Going Bitless?

J

JessPickle

Well-Known Member
Joined
18 October 2005
Messages
13,049
Visit site
I posted a few weeks ago about problems hacking pickle, now I really think he objects to stronger bits. Was considering having a go as am willing to try anything I really just want to use it for brakes do you think this would work, and would a hackamore or more of a Dr cook style bridle be better

Throw some ideas around please


grin.gif
 
We had this problem with Murph. We were complete novices and stuck him in a Dutch Gag (bottom ring), with a flash and a martingale. He started bolting. So we took it all off, put i really thick snaffle in him and he never did it again. Makes you think!
grin.gif

I prefer Dr Cook to hackamores, but everyone's different. You can get a 30-day trial on the Dr Cooks, so you've got nothing to lose by trying one. Some horses love them, some dont, but it takes a few rides for them to get used to it. Ride in an arena for the first couple of times - it makes them feel free and you dont want that on roads!
grin.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
Some horses love them, some dont, but it takes a few rides for them to get used to it. Ride in an arena for the first couple of times - it makes them feel free and you dont want that on roads!
grin.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

have all off road hacking anyway but I always start on riding pickle in with new bits not worth the risk!
 
I love my Dr Cook bitless bridle and so does my over sensitive Arab mare! Tried every type of bit to find one that suited her, but to no avail. Had teeth/everything checked so nothing physical, other that having a very small mouth! Was rather dubious that I'd have any brakes in the Dr Cook, but as it had the 30day free trial I thought I'd give it a go and we have never looked back. I do everything other than dressage tests in it, including hunter trials/fun rides etc. Brakes are better than ever, simply becausing she is not fighting me anymore! I agree it probably won't solve everyones problem, but if a horse runs through a bit due to pain/fear etc, rather than bolshiness, then a Dr Cook might be the answer - just try it in a safe environment initially!
 

I started riding my horse in a Blairs Pattern Hackamore
before christmas- the differance in him is amazing.
Solo resisted any type of bit apart from a Nathe straightbar- but he still bolted with me in that.
Got his back, teeth, saddle checked, but no differant.
Put the hackamore on him and wow - I can canter him out,(alone, i don't canter in compny as he bolts) and we have lots of control for jumping, which is brill!
I hack and jump in it, but as i'd like to have a go at dressage this summer i'm schooling in his snaffle.
Your riding has to change slightly though- you need to use your weight, and legs.
Oh, and i had to buy some shorter cheek pieces for his bridle, as his were too long for the Hackamore.

The only thing I slightly regret with it is that I hadn't tried it sooner- I've had Solo for 5 years and have been struggling with him.

As the others have said- give it a go. You might be surprised!

If you do decide to get a Dr Cooks or a Blairs Pattern, try Ebay, they go quite cheaply on there.

Good Luck!
 
[ QUOTE ]
What's he ridden in at the moment?

[/ QUOTE ]

A waterford snaffle mainly also tried a waterford pelham, waterford dutch gag and he doesnt get along with single jointed snaffles. He has had his teeth done and everything like that.
 
I love Dr Cook bridles but appreciate that they cannot suit every horse and rider. I also know a fair few other people who have overcome long-term problems caused by bitting or headshaking. I bought mine from mrhsaddler as his are much cheaper, I would recommend if you want to try, give the Dr Cook a trial and even if you like it, return it and order one off mrhsaddler!!
wink.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top