Bridleless Bit in GP SJ

[Vixen Van Debz]

Okay, I've seen plenty of bitless bridles in my time... but never a bridless bit (Appleby fair excluded). Luciana Diniz rode As-Taro 2 in one this weekend in the Gucci Masters. To do it on a GP track which is what, something like 1.60cm tall and 2.10 cm wide is amazing! Could't find a pic, so the second central pic here is of them doing the same thing in Lyon:

http://http://equestrianlive.wordpress.com/2010/11/16/g-r-o-w-luciana-diniz-faz-dois-convites-especias-clinica-de-salto-com-o-cavaleiro-olimpico-suico-marcus-fuchs-e-1%C2%BA-workshop-look-yourself/


And in a completely unrelated note, Horse & Country TV finally have the Series Link option available - woohoo! No more roaming through a week of listings to find the SJ and dressage GPs, the FEI Classics, Monty Roberts and At Home With Carl Hester!

 

[Biscuit]

Very interesting, I haven't seen anyone competing like that before

Thank you for the horse & country tv tip too.

 

[Chloe..x]

I noticed this when watching the Gucci masters also, was gonna make a topic on it but completely forgot! Its the first time i've ever seen anything like it personally. I don't get how it stays in place at all!

 

[tinkandlily]

Wow, i've never seen anything like that before, seems a bit pointless really, i'd intrested how they work when the rider gets off, surly the horse can just open their mouths and run off?

 

[amage]

Wow, i've never seen anything like that before, seems a bit pointless really, i'd intrested how they work when the rider gets off, surly the horse can just open their mouths and run off?

There is a curb strap that holds it in place

 

[tinkandlily]

There is a curb strap that holds it in place

Ah right, but still seems pointless.

 

[Ladyinred]

There used to be a girl on most of the forums who rode with a bridleless bit after her horse suffered severe poll damage, but she had a sort of noseband affair that helped (slightly) to keep it in place.

 

[amage]

Ah right, but still seems pointless.

Not if you have a horse that has had severe poll or ear injury or will not tolerate a bridle!

 

[Vixen Van Debz]

Even with a curb, there must be a groom close by with a headcollar at all times - you'd have trouble leading a horse from the ground in just the bit and reins!

Poll sensitivity's the only reason I can think of, but I found it odd that the commentator never acknowledged the bridle at all, or any reason for it i.e. sore poll. I've seen her on the same horse before with a full bridle and grackle. Hope the poor fella hasn't hurt himself! I thought it was an impressive performance - same with the Team Chasers who do it all in headcollars!