The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Pets & Working Animals => Horses, ponies, donkeys & mules => Topic started by: VSS on April 05, 2010, 09:16:26 am

Title: Bitless Bridles
Post by: VSS on April 05, 2010, 09:16:26 am

I am after some recommendations here from anyone who has used or is using a bitless bridle. We are looking at doing a bit of light driving/draught work around the holding and fancy going bitless.

We also are barefoot as the pony has feet like iron.

Title: Re: Bitless Bridles
Post by: jembo on April 05, 2010, 04:07:54 pm

I have used bitless for riding quite a lot, but never for driving. I would be interested to see what others say.
I wonder how much control you would have, as when riding the control is from the seat?

Title: Re: Bitless Bridles
Post by: Hardfeather on April 05, 2010, 06:38:30 pm

I use a Dually halter for starting some youngsters to longreining and they go very well in it. I find it as useful as a longe cavesson.

For driving, or for draught work, it is essential that the horse is trained to a greater degree of compliance than that which is required for a riding horse. The driving horse must be very voice obedient, and must be utterly reliable before being put to any carriage or implement.

Although there are certain rules applied to (some) competition driving which may prohibit the use of bitless bridles, I see no reason not to believe that some horses may safely be driven bitless.

Title: Re: Bitless Bridles
Post by: MiriMaran on April 05, 2010, 09:01:57 pm

I used a bitless bridle from www.bitlessbridle.co.uk and found it to be very good.  The horse/pony has to be already well trained/compliant though.

Title: Re: Bitless Bridles
Post by: Roxy on April 12, 2010, 11:36:31 pm

My ponies are barefoot, and have treeless saddles, but I do use bits.  We also drive our ponies, but have never used bitless bridles for driving either.  I would probably give the bitless bridle a go on my driving pony if it was just round the farm - but I would have to be sure it was very responsive to voice commands, which my ponies are.  As to competing, not sure whether this would be allowed or not......

Title: Re: Bitless Bridles
Post by: sabrina on April 13, 2010, 10:41:15 am

I have used the bitless bridle the same as the one show on the web site. I found it very good indeed. I had a horse who had been badley treated and he went into a panic as soon as you tried to ride him in any bit. With this bridle he was calm and I could do anything without him taking off. :horse:

Title: Re: Bitless Bridles
Post by: Megansmam on September 09, 2010, 11:36:20 am

How are you getting on with your bitless bridle driving? I'm doing the same and would love to hear how you find it