Riding Bridleless

Have you ever wondered why we use a bit when we ride? Are bits really necessary for all horses? Do you ever wish that you could ride freely, without the use of a restrictive bridle? Have you been inspired by the amazing bridleless performance of champion reining trainer Stacy Westfall?

In a new Archives article, Shanna Nelson and Chardy Shealy explain how the traditional metal bit may not be appropriate for all horses in all situations. There are plenty of alternatives out there, and you and your horse may both benefit from the use of a bitless bridle or even a neckrope. This is an excellent opportunity to improve your horsemanship, enhance the bond you share with your mount, and better your horse's training. All it takes is consistency, patience, and a willing partnership between horse and human.

The key to transitioning a horse to bridleless riding is to start with something she is comfortable with. Take her regular bridle and add neck rope to the picture. Hold both reins and rope and steer her as you normally would (this works best with a horse who has been trained to neck rein already, but any horse can learn to associate the correct cues with enough time, patience, and consistency). Eventually, after several sessions, you will be able to tie up your reins and direct her only with the neck rope. The reins should be carefully secured so that they do not come loose to pose a safety hazard, but so that they are still available for “emergency brakes.” Once this level of communication has been accomplished and you feel confident of your horse’s trustworthiness, the bridle can be removed completely, with only a neck rope and leg/seat cues remaining to direct the horse. This style of riding may not be safe for long trail rides in unfamiliar territory, but for arena riding and periodic excursions around the pasture, it can give your horse a break from the bridle and a mental exercise—and it will certainly make you feel like a capable rider!

Read the full text article here.

Featured Products: The Hadden Hackamore and the NURider Bridle

The Hadden Hackamore is a new twist on an old concept. This bitless bridle offers the stability of a noseband and curb with none of the severity. It has more finesse than a sidepull and is more traditional in its feel than other bitless options. A wide flat leather noseband distributes the pressure widely while a similarly-structured curb strap provides direction and stopping power. There is plenty of control, yet the Hadden Hackamore is extremely gentle. It is excellent for starting young horses under saddle or for giving seasoned mounts a break from the bit.

The NURider Bridle was designed for beginning riders with unsteady hands. Their inexperience sometimes leads to unintentional pulling on the reins, which causes discomfort and confusion for the horse. The very short shanks and broad noseband of this mechanical hackamore prevent small involuntary movements on the part of the rider from interfering with the horse's face and movement, resulting in a more enjoyable ride for both man and beast.

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