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Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
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Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Bitless Bridles?
in Pets
I think there are a few equestrians on this board. Anyone use a bitless bridle? I have a new riding instructor and she uses bitless bridles on her horses. I didn't even know there was such a thing until recently and I'm not sure what to think about them.
The first time I rode with a cross under bitless bridle, I completly forgot about it and the ride was fine. Last week, I rode a TB who was a bit fast. I got a little nervous and mentally couldn't get past the bitless bridle.
So, do you think they are just as safe as bitted bridles? The research I did online seems to make sense about the bit causing pain and in turn causing fear in the horse.
Re: Bitless Bridles?
While ive not used them myself, i think they are a great idea. they work similar to a halter from what i understand. they use nose pressure rather than inside the mouth. If your horse responds i dont know why you wouldnt use one. =]
From personal experience, it depends on the horse and the discipline (for instance, dressage and bitless bridles don't mix since you need a bit for the cues). However, if a horse responds well, I think they're great and totally safe. I especially like Dr. Cook's bitless bridles.
If it was making you nervous because the TB is speedy, why don't you try doing some halting exercises while using the bitless bridle next time you ride? Get a taste of how fast he halts, work on half halts when he's going fast, etc. Also spend some time doing transitions from trot to walk, canter to trot, canter to walk, etc.
Just think of the bridle as nothing more than a mild snaffle bit. Personally, I prefer to use the mildest bit possible and only work up to harsher bits if I deem it necessary. So remind yourself that this is definitely for the horse's well-being. I know that doesn't put your fears at ease necessarily, but it might help a little to remember that.
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We have a lady at our barn that uses one and it works out great for her - the horse is laid back and just trots around in circles (and she's really bad with her hands so I think it's a good idea).
Would I use one on my guy? No freaking way, pony boy needs a chain just to lead - talk about no stopping power.
But one thing to think about - if you show you need to make sure they are legal. I'm not sure if we can use them in hunters.
Thanks for your feedback. I think part of my nerves is also a new instructor and a new horse. I was with my past instructor and her horse for three years so I really got to know the horse very well and felt we understood each other.
I did want to start riding different horses just to become a better ride. Now I get my wish and I want to go back to what I know!
I totally feel you on this one--after realizing I had developed some bad riding habits, I started taking lessons a few months ago at a new barn. I've been so used to "difficult" horses since I help exercise ex-racers being retrained for new disciplines, and when they put me on a plodder in my first lesson I nearly fell off! My second lesson I rode the same plodder, and I did fall off. Twice.
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