I switched to Dr. Cooks bitless bridle from a snaffle. My 12 yr. old thoroughbred was very hard to bridle, head tossing was constant (even before I got on her) and she was generally tense and very anxious. She was like this when I bought her and I had a hard time riding with a loose rein. The first time I put on Dr. Cooks bridle I had a different horse! No head tossing, she was relaxed and responded with the slightest touch to the reins. I have never put a bit in her mouth since and I feel very much in control and safe, and she practically puts the bridle on by herself!! Can't say enough good about going bitless, at least with my horse.
I like the doctor cooks bridle, but the problem is the pressure is not released immediately due to the design. If you want a quick release side pull, try the Tory English sidepull on stateline tack!
If going bitless and not having success try a couple types of bitless...I don't like the Dr. Cook's but if is working for you great...just mentioning so that people don't give up too soon...
Switched my Sirius to bitless soon after I got him. He was always agitated and tossing his head with a bit (full cheek snaffle) and he calmed down considerably after making the switch. I tried out a bridle attachment that could be used as either a side pull or cross under and with those, while he did better, he was still tossing his head a lot because there wasn't much release. Finally decided to make my own out of a rope halter, which gives instant release, and he loves it. No more issues and no bits for me ever again!
Bitless bridles, like all bits and bridles, need to be adjusted properly and NOT on the nasal bone which is a very thin bone. In the video, I would adjust the noseband up at least another 3/4 inch.
As long as your using the bridle right, it shouldn’t be a problem. But if you feel a horse might be more comfortable with it in a different position go for it!
HøwlerAJ that's a great idea I don't like to hurt my horses Because they are rescued I have never used a bit Spurs or crops They tend to like you more I'm glad you are using bit less
HøwlerAJ Me too I'm Getting My horse on my next Birthday so i'm Getting ready and i started taking Riding lessons since summer now i just come and we sometimes finish early and if we do they let me Ride the Horses alone on my own free style
Thank you for taking the time to make your presentation. My 10-year-old Quarab gelding hates having a bit in his mouth. I have had him for a little over a year, and I don't know his bit history. I have tried six snaffle types and none worked well. He is a dream in a side pull. He flexes, turns, backs, and collects with it, and he is so much happier. I am aware that if I wanted to enter a dressage competition, I would have to use a bit, so those events are out for us. I don't really care, though. My concern is that I have a healthy, happy, responsive horse.
Dana Raymond there are bit less dressage comps now & I believe these comps will increase in number & importance in the future. I saw it the other day on utube but admit I don't know much more about it yet.
Dana Raymond good, way too many people are in it for the money it's good to know humanity still has morals in a world where hitting animals is still legal
You could talk to the judge and ask them if you can ride your class in a bitless and be judged and everything but without getting placed at the end. I wouldn't want to cut my favorite discipline out completely if I were you. In small, unrecognized shows I don't think it matters if you ride in bitless or not.
I like this video because contrary to most videos about bitless bridles, it lets you know an honest opinion with pros and cons from someone who has actually seen or experienced different types of bridles not someone who has just seen Dr Cook’s 3 minutes promotional video and had some kind of epiphany ! There are no absolutes with horses. They have different temperaments, conformations, sensitive spots... all bridles create pressure even the bitless ones : it’s how your horse knows to turn his head. Some horses will respond better with a bit, some will respond better bitless.
I really appreciate your positive, clear way of teaching. Thank you. I do use a Dr. Cook's bitless bridle on one horse and have experienced the"drag" you mentioned.
Wanted to return to this video and comment a big thank you! When researching bitless bridles your video was the most helpful. I did work with the horse and rode with a haulter before I bought my bitless bridle. I ended up buying a sidepull bitless bridle and I love it! Thanks for all your help! Anyone interested in the horse we're using a sidepull bitless bride on... The horse in our herd (I ride my grandma rides, and my boyfriend rides) is a 20 year old quarter horse ridden in a western saddle. Neck reins. Used a curb bit. Extremely well mannered horse. He has always given my grandma a hard time when putting the bit on for the past 10 years. I also noticed he throws his head when riding. I decided I wanted to be kinder to him in his old age and ride him without a bit. It's going very well. I thought about using a mackemore, but I don't like the look, the hardness of the rope pressing on their nose, and I wanted a bridle I could use with other horses riding english in the future.
Im glad you aren't saying "Bits are just abuse, it hurts the horse no matter the human!! It's uncomfortable and painful, just stop!!" Because that's not true. It can be uncomfortable, but if the human has a soft grip on the reins it can be less uncomfortable. Some bits are very painful, I know. I wouldn't use them, because I want to control my horse with friendship, not pain. If horses chew on the bit, and drools that yellow-ish stuff, it means it's ok with the bit. It makes it more comfortable, kinda. But bitless is good, depending on the horse. If the horse is very stubborn and doesn't listen, and bitless doesn't make it stop, maybe even makes it's worse, it's best to ride with a bit. Sure, you can ride bitless even if the horse becomes more stubborn and such, it's your choice, but I wouldn't take such a risk. Maybe ride sometimes bitless and sometimes with a bit? For example, outside with a bit and inside without, since there's less that can hurt it inside. But this is just my opinion, so you don't have to agree, but you don't have to hate either. Thanks for reading! :)
I use a rope halter, and tie the lead rope to itself to create my reins. This has a couple of advantages. 1. I don't have to bridle. I ride in the same thing I used to bring the horse out. 2. No bit, no pain. My horse takes off like a madman as soon as you apply pain. And sometimes I found myself losing my balance and pulling on the bit. Head up, and off she goes. But now I don't have this problem, because there is a "deadzone" where I can pull the reins without getting any pressure to the horse. And if I want to give pressure to the horse, I can. However, bending has been an issue ever since. I'm working through it, I'm not giving up on bitless.
We ride camels and llamas with nothing but a loose halter (and at least for camels, voice cues and possibly a whip to simply poke the animal with), so why not horses? Horses are the only animal we feel the need to put a bit of steel in their mouth or "we can't control them". I say if we can't do something without causing pain, we shouldn't do it at all.
If you have a halter on it doesn't mean your not putting pressure on the hores ever time you pull your putting pressure on them just in different areas
My horse is bitless barefoot no whips, no slaps, and all natural hacking, no metal and nails, bacteria, no aggression no metal chest pain devices , just pressure and release no pain and compliance , no metal constricting blood flow or putting holes in their feet no whipping or yanking and that's how I like her
LucaTheCob yes!!!!! That's how you become a responsable horse owner no pain no medle no holes in their feet I had no idea there were other people like me, I'm serios I thought bitless bridles were very uncomon But I was wrong and I'm glad I was
Mary Collender Only because she's had shoes so long if you take them off she'll be lame.. No horse is lame because of not having shoes they're lame because of having shoes and then suddenly not having shoes. Putting nails into a hoof isn't good it stiffens the hoof.
LucaTheCob Fantastic! I bet you get a lot of hate from the traditional horse world. Stay strong and spread the word! Could you please put out a few video's on you and your horse? Just to show the new people that are being indoctrinated by the old crowd that it really can be done.
I have tried a little s hackamore, but have trouble with him turning left or right. He is a rescue horse and haven't been able to get a bit in his mouth. Having his teeth floated this week to see if it might be a dental problem as far as a bit goes. Don't have much back ground on the horse. I have done about six months of ground work with him before riding. Transition to saddle has been easy but the turning and getting him to respond under saddle has been testy. Working slow and being patient and I want to thank you for all the information you provide. I have used many of your ideas and they are very helpful. Thank you so very much
I love CRK training videos! I did one of your online training classes awhile back - you are a great trainer! After watching Justin Dunn at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo I tried riding with just the halter and reins. My horse responded so well I ordered the Justin Dunn Bitless Bridle. It arrives today - I'm anxious to try it out. It's more of a direct rein whereas the Dr Cook's has the crossed reins under the chin. I have heard the pressure isn't released quickly. I will continue to use my D-ring snaffle on the trail until I know I can totally control him. Thanks for the informative video!
I owned a canadian horse (mare) for 15 yrs - she was as spectacular as a black stallion with a mane down to her shouders but even though every one was amazed by her beauty she was a leading mare and gave me a rough time when i was riding her. One day, as she was coming back from leaving her foal, a friend suggested that i try a foal bit made from rubber since her mouth got unused to the habit of having a metal bit. Those were the years when she gave me the most beautiful results training her, i even was able to leave for a trail in the woods without any bits just her halter on, and i was even riding without a saddle...she would wait for me to findback my balance when i was slidind sideways because the trail was full of obstacles....so i believe firmly in riding without a bit!!
Hi I'm Avril yard, Because my horse was struggling to accept and give the bit and then I realised he had too many issue's and that he was showing signs of cruelty, been trained heavy handedly so I changed him into the cross under bitless bridle, best thing I ever done he ride perfect in it but now I have seen your video on which one does what I also like the side pull, I didn't have anyone to advise me on the change so I just went ahead and done it, I now have all my horse in bitless bridles but I may think of using the side pull like you were advising. Thank you loved this video x x
My neighbor Alex had a horse, i used to ride him from time to time because he was never ridden, and because Alex was a very inexperienced rider, when he was ridden, he wasn't ridden properly so I offered to take care of The horse for him, A bond grew between the horse and I, I noticed that there was dry blood at the side of the horses mouth and I asked Alex if he even knew how to turn without pulling hard on the reins, he said to me, "If i don't pull hard he won't turn, so i have to pull really hard, It's not my fault he doesn't listen!" I offered to teach him how to ride but he was stubborn and said that he knew how to ride. Over time the bit rusted, and Alex continued to hurt the horse by not accepting my lessons. I did have to take him to the vet secretly every once in a while because i noticed that the horse wasn't Shod and he had stepped in glass. One day I saw something green surrounding the horses mouth, and then it dawned upon me, the cuts that had appeared because of Alex's bad riding had gotten infected. The horse passed away later that month and ever since I have ridden bitless and have encouraged bitless riding for happy horses
Horse doesn't need shoes, shoes wont protect his feet from glass anyway. Shoes do more damage to a horse's feet than anything else. They don't let the feet work the way they should. This causes lack of blood flow to the feet and cause numbness, stumbling, stunted growth in the feet and lameness and damage in the legs. Horse shoes are bad, period!
I am now binging and saving your videos ! I am finally at a moment in life, where I have the very real opportunity to get a horse. And I want to be researched and as prepared as can be. You are so wonderful for sharing this here. Thanks a million!
I have an older mare who would fight and toss her head with a bit. Swapped her to a custom made side pull I got form Brandy's braided tack and instant change in attitude and is extremely soft with just that even fully out sprinting I am able to still have control have youngsters I start in a leather side pull before I bit them up. Actually learned a hard leasson with my frist horse. Had some one tell me to use a Tom thumb as a starter bit she was fine while I rode her but put someone else on her who pulled a little too hard and off to the rodeo she went and after that she continued to buck moved her to an English bridal with a copper d ring roller and got her throw it. So now I start them with as simple as I can get. Thank you and love these videos have learned alot to be able to apply in my own traning
Great vid, I have been surprised to learn the facts about bit-less, especially how they can be more severe and damaging for the horse than bits if used incorrectly. Thanks :))
Thank you so much for clarifying a lot needed information for those of us who need input about how a bitless bridle works. Super Thanks for making this great video. You are a treasure!
Thank you so much for the information! You explained the use of a bit less bridle, very well!! I just purchased a "Cross under" and I am anticipating it's use.
We'd love to have been included here! Our patented Circle-X changes the game for the crossunder bridle (such as your belief that there is no direct clear pressure because of the squeezing). Ours is fitted loosely all over so that when you apply the slightest pressure - it is ask and release is reward. If you ever revisit this, please let us know! Thanks for the great video though!
I am currently using a scawbrig (pressure on lower jaw on contact) and have trouble getting my horses head down with it. It also has a slow release. This video puts that into perspective and I am going to switch to a side pull and see if that makes a difference! My mare has a TMJ issue so she’s not comfortable with a bit. It is definitely taking a lot of work to get her trained and used to the different type of pressure! Thank you for the video and reminder to be patient!
I tried using a bitless bridle when my little Arab seemed to be worried and always chewing when in a snaffle. I noticed how light he was in a rope halter and decided to try bitless. I did not want the Dr. Cook's because of the delayed release or the mechanical hackamore , so I tried the Zilco Flower and he really seems to like it. He responds well and is very light to handle and ride in it. It is one of the more gentle bitless options that I saw.
May I ask where you are from? I think The Netherlands allows bitless in competition, and someone else in the comments here mentioned Costa Rica... I hope the trend catches on EVERYWHERE asap!
I only ride bitless. But I will say my horse is now avoiding riding in a good rounded frame she actually started to hollow out and is ignoring my "Head down" command to lower her head and go into frame. I only use the side pull bitless bridles but I'm thinking about adding a hackamore to our tack closet to get her to listen again. We had to go away from bits as she over reacts to them with any type of tongue pressure.
I switched to bitless as my horse is hot and possibly abused in bitted training prior to me. Going in a sidepull for Western trails has calmed him down immensely. I am now trying a crossover style for dressage but may switch to sidepull there to as I like the simplicity of a sidepull and he does so well in it for trails. For me it has been an extremely positive move all ways round. 😊🐴
Like XxAnonymous PersonxX, I don't like where bitless bridles place their pressure points and personally prefer a rubber bit or snaffle. I would like to politely disagree with your opinion that all bits are uncomfortable, as in dressage you get a mark for the horse's relaxation which would be impossible to achieve if the horse was uncomfortable. However at the end of the day, whatever suits your horse best is what you should use, and for some horses that is actually a bit over the bitless options.
SpottedLeafy But seriously though... bits are proven to cause pain no matter how soft the bit or the riders hands are. I do personally prefer a bitless bridle (it made my nutter of a horse a complete angel straight away), but occasionally I do ride my other horse and with a bit. Bitless bridles DO NOT create pain. If incorrectly placed you could seriously damage the horse's face, but that's rider error not tack error. Even correctly fitted bits create pain. Again, I am not against bits, I just want you to know that they do cause discomfort and some horses just don't show it
When horses are ridden in a bit for long enough they learn to ignore it. Not necessarily because they are comfortbale but because they know they can't do anything about it. Bitless always suit a horse the best
SpottedLeafy it’s called learned helplessness, they know your not gonna take the bit out so they just submit. Horses are easy to bully and manipulate, they are so easy to bully cause they’re prey animals. Use bits, whips, Spurs and martingales, it works so well doesn’t it! Bitless riders are trying to actually have a relationship with there horse without needing the crap!❤️❤️
My very calm OTTB used to constantly chew on his bit. We tried several different types. He even foamed at the mouth and he is a very quiet horse. Our trainer had my daughter ride him in just a halter and reins. Then we borrowed a bit less bridle and tried it. Then we purchased our own Dr. Cook's bit less bridle. Our horse seems happier. I am a very timid rider and I ride him on the trail in his Dr. Cook's. I will never go back to a bit.
I switched to a Dr. Cooks bitless 2 months ago and we both love it! My horse was super sensitive to putting the snaffle bit in and especially taking it out. I tried wrapping the bit and all sorts of tricks before I decided a bitless was the way to go!
YAY thankyou sooo much for listening to your heart ..sadly trainers just get brainwashed and they dont think for themselves about what they are really doing to the horse.
@@brandireep8881 the entire nation of costa rica rides bitless- and best trained horses there are. think about the horse's happiness not your own and how you can best control an animal like it's there to serve you only
I started riding my OTTB with a side pull bitless bridle, when he started locking his jaw. We have tried many bits, the one that caused the least problem was a simple, single jointed rubber bit. His discomfort seemed to increase, so I first tried a side pull hackamore and had a different dream horse. Being an eventer, I found needed a little more control with turning and bought a $35.00 hackamore with a chain chin strap. The chain was too much, which we cured with multiple layers of vet wrap. The shank is 5" I competed in my first beginner novice in June. We managed to get through dressage without an explosion (no hackamores allowed). Stadium and Cross country were amazing! He was responsive, no head toss or over flexing, just willing and eager to do whatever I asked. This fall we are planning to get his head (maybe mine too) x-rayed and possibly CT scanned at OSU vet school to look for abnormalities that could be causing him so much trouble with the bit. He has a crooked bite. If we get a diagnosis, then possibly I can use the hackamore in the lower levels of eventing in the dressage phase. It will be interesting.
I love riding bitless. I actually just got a new home made crossover style bitless bridal that I love. I almost always ride my horse in a halter and this has given me a little more control (once we had a few lessons and she understood it)
I have ridden in the Dr Cooks bitless bridle and ran into the same issues you described where there was not enough release under the chin where they cross over. I transitioned to a Lightrider Bitless bridle and the horse responded much better in this one as the release is very strong and definite in it. I have not ridden in the side pull, other than just putting reins on an ordinary halter.
I have a quarter horse and I love trying new things on him so much. His normal bit is a tom thumb shank bit, which I don't pull with him because his favorite action is to stop, so luckily that doesn't hurt him. I have used snaffle bits and still do but he hates the direct pressure it causes. Then I have tried three sets of bitless, and the best one that works besides a normal halter is the mechanical hackamore (still never have to pull back). Other bitless apply too much pressure on his chin/throat and so he tosses his head when we have to turn, which isn't like him.
I have just started with side pull bitless system. Very happy horse without any head tossing. Will try to develop him on leg cues Insha Allah. Let's see.
Used an old halter to make a bitless on my horse years ago, she liked it and responded fine with it. Only issue was stopping abruptly , slower reaction time.
I’ve been riding my Spanish Barb gelding in a cross-under bitless for about ten years now. He is much more responsive to it than he was with any of the many bits or the English hackamore I tried him in. At 29 he’s now pretty much a trail horse but we used to do some dressage, hunter, and equitation. He gives at the poll and yields to the outside and inside rein in his bitless wonderfully! Far better than with a bit. He used to occasionally run through the bit too! The first couple times I took him on the trail in the bitless he tried to run without being asked to (not run away-run for fun!) but slowed down immediately when I pulled back on the reins. It seems that game was ruined for him! I was also able to get him back under control the couple times he decided to pretend he was a saddle bronc. I tried the Nurtural Bridle made from the beta material but the circle that is intended to keep the straps from pinching under the jaw also prevents a full release after a hard pull. I currently have a Skip’s leather cross-under and my horse goes well in it. I can see that you may be right about the beta material making the release a bit sticky, but they are certainly easier to clean and don’t require the death of some poor critter! Thanks for putting this out there!
Mechanical hackamores are very harsh...certainly not a kind option...you would be much better off in a snaffle than one of those...they are historically mostly used for barrel racing and stuff like that, though nowadays they have much better bits and hackamores for gymkana stuff...totally do not recommend a mechanical hackamore.
I switched my Tennessee Walker gelding from a snaffle(which he hated) to a side pull style hackamore and he loves it. I tried a Little S and a mechanical and few others, but he went terribly in them.
Medle and horses don't get a long and with the mechanical ones your just going from pain on the inside of the mouth to pain on the outside of the mouth
I have not used one because I do not own a horse but I think that the jumping hackamore is a great bitless bridle. When I do get in horse I would like to ride bitless
I introduced my most recent horse to the bit less side pull bridle and have had very positive results. This horse has had a tough history with other riders , in addition, he has an under bite, which I'm guessing, makes utilizing a bit uncomfortable for him. We have a long way to go,but , I believe that the positive results that I'm getting from his performance and his personality is related to removing the anxiety that he related to wearing a conventional bit.
The dr cook can be made into a smart side pull/side cue by removing the cross under straps and adding a double sided throatlash, then simply attaching the reins to the nose band. The bridle you're describing with the chin/curb strap that feeds under the chin isn't a side cue it's a scrawbrig, you can also get a double scrawbrig that fastens to both sides of th nose band and crosses under the chin only. A properly fitted scrawbrig actually encourages poll flextion as apposed to suppressing it. Look up that transcend bitless bridle, it's double bitless made up of a side cue and a scrawbrig. It's a very smart beautifully soft bridle and I'm yet to see it have any down sides.
Thank you for the idea of changing my Dr. Cook bridle into a side pull. I have not cared for the slow response to lessening pressure with Dr. Cook's bridle so I have quit using it. Now I can dig it out and change it a little and make it usable. Thanks again. Judy from Wisconsin
I have used a Dr. Cook's on my elderly Arab mare because she seemed averse to being bridled, and because of all I'd read about how bits cause pain and other problems. I used it on 3 other horses since with the same good results.
My horse never responded well to a variety of bits. She would always toss her head, and try to run through it. She wasn't relaxed. I switched to a bitless, sidepull bridle, and she is totally relaxed. She stopped the head shaking and responds to my cues so much better. The bitless bridle is a win, win for me.
I actually bought a Bitless bridle last night seeing he did so well in his lesson on Friday with one. It depends on the horse and rider, some horses don't like Nose pressure and others hate mouth pressure. I won't become selfish and rude to people who ride in bits or harass them on how they ride.
I trained our horse in a Dr. Cook's bit-less bridle. I was a little apprehensive but I feel its been effective and have not used a bit at all. I also feel like its a little more humane and during the winter, there is no warming up the bit!
Hi! So grateful for your videos. I am a novice rider and worry about hurting my horse and creating a set back especially in the use of bits. You say in this piece that a "softer bit" might be used for control. Please tell what a softer bit is considered to be. Thanks so much again. Watch everything you teach.
I am using just a rope halter and reins for my new guy. I would like to transition to a Bitless bridle. My main man goes well in a halter as well but definitely didn’t like the cross over on the Micklem bridle I bought. The straight side pul on it is not very effective.
Thank you for this video, very interested in bitless bridles, mainly because so many of the people I work with are afraid if they don't use a traditional bit , their horse will runaway with them, i.e. no control , tried to explaln ta thbridle can @
I'm thinking about going with a bitless bridle. I have an off the track standardbred. It's something I've considered and would like to try to see how he likes it. Thanks for the infor.
I like to use the halter itself, but i feel that he wants to desobey more than with the bit. So when I use it I onlye stay inside the training area and for now we don't go outside, just for our safe. What I found is that he responds pretty well when I want him to move the head side by side, indeed, he moves it pretty faster than with the bit.
My mare used to pull against the bit. I recently transitioned to the cross under style bitless that you demonstrated. She is doing better but I see what you mean by it may not be releasing under her chin. Do these bridles loosen with use? It is a synthetic material. thanks.
I’ve ridden a horse before in a bit less bridle and I found no significant difference from a bit and no bit. I did enjoy riding like this and I hope to train all my future horses to go bitless if possible.
My horse has really short lips, so when he has any bit in his mouth is always slightly open. In addition to never looking at all comfortable, I worry about this in cold, dry, and dusty weather especially. He goes really well in a LightRider bitless, which I prefer because the nylon on metal under the chin gives a really quick smooth release (as opposed to synthetics which I have found sticky). Better fit and less lateral movement than riding in a halter with reins.
I use a rope halter and rope reins on my mare because she was trained with it and it works perfectly for her. Even with long reins I just have to close my hands to stop her, I never had more control over a horse in my 30+ years of riding. For my gelding he was abused and also ridden with uneven teeth that caused sores in his mouth so I bought a sidepull, leather but with a soft rope noseband and rope reins. I didn't ahve to do any schooling at all he immediately got the cues and was never easier to stir and stop than with that sidepull. I prefer leather for the neck because it's more comfortable if you make it flat and large but rope for the noseband and reins because it's what allows the more precise and quickest pressure/realease . If I ever have another horse one day I don't see myself using a bit.
I ride a horse that uses a hackamore he has to has one because he has a really sensitive mouth so we found it best to use the hackamore and he responds really well to it and as long as he's happy with it we'll keep using it
Dear all, Could you help me please with advices/ explanation. I have horses already 12 years. Everything was doing very well 99% of the time. Today i have new 5y old gelding who used to ride on bits. We start to ride on bitless and everything is going very well excapt on the open field. He does not want to stop at all. We are loosing control which is very dangerous. People try to convince me to use bits but I won t . Just if you have any advice how to teach him to respect stopping on open field in gallop. In drillhall all is great, he stops in one second on very slight commands. Thank you in advance
Hi there. That was really informative, thank you. One of my horses has a severe parrot mouth and he chews the bit quite relentlessly reducing its effectiveness and creating an over reaction in the 'give' his poll. I have to be very, very careful. I am going to try more the side pull style of bitless bridle I think and go from there. Just have to find one now. Thanks again.
salli roberts probobly and if the riens were to fall out of your hand and the horse stepped on it its very painful the horse can break it's jaw, bitless is probably better look into the youtube chanle *THINK LIKE A HORSE* if you want to find out more you can also ask him and he can give you a better aswer
I love the idea of riding bit- less, if I ever get my own horse I will definitely try to go that route! And can I just say, how cute is Mojo, especially when he looks over at the camera! He looks like a sweet boy!💞🐎
Which kind would you suggest for somebody that wants to do bitless dressage including lateral work? My mare has a fat tongue and low pallet, and we have struggled for close to three years now to find a bit that makes her happy.
I use bitless on my appy, because she has nerve damage from being kicked many years ago. I've found she's just as responsive and I learned more communication and direction using my body.
Look up the Zilco flower hackamore, the star wheel bitless bridle and the L G Zaum bitless. Look up thehorseshoof.com/mybitlessstory. The lady is a dressage rider and has written her experiences w/photos. The site also sells all three types.
I just picked up the zilco flower hack, and am excited by the reviews that say it works exactly like riding in a bit. I hope that is true! Thanks for the recommendations.
Bitless vs hackamore.. I recently bought a horse for trail riding. I don't know his past but I feel like he was definitely "cowboyed" for lack of a better word. He neck reins good but is starting to give me a hard time with the bit when stopping. Almost like he expects me to yank on him. He hangs on my hand, lifts his head high and I feel like I have to circle him to get him to listen. Started jigging too. He has a very sensitive mouth so I don't want to ruin him by hanging on him. I currently ride in a frenchlink snaffle (He was ridden in a jointed western bit before). I was thinking of trying a bitless bridle or hackamore to help me when I work with him. Will I have enough control of him? Will it work on the trails when he acts up?
just so you know there is research on youtube and online you can read but even snaffles are bad for various reasons just FY! i would go bitless for your horsey
I really want a side pull but can't find one that fits. I usually ride in a halter and leadtope or once in awhile I use reins. I only need the head gear if we encounter another stallion who challenges him. At that point I need the added control but otherwise just use my legs and seat. He's not really a riding horse so he's barely started and rarely ridden but gets worked in hand as well as at liberty quite a lot. He strongly dislikes a bit and it's best to choose my battles. Unless it's something that really matters I'm glad to find a compromise. It's like clipping without haltering or saddling for the first time with him loose in his large paddock. The fact that he has the freedom to choose to leave makes him very willing to cooperate. I've never met a horse before with so much self awareness or insistence on self determination. Maybe those are the wrong words because I don't know how to explain what I've never seen before in over 60 years of consistently working with horses, hundreds over the years. Almost anyone who even looks at his demeanor would understand exactly what I'm talking about. Some describe him as very independent but he's a horse people tend to either love him or hate him. Rarely any middle ground. Because I've learned to allow him his self determination he makes the concessions I ask for to a really amazing degree.
so, I have had alot of issue with bits on my gelding. he dosent respond well, tosses his head, will not back. I rode in my rope halter, and I got instant backing, very instant response to any cues. of course this was in the ring. I have not tried him out on trails like this. my question, is it truly safe to take him out like this. will I have the same control I do in the ring? I'm not normally concerned and would try. but at this point I'm 22 weeks pregnant.
I'm finding the subject of bit less bridal quite interesting. Having never ridden with a bit less bridal the thought of doing so is rather daunting. But the more I learn the more it interest me in trying riding with this stile of bridal, particularly the side pull demonstrated in this video. I understand that any bridal design with or with out bit if not used correctly can cause problems. I have seen this particularly with riding school horses and hacking centres where inexperienced, badly taught or badly behaving riders yank away at the reins and the horse is understandably not happy with this, and subsequently expects the same behavior of every rider. Which is then often seen as bad behavior of the horse and then riders only thinking of the horse as badly behaving and the cycle perpetuating. Horses are incredibly honest animals and there reactions are in response to what they are expecting and it is up to us to understand what it is there trying to communicate. I enjoy riding and the challenge to me is to develop mutual respect and cooperation between horse and rider. Part of this is riding using as light as possible aids and hence my interest in bit less bridals.
I didn't like Dr. Cooks bitless bridle. It would tighten and not release which left me with no stopping power. I do like the Mechanical Hackamore. I use it on all my horses. I also put a fleece around the noseband to soften the rope on the nose. I would like to eventually move to a Bosal. I love not having a bit in my horses mouth. I saw a difference the first time out. (like they were thanking me)
Hey! I'm loaning a hot, strong dressage mare and I'm considering going bitless. I'm riding with a snaffle and chain at the minute (which I hate) so any advice on what bitless bridle to try out would be great
Bitsless with a cross under presses right against the hyoid, this regulates lots of emotions of the horse, please remember that if you have a very hot or emotional horse don't use this one. It will only make your horse more stresses in some situations.
Hi Callie. Would you recommend bitless bridles for beginner riders? Although I am a beginner rider, I hold the reins gently. I am a bit afraid riding bitless, the horse might take off from my hands.
in my stable some horses have some sort of slobber? in their mouth this doesn't happen when I ride but I'd like to know if it means others have reins too short or is it something else? 😯
Usually with horses its not something to worry about, some do it more, some less. Sometimes it can even be desirable, meaning they are kind of.. Suckling/chewing on their bit.It can also be a medical condition, but its very rare. Most horses do it to some extent, my trainer once said to imagine running on a treadmill with a pencil in my mouth, I would drool ^^'
Jorja Woods do you mean white foam coming from the sides of the mouth? If so, this is caused by too much tongue pressure from the bit. A horse is the same as us in that we constantly suck & swallow our slobber, if you hold your tongue down with a pencil you will very quickly start to drool - an extremely unpleasant experience!
Are there any risks in using bitless or hackamores for the first time like causing pain or pressure on the nosebone by putting in wrong or stuff? I'd like to try it on my horses :)
I have 8yo mare and would. love to use bitless bridle. She's going under the saddle only for 8 weeks now and I myself have just started ridding, so when I ask experienced people they say this ain't good idea cuz I need more control over my horse. the problem is that she tosses her head constantly and doesn't even want to accept the bit. Im pretty sure it has nothing to do with the fact that she had a late start and is not submitting - this is what I hear from people who trained her. I'm sure it's because it's hurting her as she's very sensitive horse. are bitless bridles only for experienced riders and horses?
Hi Callie, I just watched your video on the Bitless Bridle. I tried the Dr. Cooks many years ago with one of my Icelandic horses (my favorite girl). We went into the arena. Everything was great and relaxed until the canter. She was excited to go and must have realized that she had no bit. She took off at a gallop careening around the arena and running around the jumps at top speed! The only way I could stop her was to stand up in the stirrups and use all my weigh (100lbs) until she slowed down. It was hair raising to say the least. Unfortunately, I sold the bridle.
Very excited horse indeed! Id reccomend for icelandic people to do some gallop in the wild. I ride bitless on a very excited icey and we do nature rides all the time to get her energy out. I have no problem in the arena later!
Nancy Adler doesn't it just show the happiness of your horse to be free of the bit it is painful and it's not needed. So what you need to work on your horse it's called patients go lunging a bit get some energy out first see if that helps
We received a new horse. We got informed that this horse doesn't use bits to ride her. We only have a bit at this time. When trying it on her, she did fine. There was no discomfort going on. Should we look for a bitless bridle, or should we just use what we have?
Use rope halter with soft braided rope, and run about 12 feet of rope through the chin loop to create a loop for reins and a mecatie. Great for training.
thankyou for this video !! i don't own a horse but i plan to go back to riding on horses that are treated good but i bought my own bitless bridle off ebay..as no way will i ever ride with a bit again. someone said here and i think that person is right the bridle should be higher up over that nose as the nasal bone is fragile...i have to say i agree
My lesson horse has a bitless bridle because of bad teeth, and it works just fine. Just wondering, why to use a bit at all - it's much more comfy for a horse without it and you still have a necessary control.
I have a mare that hates the bit!!! shes just used to me riding her in a rope halter. Will the dr cooks bridle be a good one to use or should i use something else??
Check out the Nutural Bridle, vs Dr Cook. Read reviews comparing the two and then you can decide.. My Morgan uses the Nutural and we love it. I have no trouble stopping him or slowing him down, he responds beautifully and is much happier bitless.
I ride my veteran bitless, he’s good as gold, he can actually relax his neck and body bitless, he’s got a very soft mouth so sometimes a snaffle in the wrong hands can be horrible for him. On the other hand I can’t ride my mare in a bitless as she tilts her head away and pokes her nose out, with a bit she’s actually more soft and is very responsive and easy going.
I was thinking about making a bridle with a fabric bit, so they can still feel that pressure in their mouth but it won't hurt and dig into their gums, like metal bits do. They'll also be able to chew on it and it won't fuck with their teeth.
I switched to Dr. Cooks bitless bridle from a snaffle. My 12 yr. old thoroughbred was very hard to bridle, head tossing was constant (even before I got on her) and she was generally tense and very anxious. She was like this when I bought her and I had a hard time riding with a loose rein. The first time I put on Dr. Cooks bridle I had a different horse! No head tossing, she was relaxed and responded with the slightest touch to the reins. I have never put a bit in her mouth since and I feel very much in control and safe, and she practically puts the bridle on by herself!! Can't say enough good about going bitless, at least with my horse.
Rainey Carlson I'm so glad your horse is happy we need more people like you who care about the welfare of their horse
If your horse is coming off the track with little to no extra training that would explain her behavior.
I like the doctor cooks bridle, but the problem is the pressure is not released immediately due to the design. If you want a quick release side pull, try the Tory English sidepull on stateline tack!
My horse has gone bitless and it is amazing! She was doing exactly what your horse was doing! She is so much more happier now!
If going bitless and not having success try a couple types of bitless...I don't like the Dr. Cook's but if is working for you great...just mentioning so that people don't give up too soon...
Switched my Sirius to bitless soon after I got him. He was always agitated and tossing his head with a bit (full cheek snaffle) and he calmed down considerably after making the switch. I tried out a bridle attachment that could be used as either a side pull or cross under and with those, while he did better, he was still tossing his head a lot because there wasn't much release. Finally decided to make my own out of a rope halter, which gives instant release, and he loves it. No more issues and no bits for me ever again!
Awesome! One more happier horse in the world!
Bitless bridles, like all bits and bridles, need to be adjusted properly and NOT on the nasal bone which is a very thin bone. In the video, I would adjust the noseband up at least another 3/4 inch.
Dawn Stone I was just about to say that! Someone with hard hands could collapse the nasal cavity if they rode like that
Agreed, that nose band is still a bit too low down the face. Needs to be a bit higher up.
thankyou as i dont own a horse but i bought a bitless bridle lol just for when i do go riding ..i totally agree with you on that !!
As long as your using the bridle right, it shouldn’t be a problem. But if you feel a horse might be more comfortable with it in a different position go for it!
I'm going to ride bit less when I get my horse. :D I want my horse as happy and comfortable as I can make him. :)
HøwlerAJ that's a great idea
I don't like to hurt my horses
Because they are rescued
I have never used a bit Spurs or crops
They tend to like you more
I'm glad you are using bit less
Ellanator 4 ever but if I ever have too use one, it will be z flexible rubber one :)
if I ever have to use a bit, it will be a rubber flexible one. :D
agreed :D
HøwlerAJ Me too I'm Getting My horse on my next Birthday so i'm Getting ready and i started taking Riding lessons since summer now i just come and we sometimes finish early and if we do they let me Ride the Horses alone on my own free style
Thank you for taking the time to make your presentation. My 10-year-old Quarab gelding hates having a bit in his mouth. I have had him for a little over a year, and I don't know his bit history. I have tried six snaffle types and none worked well. He is a dream in a side pull. He flexes, turns, backs, and collects with it, and he is so much happier. I am aware that if I wanted to enter a dressage competition, I would have to use a bit, so those events are out for us. I don't really care, though. My concern is that I have a healthy, happy, responsive horse.
Dana Raymond there are bit less dressage comps now & I believe these comps will increase in number & importance in the future. I saw it the other day on utube but admit I don't know much more about it yet.
Dana Raymond good, way too many people are in it for the money it's good to know humanity still has morals in a world where hitting animals is still legal
lornagodbylg check out THINK LIKE A HORSE that chanle is a life saver well... more of a pain saver but ether way look into THINK LIKE A HORSE PLEASE
You could talk to the judge and ask them if you can ride your class in a bitless and be judged and everything but without getting placed at the end. I wouldn't want to cut my favorite discipline out completely if I were you. In small, unrecognized shows I don't think it matters if you ride in bitless or not.
Good for you! Maybe some day Dressage people will wise up and allow no shoes and no bits or spurs and whips.
I like this video because contrary to most videos about bitless bridles, it lets you know an honest opinion with pros and cons from someone who has actually seen or experienced different types of bridles not someone who has just seen Dr Cook’s 3 minutes promotional video and had some kind of epiphany !
There are no absolutes with horses. They have different temperaments, conformations, sensitive spots... all bridles create pressure even the bitless ones : it’s how your horse knows to turn his head. Some horses will respond better with a bit, some will respond better bitless.
I use only bitless bridle and I have control over my stallion even in presence of mares.
Karol Glinsky do you mind me asking why you got a stallion, and how you developed that good of a relationship with him?
Karol Glinsky wow that's so cool I've never owned a stallion only geldings
bUt tHaTs ImPoSsiBle YoU NeEd CHaiNs BiTs aNd WhIPs!!!!
Sarcasm, your awesome!❤️❤️
See, it CAN be done! If only they'd allow bitless in all levels of competition...
Kudos to you!
I really appreciate your positive, clear way of teaching. Thank you. I do use a Dr. Cook's bitless bridle on one horse and have experienced the"drag" you mentioned.
Wanted to return to this video and comment a big thank you! When researching bitless bridles your video was the most helpful. I did work with the horse and rode with a haulter before I bought my bitless bridle. I ended up buying a sidepull bitless bridle and I love it! Thanks for all your help!
Anyone interested in the horse we're using a sidepull bitless bride on...
The horse in our herd (I ride my grandma rides, and my boyfriend rides) is a 20 year old quarter horse ridden in a western saddle. Neck reins. Used a curb bit. Extremely well mannered horse. He has always given my grandma a hard time when putting the bit on for the past 10 years. I also noticed he throws his head when riding. I decided I wanted to be kinder to him in his old age and ride him without a bit. It's going very well.
I thought about using a mackemore, but I don't like the look, the hardness of the rope pressing on their nose, and I wanted a bridle I could use with other horses riding english in the future.
Im glad you aren't saying "Bits are just abuse, it hurts the horse no matter the human!! It's uncomfortable and painful, just stop!!" Because that's not true. It can be uncomfortable, but if the human has a soft grip on the reins it can be less uncomfortable. Some bits are very painful, I know. I wouldn't use them, because I want to control my horse with friendship, not pain. If horses chew on the bit, and drools that yellow-ish stuff, it means it's ok with the bit. It makes it more comfortable, kinda. But bitless is good, depending on the horse. If the horse is very stubborn and doesn't listen, and bitless doesn't make it stop, maybe even makes it's worse, it's best to ride with a bit. Sure, you can ride bitless even if the horse becomes more stubborn and such, it's your choice, but I wouldn't take such a risk. Maybe ride sometimes bitless and sometimes with a bit? For example, outside with a bit and inside without, since there's less that can hurt it inside. But this is just my opinion, so you don't have to agree, but you don't have to hate either. Thanks for reading! :)
I use a rope halter, and tie the lead rope to itself to create my reins. This has a couple of advantages.
1. I don't have to bridle. I ride in the same thing I used to bring the horse out.
2. No bit, no pain. My horse takes off like a madman as soon as you apply pain. And sometimes I found myself losing my balance and pulling on the bit. Head up, and off she goes. But now I don't have this problem, because there is a "deadzone" where I can pull the reins without getting any pressure to the horse. And if I want to give pressure to the horse, I can. However, bending has been an issue ever since. I'm working through it, I'm not giving up on bitless.
***** I'm planning to teach that as well, but at the moment my horse doesn't understand it very well.
We ride camels and llamas with nothing but a loose halter (and at least for camels, voice cues and possibly a whip to simply poke the animal with), so why not horses?
Horses are the only animal we feel the need to put a bit of steel in their mouth or "we can't control them".
I say if we can't do something without causing pain, we shouldn't do it at all.
If you have a halter on it doesn't mean your not putting pressure on the hores ever time you pull your putting pressure on them just in different areas
See Missy Wryn. She specialized in bitless bridles and sells her own.
For me a halter and a bitless bridle look the same too. Good idea!
My horse is bitless barefoot no whips, no slaps, and all natural hacking, no metal and nails, bacteria, no aggression no metal chest pain devices , just pressure and release no pain and compliance , no metal constricting blood flow or putting holes in their feet no whipping or yanking and that's how I like her
This is what everyone should do
LucaTheCob yes!!!!! That's how you become a responsable horse owner no pain no medle no holes in their feet
I had no idea there were other people like me, I'm serios I thought bitless bridles were very uncomon
But I was wrong and I'm glad I was
I'm just saying i had a hores and if it didn't have metal shoes on she would go lame and be very uncomfortable
Mary Collender Only because she's had shoes so long if you take them off she'll be lame.. No horse is lame because of not having shoes they're lame because of having shoes and then suddenly not having shoes. Putting nails into a hoof isn't good it stiffens the hoof.
LucaTheCob Fantastic! I bet you get a lot of hate from the traditional horse world. Stay strong and spread the word! Could you please put out a few video's on you and your horse? Just to show the new people that are being indoctrinated by the old crowd that it really can be done.
I have tried a little s hackamore, but have trouble with him turning left or right. He is a rescue horse and haven't been able to get a bit in his mouth. Having his teeth floated this week to see if it might be a dental problem as far as a bit goes. Don't have much back ground on the horse. I have done about six months of ground work with him before riding. Transition to saddle has been easy but the turning and getting him to respond under saddle has been testy. Working slow and being patient and I want to thank you for all the information you provide. I have used many of your ideas and they are very helpful. Thank you so very much
I love CRK training videos! I did one of your online training classes awhile back - you are a great trainer!
After watching Justin Dunn at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo I tried riding with just the halter and reins. My horse responded so well I ordered the Justin Dunn Bitless Bridle. It arrives today - I'm anxious to try it out. It's more of a direct rein whereas the Dr Cook's has the crossed reins under the chin. I have heard the pressure isn't released quickly. I will continue to use my D-ring snaffle on the trail until I know I can totally control him. Thanks for the informative video!
I owned a canadian horse (mare) for 15 yrs - she was as spectacular as a black stallion with a mane down to her shouders but even though every one was amazed by her beauty she was a leading mare and gave me a rough time when i was riding her. One day, as she was coming back from leaving her foal, a friend suggested that i try a foal bit made from rubber since her mouth got unused to the habit of having a metal bit. Those were the years when she gave me the most beautiful results training her, i even was able to leave for a trail in the woods without any bits just her halter on, and i was even riding without a saddle...she would wait for me to findback my balance when i was slidind sideways because the trail was full of obstacles....so i believe firmly in riding without a bit!!
Hi I'm Avril yard, Because my horse was struggling to accept and give the bit and then I realised he had too many issue's and that he was showing signs of cruelty, been trained heavy handedly so I changed him into the cross under bitless bridle, best thing I ever done he ride perfect in it but now I have seen your video on which one does what I also like the side pull, I didn't have anyone to advise me on the change so I just went ahead and done it, I now have all my horse in bitless bridles but I may think of using the side pull like you were advising. Thank you loved this video x x
My neighbor Alex had a horse, i used to ride him from time to time because he was never ridden, and because Alex was a very inexperienced rider, when he was ridden, he wasn't ridden properly so I offered to take care of The horse for him, A bond grew between the horse and I, I noticed that there was dry blood at the side of the horses mouth and I asked Alex if he even knew how to turn without pulling hard on the reins, he said to me, "If i don't pull hard he won't turn, so i have to pull really hard, It's not my fault he doesn't listen!"
I offered to teach him how to ride but he was stubborn and said that he knew how to ride.
Over time the bit rusted, and Alex continued to hurt the horse by not accepting my lessons.
I did have to take him to the vet secretly every once in a while because i noticed that the horse wasn't Shod and he had stepped in glass.
One day I saw something green surrounding the horses mouth, and then it dawned upon me, the cuts that had appeared because of Alex's bad riding had gotten infected.
The horse passed away later that month and ever since I have ridden bitless and have encouraged bitless riding for happy horses
That guy Alex is....well, I just don't like him.
Horse doesn't need shoes, shoes wont protect his feet from glass anyway. Shoes do more damage to a horse's feet than anything else. They don't let the feet work the way they should. This causes lack of blood flow to the feet and cause numbness, stumbling, stunted growth in the feet and lameness and damage in the legs. Horse shoes are bad, period!
You should have reported him for animal abuse...cos that's what he did. Shame such a beautiful creature had to die 😡😡😡
@@SpiritBear12 you obviously dont know much about horses
I am now binging and saving your videos ! I am finally at a moment in life, where I have the very real opportunity to get a horse. And I want to be researched and as prepared as can be. You are so wonderful for sharing this here. Thanks a million!
I have an older mare who would fight and toss her head with a bit. Swapped her to a custom made side pull I got form Brandy's braided tack and instant change in attitude and is extremely soft with just that even fully out sprinting I am able to still have control have youngsters I start in a leather side pull before I bit them up. Actually learned a hard leasson with my frist horse. Had some one tell me to use a Tom thumb as a starter bit she was fine while I rode her but put someone else on her who pulled a little too hard and off to the rodeo she went and after that she continued to buck moved her to an English bridal with a copper d ring roller and got her throw it. So now I start them with as simple as I can get. Thank you and love these videos have learned alot to be able to apply in my own traning
Great vid, I have been surprised to learn the facts about bit-less, especially how they can be more severe and damaging for the horse than bits if used incorrectly. Thanks :))
how about going bitless to prevent pain!!!!!!
glorianne papolis same amount of pressure, just in a different spot.
It does not
glorianne papolis cause the bit hurts them DER
How does the bit hurt them “Animal Lover”?
Their mouths are sensitive and a metal rod in a sensitive mouth isn't, generally, a pleasant experience. It's not rocket science.
Thank you so much for clarifying a lot needed information for those of us who need input about how a bitless bridle works. Super Thanks for making this great video. You are a treasure!
Thank you so much for the information!
You explained the use of a bit less bridle, very well!!
I just purchased a "Cross under" and I am anticipating it's use.
We'd love to have been included here! Our patented Circle-X changes the game for the crossunder bridle (such as your belief that there is no direct clear pressure because of the squeezing). Ours is fitted loosely all over so that when you apply the slightest pressure - it is ask and release is reward. If you ever revisit this, please let us know! Thanks for the great video though!
I am currently using a scawbrig (pressure on lower jaw on contact) and have trouble getting my horses head down with it. It also has a slow release. This video puts that into perspective and I am going to switch to a side pull and see if that makes a difference!
My mare has a TMJ issue so she’s not comfortable with a bit. It is definitely taking a lot of work to get her trained and used to the different type of pressure!
Thank you for the video and reminder to be patient!
I tried using a bitless bridle when my little Arab seemed to be worried and always chewing when in a snaffle. I noticed how light he was in a rope halter and decided to try bitless. I did not want the Dr. Cook's because of the delayed release or the mechanical hackamore , so I tried the Zilco Flower and he really seems to like it. He responds well and is very light to handle and ride in it. It is one of the more gentle bitless options that I saw.
where I'm from they never use bits i don't know why people do it
Peace John thats good, bits are invasive and are made to cause pain.
Where r u from? I want to go there hahah
Omg love it! I want to move there lol!
May I ask where you are from? I think The Netherlands allows bitless in competition, and someone else in the comments here mentioned Costa Rica...
I hope the trend catches on EVERYWHERE asap!
Because you can't compete in bitless bridles🙄
I only ride bitless. But I will say my horse is now avoiding riding in a good rounded frame she actually started to hollow out and is ignoring my "Head down" command to lower her head and go into frame. I only use the side pull bitless bridles but I'm thinking about adding a hackamore to our tack closet to get her to listen again. We had to go away from bits as she over reacts to them with any type of tongue pressure.
I switched to bitless as my horse is hot and possibly abused in bitted training prior to me. Going in a sidepull for Western trails has calmed him down immensely. I am now trying a crossover style for dressage but may switch to sidepull there to as I like the simplicity of a sidepull and he does so well in it for trails. For me it has been an extremely positive move all ways round. 😊🐴
Used the Monty Roberts training halter as a bit less bridle and my horse was super responsive! Love it plus dual purposing is always a plus!
Or ride with a bitless bridle simply because it's the kind choice since ALL bits are uncomfortable, and even hurtful, towards horses.
Like XxAnonymous PersonxX, I don't like where bitless bridles place their pressure points and personally prefer a rubber bit or snaffle. I would like to politely disagree with your opinion that all bits are uncomfortable, as in dressage you get a mark for the horse's relaxation which would be impossible to achieve if the horse was uncomfortable. However at the end of the day, whatever suits your horse best is what you should use, and for some horses that is actually a bit over the bitless options.
SpottedLeafy But seriously though... bits are proven to cause pain no matter how soft the bit or the riders hands are. I do personally prefer a bitless bridle (it made my nutter of a horse a complete angel straight away), but occasionally I do ride my other horse and with a bit. Bitless bridles DO NOT create pain. If incorrectly placed you could seriously damage the horse's face, but that's rider error not tack error. Even correctly fitted bits create pain.
Again, I am not against bits, I just want you to know that they do cause discomfort and some horses just don't show it
When horses are ridden in a bit for long enough they learn to ignore it. Not necessarily because they are comfortbale but because they know they can't do anything about it. Bitless always suit a horse the best
SpottedLeafy it’s called learned helplessness, they know your not gonna take the bit out so they just submit.
Horses are easy to bully and manipulate, they are so easy to bully cause they’re prey animals.
Use bits, whips, Spurs and martingales, it works so well doesn’t it!
Bitless riders are trying to actually have a relationship with there horse without needing the crap!❤️❤️
@@ridingmydaydream4491 YES !!!! And Riding begins in your head not with a bit .
My very calm OTTB used to constantly chew on his bit. We tried several different types. He even foamed at the mouth and he is a very quiet horse. Our trainer had my daughter ride him in just a halter and reins. Then we borrowed a bit less bridle and tried it. Then we purchased our own Dr. Cook's bit less bridle. Our horse seems happier. I am a very timid rider and I ride him on the trail in his Dr. Cook's. I will never go back to a bit.
I switched to a Dr. Cooks bitless 2 months ago and we both love it! My horse was super sensitive to putting the snaffle bit in and especially taking it out. I tried wrapping the bit and all sorts of tricks before I decided a bitless was the way to go!
I dont care what my trainer says im swithing in the morning
June Masters how did it go? Did you do it
Good girl! Stand your ground! Protect a helpless defenseless animal. Remember, your trainer needs your money. You don't need your trainer.
YAY thankyou sooo much for listening to your heart ..sadly trainers just get brainwashed and they dont think for themselves about what they are really doing to the horse.
Well see if your horse does not lisen to it do more ground work
@@brandireep8881 the entire nation of costa rica rides bitless- and best trained horses there are. think about the horse's happiness not your own and how you can best control an animal like it's there to serve you only
I started riding my OTTB with a side pull bitless bridle, when he started locking his jaw. We have tried many bits, the one that caused the least problem was a simple, single jointed rubber bit. His discomfort seemed to increase, so I first tried a side pull hackamore and had a different dream horse. Being an eventer, I found needed a little more control with turning and bought a $35.00 hackamore with a chain chin strap. The chain was too much, which we cured with multiple layers of vet wrap. The shank is 5" I competed in my first beginner novice in June. We managed to get through dressage without an explosion (no hackamores allowed). Stadium and Cross country were amazing! He was responsive, no head toss or over flexing, just willing and eager to do whatever I asked. This fall we are planning to get his head (maybe mine too) x-rayed and possibly CT scanned at OSU vet school to look for abnormalities that could be causing him so much trouble with the bit. He has a crooked bite. If we get a diagnosis, then possibly I can use the hackamore in the lower levels of eventing in the dressage phase. It will be interesting.
I love riding bitless. I actually just got a new home made crossover style bitless bridal that I love. I almost always ride my horse in a halter and this has given me a little more control (once we had a few lessons and she understood it)
I have ridden in the Dr Cooks bitless bridle and ran into the same issues you described where there was not enough release under the chin where they cross over. I transitioned to a Lightrider Bitless bridle and the horse responded much better in this one as the release is very strong and definite in it. I have not ridden in the side pull, other than just putting reins on an ordinary halter.
I have a quarter horse and I love trying new things on him so much. His normal bit is a tom thumb shank bit, which I don't pull with him because his favorite action is to stop, so luckily that doesn't hurt him. I have used snaffle bits and still do but he hates the direct pressure it causes. Then I have tried three sets of bitless, and the best one that works besides a normal halter is the mechanical hackamore (still never have to pull back). Other bitless apply too much pressure on his chin/throat and so he tosses his head when we have to turn, which isn't like him.
I have just started with side pull bitless system. Very happy horse without any head tossing. Will try to develop him on leg cues Insha Allah. Let's see.
Used an old halter to make a bitless on my horse years ago, she liked it and responded fine with it. Only issue was stopping abruptly , slower reaction time.
I’ve been riding my Spanish Barb gelding in a cross-under bitless for about ten years now. He is much more responsive to it than he was with any of the many bits or the English hackamore I tried him in. At 29 he’s now pretty much a trail horse but we used to do some dressage, hunter, and equitation. He gives at the poll and yields to the outside and inside rein in his bitless wonderfully! Far better than with a bit. He used to occasionally run through the bit too! The first couple times I took him on the trail in the bitless he tried to run without being asked to (not run away-run for fun!) but slowed down immediately when I pulled back on the reins. It seems that game was ruined for him! I was also able to get him back under control the couple times he decided to pretend he was a saddle bronc.
I tried the Nurtural Bridle made from the beta material but the circle that is intended to keep the straps from pinching under the jaw also prevents a full release after a hard pull. I currently have a Skip’s leather cross-under and my horse goes well in it. I can see that you may be right about the beta material making the release a bit sticky, but they are certainly easier to clean and don’t require the death of some poor critter!
Thanks for putting this out there!
Excellent discussion. Thank you. I do wish you had talked more about the mechanical hackamore. Best wishes.
Mechanical hackamores are very harsh...certainly not a kind option...you would be much better off in a snaffle than one of those...they are historically mostly used for barrel racing and stuff like that, though nowadays they have much better bits and hackamores for gymkana stuff...totally do not recommend a mechanical hackamore.
This is a very good intro on bitless - lots of good relevant points:)
I switched my Tennessee Walker gelding from a snaffle(which he hated) to a side pull style hackamore and he loves it. I tried a Little S and a mechanical and few others, but he went terribly in them.
Medle and horses don't get a long and with the mechanical ones your just going from pain on the inside of the mouth to pain on the outside of the mouth
O and my mom wants a Tennessee Walker
I have not used one because I do not own a horse but I think that the jumping hackamore is a great bitless bridle. When I do get in horse I would like to ride bitless
I introduced my most recent horse to the bit less side pull bridle and have had very positive results. This horse has had a tough history with other riders , in addition, he has an under bite, which I'm guessing, makes utilizing a bit uncomfortable for him. We have a long way to go,but , I believe that the positive results that I'm getting from his performance and his personality is related to removing the anxiety that he related to wearing a conventional bit.
The dr cook can be made into a smart side pull/side cue by removing the cross under straps and adding a double sided throatlash, then simply attaching the reins to the nose band.
The bridle you're describing with the chin/curb strap that feeds under the chin isn't a side cue it's a scrawbrig, you can also get a double scrawbrig that fastens to both sides of th nose band and crosses under the chin only.
A properly fitted scrawbrig actually encourages poll flextion as apposed to suppressing it.
Look up that transcend bitless bridle, it's double bitless made up of a side cue and a scrawbrig. It's a very smart beautifully soft bridle and I'm yet to see it have any down sides.
Thank you for the idea of changing my Dr. Cook bridle into a side pull. I have not cared for the slow response to lessening pressure with Dr. Cook's bridle so I have quit using it. Now I can dig it out and change it a little and make it usable. Thanks again. Judy from Wisconsin
I have used a Dr. Cook's on my elderly Arab mare because she seemed averse to being bridled, and because of all I'd read about how bits cause pain and other problems. I used it on 3 other horses since with the same good results.
My horse never responded well to a variety of bits. She would always toss her head, and try to run through it. She wasn't relaxed. I switched to a bitless, sidepull bridle, and she is totally relaxed. She stopped the head shaking and responds to my cues so much better. The bitless bridle is a win, win for me.
I actually bought a Bitless bridle last night seeing he did so well in his lesson on Friday with one. It depends on the horse and rider, some horses don't like Nose pressure and others hate mouth pressure. I won't become selfish and rude to people who ride in bits or harass them on how they ride.
I trained our horse in a Dr. Cook's bit-less bridle. I was a little apprehensive but I feel its been effective and have not used a bit at all. I also feel like its a little more humane and during the winter, there is no warming up the bit!
Hi! So grateful for your videos. I am a novice rider and worry about hurting my horse and creating a set back especially in the use of bits. You say in this piece that a "softer bit" might be used for control. Please tell what a softer bit is considered to be. Thanks so much again. Watch everything you teach.
I am using just a rope halter and reins for my new guy. I would like to transition to a Bitless bridle. My main man goes well in a halter as well but definitely didn’t like the cross over on the Micklem bridle I bought. The straight side pul on it is not very effective.
Thank you for this video, very interested in bitless bridles, mainly because so many of the people I work with are afraid if they don't use a traditional bit , their horse will runaway with them, i.e. no control , tried to explaln ta thbridle can @
Effective Effe
I'm thinking about going with a bitless bridle. I have an off the track standardbred. It's something I've considered and would like to try to see how he likes it. Thanks for the infor.
I like to use the halter itself, but i feel that he wants to desobey more than with the bit. So when I use it I onlye stay inside the training area and for now we don't go outside, just for our safe. What I found is that he responds pretty well when I want him to move the head side by side, indeed, he moves it pretty faster than with the bit.
My mare used to pull against the bit. I recently transitioned to the cross under style bitless that you demonstrated. She is doing better but I see what you mean by it may not be releasing under her chin. Do these bridles loosen with use? It is a synthetic material. thanks.
I’ve ridden a horse before in a bit less bridle and I found no significant difference from a bit and no bit. I did enjoy riding like this and I hope to train all my future horses to go bitless if possible.
My horse has really short lips, so when he has any bit in his mouth is always slightly open. In addition to never looking at all comfortable, I worry about this in cold, dry, and dusty weather especially. He goes really well in a LightRider bitless, which I prefer because the nylon on metal under the chin gives a really quick smooth release (as opposed to synthetics which I have found sticky). Better fit and less lateral movement than riding in a halter with reins.
I use a rope halter and rope reins on my mare because she was trained with it and it works perfectly for her. Even with long reins I just have to close my hands to stop her, I never had more control over a horse in my 30+ years of riding.
For my gelding he was abused and also ridden with uneven teeth that caused sores in his mouth so I bought a sidepull, leather but with a soft rope noseband and rope reins. I didn't ahve to do any schooling at all he immediately got the cues and was never easier to stir and stop than with that sidepull.
I prefer leather for the neck because it's more comfortable if you make it flat and large but rope for the noseband and reins because it's what allows the more precise and quickest pressure/realease .
If I ever have another horse one day I don't see myself using a bit.
I ride a horse that uses a hackamore he has to has one because he has a really sensitive mouth so we found it best to use the hackamore and he responds really well to it and as long as he's happy with it we'll keep using it
Dear all, Could you help me please with advices/
explanation. I have horses already 12 years. Everything was doing very well 99% of the time. Today i have new 5y old gelding who used to ride on bits. We start to ride on bitless and everything is going very well excapt on the open field. He does not want to stop at all. We are loosing control which is very dangerous. People try to convince me to use bits but I won t . Just if you have any advice how to teach him to respect stopping on open field in gallop. In drillhall all is great, he stops in one second on very slight commands. Thank you in advance
What do you think of just a halter?
Hi there. That was really informative, thank you. One of my horses has a severe parrot mouth and he chews the bit quite relentlessly reducing its effectiveness and creating an over reaction in the 'give' his poll. I have to be very, very careful. I am going to try more the side pull style of bitless bridle I think and go from there. Just have to find one now. Thanks again.
My horse is old (29) and his teeth are down to the gums. Would a bit in his mouth irritate or agitate this condition?
salli roberts probobly and if the riens were to fall out of your hand and the horse stepped on it its very painful the horse can break it's jaw, bitless is probably better look into the youtube chanle *THINK LIKE A HORSE* if you want to find out more you can also ask him and he can give you a better aswer
Sky Smith definitely go bitless
I love the idea of riding bit- less, if I ever get my own horse I will definitely try to go that route! And can I just say, how cute is Mojo, especially when he looks over at the camera! He looks like a sweet boy!💞🐎
we just bought a bitless and it's gonna be fun to try it on our young horse... ;)
Which kind would you suggest for somebody that wants to do bitless dressage including lateral work? My mare has a fat tongue and low pallet, and we have struggled for close to three years now to find a bit that makes her happy.
I use bitless on my appy, because she has nerve damage from being kicked many years ago. I've found she's just as responsive and I learned more communication and direction using my body.
Any bitless style suggestions for somebody wanting to continue to school traditional dressage?
Look up the Zilco flower hackamore, the star wheel bitless bridle and the L G Zaum bitless. Look up thehorseshoof.com/mybitlessstory. The lady is a dressage rider and has written her experiences w/photos. The site also sells all three types.
I just picked up the zilco flower hack, and am excited by the reviews that say it works exactly like riding in a bit. I hope that is true! Thanks for the recommendations.
What is the brand of side pull you're using here?
Bitless vs hackamore.. I recently bought a horse for trail riding. I don't know his past but I feel like he was definitely "cowboyed" for lack of a better word. He neck reins good but is starting to give me a hard time with the bit when stopping. Almost like he expects me to yank on him. He hangs on my hand, lifts his head high and I feel like I have to circle him to get him to listen. Started jigging too. He has a very sensitive mouth so I don't want to ruin him by hanging on him. I currently ride in a frenchlink snaffle (He was ridden in a jointed western bit before). I was thinking of trying a bitless bridle or hackamore to help me when I work with him. Will I have enough control of him? Will it work on the trails when he acts up?
just so you know there is research on youtube and online you can read but even snaffles are bad for various reasons just FY! i would go bitless for your horsey
Please oh please will you tell us who made your side pull bitless bridle?! I can't find one that looks like yours and I think my mare would love it
I really want a side pull but can't find one that fits. I usually ride in a halter and leadtope or once in awhile I use reins. I only need the head gear if we encounter another stallion who challenges him. At that point I need the added control but otherwise just use my legs and seat. He's not really a riding horse so he's barely started and rarely ridden but gets worked in hand as well as at liberty quite a lot. He strongly dislikes a bit and it's best to choose my battles. Unless it's something that really matters I'm glad to find a compromise. It's like clipping without haltering or saddling for the first time with him loose in his large paddock. The fact that he has the freedom to choose to leave makes him very willing to cooperate. I've never met a horse before with so much self awareness or insistence on self determination. Maybe those are the wrong words because I don't know how to explain what I've never seen before in over 60 years of consistently working with horses, hundreds over the years. Almost anyone who even looks at his demeanor would understand exactly what I'm talking about. Some describe him as very independent but he's a horse people tend to either love him or hate him. Rarely any middle ground. Because I've learned to allow him his self determination he makes the concessions I ask for to a really amazing degree.
so, I have had alot of issue with bits on my gelding. he dosent respond well, tosses his head, will not back. I rode in my rope halter, and I got instant backing, very instant response to any cues. of course this was in the ring. I have not tried him out on trails like this. my question, is it truly safe to take him out like this. will I have the same control I do in the ring? I'm not normally concerned and would try. but at this point I'm 22 weeks pregnant.
Love the bitless bridles.........I've been using a rope halter to ride but would like to find a good bitless bridle....what brand would you recommend?
I'm finding the subject of bit less bridal quite interesting. Having never ridden with a bit less bridal the thought of doing so is rather daunting. But the more I learn the more it interest me in trying riding with this stile of bridal, particularly the side pull demonstrated in this video.
I understand that any bridal design with or with out bit if not used correctly can cause problems. I have seen this particularly with riding school horses and hacking centres where inexperienced, badly taught or badly behaving riders yank away at the reins and the horse is understandably not happy with this, and subsequently expects the same behavior of every rider. Which is then often seen as bad behavior of the horse and then riders only thinking of the horse as badly behaving and the cycle perpetuating. Horses are incredibly honest animals and there reactions are in response to what they are expecting and it is up to us to understand what it is there trying to communicate.
I enjoy riding and the challenge to me is to develop mutual respect and cooperation between horse and rider. Part of this is riding using as light as possible aids and hence my interest in bit less bridals.
I didn't like Dr. Cooks bitless bridle. It would tighten and not release which left me with no stopping power. I do like the Mechanical Hackamore. I use it on all my horses. I also put a fleece around the noseband to soften the rope on the nose. I would like to eventually move to a Bosal. I love not having a bit in my horses mouth. I saw a difference the first time out. (like they were thanking me)
Can you use the first type of bridle on a hot horse? I rode a horse with that type bridle and she is hard to stop and all over the place.
Hey! I'm loaning a hot, strong dressage mare and I'm considering going bitless. I'm riding with a snaffle and chain at the minute (which I hate) so any advice on what bitless bridle to try out would be great
Bitsless with a cross under presses right against the hyoid, this regulates lots of emotions of the horse, please remember that if you have a very hot or emotional horse don't use this one. It will only make your horse more stresses in some situations.
Meral ! Learn how to type
never heard this can you post info on this ? doesn't sound right to me
Hi Callie. Would you recommend bitless bridles for beginner riders? Although I am a beginner rider, I hold the reins gently. I am a bit afraid riding bitless, the horse might take off from my hands.
It depends on the horse. Generally yes, I do prefer a bitless bridle for new riders, but the horse needs to be accustomed to them as well.
ok @@HorseClass . Thank you
in my stable some horses have some sort of slobber? in their mouth this doesn't happen when I ride but I'd like to know if it means others have reins too short or is it something else? 😯
Usually with horses its not something to worry about, some do it more, some less. Sometimes it can even be desirable, meaning they are kind of.. Suckling/chewing on their bit.It can also be a medical condition, but its very rare. Most horses do it to some extent, my trainer once said to imagine running on a treadmill with a pencil in my mouth, I would drool ^^'
Jorja Woods do you mean white foam coming from the sides of the mouth? If so, this is caused by too much tongue pressure from the bit. A horse is the same as us in that we constantly suck & swallow our slobber, if you hold your tongue down with a pencil you will very quickly start to drool - an extremely unpleasant experience!
Are there any risks in using bitless or hackamores for the first time like causing pain or pressure on the nosebone by putting in wrong or stuff? I'd like to try it on my horses :)
I have 8yo mare and would. love to use bitless bridle. She's going under the saddle only for 8 weeks now and I myself have just started ridding, so when I ask experienced people they say this ain't good idea cuz I need more control over my horse. the problem is that she tosses her head constantly and doesn't even want to accept the bit. Im pretty sure it has nothing to do with the fact that she had a late start and is not submitting - this is what I hear from people who trained her. I'm sure it's because it's hurting her as she's very sensitive horse. are bitless bridles only for experienced riders and horses?
Can you give me the link to the bit-less bridle in the video? Thanks!
Hi Callie,
I just watched your video on the Bitless Bridle.
I tried the Dr. Cooks many years ago with one of my Icelandic horses (my favorite girl).
We went into the arena.
Everything was great and relaxed until the canter. She was excited to go and must have realized that she had no bit. She took off at a gallop careening around the arena and running around the jumps at top speed! The only way I could stop her was to stand up in the stirrups and use all my weigh (100lbs) until she slowed down. It was hair raising to say the least.
Unfortunately, I sold the bridle.
Very excited horse indeed! Id reccomend for icelandic people to do some gallop in the wild. I ride bitless on a very excited icey and we do nature rides all the time to get her energy out. I have no problem in the arena later!
Nancy Adler doesn't it just show the happiness of your horse to be free of the bit it is painful and it's not needed. So what you need to work on your horse it's called patients go lunging a bit get some energy out first see if that helps
You should try a mechanical hackamore and that will teach her to slowly use pressure on her nose.
You should have just lounged her, or did some groundwork. Inexperienced rider.
We received a new horse. We got informed that this horse doesn't use bits to ride her. We only have a bit at this time. When trying it on her, she did fine. There was no discomfort going on. Should we look for a bitless bridle, or should we just use what we have?
not mentioned...can you use a Martingale with bitless?
Use rope halter with soft braided rope, and run about 12 feet of rope through the chin loop to create a loop for reins and a mecatie. Great for training.
thankyou for this video !! i don't own a horse but i plan to go back to riding on horses that are treated good but i bought my own bitless bridle off ebay..as no way will i ever ride with a bit again. someone said here and i think that person is right the bridle should be higher up over that nose as the nasal bone is fragile...i have to say i agree
What brand is that second bridle you showed - the sidepull?
My lesson horse has a bitless bridle because of bad teeth, and it works just fine. Just wondering, why to use a bit at all - it's much more comfy for a horse without it and you still have a necessary control.
A bitless bridle can be really good all the time❤️
hmm...
where can you buy the side pool
I have a mare that hates the bit!!! shes just used to me riding her in a rope halter. Will the dr cooks bridle be a good one to use or should i use something else??
Check out the Nutural Bridle, vs Dr Cook. Read reviews comparing the two and then you can decide.. My Morgan uses the Nutural and we love it. I have no trouble stopping him or slowing him down, he responds beautifully and is much happier bitless.
Thanks!
Can you get a horse to collect without a bit and do you do it the same way?
I ride my veteran bitless, he’s good as gold, he can actually relax his neck and body bitless, he’s got a very soft mouth so sometimes a snaffle in the wrong hands can be horrible for him. On the other hand I can’t ride my mare in a bitless as she tilts her head away and pokes her nose out, with a bit she’s actually more soft and is very responsive and easy going.
I was thinking about making a bridle with a fabric bit, so they can still feel that pressure in their mouth but it won't hurt and dig into their gums, like metal bits do. They'll also be able to chew on it and it won't fuck with their teeth.
Unanswered Questions Leather bits and rubber bits might be of interest to you then!
AJ // Sounds good
Where do you get your bit less bridles from?