for our printers.
I hope to have a preview very soon and we will be bringing lots of pieces on our UK short tour.

02/03/2024

HORSE OWNERS....UK BITLESS BRIDLE FIT WORKSHOPS 2024

I an delighted to announce a short tour in the UK this April/May.

I have 2 dates available seeking venues. Would you like a workshop in your area? Please comment below., if we can't get there this time we'll try to add on our next visit.

Find out more on the website

Bitless Bridle Workshop These interactive live workshops are the perfect place to develop your learning about bitless bridles, understand fitting with anatomy and transitioning techniques. CPD Certificates are presented at the end of the workshop. What we’ll cover… Bridle Design We’ll cover ho...

02/03/2024

✨NEW Article - Mane-Taining A Positive Attitude - It's not always easy in the horse world, here are some tips to help you mane-tain a positive outlook and cultivate a successful relationship with your horse…

https://equinepartnership.ie/horsemanship/mane-taining-a-positive-attitude/

Happy reading :)
Phillippa

P.s Just love this photo of us Niamh O'Carroll Eventing :)