A Behavioural Approach to Bitting: What the Ridden Horse Need with Olivia Turner
Thursday 19th March 2026 @ 19:00 HRS GMT
A Behavioural Approach to Bitting: What the Ridden Horse Need with Olivia Turner
In this sessions, the horse needs from a ridden perspective specifically with bits and bitting in mind will be disucssed. The bit is one of the main points of communication between horse and rider and it’s very important this tool is correctly fitted and comfortable for the horse. When we know what to look for, we can read a horse accurately and can recognise what they are or aren’t happy with, which is essential when we’re deciding what bit to use. Sometimes what looks like a bitting issue is actually an issue caused by something else, so knowing how to read the situation correctly and address the root cause of the problem is an important part of ensuring ridden horse welfare.
This sesson will:
- Run through how bits work and how they feel to the horse.
- How horses learn from bit pressure and what riders need to be aware of.
- The behavioural signs of a bitting issue and how we might remedy it.
- The behavioural signs of another problem and how to remedy it.
For all attendees, CPD certificates available as well as a “view only” recording of the webinar with a year access access pass. There will also be a Q and A session with ample opportunity to post questions via our interactive Q&A panel.
Olivia Turner
Olivia Turner is an Equine Behaviourist and Bitting Specialist who works with a range of horses and riders to resolve contact and bitting issues. Olivia qualified as a Behaviourist in 2013 and holds a degree in Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare. She furthered her studies in Equitation Science with Dr Andrew McLean at The Australian Equine Behaviour Centre and upon returning to the UK set up her own business as a Behaviourist. In 2019 she qualified as a Bit and Bridle Fitter with The Academy, Neue Schule, and now primarily focuses on bit and bridle fitting, and the training challenges that occur alongside bitting problems. Her background in behaviour enables her to accurately assess the horse to understand why any issues might be occurring and what the root cause of the problem is. Finding the right bit to maximise that horse and rider partnership is her passion, whilst ensuring the horse is comfortable and able to perform at its best.
Based in East Anglia, she travels all over the UK working with private clients, delivers talks, clinics and demos for riding clubs and guest lectures at a number of academic institutions. She is a Liveryman with The Worshipful Company of Loriners and a Listed Fitter with The Equine Fitters Directory.
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