The Athletic Horse Bit and Bridle Fit Consultancy & Equine Bodywork

02/01/2026

First bit and bridle consultation of the year! A lovely 4 year old Irish Draught boy who was so very well behaved in the wind and snow!

Extra bonus was I met this adorable little fella having his morning cuppa!! He’s 20 years old so he’s earnt it! I get to meet the most genuine and loveliest people. What a great start to the year 🥰

31/12/2025

Well that’s a wrap!!! 2025 was a fabulous year. I reached a milestone birthday, which I celebrated, and celebrated and celebrated!!! And my little business grew, as did my followers! Lots planned for next year 🥰

Thank you so much to all my lovely friends and clients (and some of you definately fit into both categories) who have trusted me with you much loved equines.

Wishing everyone a happy 2026. I hope you all remain happy and healthy and nearly all your dreams come true (Well, you need to have something left to strive for!)

31/12/2025

Happy New Year, but not for some, with it comes fireworks displays. To protect animals, there are several campaigns working to restrict fireworks' maximum noise levels, as well as when and where they can be set off.

If your horse or pony has been affected by fireworks in the past, or is impacted over the New Year period, please report it to the BHS.

It only takes a few minutes to submit your report: https://bit.ly/3KR1TiG

🚨 The impact of fireworks on horses is growing... and it's heart-breaking.

This year we’ve recorded:
💥 211 firework-related incidents
🐴 20 horses injured
💔 1 horse fatality
🧑 12 people injured

❗Most of these were caused by domestic fireworks set off in back gardens and private events.

These are not just statistics. They are moments of panic, trauma, and loss. Every incident recorded strengthens our call for change. As part of our role in the Fireworks Impact Coalition, we can evidence to MPs the scale of damage fireworks can cause to our horses

📲 If your horse is affected by fireworks, please log the incident using our Horse i app.
It only takes a few minutes 👉 https://bit.ly/3KR1TiG

29/12/2025

And this is how you release the hyoid. If indeed it’s required. Gently. It’s a delicate and highly sensitive area. As is the tongue 👅

29/12/2025

Diary open for 2026, please don’t underestimate the influence on welfare and comfort of a well fitted bit and / or bridle 😌

29/12/2025

When I am out and about bit consulting I always describe the TMJ as a ‘landmark’ when it comes to bit and bridle fitting. I explain what a hugh influence it has on the rest of the horse’s body so people understand the importance of freedom around this area and this is where being a bodyworker worker helps too.

Sadly I still see sooooo many bridles with buckles resting close or on the TMJ; both in real life and social media. Often they are marketing photos of new bridles which says a lot about the people designing them - we really do need to do better!

28/12/2025

Yesterday my page hit a milestone!! Who’d have thought it. Thank you to everyone who has ‘hit’ follow. It means a lot to a self-employed, horse crazy, middle-aged female just doing what she loves!

Hoping to add some informative posts and content as well as the usual rantings and musings on life in the coming weeks! So bridle up for 2026, we’re on our way!!!

27/12/2025

🔍 Looking for an independent bit consultant please?

How many times do I see this type of post on Facebook... often followed by well meaning recommendations of consultants who are often NOT independent 🤔

That’s not to say they’re not right for you - but if you want independent, there’s usually a reason why.

Don’t get me wrong. There are lots of good brand-affiliated consultants out there, and if that’s okay with you, it can work well. Their initial fee is often more competitive because the expectation is they will earn further income from product sales or brand incentives.

So let’s understand what "independent" really means, as if you have never enlisted the help of a bit consultant it can be confusing:

✅ Having no financial ties, partnerships or incentives from any bit brand/manufacturer
✅ Carrying a good range of bits from many brands - I probably have in the region of 12/13 different brands
✅ Having more variety of bits in my toolkit for clients to try as there is no need to carry stock to sell
✅ No unconscious bias in trying to sell you something enabling the focus to be on what suits both you and your horse
✅Often they have stand alone recognised qualifications as again, they have no brand specific allegiances / training.

As with other sectors of the equestrian world, anyone can call themselves a bit fitter / consultant so carry out your research on who you trust with your horse. What experience and what qualifications they have? And what the visit involves? Can they offer you what you are looking for? Are they going to carry out a good thorough check of your horse’s head and mouth anatomy, plus a full bridle check (so important!) before you begin to try any bits.

26/12/2025

The incorrect size or / and diameter of bit can often be a contributing factor to tongue injury or damage. The tongue is so very sensitive and sadly infrequently considered when it comes to bit fitting and the impact it has on the rest of your horse’s muscular skeletal system.

Did you know.....The Tongue 👅 is the most sensitive part of your horse's mouth and the most prone to injury.

This very large muscle extends from its tip, which you can see, to the hyoid apparatus and its attachment to the ramus of the mandible at the back.

The tongue is vital for swallowing and influencing the hyoid apparatus

Like any other muscle, restriction or tension within it can induce a muscular chain reaction.

The sensitivity of the tongue is a crucial consideration when fitting a bit. An ill-fitting or harsh bit or excessive pressure on the bit from your hands can cause pain and discomfort. In some cases it can result in tension throughout the body and poor performance.

Like and follow our page for lots more tips, exercises and advice on equine anatomy and biomechanics.

22/12/2025

🎄🎄Grateful for a year of horses, journeys & endless learning 🐴

Well, that’s the last client this side of Christmas and I can’t believe the year is drawing to a close. I am so grateful for every single client, both new and old and I have been truly blessed to work with some amazing horses and their owners. I’ve travelled from Staffordshire down to Gloucestershire and across from Shropshire to Oxfordshire and everywhere in-between. I have loved every minute of working with happy hackers through to some top event riders and dressage riders. Every horse I meet teaches me something new – no two are ever the same, and that’s what makes this job so special and on the odd occasion a challenge ✨

I’ve been lucky enough to be invited professionally to a few events to both work and give educational talks including ACE camp at beautiful Somerford Park as well as a regular at Ali Lane’s Dressage Camps down at The Unicorn Centre in Stow-on-the-Wold as both massage therapist and bit consultant! And on the odd occasion, as an attendee. Plus, a talk at Alvechurch Riding Club 🗣️ – I love sharing knowledge and it’s always a two-way street.

On the learning front, I completed the 3rd module of Straightness Training CPD for equine therapists with Jo Rose Therapies with even a head dissection with the Society of Master Saddlers down at Hartpury college (fascinating!). I’m also so proud to have had two articles published on bit and bridle fitting in Animal Therapy magazine – total pinch-me moment! And let’s not forget the Equicantis Equine Awards evening as part of Team EvoEquine 🏆 – such a fun, inspiring night of celebration 🎊 surrounded by amazing industry leaders 🥂

I’ve been expanding my ever-growing toolkit too – added some new exciting ranges to my bit toolkits this year, and I’ve another major brand lined up for 2026 (just need to carve out time to place the order! 😅). Looking ahead, I’m buzzing to finish my bit and bridle fitting qualification with the Society of Master Saddlers – adding that to my LANTRA qualification and Neue Schule qualification!

Also, I’m currently in negotiations for a very exciting piece of kit for my therapy side of things. Don’t get me wrong – hands-on therapy is irreplaceable 🤲 and always the first port of call – but times change, and science gives us amazing chances to improve treatments for our horses. Already wondering what’s next? Never stop learning, right?

And it’s not all work – I’m determined to spend more time in the saddle in 2026 and get back to competing. Plus, camp is already in the diary for late April 2026 for Marley and me. I intend to make this coming year a good one and I hope the same applies to you all in whatever capacity that is.

Meanwhile, be thankful for this glorious creature, the horse and all the dreams and possibilities they open for us. With love and much thanks, Cheryl xx