Jumping without a bridle

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milo'n'molly

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Sat here watching European Masters and there is a girl from portugal jumping with what looks like a bit and reins but the rest of the bridle seems to be missing :confused: not had a close up to see how it actually works. Anyone seen this used up close?
 
Oh oh oh, i've found a photo, and all I can say is that I have absolutely no idea!

astaro.jpg

(Luciana Diniz with As-Taro)
 
Yes that's her. Dunno, nothing was mentioned in the commentary and couldn't see close up but the horse did seem a bit fussy with it's head/mouth. All I can think is there must be some kind of strap around lower jaw because at some points over the jumps she lad loose (ish) reins
 
There was an American rider who used something similar years ago on a horse that for some reason couldn't wear a full bridle. The bit had a strap that went under the jaw and had a sort of screw tightener on it.
 
My friend used to jump his grade A mare without a bridle, I think he was the first person in the UK to do it. He just had a plain leather strap behind the chin. His mare had injured her poll and even after it had healed she would not tolerate any pressure on the top of her head. She even travelled without a headcollar and loaded with just a rope around her neck. Will try and borrow a pic off him.
 
This is from the book Riding HIgh by Colonel Sire Mike Ansell
ColonelSirMikeAnsell.jpg


A few years ago I watched a Parelli demo at a big show in NZ - there were people warming up for the next class at the far end of the ring while the parelli rider showed off the partnership between him and the horse. Some riders started invading his show area and announcers asked them to leave the area, some did - others ignored the request. Then he vaulted on his horse that had no saddle and no bridle and quietly cantered around the arena and proceeded to take the horse around the course - Instant attention from all the competitors whose horses were wearing enough gear to stock a saddlery store. It was very impressive. Training and partnership.
 
Huh? Do you mean the tree branch? What an odd take on the photo.

In the same sequence there's another photo of him jumping the horse over a kitchen chair! Pretty impressive stuff.
 
back to OP, since Christmas_Crackers obviously is completely crackers... ;) ;)

I knew a SJ mare years ago who could not be bridled and wore a simple snaffle with just a tightish chin strap to keep the bit in place. iirc she was at Grade B ish and heading higher, and was ridden by a very good professional rider.
 
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