Dr Cooks Bitless Bridle

[Fairynuff]

Has anyone ever used one? I had a look on the web site (www.bitlessbridle.com) and was taken by the idea.I found the faq page interesting and the idea behind it seems logical but.............. does it work or is it just another fad? Im half convinced into buying one but any personal experience would be welcome. M.

 

[mollymurphy]

We had one for Murph, and another girl on our yard has used one for years - swears by them! Murph was put to sleep, so didnt get much use out of his, but the few times we did ride in it, he was fine - very responsive! Sold mine on eBay and there was a big fight for it and i ended up getting back what i'd paid, so they cant be too bad! And if you did get 1 and didnt like it, you'd have no problems selling it!
I dont think i'd use one on anything that wasnt snaffle-mouthed or used to Be-Nice-type headcollars - they might not be very responsive in them, but who knows! I would love to have my other 3 in them, but 2 are too forward-going and the other needs a bit for dressage.

 

[Paint it Lucky]

My friend has one for her horse who is an ex racer and was fairly crazy when she got him, he hated bits and used to bolt alot. She decided to try a bitless bridle and has never looked back, her horse is much calmer now and much happier.

I think they're a good thing for some horses although not all like them. Only main prob is you can't do some competitions in them (such as dressage), is a shame really, they are designed to improve horse welfare so surely shouldn't be discriminated against. I'd say give it a go, I think you can have them on trial (although not sure).

 

[Gentle_Warrior]

I tried a libbys scrawbrig, cause I wanted one but Libbys was cheaper - I could not get used to it

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

I have just bought the Libby's scawbrig one too and am gonna try it for the first time tomorrow, so am not sure yet, we shall see

 

[pidgeypony]

I have been using a Dr Cook type bridle for a long time now for driving, and it suits me and my girl perfectly. I also know quite a few people who use them very happily. However, they will not suit all horses, and they do differ to the scawbrig, which is far less effective. Dr Cook offer a 30 day money-back trial, but I know of a saddler who makes them for far less (£30) so if interested, please feel free to PM for his name.

 

[Gentle_Warrior]

[ QUOTE ]
I have just bought the Libby's scawbrig one too and am gonna try it for the first time tomorrow, so am not sure yet, we shall see

[/ QUOTE ]

let me know how you get on with it, maybe i was using it wrong !!

 

[Happytohack]

I used one on my big heavy draught horse. He went really well in it and was very happy and relaxed. Lots of people who compete in endurance ride in them. To start with, ride in an enclosed area as some horses don't have brakes with them!

 

[Fairynuff]

Hi Donkeygal, thanks for your reply. Id like to get one so if you could please give me the phone no or whatever of you saddler Ill order one. Theyre advertised on the site for 83 dollars and thats for synthetic material which I dont like, I prefer leather any day. My boy is well schooled but doesnt give you impression of going forward so maybe it could be mouth related! Id love to try one on him to see if theres a change . Thanks, Mairi.
Ps, do you have donkeys? Ive got one (Doodles) whos going through hell with her feet at the mo and it up to her eyes in bute

.-wall seperation.

 

[Fairynuff]

Did you try your bitless and how did it go? Please let me know, Im itching to find out what you and your horse thought of it.

 

[Serephin]

I have had my ex racer TB in a bitless for ages now - he is much better in it - he used to throw his head about a lot and hated the bit.

I have the synthetic beta one - which is okay - they do a 30 day money back guarantee.

 

[pidgeypony]

Hi Mairi, I have PM'd in response to your PM.

Yes, I have two donkeys, and I know what you are going through as one of mine had an abscess then seedy toe at Christmas. She has been sound for a few weeks now. Fingers crossed for yours

 

[Willow1]

Hi, I ride my Arab in a leather Dr Cooks bitless bridle and she loves it, yet hates any type of bit with a passion. She has a tiny mouth so its difficult to find a bit that she's happy with, yet I can happily hack/school/jump her in the bitless bridle - just a shame I can't use it for dressage tests!
Shes a forward going mare, but we have plenty of brakes and steering with this bridle. Give it a go!!