Going Bitless

[Llanidan Lester]

Hi all, I currently have a very strong pony who doesn't seem very happy with being bitted, I've had him 5 years and he's always tolerated more than enjoyed having a bit in. So recently I was thinking of going bitless, I know I won't be able to show anymore but if it makes him happier then I'd rather change discipline and start enjoyment out of riding again.
With him being so strong ((ridden in a ported pelham - mainly on snaffle ring but curb rein when he's not listening)(hacking in a four ring happy mouth straight bar with two rings, being quite strong in this also happier than in jointed bits)), will I actually have breaks in a bit-less bridle? Does anyone have any experience from having a strong horse to going bitless? What bitless bridle is the best? Are Dr.Cook cross-under bridles and different branded cross unders the same?
Sorry for all the questions but thanks in advance

P.S I understand using your seat and voice to stop, he does all this when schooling and schools in a snaffle just not out hacking which is what we do mainly

Thanks in advance

 

[Holzdweaver]

Its a different type of pressure so it depends what pressure he responds to. It might just be a case of trying to get a few different types cheap and give it a go (in an enclosed area first though)

My boy can be flat schooled in a snaffle at a push,but hes not very happy with it, but always has an elglish hackamore for hacking and jumping as hes excitable. Iv got soft hands and find that i dont tend to use the hackamore very much when he has it on (its also padded at nose and curb), a very light contact and he listens, where as in a snaffle, he runs straight through you and rodeos.