Bitless bridle? Which one?

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broodmare32

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Hello, I am in a quandary and need help. I have a 9yo 16.3hh gelding of unclear breeding (TB, ID and possibly a bit of clydesdale in there somewhere). I've had him for 4 years and he's always been ridden in an eggbutt snaffle. He's pretty green and can be very strong. He hasn't had much schooling and when excited sticks his head in the air (he wears a running martingale too) and resists the bit. When schooling him, it's always a tussle before he settles into work. Is it possible that he would benefit from a bitless bridle? I really like the idea of losing the martingale too. Also, there are a few out there - obviously Dr Cook's is the better known, but I like the look of the Be-Kind one too. Does anyone have experience (positive or negative) of using these? Cheers
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I'd play around with some different snaffles first ideally. If he is in a single jointed at the moment I'd try him in a snaffle with a lozenge or a mullen mouth, before trying him in a bitless.
 
Gave up bits of all kinds some 15 years ago. Never regretted it. Used a scawbrig before Dr Cooks invented. Then about 10 years ago got the Dr Cooks and never needed anything else. Very versatile all the horses I've tried it on go well in it. Including previously 'problem' horses.
 
Years ago I went for a sidepull, as Henry used to also resist the bit and set himself against it. I went through PLAS Equestrian for mine and got a nice English Leather one. Very well made and more traditional looking.

I do ride him in a bit, these days and use a Wilkie bit. Classed as a snaffle, it has a gag action if required (so places some poll pressure on if he fights the bit). Also called a loop-ringed snaffle. Never had a problem with this, so maybe worth a consideration? Sounds like a schooling issue, though. Don't be fooled into thinking he won't fight a bitless. You may well just have problems of a different nature!
 
The Dr Cook one, IMHO, is the best, plus you have the bomus of 30 days trial, or getting your money back. My saddler made mine for me though.
 
Good afternoon, It sounds like your horse is truly rejecting the use of a bit and you are on the right track in listening to him. Don't be afraid to use a bitless bridle. You will be astounded at the difference it makes immediately to his tussling ways. Horses understand bitless bridles immediately; it's the riders that take longer to educate. I always tell the rider to forget that they are riding with a bitless and ride as they would normally; to take the thinking out of the ride. In addition, I would suggest using a Nurtural Bitless bridle (www.tackobsession.com). They are produced and patented in Canada/US and they are VERY effective. I used the Dr. Cook's at first, but it put too much poll pressure on my TB and he shook his head constantly trying to dislodge. Then I used one of the Nurtural bridles and have never looked back. Good luck in your search. Shawna
 
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