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heatherr
Platinum Member
 England
1882 Posts |
 Posted - 20 Oct 2008 : 11:38:46 PM
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I am blessed to have a very forward going mare, but hacking with company turns into a battle as she wants to race the whole time. I find myself constantly pulling her up, which is frustrating for both of us and has given her a sore mouth, sooooooo we gave bitless a try on the weekend. The theory being she would have nothing to pull against or lean on, so we would both get a break.
Well, what a revelation  she went like an angel. Even her head carriage was lower, mouth stayed shut, no pulling or leaning. We had a wonderful ride and I now have much food for thought. How many of you ride bitless?? What made you chose this? What bridles do you use?
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Heather 
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hannah28
Gold Member
England
617 Posts |
Posted - 20 Oct 2008 : 11:57:36 PM
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Ive ridden bitless for the past 10 years, and converted a fair few in that time
The decision to go bitless was purely a humane one...and also because it made so much more sense to ride without having to control through pain.
Ive trialled a few different bitless bridles over the years, and different ones worked for different horses. Alot of people swear by Dr Cooks, but i found that both Arabs went alot better in a headcollar, or a parelli-style rope bridle (halter).
The one I ended up using on my last boy was imported from USA, its a Double Diamond Rope halter, which u just attach a line, or reins to.
So pleased that you have decided to go bitless...and that your girl showed you (by her way of going) that she prefers it!
Good luck with finding a nice bridle/halter for her!
Han x |
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Suelin
Platinum Member
England
2514 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2008 : 12:10:42 AM
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| I rode Ollie in an English hackamore for a couple of years and then when we did an endurance ride he pulled against it so hard his nose swelled. Nightmare!! Hence I haven't done it since as the pain factor was worse without the bit! He goes really sweetly in a rubber jointed snaffle and rarely pulls at all. I envy people who's horses do go well without a bit though. |
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Fee
Platinum Member
2601 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2008 : 12:21:23 AM
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I ride Po in a Parelli hackamore, rope halter or bosal. I've never had a bit in her mouth and she is light, responsive and like you say heatherr the theory and fact is that they don't brace cause they don't have anything to brace against. ETA That said, you can still brace them with anything bitless. The idea is that your horse becomes so light they respond to the lightest of movements so you don't need to keep such a tight contact.
Her she is in her bosal (it's not a rigid bosal). I know she loves it because I hold it out to the left of her face and she puts her nose in it
Fee |
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Edited by - Fee on 21 Oct 2008 08:06:58 AM |
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Kizzys Mum
Silver Member
England
389 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2008 : 06:03:05 AM
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| We haven't got to the riding but I work Kira in a Dually headcollar she goes 99% better in it than in a bit and so I think at least to begin with it's the way we will go |
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angelarab
Platinum Member
Wales
2876 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2008 : 08:44:41 AM
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i would love to back baz bitless, but i would like to do ridden showing too one day, do you think this is possible, and which bitless would you suggest for a young'un?
Ps love the pic Fee |
 "Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened."
www.northwalesarab.co.uk |
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Vera
Membership Moderator
United Kingdom
8652 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2008 : 09:42:41 AM
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| You need to check with your insurance company to ensure you are still covered to ride out in one. During my time on the BHS committee we had several instances where insurance companies failed to pay out because horses being ridden in a 'headcoller' where considered not to be in full control by their rider. |
    
Hampshire |
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SEZ
Gold Member
England
1101 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2008 : 09:43:00 AM
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I don't think bitless is allowable under showing and dressage rules just yet. I applaude those brave enough to have a go. I broke The Tank in bitless and he is always happier that way. It may not suit all horses but sometimes it's worth a try. Well done heatherr for thinking outside of the box . I think alot of people would have gone straight for more hardware in your situation. |
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Kelly
Platinum Member
England
1571 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2008 : 09:54:14 AM
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I've never ridden Jack in a bit, he's 6 1/2. We've had a Dr Cook, which he went fine in until I started schooling him. He objected and I thought it was because there is quite a lot of poll pressure, and he developed a sensitive spot behind his left ear. So we swapped to a rope halter (natural hackamore) with a fiador knot. That was fine for normal riding, but come schooling time, I couldn't get a proper contact, as when his head was in the right place, the knot was touching his neck! I've just bought a rope halter with two rings to attach reins to just under the chin - so far, great.
However, his sensitive spot showed up again last week - leading me to think that it was never the Dr Cook so much as him tensing up and twingeing.
I felt happy riding in both. My mum did NOT feel happy in the rope halter at first. But last time she rode him, she said that 'it was nice to know she couldn't jab him in the mouth'. (He'd just done a nice spook and thrown her off balance - she isn't in the habit of jabbing horses in the mouth, lol!)
I also did a local show and a local dressage test (the latter non-comp) in the Dr Cook. I checked first. I'm not sure if other, higher levels would allow it though.
I have checked with each of the insurance companies I've been with (NFU and Scottish Equestrian) and both have been ok with the bitless. SE stated I would just have to prove I was 'in control'. I made them put a note on my account showing I'd clarified it though! |
Kelly
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geegee
Platinum Member
England
3682 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2008 : 10:03:09 AM
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I started Minuette with a sprenger KK training bit but wanted to go down the NH route and once bitted I swapped it for the Parelli hackamore, basically rope halter and rope reins.
It seemed the most natural thing to do as I had spent a long time developing our relationship from the ground. She is extremely light and responsive.
I have now stripped the bridle off of my gelding and use the same on him. He is much happier as he always objected to contact, he is much more relaxed and carries himself much better. It's never too late to start, he is 20! |
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Cinnypony
Gold Member
1160 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2008 : 2:33:55 PM
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Bought Cinny a bitless bridle in August, but we only had her first ride in it at weekend as she's now well enough to ride - she was so good. We had a couple of confusions, but once we sorted all was fine.
She seemed much happier. She's got a blue "zilco type material" Dr Cook. V smart.
Susi |
    
Cinnabar Moth --------------- -----------CF Matilda ----Red House Gaia
Susi
https://www.facebook.com/CinnabarEndurance/ |
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Deboniks
Platinum Member
England
3776 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2008 : 2:37:24 PM
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Vera is right about insurance. When I asked my insurance company they verbally said it was ok, when I asked for it in writing it was a different matter! In the end I had to supply evidence to the underwriters that I was in conrol. I had to send a copy of my Parelli pass and information on how the halter worked. Only then did I get in in writing (from Pet Plan)
But thanks for the reminder as I have recently changed insurers so I better check again!!
I have started both of mine in a Parelli Halter. It helps learning the baby basics of communication and riding,aiding communication without fear or pain. There are quite a few people out there who have no idea how a bit aids the communication between horse and rider. It is a human reaction to hang on, get tight when in fear. It's not wrong, it’s an instinct it's in our DNA, but we do need to learn to get over it and not brace or cause our horses to brace. Some bits are painful and stop a horse through pain.Any horse can be ridden in a Parelli halter if the foundation of communication is solid. That's why Parelli teach you the communication to ride from the ground first, then when you ride it is only with one rein, this stops the instinct of pulling on the mouth and saves the mouth for later. You must never pull on a rope halter to stop or hold a contact, using phases appropriately can be the hardest thing to learn, but leads to the icing on the cake It’s the human that has to learn, not the horse. It is surprising how many people get into trouble with balance alone once there is one rein or no stirups! I know I used to! Once the foundation of balance and communication are made then you progress to a bit (if you want to). The bit is only used for refinement of what you have already learnt and would be used for competition i.e. dressage. Or if you want to work on something else other than refinement you can work on the communication and have no need for anything on the head at all!
I would never recommend anyone buy A Parelli halter or similar and ride in their same way without learning the foundations, you could have a very nasty accident!
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GHALEEM
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2028 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2008 : 6:40:04 PM
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| I ride in a Parelli natural hackamore, my baby will be backed bitless. I cant tell you how proud i am when people comment how well my horse is going bitless |
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lulu
Gold Member
763 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2008 : 6:49:25 PM
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| Old mae was alwys ridden in German hackamore. Went beautifully. You do need an independent seat and ride on a fairly easy contact. The German is quite severe in the wrong hands. |
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Fee
Platinum Member
2601 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2008 : 8:14:39 PM
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Agreed lulu, but ANY tool is dangerous and severe in the wrong hands. I don't think bitless should be thought of as a magical cure and I defo don't think anyone should go from bracing their horse with a bit to bracing their horse with a nose band or poll pressure type bitless bridle. It might seem like there is an initial improvement but the same probs will come back.
Like mentioned it's all about putting in the ground work, the hours, the training, the relationship and altering your habits, training and psyche. Bitted or bitless (although more comfortable to the horse I'm sure) it's what you put in, you get back.
I do wish the BHS were a bit more forward thinking and flexible re different tack.
Re insurance I too made sure I was covered. I'm with NFU and they're excellent. They know all the tack I use, no problems.
Fee
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mogwai
Platinum Member
England
2717 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2008 : 9:02:43 PM
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Both my babies will be started bitless, and have been used to a parelli style rope halter from a young age. I have just changed my section C loan mare from a bit (which she came with, i rode her in it once and then swapped), onto a dr cooks, and i have just ordered a rope hackamore. Did someone mention a 2 ring halter? Where did you order it from?
Ros
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heatherr
Platinum Member
England
1882 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2008 : 11:00:39 PM
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Gosh, quite a few bitless people . Yes the insurance issue is a valid point.
Ground work and training are essential. I see riding as being in partnership with my horse, thus should I be faced with any kind of battle look to understand what is causing the resitance and seek a positive solution. These no fun in fighting or bullying, especially when your horses are as eager to please as mine are so trying a stronger bit was never an option.
Fee you and Po were a bit of an inspiration. Great piture. Looks like I have a few options with bridles to experiment with. |
Heather
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Crystal Fire
Junior Member
England
43 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2008 : 11:03:33 PM
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I ride Celebrity bitless, in a nice fancy rope riding halter made as a gift by Rob from Lodge Ropes, I use clip rope reins with it. Here he is posing in it. He does get ridden in a bit as well, a Rockin' S snaffle.
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Crystal Fire was backed in a rope hackamore, and never ridden in a bit.
I am insured with NFU to ride bitless, but I don't push my luck so put a bit in to ride on the road.
For me the rules of riding bitless are the same as they should be when riding with a bit. Teach the horse to be soft, to have good lateral flexion, a responsive 1-rein stop, and to never lean on your hands. |
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Kelly
Platinum Member
England
1571 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2008 : 1:59:00 PM
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Ros - It was me who mentioned the two ring rope halter. I found it on t'internet, ordered ir from America. There seem to be 2 suppliers, both saying the other copied from them - I went with the cheapest! Had it made to measure, in my choice of colour, with a fancy braided noseband in my colours, all for about £19 inc delivery.
I will post a pic when I get one.
PM me for the details |
Kelly
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Kash
Platinum Member
England
3777 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2008 : 2:13:36 PM
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Sorry - slightly off topic, so I hope you don't mind - but I've been taking Agonia for walks inhand again recently in a headcollar. Do you think I would be covered with my insurance as I'm not actually riding?
It had never even crossed my mind before |
      
Photographs by Emma Maxwell and Peter Grant |
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Fee
Platinum Member
2601 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2008 : 2:18:06 PM
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Aw thank you heatherr
Ros when I'm schooling Po I use an Enduro Bridle from Lodgeropes, Aus. If you google it I'm sure you'll find a UK supplier if you're interested in it. I'll try to get a pic of it, but it's very light, bitless and the rein clips on to the loops at the side so you can use it like a traditional bridle without the bit. Hope that helps
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emily
Junior Member
England
48 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2008 : 2:33:49 PM
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| I would love to go bitless Rysch is in a jointed pelham as he can be strong! but I would love to use a bitless bridle. |
emmy |
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Pixie
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
6586 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2008 : 2:52:09 PM
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i don't know what the law is anymore..... but one upon a time to ensure your insurance was valid in case of accident on a road you had to have the following
for human
suitable footwear
hard hat
a short stick
for horse
a bridle with rein or lead rope attached to a bit
human to walk on the outside of the horse closest to the traffic.
like i say the laws may now have changed. |
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Claire
Silver Member
England
422 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2008 : 2:54:49 PM
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| I would love to ride Mirshid with a halter- I have done in a school with no problems, I have been on a parelli course but due to lack of finance I wasn't able to continue with it so if anyone was able to help teach me I would love some advice |
      
Suffolk |
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Crystal Fire
Junior Member
England
43 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2008 : 3:18:17 PM
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I am a dedicated student of Steve Halfpenny from Silversand. I would say that if you work your way through his Basic Skills DVD's then you'd be pretty well set up to ride bitless. I think the set of 3 is only about £22. Nothing against Parelli, but that would give you what you need in a very simple and inexpensive format.
I love the Lodge Ropes halters etc, and also use the Silversand ones. The fit is much better than many others (including Parelli). The halter Celeb is wearing in the picture has slackened off a bit now it has been used a lot, which was intended, but the noseband sits in just the right place to act correctly, and the knots are in the right place to avoid possible problems. |
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Fee
Platinum Member
2601 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2008 : 3:31:18 PM
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NH can be VERY expensive, especially the big commercial ones. Thanks for the info Crystal Fire, with a new youngster to bring on I'd be interested in the DVD's you mention, can you please PM me more details. I too love Lodge Ropes, their stuff is quality but never tried Silversands. My enduro bridle is very like the one your chestnut is wearing.
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