For many of us, riding a horse on the bit is the standard and traditional way of riding. However, as the popularity of Natural Horsemanship increases, so has the use of bitless bridles. They´re considered to be more humane, therefore improving the communication between you and your horse. Though the idea of riding without a bit is a recent trend, people have been doing it for thousands of years. If you feel like its time to release and liberate your horse's mouth, this guide will give you all the information you need to choose the best bitless bridle for your horse.
Benefits of Riding Bitless
One of the main benefits of using a bitless bridle is that they're more comfortable, humane and less likely to injure your horse.
Removing the bit liberates your horse's mouth allowing them to breathe easier during exercise. It also improves their focus because they won't get distracted by chewing and playing on the bit. This chewing often stimulates the digestive process, as well as causing tension in the neck muscles and will ultimately hinder performance.
Using a bitless bridle will improve communication between you and your horse. It encourages you to focus on using all aids and to be less dependant on the bit for control.
Why Use a Bitless Bridle?
Aside from bitless being more kind to your horse, there are plenty of instances when using one will be the better option.
If your horse has a mouth injury, dental problem or sensitive mouth, then using bits may not be an option. Removing the bit is also a good way to give rest bite to a horse who has been treated too heavily on the mouth. Equally, its a good way to regain control of a horse who has developed resistance to the bit or developed rebellious bad habits against it. When training young horses without a bit, there is no risk of damaging or desensitizing delicate mouths. It also helps them to develop their response to other aids. If you enjoy trail riding then using a bridle without a bit lets your horse graze and drink comfortably along the way.
How Does a Bitless Bridle Work?
There are many different types of bitless bridles and each of them works in their own unique ways.
Instead of using pressure on the mouth with a bit for steering and control, they use pressure on different points of your horse's head and face. These points include the top of the head, jaw, cheeks and nose. Certain bridles will focus on only one of these points while others will use a combination of two or more. Some will use pressure to pull the horses into a direction, while others will use pressure to push the horse into a turn.
Do You Have The Same Amount Of Control With A Bitless Bridle?
It's a common misconception that you don’t have the same amount of control without a bit. In some cases, you may even have more control. Especially if your horse likes to play and take hold of the bit in his mouth.
Another common misconception is that bitless bridles are completely harmless. If they're not fitted correctly or used by hard, inexperienced hands, they can cause a lot of damage. Especially to the horse's delicate nose.
Using Bitless Bridles in Competitions
In some disciplines, such as show jumping and cross country, the use of a bitless bridle is widely acceptable. For others such as dressage, using a bit is still mandatory. You can still practice dressage bitless by using a bitless dressage bridle. It's better to check directly with the organizers and regulatory bodies for guidelines about competing in a bitless bridle.
Types Of Bitless Bridle
When it comes to describing the different types of bitless bridles, the word Hackamore is used a lot. This can be misleading as there is a big difference between a bitless bridle vs hackamore. Continue reading to find out the difference between a mechanical hackamore, natural hackamore, and the other types.
Riding Halter
A riding halter is the simplest of bitless bridles and a great piece of tack to have around. It's basically a standard halter that has special rings where reins can be attached. They're usually made from rope or nylon which has a loose, comfortable fit, and their size is easily adapted by tightening or loosening knots. A horse halter works directly on nose pressure.
Mechanical Hackamore
A Mechanical Hackamore has side shanks and works in a similar way to a curb bit. It applies pressure to the poll, nose and has leverage on the chin and jaw. It has a chin strap, chain, and shanks that come in various sizes, with the larger ones providing more pressure. T
hey're not suitable for training or with beginner riders as you can't direct rain. Mechanical Hackamores can yield quite severe pressure and can even damage and injure the horse's nose if not fitted and used correctly.
Natural Hackamore
The natural Hackamore is very different from the mechanical Hackamore. It's very gentle and only uses pressure on the nose when you ride. Their simple design and function are very similar to that of halters.
Crossover/Crossunder
The crossover/crossunder bridle directs your horse by applying pressure to the whole of your horse's head. This method is known as a “head hug” and it distributes pressure evenly to the nose, cheek, jaw and poll. This gives your horse lots of clear guidance, and you plenty of control.
Sidepull
The Sidepull bitless bridle is considered to be the kindest bitless bridle for your horse. It works mostly with pressure on the nose, but some do incorporate the poll and jaw. As the name suggests, you pull your horse from the side in order to change direction. The simple and gentle design makes it a great training bridle.
How to Choose The Right Bitless Bridle
When choosing bitless bridles for horses, it's important to take the following things into consideration:
Sensitivity
First, it's important to assess the sensitivity of your horse. The best bridle for sensitive horses are ones that have loose fittings and straps and don’t use excessive pressure such as the halter or Natural Hackamore. For stronger horses, you might want to opt for a bitless that offers a little bit more persuasion and control such as the crossover.
Experience
A well trained and well-ridden horse will respond to all aids and should work easily with every type of bitless bridle. For young horses in training, or horses that have become unresponsive to aids over the years, its best to start simple. Using a side pull bridle will help horses to listen and respond to other signals and make them less dependant on mouth control.
Usage
If you want to use your bridle for a certain activity then choose one that's suitable for that purpose. If you like trail riding for example, then a high quality horse halter or natural hackamore is perfect. It can double up easily for leading and tying up as well as allowing your horse to graze and drink freely. If you want to use your bridle in the show ring then there are plenty of elegant ones to choose from. You will find a huge range on the market to suit every discipline.
Material
Leather is always a choice material in the equestrian world. It's durable, comfortable, looks good and if maintained properly, leather bitless bridles will last a lifetime. They also come in synthetic fibers such as nylon and soft rope. These materials are easy to maintain as well as being durable. Though if you're using a rope bridle for long periods of time, they can rub on the skin so you may want to add extra padded noseband to prevent this. For your horse's comfort and your own safety, avoid buying a cheap bitless bridle.
The 4 Best Bitless Bridle Reviews
1. Justin Dunn Bitless Bridle
This leather bridle uses the side pull technique to control and guide your horse. Its elegant design gives it a professional appearance that's great for the show ring. You'll find strategically placed knots on the noseband to help with fitting and control. All of the buckles are made with stainless steel making this a durable, long-lasting bridle.
2. Challenger Horse Western Bitless Bridle
This brown, Western style, leather bridle from Challenger works with the side pull technique. It has a double layered noseband for extra comfort and durability. It's a great all-round bridle that looks great and can be used for general riding as well as training. It comes complete with matching brown reins.
3. Monty Roberts Dually Training Halter
This bridle is designed by the master of natural horsemanship himself, Monty Roberts. It is a highly versatile halter that can be used on the ground and for riding. It's left and right side rings let you rein on both sides, and the dual noseband and brass buckles, give it a very adjustable fit. It's made from double-stitched nylon making it durable and long-lasting. To help you get started, the bridle comes with an instructional DVD.
4. Wonder Care Genuine Leather Crossover/Crossunder English Bitless Bridle
This elegant leather bitless bridle is perfect for use in and out of the show ring. Its extra soft, padded noseband and brow band, provides extra comfort for your horse and it comes with durable, 3/4 leather reins. This bridle is easily adjustable and comes in four sizes so fitting shouldn't be a problem.
Our Favorite
Monty Roberts Training Halter
Products from Monty Roberts are guaranteed to be high quality, providing comfort and safety for your horse. He offers the best bitless bridles and is our number one choice. Not only is this tough and hard-wearing, but it also looks good, and is super versatile with its dual noseband. For an all-round bitless bridle that's kind to your horse then this is the best one you can put on your horse's head.
Conclusion
When it comes to horsemanship, things are going in a really positive direction. It seems like we're abandoning techniques of brute force and dominance as forms of training. Instead, we much prefer to communicate with our horses, negotiate with them and build strong and trusting relationships.
Choosing the best bitless bridle is a big step towards achieving this. Not only will abandoning the bit deepen your trust and relationship with your horse, but it will also improve your communication skills making you a better rider and owner.
