CHOOSING the correct bit for your horse is a problem that faces every rider at some time in their lives. Should it be one from the snaffle group, a pelham, curb or gag? Or would the horse be better in a bitless bridle?

It's on these sorts of occasions where the advice of Tricia Nassau Williams would be very welcome. Tricia is extremely proud to belong to the Worshipful Company of Loriners, one of the most ancient liveries of the City of London. And she knows most of what there is to know about bitting horses.

A Loriner today is not much different from the middle ages - he or she makes and sells bits, bridles, spurs, stirrups and the minor metal of a horse's harness, together with the saddle tree.

Tricia, from Eckington, near Pershore, is projects manager and lorinery lecturer to the Loriners Company and helps to arrange seminars focusing on equine welfare, bits and bitting.

She is an ambassador for the company, which provides a comprehensive education for students in the craft of lorinery, awards grants and supports equestrian and trade-related charitable causes. It encourages the correct use of lorinery products and supports the traditions of its 13th Century founding fathers.

"This is the perfect job for me as I can combine my love of horses with my work," explained Tricia.

"I get to talk about what I love most - horses. The metalwork used on horses is absolutely fascinating and helps to chart the social history of this country."

Correct bitting was extremely important for a horse's welfare, said Tricia, who has owned horses since she was a child.

She had her own saddlery shop for many years and believes she can see both sides of the industry from a retail point of view and equine welfare.

"Most of the courses run by the Worshipful Company of Loriners are based in London, including a full-time saddlery course and a popular lorinery module," Tricia explained. "I go all over the country talking to riding clubs and colleges. The company is not selling anything. We are promoting education and welfare."

Currently she is busy preparing for a one-day seminar which will explore contemporary aspects of successfully bitting horses, with an emphasis on equine welfare and optimum performance.

Tricia's seminar highlights the different aspects that combine to produce a successfully bitted horse, because bits are the simple communication tools that rely upon the skill of their rider for success.

Speakers at the seminar, entitled Better Bitting in the hands of the Rider, will cover topics including equine dentistry and mouth conformation, use of the double bridle, metals used for bits, the basics of bitting and, most importantly, a guide on horsemanship - the skill of riding.

For more information on the seminar, call Tricia on 01386 751695.