Bit Less Bridle

[bluetigger]

Hello

I have had a break of 15 years since riding but want to have some refresher lessons and hacks. The RS I am considering using has some of their horses and ponies in bit-less bridles. I have never ridden in one before and wondered what is the main difference? Am I right to say steering is through the nose not the mouth. Do you then need really light hands?

Thanks

 

[the watcher]

You do need to be conscious of the contact you have, a constant strong contact will be very uncomfortable for the horse and potentially impede breathing.
Steering will depend on the training of the individual horses (but comes from the legs n'est pas?)_

 

[Tinypony]

As it's a riding school I'm sure they'll make sure you use the bridle right. But it's quite refreshing that a riding school is sparing the horses' mouths while people are learning isn't it?
Some bitless bridles close around the nose, some don't. If they do close over the nose then they shouldn't be fitted low enough to interfere with breathing under any circumstances.
IMHO the ones that close should be ridden with a pressure/release action, which to me means your reins should have a little slack in them when not asking for anything, but others will disagree with me on that one.

 

[bluetigger]

Thanks for the answers. I agree it is nice to see a RS who care so much about their horses. They also say on their web site not to bother asking to buy their horses as they are all part of the family.

I think I will go and visit the RS and explain my situation. I am sure if they are good they will be able to match a horse/pony to my needs. Bitless or not bitless.

They have different instructors with different outlooks on riding too. I like the sound of the instructor who works on 'good seats and sympathetic hands'.

I also liked the fact I can afford to have a private lesson and they offer hacking as well - but no more than groups of 2 people hacking.

It sounds like a nice place espically as it is London based.