Kim Gentry, an International Grand Prix Dressage Rider, travels across America doing bit clinics with riders of all levels, from ‘hobbyists’ to Olympic team riders. Earlier this year, she visited Bombers’ headquarters in South Africa for a factory visit, and additionally carried out bit fittings at the manufacturer’s purpose-built headquarters.
“Touring the Bombers factory was eye opening. 
To see to production process, and see how proud each person was of their role in the manufacturing of the bits, was special,” explains Kim. “As I tell my clients, 90% of the bits made by Bombers are made with locally sourced, raw material, and 100% of the manufacturing process is conducted in-house or locally sourced; so you know you’re getting a really high-quality product when you buy a Bombers bit.”
Attention to detail and creativity
“The attention to detail and creativity shown by the team was impressive,” Kim says of her visit. “Each member of staff had a specialised role and skill. They are a true team, and the feeling was one of a family”, continues Kim, affectionately dubbed ‘The Bit Lady’ after starting her US-based retail arm, Bits N’ Such. “It is easy to see how Bombers Bits can be customised, which is a unique benefit of the brand. It is something I’ve been able to take advantage of with clients’ horses that have challenging bitting issues; for example from an anatomical defect or an injury,” Kim adds.
The leading rider, also a United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Certified Instructor and USDF ‘L’ graduate, says fitting bits is an incredibly rewarding job. “I love seeing horses and riders change, sometimes quite dramatically. I know that I’m making each horse more comfortable and happier in their job,” she adds.
“I spend four months each winter in Wellington, Florida working on horses each day, as well as training and competing my own dressage horses,” continues Kim, whose online business is based in Germantown, on the outskirts of Memphis in the USA. “I travel with an insane amount of luggage full of bits a bridles, for the clinics!”
Professional riding, horse anatomy and bit knowledge
Kim runs her popular bitting clinics and individual fitting sessions in the Wellington area throughout the winter season, and all over the US for the rest of the year. “I think what makes my clinics unique is that I can bring my expertise of professional riding, horse anatomy, and bit knowledge to each of my clients,” Kim says.
“I often conduct clinics in a symposium type format with Q&A from auditors, and they have been approved for USDF University credits; I pride myself on the fact that the events I curate are actually entertaining as well as educational,” Kim explains.
“If I am doing an individual fitting session, I always watch the horse and rider warm up, and assess them as if they were a training client, warming up for a lesson. I want to see what’s good, and what could be better, in how the horse works,” Kim continues. “I also want to hear from the rider what they would like to see improved. As an example, often times with my international level dressage riders, it’s a real fine-tuning point – but one that can make a big difference, and help them gain a few more points in their tests.”
Kim explains that she always likes to feel inside the horse’s mouth to access the anatomy of the jaw and teeth when fitting a bit, and also feel where the horse is reactive. “I also get a good sense of the horse’s general energy / vibe doing this,” Kim adds.
A happier, more relaxed and willing horse
We asked Kim what her motto is – “Find the right bit and bridle for each horse and rider, regardless of the brand, and what’s trendy,” she says. “As a trainer, it is important I bring an unbiased opinion to my clients. When the horse finds the right bit and bridle combination, the result is a happier, more relaxed and willing horse and a happier rider,” Kim concludes.
Visit: www.bitsnsuch.com and https://bitsnsuch.com/pages/kims-bit-and-bridle-clinics for more info. #bombersbits #bombersbluebits #teambombers #bombersbitsbringbalance #dressage