We went bitless *photos and jumping vid*

Saxon_Jasmine

Saxon_Jasmine

Well-Known Member
Joined
8 February 2010
Messages
581
Location
Suffolk
Visit site
I've been pondering over the idea of riding bitless for a while so decided to give it a go today. My horse, 8 year old TB (ex race horse), is normally ridden in a lozange snaffle with either a grackle or caveson noseband. She is funny with her mouth and constantly plays with the bit when we're riding. So I thought she might be happier with no bit.

I attached my reins to her headcoller and rode around the menage in walk, trot and canter. We did 20m and 10m circles, change of rein, etc, to test stearing and brakes.

The transformantion of my horse was amazing :D She is very laid back but tenses her neck and head whenever I take up the contact, however with no bit she was instantly more relaxed. She stopped her giraffe impressions and her frame lengthened.

So we decided to put up a little grid and see how she went. Again she was noticably more relaxed and she seemed to be really enjoying herself.

I was suprised that I had as much control as I do with a bit, with the added bonus of a relaxed, happy horse :D

I am now completly converted to bitless riding and hope to get a bitless bridle next week. It's a pitty I can't compete bitless though.

So, any reccomendations for the best bitless bridle?

Photos:

Getting ready to go
DSC00200.jpg


On the flat
DSC00199.jpg


First part of grid
Bitlessjumping1.jpg


Middle jump
DSC00207.jpg


Last jump of grid
Bitlessjumping2.jpg


Landing
Bitlessjumping3.jpg


And a slightly bigger single fence (slightly over enthusiastically!)
Bitlessjumping4.jpg


Video


Thanks for reading.
 
I found Dr Cook Bridle is brilliant :)

Just some advice she looks like she's jumping a flat from the video, won't cause you a problem now but when you start jumping bigger you'll most likely get poles
 
I think the Dr Cook looks good too. Kokopelli - have you used one before?

I know she was a bit flat, it's because she was rushing a bit as I had rely complety on my seat for brakes (something neither me or her are used to). She is normally round over jumps so I'm hoping the flatness will be resolved with a proper bitless bridle.
 
Saxon_Jasmine said:
I think the Dr Cook looks good too. Kokopelli - have you used one before?

I know she was a bit flat, it's because she was rushing a bit as I had rely complety on my seat for brakes (something neither me or her are used to). She is normally round over jumps so I'm hoping the flatness will be resolved with a proper bitless bridle.
Click to expand...

Yeah I used one for a month or so and thought it was brilliant, I really didn't want to use a hackamore as some of the longer shanked ones looked severe whereas the Dr Cook seemed just right. I didn't use it for too long though as wanted to do PC so you may get a better testimonial from someone whose used one long term.

Ahh okay, just checking you knew but once you know the problem your half way to solving it :)
 
Saxon_Jasmine said:
I think the Dr Cook looks good too. Kokopelli - have you used one before?

I know she was a bit flat, it's because she was rushing a bit as I had rely complety on my seat for brakes (something neither me or her are used to). She is normally round over jumps so I'm hoping the flatness will be resolved with a proper bitless bridle.
Click to expand...

We use Dr Cooks on a couple of ours and they are great. I can also confirm that their trial offer is 100% genuine and after sales service is first class. One of the best companies I have ever dealt with. We had a faulty crossunder piece and Sheila sent a new one the same day, without even seeing what was wrong with the original. Expensive, but worth every penny.
 
Ladyinred said:
We use Dr Cooks on a couple of ours and they are great. I can also confirm that their trial offer is 100% genuine and after sales service is first class. One of the best companies I have ever dealt with. We had a faulty crossunder piece and Sheila sent a new one the same day, without even seeing what was wrong with the original. Expensive, but worth every penny.
Click to expand...

mine didnt get on with the Dr cooks. I did have it on trial and got a full refund though ithout any problems. I have a scawbrig instead which is much preferred. I always find it quite amusing if I bump into other riders and they are shocked that I have no bit.
 
My ex racer went into a Dr Cooks found it lovely and he seemed really comfy. Make sure you measure properly though he had a full size bridle and ex full nostband part. Found the people at the company really helpfull.
 
That's looking really good for a first time! So glad folks like you are seeing the possibilities of bitless. You can compete in most diciplines without a using bit - just put the bit in but attach the reins to the side. A Micklem bridle is good for that. Not all horses like the Dr C, but there are lots of others - Light Rider is a good one, you can just buy the noseband and attach it to your normal bridle (it comes from Australia but works out about £40, so not exorbitant)
 
No, I have Scawbrigs too, it works more in the curb groove so gives a lighter feel than that.
I agree, horses for courses, but mine are happy in this. I use the Micklem for posh.
 
Tb types seem to do well with cross unders (Dr Cooks).

I have leather ones but replaced the cross under straps with synthetic so they never stretched. I do have a big, heavy Tank tho;)

Your horse looks like shed be as happy in a parelli style halter.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top