Bitless Bridle for In-hand Walks

[Nasicus]

I've recently gotten a new pony, a rising 3 chunk of cob. Lovely little thing, really pleased with her! (Especially for an impulse buy from Ireland whoops lol)

We've had a couple quiet walks down the lane and back in a headcollar, but obviously I need a bridle to be complying with the law. Only stickler is, I had the vet out yesterday for teeth, vaccs and a general health check, and she's got wolf teeth up top, and a couple possibly threatening to emerge on the bottom jaw. Vet has advised that we look at removing them in 12 months, and to avoid bitting her until that's been done.

So could I have some suggestions for a bitless bridle that:
A. Complies with the Law
B. Doesn't break the bank
C. Easy to lead from (Bitted I used to use a coupler and leadrope, nice and simple)
D. Suitable to long rein from in the future

Alternatively, I DO have a Dually Halter stashed away that I think would fit her, I'd have to check, but if it does fit, would that be all correct and legal to use on the roads? I know it says it can be used as a sidepull bridle, so could I legally use it on the roads with a leadrope on the usual tie ring? I wouldn't want to go attaching anything to the sidepull yet, as the purpose of the walks is more for getting to know each other, learning manners and getting exposure to traffic. Plus she's arrived a bit fat, nothing terrible, but the vet said some walking wouldn't hurt.

 

[Shysmum]

I would think the Dually with a lead rope on either side would be perfect.

 

[Sleipnir]

I am eyeing this cavesson myself, however, I have no clue regarding the legal aspects of hacking on roads in the UK, so I don't know if this could work for you: https://www.kramer.co.uk/Themes/Lun...k/Lungeing/Cavessons/Cavesson-Soft-Connection

 

[MuddyMonster]

You can buy a sidepull noseband to fit on your existing bridle easily. I think I bought mine from Ebay for not a lot of money!

 

[Prancerpoos]

I do not think a bitless bridle would work that well in hand as most of them rely on a tightening effect caused by pulling the reins from somewhere behind the neck. I would go for the Dually as I have found them very good for giving a bit of extra control.

 

[Auslander]

Alternatively, I DO have a Dually Halter stashed away that I think would fit her, I'd have to check, but if it does fit, would that be all correct and legal to use on the roads? I know it says it can be used as a sidepull bridle, so could I legally use it on the roads with a leadrope on the usual tie ring? I wouldn't want to go attaching anything to the sidepull yet, as the purpose of the walks is more for getting to know each other, learning manners and getting exposure to traffic. Plus she's arrived a bit fat, nothing terrible, but the vet said some walking wouldn't hurt.

What is the law re leading? I know a horse must wear a saddle and bridle if you're riding it on the road, but havent seen anything about leading.
A Dually is just a headcollar if you clip the rope to the normal ring, so if it's illegal to lead a horse on the road in a headcollar, it's not ok to use a Dually in headcollar mode

 

[Sleipnir]

I do not think a bitless bridle would work that well in hand as most of them rely on a tightening effect caused by pulling the reins from somewhere behind the neck. I would go for the Dually as I have found them very good for giving a bit of extra control.

Decent bitless bridles don't work by tightening the noseband, but surely a cheap crossunder type would do that.

The transcend bridle could also work. I suspect the main thing to watch out for would be the bridle twisting and/or getting in the eye, if the pressure of the rein is applied from the side, which is why I recommended the cavesson.

 

[MuddyMonster]

I do not think a bitless bridle would work that well in hand as most of them rely on a tightening effect caused by pulling the reins from somewhere behind the neck. I would go for the Dually as I have found them very good for giving a bit of extra control.

I think it depends entirely upon the bitless bridle. The side pull, Orbitless, Flower or S hackamore won't tighten over the nose or face. They will exert varying degrees of pressure in various areas for sure depending on which is used, but not a tightening effect.

 

[CMcC]

This is what the Highway Code says:

“Before you take a horse on to a road, you should

• ensure all tack fits well and is in good condition
• make sure you can control the horse.

Always ride with other, less nervous horses if you think that your horse will be nervous of traffic. Never ride a horse without both a saddle and bridle.“

A horse must not be ridden without a bridle, I would interpret that to mean a horse can be lead in-hand in a head collar/halter. Subject to the the second bullet point - that you can control the horse.

For me controlling a horse leading would be more effective in a halter than a bitless bridle.

 

[Nasicus]

Ah, it would appear I may have misinterpreted the law then! I might as well just continue as we have been then, and crack out the Dually if she starts trying it on. Fine by me, saves me a few bob!
We shall continue our walks, in the hopes of shedding a few lbs off of her (and possibly me too hah!)

Thanks All!

 

[Not_so_brave_anymore]

I'd never even thought about this! I lead out down the road (well, quiet lane) in a head collar all the time. You're allowed to drive cattle along/across a road with nothing on at all (nothing on the cattle that is, not yourself. That's a whole other law)

 

[charterline]

Will you be leading him a long way? Maybe check with your insurance to see what they want

 

[webble]

Orbitless would do the job for you

 

[Nasicus]

Will you be leading him a long way? Maybe check with your insurance to see what they want

Nah, just little tootles, a mile or so all round

 

[pansymouse]

I'd use a lunge cavesson - it's designed for ground work where a bridle is not.

 

[ycbm]

You have to be in control of the horse, but I don't think there is any law saying it has to be in a bridle, whether ridden or led?

The BHS stuff says "should" not "must". Where is the idea coming from that is a legal requirement for a led or ridden horse to have a bridle on?
.

 

[Nasicus]

You have to be in control of the horse, but I don't think there is any law saying it has to be in a bridle, whether ridden or led?

The BHS stuff says "should" not "must". Where is the idea coming from that is a legal requirement for a led or ridden horse to have a bridle on?
.

From me being a dumbass and misinterpreting the highway code

 

[ycbm]

From me being a dumbass and misinterpreting the highway code

You weren't alone, which was what got me puzzled. I've done a complete drag hunt with road work with a horse with no bridle on at all, close by me. It was a bet/dare/charity thing, and great to watch!

 

[criso]

The guidance also says you should have a saddle.