Fitting The Right Bit, Straight From The Horse's Mouth

A three-dimensional scan of an equine mouth is to be used to create a bespoke bit, in what is believed to be a first

- Rachael Turner

THE use of new technology for bitting could have implications for the wider equestrian world.

In what is thought to be a first, a three-dimensional scan of a horse’s mouth has been created.

Racehorse owner Branwen Sloper’s yearling filly Matilda had her mouth scanned and now the data will be sent to bit specialist Bombers Equestrian Equipment, which will create a bespoke bit.

Ms Sloper, who is aiming the filly for the 2019 Derby, hopes the scan will provide Matilda with a “perfectly-fitting” bit.

“This will allow her to yield marginal gains in performance by ensuring she is comfortable enough in her mouth to optimise head extension,” Ms Sloper told H&H. “The technology has been in use for around 15 years in human dentistry, but no one has applied it to equines until now.”

THE PROCESS

MS SLOPER thought of scanning her horse’s mouth when speaking to dentist Pamela White, whose pony she is helping back.