_ _ _ Good contact

for an even more comfortable horse

A big part of enabling your horse to move freely and without complications is ensuring that you have a safe, secure and comfortable saddle. However, good contact with the horse’s mouth is also vital. I can help you to achieve that with my bridle and bit fitting service.

If the contact between your hands and the horse’s mouth is not as good as it could be, you can often see this in the horse’s head and neck posture. If there is too much pressure on the top of your horse’s head, he will shrink away from it. Is the pressure point on the nose? Then the mouth drops to the chest. A properly fitting bridle and the correct bit will help prevent these responses.

The fitting session

During a fitting session, I examine and test each part of the bridle individually to see whether your horse responds positively to changes. For example, I check which of the neck muscles are tensed, whether the horse is walking with a correct and appropriate gait, and I observe the horse’s behaviour. Step by step, I can then release any pressure on the ears, perfectly adjust the noseband, and choose the ideal bit. The result: a far more comfortable horse.

Brand independence

Because my mission is to improve horse welfare, I choose to work independently of brands when fitting bridles and bits. The important thing is that you and your horse can ride with the equipment that suits you both the best.

Coaching

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. What these are determines your character. I help you to uncover these traits during Coaching by Character sessions, so you can learn to make the best possible use of your talents and deal with any pitfalls. We do this work in a primarily experiential way.

_ _ _ Testimonials

Natalie thoroughly examined my horse and my saddle, which is how we found out that my old saddle had become too tight for my horse. She explained everything very clearly: it turned out the saddle could not be altered, after which I decided to invest in a new saddle. Again, Natalie took a lot of time to explain to me what she pays attention to, and how the saddle can affect both the horse and the rider. I really felt heard by her, and was able to ask any questions I wanted. We ended up coming up with a new saddle together, and my horse and I couldn’t be happier!

Annabel Krieger

I was experiencing some issues with my horse, and had already consulted several people who all gave me some sort of advice, but I suspected there might be a technical issue with the saddle. I subsequently attended an ESS industry event, where I met Natalie and where I got confirmation that the problems I was experiencing were related to my saddle – including both jumping saddles and dressage saddles. After I had my horse treated by a vet, Natalie came to see me again to fit a new saddle. She is extremely patient, knowledgeable, and I really feel she understands me!”

Renee Zomers

My horse, Discovery, is affected by impinging dorsal spinous processes (‘kissing spines’), and I myself have a disability in both my right arm and my right leg. This possibly makes it even more important for me to have a well-fitting saddle. Before I met Natalie, I was noticing that Discovery’s back had become extremely sensitive and that he just wasn’t relaxed whenever we were riding. Natalie checked everything and re-padded the saddle. This made a world of difference, and we’ve been running smoothly ever since. What I love about Natalie is that she really takes time to discuss all her observations with you, which means there are no surprises. I would recommend her wholeheartedly!

Anouk Meeuwsen

Scheduling a fitting session

Do you have any questions about my working methods or would you like to schedule a fitting session right away? Feel free to send me a WhatsApp message. Of course, you can also call me on +31 (0)6 – 22 57 82 57 or send me an email at natalie.vanhulst@gmail.com.