Seeing the Horse Respond: A Bit & Bridle Fitting Experience with Free Flow Equine
- Loz
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 23
Recently, I had the pleasure and opportunity to do something I truly believe every horse owner and rider should experience at least once: a professional bit and bridle fitting. I booked in both Maestro and Thor with Free Flow Equine (Susan Rousak), and what unfolded was one of the most fascinating and eye‑opening sessions I’ve had in a long time.
What stood out most wasn’t just finding the right equipment—it was watching the horses functionally change how they used their bodies based purely on what was in (or on) their heads.
The Plan for the Session
I booked:
Maestro for a ridden bit and bridle fit
Maestro also for a bitless bridle fit
Thor (still a youngster) for an in‑hand bit and bridle introduction
I went in already knowing one thing:
👉 I hadn’t ridden Maestro consistently in a bit for at least two years, and I strongly suspected his existing set‑up was totally no longer suitable.
Starting with Anatomy First (As It Should Be)
Before any riding or movement, Susan did a thorough assessment of Maestro’s head and mouth anatomy. This wasn’t guesswork or brand‑biased—it was anatomy‑led decision making.
Maestro has:
Fleshy lips
A thick tongue
Sharp bars
A low palate
An average smile
Canines present (and clearly located)
This combination immediately ruled out a lot of bits and narrowed the choices down to those that could actually support his anatomy rather than fight it.
Riding in the Original Bit: A Clear No
Susan had me hop on Maestro in his original Myler Happy Mouth MB04, riding on the buckle initially so he could simply feel the bit and settle (or not). This was the baseline!
Within an instant, at walk, I felt it.
Not anxiety.
Not spookiness.
Just pure discomfort.
His entire body:
Contracted
Filled with brace
Felt like it shrank and withdrew
It was incredibly clear, incredibly fast, and honestly a relief to have that confirmed so unmistakably. We didn’t need to push further—this bit wasn’t working for him at all.
Testing the Bits (Ridden)
Each new bit was tested thoroughly at walk, trot, canter, and through lateral work, because a bit that only feels okay in one gait doesn’t tell the whole story.
1️⃣ Fager Maria
Maestro took some time to settle into this one. While it wasn’t offensive, he never felt truly free or flowing. Softness came and went, but it didn’t feel like his answer.
2️⃣ Trust Innosense Thin Ported — The Clear Winner
From the second I got on, Maestro made his thoughts very clear.
Forward
Soft
Fluid
Open through the gullet
Quiet in the jaw and mouth
My aids became invisible vibrations. He offered many moments of genuine self‑carriage. His neck felt full and elastic rather than held. The best way I can describe it?
👉 He melted into butter.
Both of us loved it. There was no question.
3️⃣ Fager Andrew Soft
This one took longer for him to adjust to. That delay alone confirmed what we already knew: the Trust Innosense was the one for Maestro.
An interesting side note Susan shared: heavier breeds (like Friesians and Friesian crosses) often prefer non‑metal or very lightweight bits because they tend to be far more sensitive in the mouth — something that surprises many people.
Bridle Fit & Bitless Bridle Discoveries
Next came the bridle fit. Susan made a few key tweaks to Maestro’s existing bridle, adjusting individual pieces to suit his facial structure.
Then I tried the Barefoot Physio bitless bridle.
Very well‑fitting… but something fascinating happened:
The rein attachment rings sat lower
Maestro immediately became heavy and on the forehand
It felt as though he was trying to search for or lean on a lower line of contact.
💡 Huge takeaway: Where the reins attach on a bitless bridle is absolutely paramount. Ring placement alone can dramatically affect a horse’s ability to lift, balance, and self‑carry.
This experience reaffirmed my decision to stick with Maestro’s current bitless bridle by Rebalance Equestrian, which supports his balance far more effectively.
Thor’s Turn: Introductory Bit Work In‑Hand
Thor is still too young to ride, but he’s at the stage where introducing a bit in‑hand supports his foundational education.
Susan assessed his anatomy:
Short smile
Average‑thickness tongue
Palate average
Bars a little sharp and wide
No canines yet, but clear bumps where they’ll likely come through
Bits Trialled In‑Hand
1️⃣ Myler MB04 Eggbutt Very active mouth. He could work in it, but it required more processing.
2️⃣ Bombers Ported Pivot ✅Immediate improvement.
Softer
More forward thinking
My aids could be smaller and clearer
This became the standout.
3️⃣ Cavalon Single Jointed Locking Sweet Iron ❌He simply couldn’t stop processing it. We waited at halt for over two minutes, and it was clear this wasn’t the right choice. Out it came.
Loved it so much he kept putting it back on and holding it:
Final Outcomes
Maestro
✅ Trust Innosense Thin Ported bit (dressage / ARC‑ready / events...)
✅ WB‑sized headpiece
✅ Continued use of his existing Rebalance Equestrian bitless bridle
Thor
✅ Bombers Ported Pivot
✅ WB‑sized headpiece (big boy… and still growing)
Key Takeaways If You’re Booking a Bit & Bridle Fit
Always give your horse time — at least one full lap of the arena each way on the buckle or in‑hand (no human interrupting what they are "licking and chewing" through
Bring all your gear
If you don't know much about bits, that is AOK too! Enjoy the learning curve with Susan!
Let them process before judging
Test multiple gaits and movements (not just walk)
Watch and feel how their body adapts
Subtle changes matter — often hugely
When you get the right combination, the results are undeniable.
Quick Check
Keep in mind that the fit of the bit and bridle is just one component of your horse's overall functionality. Consistent, high-quality training, along with regular bodywork, farrier services, dental care, and veterinary support, are equally important. One piece of the horse welfare and functional puzzle...
Final Thoughts
This experience was genuinely incredible. Seeing how dramatically and honestly a horse’s body responds to comfort—or discomfort—was humbling.
Susan’s patience, bodywork knowledge, and extensive range of bits made the entire process both educational and empowering. I only wish I had photos or videos to share (hard when you’re riding and handling!), because the changes were that clear.
Added amazing bonus is you get very thorough reports for everything from Susan. So you don't have to remember all da fingz! Super awesome that she does that!
If you’re even thinking about whether your horse’s bridle or bit is right for them—book the fit. You won’t regret it.
Huge thanks to Free Flow Equine and Susan Rousak. I’ll absolutely be doing this again.
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