bitless training

[rapadoodles]

hi, i've just bought a yearling and looking into training methods. i've allways prefered bitless this is my first time backing so thought id ask which is easier to train? im happy to put in extra effort if it means its nicer to him though!
i know this is a long time in the future, but can you get a horse into a nice outline without a bit? just a question

 

[Red-1]

I have ridden bitted, bitless, with a rope round the neck and with nothing (***nothing on the horse that is!).

IME it is more about your skill of learning to release pressure at the right time than what equipment you wear. A few of my horses would go nicely in whatever. They were trained to be confident and yield to pressure.

 

[BBP]

The training is the same whatever you choose, you can absolutely get them to work correctly bit less, if you have the skills. Same with bitted. Either option can be nice or not so nice depending on the tools you use or the way you apply them. It’s just a means of communication. I’m a bitless advocate because it worked well for me and I could feel a high level of sensitivity and my horse and I could have a proper conversation through the reins but I know others whose horses are less overtly sensitive and who seem to prefer bitted communication. I also have some bitless bridles I like for some jobs and not for others. I might hack in one bit not like the feel it gives me for dressage. So I’d say to give your horse a well rounded start, use both. It doesn’t confuse them if you are clear and consistent, and at least then the horse is set up for an easy future if someone else takes it on.

Below is my little horse, who seemed happier bitless. I’m not a great rider and he had a lot of soundness issues, but had I been a better rider and discovered more of his issues sooner I think he could have been a very decent bitless performance pony, and a good ambassador for what is possible (since meeting him my dressage instructor now trains her horse bitless).

 

[soloequestrian]

Mine was very clear about what she liked! Hated a Scrawbrig, hated a Transcend (which is really just a padded noseband), was very confused when I put a bit in her mouth (hang on a minute mum, there's something stuck between my teeth....). Totally fine as soon as I used an English hackamore. I'm sure with patience she would habituate to the bit but I've not felt the need yet.

 

[Mule]

I'd teach the horse with a bit first, in case you have to sell. Then you could move on to bitless.