An Interview with Samantha Kalbach of Comfort Fit Equine
As equestrians we all have to play detective when it comes to our horse’s care and comfort. Each day we find ourselves trying to get to the bottom of some puzzle that our horses throw at us. Is it my saddle? Does he need hock injections? Does he have arthritis in his neck? These questions could all result in the “yes” we are looking for, but another possibility that we don’t always think about is the bit we put in our horse’s mouth.
Comfort Fit Equine:
For many, the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in job changes and transitions. For Samantha Kalbach, 2020 marked the start of a new beginning in opening her very own, Comfort Fit Equine. Currently Samantha provides bit and bridle fitting services to Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. She currently offers Flexible Fit, Lumiere, House of Montar, Black Diamond Designs, and Correct Connect for your bridle fitting needs, and Fager, Neue Schule, Sprenger, Bombers, Trust Equestrian, and Winderen bits for trial and purchase. From hunter jumpers, to dressage, and even some western and trail horses, Samantha is making a difference in countless horse’s happiness and comfort.
As said by Samantha, “If I had a bit (piece of metal with potentially sharp edges) in my mouth, I would really hope that the person riding me would make sure that I’m comfortable with it”. As riders it is our responsibility to recognize just how big of an effect the wrong bit can have on our horse’s mouth. Samantha ensures that every bit she carries aligns with her ethos and standards for horse welfare. She mentioned that she is constantly researching new brands and bits, so if she doesn’t carry a certain brand, or specific bit, there is most likely a reason why.
Myths and Mistakes:
Some of Samantha’s common findings are that riders are utilizing bits for their horses that are either the wrong size, too thick, or positioned too high or low in the horse’s mouth. When the bit is hanging outside the horse’s mouth, steering and bend goes out the window. When the bit is too thick you see a gaping mouth and your horse can indeed not breathe correctly. “Horses are obligate breathers. They need to breathe through their nose, so if their mouth is open they are not getting a full airflow of oxygen”. If your horse is foaming excessively and dripping with saliva, this is beyond relaxation. They are not comfortable, not getting airflow, and unable to swallow their saliva.
What is the right amount of wrinkles? “There is no correct amount of wrinkles!” Samantha shares that the less wrinkles the better, but each horse’s mouth is different and unique to them. The best way to get an idea on where your bit should be sitting, is to start at a lower cheek piece hole and find the first length up at which your cheek pieces do not pop out the sides when contact is collected on the reins.
Some bits belong in the garbage or as toilet paper holders. Some of these include (but are not limited to), french links, anything with a large bean or lozenge, happy mouths, or any made of plastic or rubber. The nature of large lozenges are out, they create massive amounts of tongue pressure. Plastic and rubber are materials of the past. Plastic does not last in a horse’s mouth; it gets chewed up into hard sharp edges and cuts the inside of the mouth. While rubber may have a soft feel, it heats up under friction and breaks. Alternatively, companies are now producing bits in a variety of synthetic materials that are softer to the mouth, longer lasting, and accepted more by horses.
“People too often think they need to control these big 1,000 lb animals, but a lot of time these horses want to have a partnership with us, and when we allow them and make them comfortable they are more than willing to do what we ask”. When you take the time to find a bit that meets your horse’s individual needs and preferences they are going to be so much more comfortable in the long run!
3 Tips For a Better Bridle Fit:
- Noseband
- Ensure that the noseband is 2 fingers width below the facial crest
- Not too tight that it is pressing on molars
- Crown piece
- Flush with the top of the head
- Curves around the base of the ears giving enough room for the ears to rotate
- Buckles and Keepers
- Level/vertically aligned with the eye of the horse
- Not pressing on TMJ
Undersaddle Evaluation of Body and Behaviors:
While there are many aversions, behaviors, and restrictions that result from an ill fitting bit, common red flags include gaping of the mouth, a distinct pain face, inversion, inability to half-halt, a twist or tilt of the head, lack of throughness, as well the ducking or throwing of the head.
When evaluating a horse, Samantha looks out for the red flags listed above and takes note if the horse is pushing from behind and through in his back. Unfortunately, horses lean into pressure; therefore, an incorrect bit can cause horses to lean on the forehand and drop their shoulders and chest. In trying different bits, Samantha wants to see the shoulders and thoracic sling pick up so that the horse moves and uses his body properly. If this movement and carriage does not change, more problems will evolve over time.
Bit Fitting Goals and Cost Effective Alternatives:
If you are unable to afford or find a bit fitter near you, Samantha suggests trying friends’ bits in your barn. She also encourages riders to look into a virtual bit fitting session in order to have a professional steer you towards possible options and solutions in a more cost effective way. Larger brands often have trial programs available for riders to test different bits before settling on a purchase, whether that be a new or used bit.
While maintenance therapies and saddle fitting require routine attention, the majority of horses only ever need one fitting. At times, riders who are advancing may need a change for higher level work. For example, dressage riders may need another session to fit a double bridle for their horse’s mouth shape and preference. Samantha’s goal is “to get you in a bit that your horse can stay in forever or get you to the next step in your training to move forward”.
