Bitless bridle question - could be a dumb one

[Bionic Boy]

I have just brought a bitless bridle and wondered the best way to make the transition?

Would you just put it on one day and go out hacking and hope for the best?
Put it on and walk in hand? Or
Put it on and work in the school to see how it goes? (problem with this choice as I don't have a school )

 

[PingPongPony]

i'd put it on and work in an enclosed, safe area to see how your horse reacts. i would certainly not go for a hack not knowing how your horse reacts to it and what it does.

 

[Batgirl]

I would have a lesson with it first if you can, some horses you can just put one on and go but if it is not happy, has no breaks you are a little screwed on a hack!

 

[NagsEquestrian]

I put the bridles on and do some groundwork in them, ask them for a rein back using the reins, ask for some bend, lead then out in hand in the bridle so they can get the feel of the bridle.
Then I get on and do some halt, walk and trot transitions, and then most of the time I am then good to go.

 

[Chestnuttymare]

i think most people i know have done it in the school first. I did. One i know just went for a hack and it wasn't a problem. You could walk along beside with the reins in the normal position to let him get used to the pressure. Mine didn't like the pressure on her nose and i felt it didn't go slack quickly enough. i just rode in a head collar with reins until i could use the bit again.

 

[Bionic Boy]

Thanks everyone. He is a pretty chilled out dude but it is quite a major change and I have the normal 'no brakes' thing in my head. I have an enclosed area I can use although he does not really like riding in it so will probably try it out in there first.

Normally what happens when I change anything is all the scenarios go round in my head and then he just takes everything in his stride and I wonder what I was worried about