Daniel Dauphin of Dauphin Horsemanship and host of The Adult Onset Horsemanship Podcast is back on Canter Therapy, and this time we dive deep into bits, bitting, rider hands and the foundations we often overlook in our horses.
Daniel joins Shelley and Kat ahead of his upcoming Australian and New Zealand clinic tour in October-November 2026, to unpack how bits actually work, why a bitting problem isn't always a bit problem, the importance of mouth anatomy, and why sophisticated bits should be about increasingly subtle communication, not stronger control.
We also explore retraining off-the-track horses, why cows can be such valuable teachers, the connection between the mouth, relaxation and movement, double bridles, rider fear, and why sometimes the answer to an advanced training problem lies much further back in the basics.
Whether you ride English, Western, dressage, cutting, trails or anything in between, this is a fascinating conversation about becoming more thoughtful, skilled and effective with horses.
To find out more about Daniel Dauphin:
https://dauphinhorsemanship.com/?v=8bcc25c96aa5
For more information about upcoming Australian/New Zealand clinics:
https://dauphinhorsemanship.com/upcoming-clinics-events/oceania-clinic-tour/
To find out more about Adult Onset Horsemanship Podcast:
https://dauphinhorsemanship.com/podcasts/?v=8bcc25c96aa5
To find out more about Dr Shelley Appleton and Kathryn Christieson:
https://www.cantertherapy.com.au
