IABBF - The International Academy of Bit & Bridle Fitters

Education for Equestrians

Discover how bit & bridle fitting can improve your connection through comfortable & clear communication

CPD for Professionals

Fitters & paraprofessionals can develop expertise in bit and bridle fitting while earning CPD

International College of Bit & Bridle Fitters

As a specialist faculty of The Equine Academy, the ICBBF sets the benchmark for evidence-based vocational education in bitted and bitless bridle fitting. Rooted in applied biomechanics, cranial anatomy, and horse-first welfare, our programs are developed for equine professionals and ambitious practitioners.

Delivered via blended learning, practical field workshops, and clinical mentorship, our qualifications prepare practitioners to assess, fit, and advocate for horse comfort at the highest professional standard.

Bit & Bridle Fitting

Anatomy

Biomechanics

Consultation

Recognised Training

We ensure the training we deliver align with UK National Occupational Standards and best practice through accreditation and professional certification.

UK Rural Skills

We are registered as an approved provider with UK Rural Skills. Please see the individual courses for further accreditation information.

Association of Professional Bit & Bridle Fitters

Our CPD is developed in collaboration with leading industry practitioners & certified by the APBBF.

Really enjoyed this well written, engaging and informative course deliver via video and text. It really broke down for me all the points to consider when choosing and fitting a bitless bridle and how to transition my horse to being safely ridden whilst bitless. Phillippa has a wealth of knowledge regarding anatomy coupled with bitless bridle design so who better to deliver this first class course.

The course not only explored the fitting process but also the importance of correct transitioning to bitless riding. As every horse has a different size and shape of head, it is extremely important for their comfort and wellbeing that the bridle is correctly fitted. Without a bit the pressure is removed from the mouth but that rein pressure has to go somewhere, be it the nose, poll or curb; without correct fitting this can cause discomfort for the horse. This qualification compliments my existing Society of Master Saddlers qualifications ensuring that all my clients horses whether bitted or bitless receive the same high level of service.

Wow! This course really showed how bridle fit is so different for every horse. The demonstrations and images throughout the course enabled me to really see how good bridle fit is so important and the key areas to be mindful of. I recommend this course as a must see.

This is an excellent introduction to bitless riding. I do wish there had been more info around when I went bitless several years ago. Basically I just used a Dr Cooks western bridle and did no transitioning whatsoever! However my horse was western and voice trained. Look forward to the full course, thank you .

A great start to learning more about how bitless bridles are fitted and now wanting to further delve into this topic.

I really enjoyed learning more about bitless bridles. I have always ridden bitless with the horses I ride, but I found it interesting to learn more about fitting the bridle and making sure my horse is comfortable in it and pain free! It makes me happy to know my horse is happy 😊 💕

A nice bit of knowledge and something to think about especially if you would like to delve deeper into bitless riding and training.

Thoroughly enjoyed the variety of bitless bridles discussed - obviously not an in-depth analysis of all of them in the time available but a great look at the high points. The anatomical considerations are as valid when considering bitted as bitless bridle fit - useful for the owner whose horse likes to change things up, or who needs to transition between the two for medical/dental reasons.

I hope this will make more people ponder going bitless 🙂 Highly recommend!

Welcome to the International College of Bit & Bridle Fitters