Going bitless - an update!

[Damnation]

An update

A lovely HHO member has lent me her Bitless bridle. I long reined her in it first, with the bit in too (just incase, as I rode after I long reined her, just letting her get used to the different type of pressure) and she went lovely!

Relaxed, mouthing the bit even though it was doing nothing and I rode her in the bitless for most of the session, in walk and bits of trot ( its a learning curve for me to, the last 16 years I have ridden in a bit so I was a bit ).

I then picked up the rein for the bitted bridle and she was lovely! It may be the way to go just to get her to relax and accept a bit.

I would like to thank the lovely HHO member who has trusted me enough to lend me the bridle, without ever actually meeting me! You know who you are

 

[Holly Hocks]

That's great to hear - I love my bitless for my gelding. Goes to prove that the brakes aren't in the mouth!

 

[Damnation]

It will certainly make me use my seat more!
If I keep riding in it and using the bit too, she may accept it more, well I can hope!

 

[Holly Hocks]

I alternate between using the bitless sometimes and then schooling in the bit. When I school in the bit after a couple of rides in the bitless, he is fabulous. And yes, it will make you use your seat more! I did find when I started using mine a few years ago, I got heavy hand syndrome as I was using my strength far too much, but some lessons sorted that out!!