Bitless bridle fitTING PROFESSIONAL AWARD
Start: October 2026
BITLESS BRIDLE FITTING PROFESSIONAL AWARD
bitless bridle fitTING PROFESSIONAL AWARD
Start: October 2026
What You'll learn....
Learn advanced bitless bridle fitting & coaching to a professional level. Assess a variety of cases and learn from highly experienced and qualified professionals in bridle fit, design technology, anatomy, biomechanics & more!
Everything you ever wanted to learn about bitless bridle fitting and training in one course.
This advanced course provides over 200 pre-recorded lessons, coursework & live lectures over 6 months accompanied by tailor made practical worksheets, original illustrations, over 75 videos featuring a team of professionals speaking directly to you. This course can build your confidence in fitting for own horses and/or professionally as a bitless bridle fitter.
Course Content
History of Bitless Riding
Discover the history of bitless riding, including the development of bridle design in the Americas and modern bridle design and uses in competition. This term will conclude with a live discussion and submission of a short paper.
Bridle Fit Anatomy
Learn in-depth head and neck anatomy, relative to bridle fit, completed by a live lesson. You’ll receive a 1/2 size 3D printed skull.
Bitless Bridle Design & Function
You will learn all the basics of the bridle and then build your specialist knowledge into each design of bitless bridle, how they work, and specific information delivered by a series of professional video lessons. This term will be completed with a virtual lecture. Assessment is by online examination. You will have the option to submit a bridle design which can be put forward as a retail bridle design.
Bridle Fit Assessment
Learn how to assess a horse for bridle fit, considering the whole horse including physical assessment, consultation and reporting. You will download and prepare a completed assessment for your end of term exam (digital submission).
Bitless Bridle Fitting
In this term, you will take your previous skills and knowledge and prepare to fit bridles based on your previous assessments. At the end of this module, you’ll be invited to a live discussion.
Introducing a Bitless Bridle
Incorporating the biomechanics aspect of ridden assessment of bridle fit and learning how to spot both horse and rider imbalances. We’ll discuss the ridden aids, learning theory and delivering training with R- and R+. This portion is filmed with professional 2* Event rider Niamh O’Carroll and includes a series of recommended exercises you can use in your coaching business both for bitless transitioning and improving lightness and understanding of ground and ridden aids.
Your workshop will include an interview from Professional Biomechanics Coach Nicky Mummery. Your exam will be to assess the biomechanics of horse and rider using prepared ridden footage.
Tailored Design, Problem Solving & Case Studies
In your final term, you will develop your independent work with guidance to deliver case studies in bridle fit and coaching, which will be assessed by the team.
The course is created to be flexible to your studying needs, with recorded workshops and the opportunity to ask questions to tutors in a private group
42
Modules
Live Online Workshops
200+
Lessons
Certified Course
75+
Videos
Professional Award
40+
Modules
75+
Videos
200+
Lessons
Certified Course
Live Online Workshops
Professional Award
Learn at your own pace.
This course covers over 200hrs of learning.
Please note that case studies can be extended by an additional 3 months.
This course is set at NFQ Level 6. It enables professionals to develop a broad range of skills, which are vocationally specific and require a general theoretical understanding. Students are enabled to work independently while subject to general direction.
Skills are assessed within each module and includes a final practical exam includes case studies on bridle fit and coaching.
There are no formal entry requirements to complete this course, however some previous interaction or basic knowledge of horses is recommended.
Please note, you will need access to at least 2 horses to fulfil the practical exam.
Includes graded assessments and coursework by a team of professional instructors.
On successful completion of this course, you will receive a Professional Diploma in the course subject and Accreditation from Equine Partnership.
The investment cost of this course is €1200 (course only)
Optional fit kit available €750
The enrolment fee includes an assessment pack, 1/2 size 3D printed skull, access to online materials, live lectures, 1:1 tutorials and assessment grading.
Postage of the fit kit and printed materials is NOT included and will be invoiced at the time of posting.
PAYMENT PLANS
Secure your place with non-refundable deposit. Payment plans are available.
If you select to enrol without opting to incude the fit kit you will be required to have bitless bridles available in your inventory to assess and practice fitting techniques. While the course offers the EDIX fit kit multiple brands and designs are explored.
Exclusive Fit Kit
This fit kit allows your clients / students to try each bitless option with your in-depth understanding of fit, anatomy & coaching
The exclusive EDIX Fit Kit Includes the following in sizes pony, cob, full & x-full:
Headpiece Set
Browband Set
Sidepull Noseband Set
Shank Noseband Set
Shank Collection
Curb Strap Set
Crossunder Set
Reins
Bosals (Cob/Full)
Rein Clips
Mecate Reins
Bridle Kit Storage Trolley
Fit Kit worth €750
(optional)
Your Professional Instructors
Phillippa Christie
Bitless specialist & bridle fitter
Phillippa has extensive knowledge of both theory and practical application in bitless bridle fitting & training. Previously she has studied equine anatomy, biomechanics & behaviour.
Jen Hyland
Vetenary Physiotherapist
Jen is a qualified vet physio. In addition, she is a former GP dressage rider & professional eventing coach with Horse Sport Ireland. Jen also rides her own horse bitless.
Nicky Mummery
Biomechanics Coach
Nicky is a certified biomechanics coach. Her expertise is rider biomechanics supports our coaching element to ensure students develop a keen eye for correct posture. Nicky is starting her horses bitless.
Earlybird Offer Ends in...
EARLYBIRD OFFER: SAVE €200 WHEN YOU PAY IN FULL
FAQ
Yes, this course is designed for horse owners and students who wish to take the step to learn bitless bridle fitting at a professional level.
Yes, you can take the classes in your own time as they are a mix of written and pre-recorded lessons.
Every month we offer a live lecture which is also recorded. This is helpful for students who learn through discussion and interaction.
Register for the course today and we will send out a digital starter pack. You will be manually enrolled once you receive your invitation to the induction.
This will happen normally 2 weeks before the course starts.
The assessment materials will be sent with your fit kit if you opted for one.
You will receive an Advanced Certificate in Bitless Bridle Fitting from the Equine Academy.
This course is accredited through the Professional Bridle Fit Association and Equine Partnership – the leading experts in bitless bridle research, design & fit.
The course structure follows (EQF) European Qualification Framework to Level 6 NFQ guideliness.
Intakes in October each year.
We offer an extension of 3 months to submit coursework to receive your grade.
Yes, we ask for a deposit to secuere your place, the course is then split in to 6 monthly payments,
Fit kits can only be ordered later from EDIX once you have completed this course.
If you select to enrol without opting to incude the fit kit you will be required to have bitless bridles available in your inventory to assess and practice fitting techniques. While the course offers the EDIX fit kit multiple brands and designs are explored.
Approach to Learning
At the Equine Academy, we have a different approach to learning, because we understand that everyone learns differently. We wanted to create a space for teaching, development and community.
Developed by a team of award winning web developers with a passion for equestrianism. Our platform is mobile friendly so you can learn on the go, community orientated to give you opportunities to network with your peers & professionals and our unique rewards-based system that makes learning both fun and motivational.
We involve the best and the brightest inspirational professionals to bring you their courses created from years of experience, academic learning & self development. When you enroll in a course on the Equine Academy, you are investing in yourself and your relationship with horses.
Start your journey today and enjoy learning for a better tomorrow.
Join a Learning Community
Each month the Equine Academy hosts virtual events, open to everyone. Meet our faculty members and join in the discussion. Find out more about our next events and how you can join for FREE.