Dr Cook's Bitless Bridle

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ClaireT

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My friend is thinking of buying a bitless bridle for her gelding who has a soft mouth but is prone to headshaking.
Can anyone give us any info on these, please???
Anyone Are they worth the money - have any of you bought/tried one yet???
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Someone boarding at my farm used one of these; he raved about it, however when I asked on here about them, the response was not so positive. I ended up not buying one and continued to use my Sprenger hackamore.
 
It seems to really depend on the horse - some thrive with them, others dont. Murphy went really well in his. You just have to work through the initial "yay, i'm free" phase!! The website offer a 30 day trial though, so you've got nothing to lose in trying one out. When Murph was put to sleep, i sold mine on ebay and pretty much got back what i paid for it, so they seem to hold their value well.
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I got mine about 3 weeks ago because my mare was shaking her head up and down really badly. She did it less with a nose net and face net but still did it and didnt feel safe to ride. But I can say I have not had one head shake since we tried the Dr Cooks. I bought the western one, because that was the one I had tried her in
 
I tried the webbing one and it was as much good as riding in a headcollar! My horse decided he was going back to the yard from the school when I tried mine and he just put his head up and turned round and I had little control so don't forget to try it in a safe area first. They probably suit some horses and not others. I did sell mine for more than I paid for it so it seems they are quite popular.
 
depends on horse....I'd never touch one again as it just didnt work for me, I do lot of jumping and steering was naff and when he pulled it rubbed his nosey!!
 
I have been riding in mine for over a year now. My TB goes much better in it than he did in a bit.

Have not had problems steering or braking *touches wood* and he seems much happier. He will even go into an outline.

Try it - you can always use the 30 day guarantee if you don't get on with it.
 
I've had mine since October and wouldnt change back to a bit. i have a much happier horse and am now having lessons again and she is going really well. I bought the webbing version as it was the cheaper option but plan to get the leather. It does take a few days to get used to but I've had no less control since taking the bit out of her mouth.
 
I have been using one for driving for nearly two years now, and I have absolutely no problems with steering or stopping. My mare actually tried to bolt in fear twice, but I pulled her up quickly and quietly in the bitless. I also know of a number of people in my area who wouldn't go back to a bit.
I also know a saddler who makes biothane ones for just £30 plus postage,(he also makes leather ones but obviously slightly more expensive) so if anyone is interested, PM me and I will give you his details.
 
I think, as other people have said, that it very much depends on the horse. My Arab mare is typically sensitive and onward bound. In every bit I've tried she head shakes and throws her head around, and in canter, if you ask for the slightest half halt she will throw her head and change legs. She had had her teeth and back checked and in desperation I tried a Dr Cooks Bitless Bridle. Best thing I ever did!!! She goes beautifully in it, and I honestly have more control then I ever did in a bit. I have showjumped and cross country'd her in it, and can go for a blast with my friends and maintain total control. Because she is no longer fighting me all the head shaking has stopped, and she will even work in an outline which is something we could never achieve with a bit.
As has been said, you can have the bridles on trial, so I would definately give it a try.
 
One cob learnt to put his head in the air to avoid the action of the Dr Cook, and shook his head when the bridle tightened round his head when asking for halt. The other (built like a tank) just ignored it, there was no way I could win a pulling contest against him, we are now much safer in a pelham !
 
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