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Barefoot Endurance

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Do you think they are cruel? If not have you ever thought about it, do you know what effects they have and have you ever ridden bitless (on a horse that was trained for it?

Rant and rave all you like ;)
 
Some bits can be really severe quite unnecessary. My friend is currently going bitless and would personally love to try it. Can do anything I usually do with my horse in just a headcollar, not exactly bitless in the traditional sense!
 
Maria, in just a head collar, that is exactly bitless!!! And you'd probably only need a really simple bitless bridle like a side pull too if your horse is that good :) x
 
Haha. Do u ride bitless? I have never really gone into thinking about getting a bitless bridle.
Used to just plod round fields on my cob in just a headcollar and then tried my current horse one day and we have gone from there really :) done some hacking in a headcollar, but only because I trust my horse and she is very responsive :) x
 
Bits are only as harsh as the hands attached to the reins.............

Bitless can be as harsh (is not more so) in the wrong hands.............
 
Barefoot Endurance said:
Do you think they are cruel? If not have you ever thought about it, do you know what effects they have and have you ever ridden bitless (on a horse that was trained for it?

Rant and rave all you like ;)
Click to expand...

Cruel compared to what? Bitless bridles, which can be incredibly harsh? Or compared to people riding in Duallys/ control headcollars (which can be just as cruel)?

A bit isn't cruel, it is an inanimate object. The hands at the end of it can be cruel, and someone who is cruel with a bit would surely be just as likely to be cruel using a bitless bridle?
 
Was going to post exactly what piebaldsparkle posted.

Even the most mild bit can be a dangerous tool if the hands on the other end are harsh.
 
I sometimes ride my ex racer bitless, well I just use her rope halter and make reins out of the excess rope which she responds to perfectly. I generally only happy hack and ride on the buckle so bit doesn't really come into play but am considering making the transition to bitless as I don't really see the bit as necessary with her, it was just what she was used to so carried it on while getting to know her personality. As others have said any equipment can be harsh depending on how it is used.
 
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Yes I ride my mare bitless, had her for 11 years, she's very responsive. I can actually ride her bridleless too but tend not to out hacking. My new Arab will
Eventually be bitless and I'm trying it out now but we are still getting to know each other so time will tell! I use a flower hackamore when I jump but just a sidepull for endurance and anything else.

And I totally agree re the hands holding the reins... ;)
 
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