Lorinery (Bits & Bitting) Courses
The Skills Centre is pleased to offer a Lorinery course focusing on Bits and Bit Fitting designed for those wanting to train and qualify as a Bit Fitter. Teaching is both classroom and yard based and is split into a Foundation and Full Fitters course.
The Foundation Lorinery Course offers an introduction to bits and bitting, head and mouth anatomy, bit brands and correct bit and bridle fit. Ideal for those wishing to learn a little more about the profession, for CPD or to compliment courses or work they may already be doing. This is a 3 day course and covers modules 1 -4 in the programme.
The Full Fitters Lorinery Course includes all modules and is designed for those who wish to qualify as a Bit Fitter. On this course you’ll cover everything from Lorinery history, bit mechanics and correct fit, to assessing the ridden horse, recognising and remedying bitting issues and when to use certain bits for different disciplines. Horse welfare and the ethics of bitting and bit use is covered in detail, alongside bitless bridles and the opportunity to work with horses ridden in different set ups. Learning is both classroom and yard based to ensure you receive a thorough understanding of the science alongside vital practical skills to apply those in real fitting situations.
You will learn how to use primary resources such as peer reviewed literature to be fully aware of up-to-date research and to use that information critically. To help prepare you to take this forward as a career you’ll be encouraged to start thinking about your desired client base, your business goals and what your niche will be as a professional in the industry. You’ll also be introduced to different bit and bridle brands and other key associations in the equine industry. The assessments and exams at the end will test your competence and ensure you’re ready to call yourself a qualified fitter and start your new pathway!
Course Content
Modules
- Lorinery History
- Bit Materials and Brands
- Head and Mouth Anatomy
- Correct Bit and Bridle Fit
- Bit Mechanics and Function
- Double Bridles
- Bitted or Bitless
- Assessing the Ridden Horse: Behaviour and Bitting
- Starting Up as a Fitter
- Assessment and Exams
Duration and Fee
There is no bursary funding available for this programme. Once offered a place you will be asked to pay a deposit of £100 for the Bits and Bitting Foundation course and £250 for the Full Lorinery course.
Additional CPD courses will be advertised in 2027. These will be facilitated by guest lecturers. CPD courses are charged at £150 per day.
Course Dates 2027
Bits and Bitting Foundation Course:
15 – 19 March
Week 1: 15 – 19 March
Week 2: 5 – 9 April
Week 3: 26 – 30 April
Other Information
1 day sessions with outside professionals. These are available to the students on the Foundation and Full courses as additional content. The sessions will also attract practitioners in the fitting industry needing to complete CPD hours (e.g. anyone who is a listed fitter with EFD needs 12 hours minimum a year) or those wishing to gain more experience.
On completion of the Foundation course, students are awarded a Certificate of completion.
On completion of the Full course and after successful assessment, students are awarded the Loriners’ Company Certificate.
Certificates for CPD are issued by the Walsall Leather Skills Centre.
If you have any questions please email patrick@walsall-leather.org or telephone 07860 957580.
