Bitless bridles?

[Hal]

Hello,

I recently read a magazine article about people using “bitless bridles” on their horses, and I am curious about it. How does it work, and why would you use one?

Thanks.

[Donn Hewes]

What were the bridles like? What were the horses doing; driving, working, riding,etc? What did the article say? Just curious. Donn

[Hal]

Donn Hewes, the article (from Rural Heritage Magazine, as a side note) was kind of general in its scope. It didn’t talk about specific incidents where bitless bridles were used, but it did say “bitless bridles are used in combined driving over courses where speed and accuracy count.” It showed two designs of bitless bridles, one called “doctor Cook’s bitless bridle” and one called the “Nutural bitless bridle.” Both kinds relied on loops going over the poll and the nose and under the chin to control the direction of the head (at least that’s how I saw it).

[jen judkins]

Hal, I think ‘bitless’ bridles have a place for some horses. Just like using bits…one size does not fit all. Some will go well in a snaffle, others need some leverage (though some might argue that this is a training issue). Some will be better without the hardware in the mouth. I have used bitless bridles and hackamores on my riding horses with good success. However, I must say that some horses will dislike the bitless bridle as much as some resent a bad fitting bit. My Arab cross really dislikes the bitless bridle…it just pushes his buttons. I think it is a claustraphobic thing…he has issues with his personal space. He truly prefers a simple snaffle..so that’s what I use.

I used to take alot of pride in the fact that I could ride my horses with a hackamore or in a halter or with a simple string around their neck, but I know now that communication is not about tack…its about, well….communication. Getting a clear picture to your horse is more important than what type of tack you use. So use what works…

Every horse is an individual and the key to good horsemanship (IMHO) is to treat them as individuals and not be rigid in your approach.

[hunterseat]

I joined so I could reply to this. 🙂 I have former harness racers. My boy was so heavy on the bit, riding him, so I put a Dr.Cook’s bitless on him. He did great. I’ve heard one person say it works well on one horse but not on her other horse. She likes it but it’s different depending on the horse, as someone already said. Still, it’s nice to hear from someone who likes it, not just someone who tried it and says it’s no good because their horse doesn’t like it. (I’m rambling, huh?)
Anyway, if you picture the noseband with rings on the side, the reins go through the rings from the outside in, cross under the jaw, travel up the cheek and over the poll. One continuous piece. When you pull on the reins it applies pressure to the poll, the jaw, and, to a lessor degree, the nose. On the web site (which is great) they describe it as having a horse in a headlock. You want to take it easy, no doubt. Also, you pull on the left rein and there is pressure on the right side of the face. It takes some getting used to for the horse but being free’d up from having a bit in the mouth is a wonderful thing in many ways! I sort of alternate now – I did a few bitting sessions with him and he’s not pulling nearly as much!

[Does’ Leap]

I have been playing around with driving my horses single with their rope halters. I guess you could say this is bitless. I have just been ground driving them, riding them bareback, and “ponying” I think it is called (leading one horse while driving the other). My goal was to increase their sensitivity and be able to hop on their backs at will with out bringing a bridle. It is working well. Small, slow steps was the key. It has been fun and useful.

George

[Author]

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