Stopping in a bitless bridle isn’t about pulling harder, it’s about teaching our horse to listen to our whole body. When our seat becomes still, our core firms gently, and our breathing slows, our horse feels that the energy has stopped. The reins simply confirm what our body has already asked. With patience and clear practice, our horse will stop softly and confidently, no bit required. This article explores how to stop a horse in a bitless bridle easily and effectively.

The seat connects directly to the horse’s back, influencing rhythm, direction, and energy. A well-developed seat not only improves communication but also helps build trust and harmony between horse and rider. Riding with the seat is an essential development for all riders. This article explores this topic with tips on how to improve the seat.

Understanding and respecting the physical demands we place on our horses is fundamental to good horsemanship. After all, a healthy back is not only vital for performance, it is essential for a horse’s comfort and quality of life. Prioritizing back health not only enhances performance but also fosters a deeper, more respectful partnership between horse and rider.

I’ve created this term to help highlight a situation I sometimes see in my work with clients. The two words seem to conflict with each...

Stopping horses with a bitless bridle.

For novice equestrians, the journey into the world of horseback riding can be both exhilarating and daunting. One aspect that often...

I’ve heard critics of bitless bridles say they apply too much pressure to the horse. I find this an interesting statement. When riding in...

Every time we touch a horse we are communicating. One of the best things an instructor ever said to me was ‘put love in your hands.’ I...

When I switched from riding with a bit, to riding bit-free, a lot of things changed and shifted. I found myself connecting and...

I was going to write an article about rider balance, but as I explored the topic I thought of other situations where balance plays an...

1. So you can ride safely and kindly – Bitless bridles have now been used extensively throughout the world for over 20 years. They...

A steady, forward, working trot is the jewel in any horse’s crown. Whether you are riding for pleasure or competition, this is an...

There are so many bitless riders now, reach out and feel the support of a likeminded community, be bitless and proud. Together we can help make the world a better place for horses and grow strong in ourselves as we do it.

Some horses seem unable to walk calmly along and are constantly doing a jigjog. It is not a walk or a trot, but a bouncy jogging that is...

I have always said to my riding students to look ahead and focus on where they are going. But recently in a lesson I found this going to...

Recently I went to view a horse as a potential purchase for a client. The current owner ran the horse around a round yard for a few...

There are so many different bitless bridles now that people can get confused. The main types of bitless bridle are cross-under and side-pull. There are also bosals and rope halters. This article looks at each type individually to help people with 'which bitless bridle should I use?'

What is Horse Training? - It's not about forcing or making a horse do things, it's about being a trusted guide and teacher for your horse.

Horses Sticking Their Heads Up while under saddle is unpleasant for both horse and rider. How do you help your horse keep their head down?

I made the decision to change from bits to bitless bridles. And now I can't imagine doing things with horses the way I did in the past, life with horses now is so different, and so so much better.