Bitless Bridle

My mare has been schooled from the age of four using natural methods,so going bitless was nothing new to her. A head collar and lead rope did the trick, however, it lacked the finesse of a proper bitless bridle.

As a keen dressage freak, I straight away

took her through some paces. In general she went nicely, however I can see how a much more professional Dressage rider may feel that there is some lack of 'feel' for more advanced work. So I would say for general schooling and lower level dressage work, it is good.

Jumping was fine, in general my mare gets keen and stronger but I felt no particular difference between bitted or none bitted. We were jumping about 2ft 6 and approaching 3ft now.

Hacking, the more chilled out activity. although I know a few peole who would disagree, but in general I had no trouble at all. We went through all paces, even a gallop. I was able to adjust her canter pace just as well as if we were in the bitted.

Overall, my mare went well in the bridle. It was nice to know she was able to breath easy and not having be tugging on her mouth, yet still getting a proper response as if bitted.

I next tried the bridle on a ex-race horse turn pleasure horse whom has a different background.

LEONIE

Woody is a TB who certainly has some thoroughbred characteristics. A bit of a plod but with a quiet person and kitted out well he can certainly wake up and express.

He is a sensitive character, getting upset if asked something new and is noticably head shy when bridalling.

After some kind perswasion we managed to get the bitless bridle on. At first you could see he was a little confused as to why a bit had not been placed in his mouth. I was the first to test ride him with the new bridle. Much to my delight, he responded very well.

For the first few minutes he was not too sure of the new pressures being caused by the cross-under straps. I continued on with encouragement and before long he was going along as though he has been ridden bitless all the time. He even produced nice outline, with his head long and low, he never snatched or showed discomfort in the mouth like he would in a bitless.

Next, Lisa rode him....

Woody appeared more relaxed and willing to work through his neck when ridden by Leonie. When riding it felt the same as riding in a bitless. He responded well and I often had to remind myself he had not bit in his mouth. He would be confused with the new pressure signals, but he soon worked it out and continued on without any problems. Like Leonie, I liked this bridle, Woody seemed much more relaxed and it was nice not to be pulling on his mouth.

LEONIE & LISA

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