Why bit and bridle fitting has become “economically viable”
Popular enthusiasm for bits and bridles – and the commercial opportunities that presents – has kickstarted a new equestrian industry event.
The first BETA Bits, Bridles and Saddlery Conference is the brainchild of Tricia Nassau-Williams, an advocate for the ethical use of bits long before it became ‘fashionable.’
“I’ve always strongly believed that selection and fit of the bit and bridle are just as important as the saddle,” says Tricia, field officer and lorinery consultant for the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), which is organising the conference on 28/29 October at Loughborough University.
“Lorinery has leapt forwards dramatically in the last 25 years. Modern manufacturers started to design bits to accommodate a greater understanding of what was actually required by different horse types.
“Equestrians entered the lorinery trade because they had found a need for bit and bridle designs that were not available on the market.”
Commercial opportunities
Tricia believes this burgeoning thirst for knowledge has created new commercial opportunities too.
“Not surprisingly, improved designs and new materials and alloys meant price point for bits and bridles when up a lot – making it more economically viable for bit and bridle fitters to offer services similar to saddle fitters,” she adds.
This BETA Bits, Bridles & Saddlery Conference will appeal to retailers, saddle, bridle and bit fitters, riders, trainers and equestrian professionals – and is open to everyone, public or trade.
“We’ve put together an exciting programme that will inform and stimulate thought and debate on all matters bitting, bridling and saddling the horse. Saddlery and lorinery are the tools we use to communicate with the horse; it’s up to us all to understand how to employ them,” says Tricia.
As well as a host of internationally renowned speakers, the conference will host trade stands with opportunities for networking.
Day one – highlighting bits and bitting
The first day concentrates on lorinery, bits and bridling.
Guest speakers include Dr Madeleine Campbell on ethics in riding, the inside story of the horse’s mouth with equine dental technician Grant Chanter and Gillian Higgins on bitting from the inside out.
Double bridles are highlighted with current research from Diana Fisher followed by ‘double trouble’ from international dressage riders Michael Eilberg and Richard Davison.
The afternoon session features horse to human communication with Olivia Turner, social media for businesses with Rhea Freeman and a day in the life of a bit fitter revealed by Charlotte Warman.
Diana Fisher returns to explore bitless bridles and FEI steward Dr Victoria Lewis looks at nosebands and the use of the new measuring gauge.
Day one closes with a debate and chance to look around the trade stands.
Day two – saddles and saddle fitting
The second day is all about saddlery with emphasis on equine welfare and performance.
Gillian Higgins returns to consider saddling from the inside out; while Tamzin Furtado looks at the challenges presented by obese horses.
Jane Williams presents the latest saddlery research, Jan Birch asks if saddle fitting is an art or a science, and Nikki Newcombe tackles horse and rider fit problems from a saddle-maker’s perspective.
Mark Fisher will deliver his top ten tips for saddle fitting before Dr Hilary Clayton takes to the stage to talk about girth development and research.
The conference concludes after a discussion panel and a browse around the trade stands.
More details and tickets
The BETA Bits, Bridles & Saddlery Conference is supported by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers and the Worshipful Company of Loriners as gold sponsors, alongside the Society of Master Saddlers, Bliss of London and Zebra Products as silver sponsors.
Ticket bookings for one or two days and live streaming options are available. Space is limited.
For more information about the speakers and timetable, and to book tickets, visit BETA Conference booking link
To enquire about trade stand or sponsorship opportunities, contact agy@beta-uk.org
