Cross under bitless bridles (ie Dr Cook type)

suzysparkle

suzysparkle

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I'm thinking about getting one to use over the winter. My Horse injured his mouth a while ago, a very odd one, they snapped the electric tape and he must have picked it up in his mouth along with some hay and cut the corners of his mouth - nasty. Anyway, I gave him some time off which let it heal but because the area has suffered trauma if he does get a bit 'excited' then it has a tendancy to split again. I had the vet take a look while she did his teeth and she said that the only way it would heal properly is a couple of months bitless. I tried glymol which did work really well but he can get very strong. He never had this problem before the injury.

I want to keep riding of course so bitless it is. I've used hackamores before (on other horses) and know that brakes are usually OK but I know I won't have steering with him. I've looked at Dr Cook bridles and reckon that could be an option, but they are pricey. I've also seen copies on ebay (equitrek) which are tempting, and there are other makes around as well. So, my question is....anyone used these bridles and if so, what did you think? I'm looking for feedback on quality, fit, how they wear (especially the cross under straps) and how you found riding with it! Many thanks. I know Dr Cook has a money back guarantee so at least I know they can be trialled.
 
I use a cross under bitless bridle and I wouldn't be without it. It is made of biothane which looks like leather but it can be easily wiped clean. It is made to measure so fits perfectly and is very durable.
And I can tie up and lead in it. I would definitely recommend one. If you would like to know who I got mine from Pm me and I will send details.
 
I've had several, started with a cheapy synthetic one in case I didn't like it and now have a nice english leather one. They are good for riding with, I have a standard bitted bridle for schooling and hunting and keep the bitless for long hacks or if she's taken to jogging. Its a useful tool and they last well as long as you look after them as you would with any normal bridle.
 
peronally i dont like them couldn't really school in them as things like bending seemed imposiable also felt had little in the way of brakes. but know some people who love them. personally i like my english hackamore for when i dont ride with a bit
 
Love them, absolutely brilliant. I actually drive one of my mares in one. My local saddler, who made rebecca114's above, makes biothane or leather. the biothane ones are just £35. PM me if you would like his details.
 
I'm currently trialling an English leather Dr Cook's and I can't see me sending it back after 30 days tbh. I've only ridden in it 3 times so far but already there's improvement in a very tricky ex racer whose bit aversions included grabbing the mouthpiece or tongue over the bit. Although pricey I wanted to trial it and also wanted the original design as Dr Cooks is, particularly with this mare being so tricky. The steering is different to a bit but seems to get better, my mare just feels a bit heavier in my hand but not much and I just back it up with seat and leg aids. The brakes so far have been better than with the bit, she actually still sticks her tongue out as though to evade a contact, it's quite funny actually as she's still trying to work out what's going on and has had a few tantrums. Definately worth a try, if your horse isn't particularly tricky you could probably opt for a cheaper version but it may not be as good as the real thing..it's usually true you get what you pay for...and no..I don't work for Dr Cook's!
 
should have also mentioned that i wouldn't use themon rearers as my freind had ridden hers in one for several wks got on well then hacked her out the horse got excited and reared over backwards when pressure was applied she has a rearing tendance anyway but this just made her flip, guess this is another reason why im not that keen!!
 
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