News
Tack and equipment introduced to BD Learning Hub
- Written By: British Dressage
- Published: Tue, 23 Sep 2025 13:24
The BD Learning Hub offers a vast selection of fascinating content, and the Training & Education team are delighted to add a brand new module to the platform, with three courses on Tack and Equipment available to access from September onwards. 
Understanding how to use tack and equipment correctly is vital to members of all ages and abilities. The brand new Tack and Equipment Module aims to provide a solid foundation in three areas; bridle and bit fitting, saddles and saddle fit, and rugs, boots and bandages.
The courses provide first-class education on several key areas, including horse anatomy, equipment design, the purpose of different tack elements, along with safety and best practice.
As with all BD Learning Hub courses, industry experts are at the core of the high-quality content. The Tack and Equipment Module was written in collaboration with Diana Fisher of Woolcroft Equine Services, along with Jo Winfield and Megan Long from Hartpury University.
Each course uses educational videos, real life images and an optional end of course quiz to test your knowledge.
Here’s what you can expect from the three courses within the module.
Bridles & bridle fitting
The first topic you can get stuck into covers bridle and bit fitting, covering four areas:
- Snaffle bridles and bits
- Double bridles and bits
- An introduction to bridle and bit fitting
- Maintenance and caring for bridles
Choosing the right bridle for your horse is an essential part of ensuring he is fit, healthy and comfortable to train and compete. Enjoy some expert advice throughout this course on how to select the best bridle for your horse, through understanding anatomy and pressure points. There’s also information on different bit types and their functions, how to measure a bit and what’s legal to use within affiliated competition. Develop your understanding of equipment care, to ensure that you and your horse are safe to ride whilst maintaining your equipment for optimum longevity. Finally, there’s a helpful preview of the FEI noseband measuring device, which will be rolled out fully for use in BD competition from 2026 onwards.
Saddles and saddle fitting
Next up, delve into a three-part course that covers information on saddle components, their use and function, the difference between general purpose and dressage saddles and how to spot an ill-fitted saddle. This course also provides a handy recap on what saddles are allowed in the competition arena, as well as detailed information on conformation assessments, templating and where to find your qualified saddle fitted. Finally, make the most of some great top tips on best practice for cleaning and storing your saddle, as well as learning the signs of wear and tear.
Rugs, boots and bandages
When to rug your horse up and what to choose can be a common conundrum for plenty of horse owners. In this course, learn everything you need to know about when to use rugs and which to choose, plus great up-to-date information from sources like the BETA Guidelines on rugging.
There’s also education on boots and bandages, taking into consideration what to use in everyday training and competition; with findings presented from recent research into the effects of bandages on the horse’s legs.
How to access
The Learning Hub is free to access and provides members with a stream of engaging, educational content for members at all stages.
To access the BD Learning Hub, members simply need to visit the landing page, available via the BD website and follow the instructions to create an account. Once the account is confirmed as ‘active’, you can begin working through the courses available – all included as part of your benefits of being a British Dressage member, benefits include a 20% discount on training modules on the Learning Hub.
