Bitless bridles - Recommendations please

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Daisy2

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Hi There, I shall be shopping for a bitless bridle for my cob. I want something that is relatively gentle, side pull perhaps? Please share your thoughts, experiences and recommendations. thanks
 
Hi I use a Dr Cook (crossover) bitless bridle on my mare, and she really likes it - I do also ride her in a Neue Schule bit, on a Micklem Bridle as she is very sensitive/fussy in her mouth, as we like to compete in dressage. I would see if any friends can let you try tack before you buy, I initially tried riding her in a pressure release halter in an arena (because she had her sore mouth) and it worked so well I then bought a Dr Cook bridle, done fun rides, xc etc in it!
 
I have a micklem and swear by it. My pony goes in the second strength for jumping but in the first strength for everything else. He responds really well to it.
 
Thanks for your replies, I have been searching and reading a lot today and it seems that the two main ones are Dr Cooks and the Micklem and lots of cheap alternatives . Both of my horses are easy to do and don't need strong tack as such so I am really interested in either or but before I go and spend 100 quid or so I really would value some more of your opinions.
 
I have an orbitless, very simple and different settings, but I just use it as a sidepull really. I'm not keen on the crossunder style, but if you want slightly more than a sidepull (or are worried about them slipping) have a look at Lightrider - I'm tempted to get one of them to try. The matrix is pretty good if you aren't sure what style to go for as you can try them all out!
 
My horse really dislikes the Dr Cook and goes much better in his Micklem on the gentlest setting which is a simple sidepull, he hates the other 2 bitless options though. I ride both with and without a bit, so the micklem is perfect for us.
 
If you want something mild that won't break the bank I would recommend giving a Scawbrig a go. It works by tightening around the nose and jaw when you apply pressure to the reins, and for steering it works like a sidepull. Sometimes referred to as a "natural hackamore" as it works on the same principle as a hackamore but is significantly milder due to the lack of leverage and curb chain. I have my mare in one and she is just divine to ride in it and so relaxed. I bought a cheap webbing one from Libbys as I didn't want to splash out on a new leather bridle if she wasn't going to like it, but have ended up making it her main bridle as she is so happy in it. It's basically like riding in a headcollar, but with a bit of nose pressure when I need it. Simple, and a joy to use on a responsive horse.

The cheapest way to find out what type of bitless bridle your horse might like is just to ride in a headcollar with reins/leadropes attached in different places. For example if you want to see how she'll respond to a sidepull action, attach them to the side rings on the headcollar noseband. Or to see how she feels about nose pressure, borrow a Dually headcollar and ride with the reins attached to the moving piece. The main thing to remember is that all types of bitless work on pressure-and-release, so as soon as the horse gives you what you've asked for, reward by releasing the pressure straight away. Some types of bitless setup don't have a great release, such as the rolled rope Bosal nosebands.
 
Personally I wouldn't use a Dr Cook cross under bridle as I don't feel that they offer a quick enough release, leaving many horses confused with what they are supposed to be doing as you can't release the pressure quickly enough to reward the correct behaviour. I have ridden in a sidepull and orbitless, both of which my sensitive, forward horse has gone well in, though I felt that the sidepull was the better out of the two.

Not sure if there is a place to try before you buy, but it would certainly be worth seeing if anyone you know has one that you can borrow first, otherwise you may find yourself spending a lot of money on different bridles!

I know that many sidepulls, and the orbitless can be bought as just the noseband part, so you don't have to buy another full bridle.
 
I tried a Dr Cook on mine. I thought it was alright until I tried to canter with another horse and he just stuck his head between his knees and I had zero control. Went back to his snaffle after that.
 
The Snowman said:
Personally I wouldn't use a Dr Cook cross under bridle as I don't feel that they offer a quick enough release, leaving many horses confused with what they are supposed to be doing as you can't release the pressure quickly enough to reward the correct behaviour. I have ridden in a sidepull and orbitless, both of which my sensitive, forward horse has gone well in, though I felt that the sidepull was the better out of the two.

Not sure if there is a place to try before you buy, but it would certainly be worth seeing if anyone you know has one that you can borrow first, otherwise you may find yourself spending a lot of money on different bridles!

I know that many sidepulls, and the orbitless can be bought as just the noseband part, so you don't have to buy another full bridle.
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I tried a hackamore - far too severe - and then tried the Dr Cook, I don't have the noseband 'tight' and have a very sensitive horse (nickname 'Princess') who is so relaxed in it! I have been on a hunt funride and done an unaffiliated 'novice' xc competition in it and she was brilliant! Could be she would go well in a sidepull?? But once you've tried something and it works....why change? :)
 
Constance62 said:
I tried a hackamore - far too severe - and then tried the Dr Cook, I don't have the noseband 'tight' and have a very sensitive horse (nickname 'Princess') who is so relaxed in it! I have been on a hunt funride and done an unaffiliated 'novice' xc competition in it and she was brilliant! Could be she would go well in a sidepull?? But once you've tried something and it works....why change? :)
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Fair enough that your horse goes well in the Dr Cook, in my personal experience it didn't work with several horses, but hey horses for courses. I am glad that Princess (love the nickname!) is really relaxed in it, even for more 'fun' events where you need the control. If something works, no need to change :) After all, the saying goes "don't fix something that ain't broken"!!
 
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