Transition to Bitless Bridles
- Suzy Maloney B.Eq.Sc.
- Jun 1, 2017
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
When I changed all my horses from being ridden with a bit to a bitless bridle, without exception they all took to it without a problem. They responded well, had improved responses and behaviours, and all around it was easy and fun. At the time I thought that was normal and everyone’s horses would be the same. Since then I’ve learnt a few things.
Sometimes with a new client who wants to try bitless, the horse doesn’t take to it instantly. I developed a training program to assist the transition to a bitless bridle to help these horses. This works beautifully and I’ve now transitioned countless different horses into the world of bitless riding. But there’s still the question of why? Why do some horses just ‘get it’ on the very first ride, while others need training? I’ve come up with two main reasons:
Some horses don’t understand pressure/release principles. These horses have always been ‘controlled’ with the use of pain. They don’t give to pressure and have no understanding if you ask this of them. When you remove the pain (the bit), and replace it with a pressure (bitless bridle), they don’t respond because they don’t understand. The pressure/release principle is exactly as it sounds, the rider applies a pressure, the horse responds, the rider releases the pressure. All young horses should be taught this as it's an absolutely fundamental skill that every horse needs. Unfortunately horses will usually do what a human wants if pain is applied. This can seem a faster route than training, so some horses have spent their whole life being 'controlled' with pain without being taught basic life skills.
Some people don’t ‘release’ pressure. These can be beginners, or nervous riders who hang on tightly to the reins out of fear. These riders can confuse the horse because there is no clear release, and sometimes the rider applies random rein pressures that don’t mean anything, further confusing the horse. These riders need help with their riding skills and confidence from a riding instructor who is familiar with bitless bridles. Another category is those who always ride with contact. Traditional English riding requires a constant contact on the horses’ mouth and riders become accustomed to always having pressure on the reins. In these situations the horse is not getting the 'release' when the bitless bridle is used. In the first category it’s the horse that requires some training and in the second category it’s the rider that needs some training. Sometimes it's a combination of both the rider. I help people in their transition to bitless bridles by working with both the horse and the rider for this reason. It is not necessary to use pain to control horses and be safe while riding them. Using a bitless bridle is a wonderful alternative for those who want to ride pain free. The transition to bitless riding can be instant, or can take some time and training. But the end result is the same in both circumstances, a happy horse and rider.
Happy Horses Bitless
Considerate Horsemanship
Lismore, NSW, Australia
Ph: 0401 249 263
Email: suzy@happyhorsesbitless.com
Facebook: Happy Horses Bitless Bridles