Appointments
Hi, Welcome to The Bit Doctor.
I am Dr. Ginny-Marie Bradley BSc. Msc. PhD. and I am an independent Bit and Bridle Fitter based at Millstream Saddlery, Staffordshire. I am LANTRA and HBFA Courses - EAPER Bit and Bridle Fitting Consultants Qualified and a member of The Equine Fitters Directory
I also operate a bit and bridle fitting and hire service all over the UK.
Though I'm based in Staffordshire and cover most of the central part of the UK including Staffordshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire, Nottinghamshire, Midlands, West Midlands, Manchester, Birmingham, Northwest, Wirral, Wales, North Wales, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Leicestershire, south Yorkshire. I will cover most places if there's a group.
If your horse has exhibited any of the following, then you need to contact The Bit Doctor, and I can help you out in any way i can to get you and your horse riding in harmony as one team.
🐴 head tossing, tilting or shaking
🐴 head going up in the air
🐴 head going too low
🐴 tongue sticking out
🐴 tongue over the bit
🐴 horse not accepting the bit
🐴 horse not going into a rounded outline or avoiding the contact
🐴 not responding to rein aids
🐴 exhibiting bad behaviour I.E rearing, napping or bucking
mouth opening
🐴 chomping or playing with the bit
🐴 excessive salivation
🐴 lack of attention
👩🏫 Consultations:
Unlike other bit and bridle fitters I believe that horses need the bit that suits you and the horse. This might be a branded bit, or it might be a standard stainless-steel bit. I will bring a variety of bits based on the questions I ask prior to the consultation. This means I will have bits that vary from £5 to £250, and I will allow you and your horse to try as many bits as it takes. So, during the consultation you will get to try lots of bits, making it much more worthwhile than other fitters.
👜I stock both new and second-hand bits, I believe that this gives you a real chance of getting a grasp on what’s right for you as a team.
I carry new Neue Schule, Myler, Bombers, Beris, Nathe, Fager, Stubben, Sprenger Korsteel, Elico, Winderen and loads of other brands of Bits. Unlike most other bit fitters, I carry a huge range of new and used bits of different brands.
I carry Stubben, Premier Equine, Ecorider, and colligate bridles which are all build your own. This means that we can get the bridle that is an exact fit for your horse and is perfect for what you need, your level and what discipline you are doing.
👩🏫Consultations
Do you want to know what happens during a consultation with The Bit Doctor?
I offer a service that checks your horse over with a thorough check in the mouth, around the head. I will assess anatomy and reaction to pressure at the poll, tmj, around the ears, down the cheeks, over the nose and under the jaw.
I assess your horses’ oral anatomy and reaction to pressure, including the tongue, teeth, bars, palate and their ability to take certain bits and bridles.
I will professionally measure your horses’ mouth with a special measuring tool.
I will observe tack up and watch your horses’ reactions and habits.
I then ask you to ride, this is usually always done in walk and trot (if the horse is able). If you’d like a jumping session, please let me know.
During this time, I assess you both as a partnership. I take into consideration your horses’ confirmation, biomechanics and reaction to the current tack set up.
I make alterations if and only where they are needed. If the bit is the problem them, we have a choice of 1000s of bits you can try.
I will leave you with a report and recommendations.
As a separate service You can also purchase the items from me if you choose, to save you floundering finding the exact item. I have had feedback from many clients saying this is an easier option as they don't have to go out and find it themselves but can take it away on that day (depending on availability).
Appointments are usually 1.5 hours long and can be shared if required.
I don’t just leave it there! I have a great aftercare program where after the session if you want to hire the bit, or if after 2 weeks you think the bot is no longer suitable, I offer a 2-week trial period so you can try the bit as you ride day to day. (Subject to hire charges online at thebitdoctor.co.uk)
If you're not happy or something changes i can recommend and send you bits as we know the horse and keep a close relationship with you.
Many horses may change their preferences as they develop and train or get older. I always suggest we reassess in 12/18 months to see how you're going. Even if it is just a message to touch base
I also offer to buy your old unwanted and unsuitable items or if you wish to donate anything to go to overseas equine charities, I will take those and send them for you.
🏘PRICES
Single horse £75 per horse
First 20 miles free after that mileage is charged at 50p per mile.
For bookings of 5 or more its £65 per horse plus 50p per mile (mileage can be split between everyone in the group). Horses must be at one location.
I am willing to travel almost anywhere within the UK. Group bookings are preferred.
🌐 If you’d like an online assessment or advice, I charge £30 this will be me asking questions, requesting videos, photos and I'll make a recommendation on what bit I would suggest. Of course this doesn't allow me to full assess your horses’ confirmation, your horses’ needs and rider compatibility, nor does it allow you to try as many bits as possible but if you're happy with this I can help no problem. If you’d like an online assessment with a video call it will be £50, and I can spend more time assessing your horse’s confirmation virtually.
🛍 I sell both the bit and bridle if you would like to purchase from me with no obligation at all. This saves you floundering to find the perfect things for your horse.
I also offer to buy your old unwanted and unsuitable items or if you wish to donate anything to go to overseas equine charities, I will take those and send them for you.
🤯 Bitting and bridles are a complete mine field and it is so difficult to know where to start. Thats what I am here for to help you reconnect with your horse, get your horse to relax and for you to become one team.
Please get in touch, call me on 07801 556810 or drop me a message on WhatsApp.