Bitless in dressage

[UKa]

I take it you cannot use a bitless bridle in dressage?

 

[SEL]

There are a few venues where you can (there's a FB page listing them). Unaffiliated obviously.

HC is also an option at some venues.

 

[UKa]

shame. I am assessing whether my pony would be better off bitless but I want to take her into local competitions next summer…

 

[Flowerofthefen]

A yard near me runs bitless dressage butI havnt seen it anywhere else. How about an online dressage test. They have bitless classes.

 

[Highmileagecob]

I wonder why this is? Surely if a horse can carry itself well and respond the same, why not go bitless? Not being militant, or wishing to start a big debate, but I do wonder if this is tradition raising it's head again....we've always ridden like this, always done it this way.

 

[UKa]

A yard near me runs bitless dressage butI havnt seen it anywhere else. How about an online dressage test. They have bitless classes.

Yes I like online but also want to go to the real events

 

[SEL]

I wonder why this is? Surely if a horse can carry itself well and respond the same, why not go bitless? Not being militant, or wishing to start a big debate, but I do wonder if this is tradition raising it's head again....we've always ridden like this, always done it this way.

There are quite a few threads with this debate!!

Yes I like online but also want to go to the real events

Probably HC then

 

[Highmileagecob]

An acquaintance, years ago, was bringing on a five year old, and couldn't stop him leaning on the bit. She borrowed a bitless bridle for three or four sessions, then bought her own, as he had nothing to lean on and had to start listening. Possibly connected with teething and being a bit opinionated, but it really helped him to become very light in the hand.

 

[Cortez]

I wonder why this is? Surely if a horse can carry itself well and respond the same, why not go bitless? Not being militant, or wishing to start a big debate, but I do wonder if this is tradition raising it's head again....we've always ridden like this, always done it this way.

It's because of having a level playing field. Everyone does the same test, using the same kit. I suggest you either enter Hors de Concours or find a bitless-only class - or maybe even suggest and help run one yourself?

 

[UKa]

What’s hors de concour?

 

[Cortez]

What’s hors de concour?

HC, entering a class without being in the competition, so you get marked but your scores are not in contention.

 

[UKa]

She’s only 5 and currently resisting the bit. Tried her in my cavesson bridle using the noseband and she goes so much happie. Going to have her teeth checked in a couple of weeks.