[VSS]

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.

[jembo]

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?

[Hardfeather]

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.

[MiriMaran]

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.

[Roxy]

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......

[sabrina]

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.

[Megansmam]

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