Going bitless

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Piccy

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Had the dentist out last week to my new horse and he has a tooth that needs time to grow and repair, explains the sensitive mouth so I have taken the decision to go bitless until the tooth has grown and the dentist has been back a couple if times.
I have purchased a Rambo micklem bridle and now know how to fit it, has anyone else made this change how did you do it, experiences please
 
I went bitless after my vet confirmed that my horse has an extremely small mouth for a cob but has a large fleshy tongue. Anything in his mouth causes him discomfort. I have a micklem bridle but misplaced the strap to convert to the cross under bitless option. I bought an Easytrek bitless bridle (same as a Dr cooks but cheaper) and my horse loves it! I bit the bullet and just put it on him one day and took him for a hack - he went fab, I still had brakes, and he will never have a bit in his mouth again. I am on a yard of 24 horses and over the last year almost half of the horses are now ridden bitless!
 
I'm in a micklem bitless.
I started in the school on the mildest setting. Although not bad, I felt I needed more control, so went to the medium setting. Rode like this for approx 3 months before dropping back down.
Now we are coming into winter, I am back into the medium setting.
I haven't had to go up to the most severe (similar to Dr Cook setup) and don't envisage doing so but at least the option is there if necessary.

I would never have thought to go bitless, only teeth issues have forced us down this road. I am just thrilled my mare, who was only 4 at the time has taken to it so well :)
 
We have used Dr Cooks for a long time but I really like the look of the Micklem and the fact you can vary the setting. Most horses take very well to bitless and I doubt you will want to change back!
 
I know some people will turn off when I mention the P word!! But back in 1998 I had a bolshy TB/Appy cross that wouldn't load into a float (trailer!), pushed me around and wouldn't respond to a snaffle bit......so I did a beginning P clinic. By morning tea time on day 1 he was responsive and respectful.....at the end of 2 days I could ride him around the school happily in a rope halter with one rein....but had problems loading him up to go home!! Happily that was mended with some practice at home, but I haven't used a bit on any of my horses/ponies since then!! Usually I ride in a P halter with the lead rein tied round, but also in a P hackamore. But I have purchased a knot just rope noseband from ebay and I am looking forward to trying this .....it is a simple sidepull system that can be used with my old leather bridles and look "normal"!!
 
We ride bitless (started as Shy was sore from teething) in an english hackamore. i tried the Easytrek but had no control (not much fun, lol). I've heard good things about the micklem though - I suggest you use the search button, type in micklem and lots of old posts should come up.

Would be interesting to read how you get on .
 
I use an English hackamore on my mare. She has come back into work after 3 years off. She was always unsettled with a bit but as I was competing her at medium level dressage, she had to put up with it! Now though, she doesn't. She made it very clear she was uncomfortable when I first rode her after her time off and so I thought there was no reason she had to put up with it so she is back in the hackamore. It doesn't stop her from working in a lovely outline in self carriage or doing lateral work. I love it. Obviously, if I ever get her fit enough to do a dressage test again I will have to reintroduce the bit. I am just peed off that British Dressage don't allow bitless. :mad:
 
I would introduce it the same way you'd introduce a bit to a youngster. Teach them to respond while you are on the ground. I have ridden a couple of horses with mouth problems in an English hackamore with no problems at all. Seems there are more bitless options on the market now however :)
 
Groundwork is the key. So getting your horse to back up, flex the neck etc etc. Also teach the one rein stop just incase and for your peace of mind.

I ride in a rope halter and my girl loves it. She stops much better and although we sometimes have issues with steering, we generally get on better with it. Like someone else said, once you start you wont want to go back.
 
I've been riding my mare in a Monty Robert's Dually headcollar for the last couple of weeks while I wait for the dentist to come as she has been unhappy in her mouth. TBH I don't think I have noticed much difference between riding her in that and riding her in a bit (when she doesn't have teeth trouble). I may even stay with it after her teeth are done. She has always been very polite in a headcollar though and wouldn't dream of dragging you about
 
First I would like to say thank you for all the replies on my phone so cannot quote each as I would like to, I will try to at work tomorrow
Tonight I fitted the micklem to him and lead him about by the reins so he could get used to the feel stopping turning backing up etc then popped in the school for a small lunge, everything we have done till now had involved a bit I've never used a lunge cavern, the difference in his going was tremendous free easy he listened to me no fighting, I am very excited to try ridden now going to start on medium setting and see how we go.
Thank you again for the advice and the time taken to reply.
 
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