Dr Cook Bitless

[Tia]

I was just reading a post a moment ago and didn't want to hijack it, however there was a reference to the Dr Cook Bitless bridle in it. Anyone who has used one of these, can you give me a bit of feedback on its workings please? Thank you.

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Tried a duplicate on my mare once. Looks similar to a normal bridle, except the cheek pieces cross under the jaw and then pass through rings at the side of the noseband, reins then attach to the cheek pieces, so any pressure on the reins causes the bridle to tighten round the jaw, poll and nose. Can't say my mare went any better in it, but didn't put in the time to re school her in it.

 

[Chex]

I used a cheaper imitation. It didn't really work for me, but I didn't put much effort or time into teaching him in it, just shoved it on and off we went! I used it for about a month but he just wouldn't stop when I asked by the end of it. Its supposed to "hug" the face to encourage stopping and turning, Chex just chose to ignore the hugging!

 

[kibob]

I've used one on my very strong mare. She goes well in it. As already mentioned. Looks the same as a normal bridle but the cheek pieces cross underneath the jaw and attach to the reins, the bridle therefore embraces the whole head. I was really pleased that my mare adjusted well from bit to bitless and adjusts back to her bit no problem. I have only really hacked in it so far as my mare has been turned away for the winter but intend to "play" with it some more this summer. They come in leather, canvas or beta (this is the type I have, you can just chuck it in a bucket of soapy water to clean it). They have a good website : www.BitlessBridle.co.uk

 

[Tia]

QR -

Thank you everyone for the feedback. I wonder how it would work on a western-trained horse? Maybe I will try him in a headcollar first and see how he goes in it. He was already backed before I got him but I am not happy with him in a bit so am looking at alternatives. Much appreciated for the feedback.

 

[lucemoose]

Tia- would a bosal not be easier on an already western trained horse?

 

[Tia]

It might. I am not really a fan of bosals and I am not sure whether the weight would be what he needs but I do have a friend who has one so it's gotta be worth a try.

I need something that has immediate action - he's a pretty sharp horse when he is working so I need to be sure that he can feel my aids but not freak or on the other hand not miss them. The method of delivering these aids is important - he must know exactly what I am asking, when I'm asking it, as there is no room for confusion.

 

[mad_egg]

Can't help with the Western side of things I'm afraid, but my friend's mare bolted with one of these when she's normally fine in a snaffle bit.

Obviously just one experience but she was incredibly shaken afterwards and lost her confidence for a little while - I am not impressed with these as a result.

 

[Tia]

I did actually wonder if anyone's had done this. They look awfully flimsy to me

.

 

[M_G]

I tried one on saff and she hated it to the point where she would rear popped normal snaffle back on and she was fine again. Think it depends on the horse
M x