Sally O'Hara — Bit & Bridle Fitter

Independent · Qualified · At your yard

A bit doesn't last a lifetime — and the wrong one can hurt.

Society of Master Saddlers–qualified, brand-independent bit & bridle fitting across Wiltshire, Hampshire & Dorset. Anatomy-led, welfare-first, fitted at your yard.

SMS Qualified Brand-independent £65 · free travel <25mi
Sally O'Hara fitting a bridle at the yard

Why it matters

"Just as we get our saddles fitted and checked, we should do exactly the same with our bits and bridles."

The horse's head is a complex network of nerves, muscles and blood vessels lying directly under where the bridle sits. A tight or poorly-positioned bridle can press on nerves that are far closer to the surface than our own — causing irritation, head-shaking, even pain.

Read the anatomy →
Sally's hand-built model of a horse's skull, mapping the arteries (red), veins (blue) and nerves (yellow) of the head
Sally's own anatomy model — nerves, arteries & veins

The consultation

What happens when I come to your yard

A full fitting takes 1½–2 hours and follows six careful stages — from getting to know the horse, to watching you ride and adjusting the tack.

01

Talk about your horse

Including any issues in your ridden work that could relate to bit or bridle fitting.

02

Examine the head

Checking for asymmetries of facial features, and any reaction to palpation which may indicate soreness from the bit or bridle.

03

Mouth assessment

Looking at tongue, lips, palate, bars and the length of mouth (the 'smile') — and how much room there is for a bit.

04

Walk-up & trot-up

Unbridled, to assess your horse's natural way of going.

05

Watch you ride

How the horse goes and the communication between horse and rider — looking for signs of discomfort, or how we can improve and enhance communication, optimise comfort for the horse and enhance performance.

06

Adjust & fit

Making changes to the current bridle and bit where necessary and if required.

Sally checking a bridle fit

Regular checks

“A bit doesn't last a lifetime — have your bit & bridle checked every year.”

Pricing & travel

Simple, transparent, no surprises

The consultation

£65 / visit

A full 1½–2 hour yard-side fitting — assessment, ridden evaluation and adjustment, with a large selection of bits and bridle components to hand.

Travel

Within 25 miles of SP5 2EAFree
Beyond 25 miles50p / mile
Several horses on one yardSplit by quote
Long distanceBy arrangement

In their words

Trusted across the yard

Scroll for more

★★★★★
"She replaced the harsh gag he came in with for a gorgeous soft, comfy barrel we can school and hack in. He's gone from evading the bridle to happily bringing his head down for it — which means the absolute world to me."
N
NicoRecommended on Facebook
★★★★★
"Absolutely fantastic with our horses — really informative, with a high knowledge base. She takes the time to explain every part of the process. The difference has been great: they are much more comfortable, responsive and happier in their work."
C
CourtneyRecommended on Facebook
★★★★★
"Had a consultation with Sally and it was brilliant. She explained everything really well and gave me complete peace of mind. I would highly recommend her and would book in again."
I
IzzieRecommended on Facebook
★★★★★
"Sally came out to me and my mum's horses — very informative and professional. I have a youngster and she was amazing, keeping us both calm in very windy conditions. The bits are perfect for both horses."
C
CharlieRecommended on Facebook

Enquire

Book a fitting

Tell me a little about you and your horse and I'll be in touch within 24 hours. The more you can share now, the more prepared I'll arrive.


Email  neigh@bitandbridle.co.uk

Area  25 miles free around SP5 2EA · Wilts, Hants & Dorset

Reply  Within 24 hours (auto-reply when away)

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