Copyright - 2003 Australian Equine Arts - ABN 19814 575 741 - All rights reserved. No part of these publications may be reproduced by any means whatsoever without the written permission of the publisher. The information contained within these web pages/articles is intended for information and educational purposes only. Readers are cautioned to seek expert advice from a qualified health professional and/or experienced Trainer before pursuing any form of treatment or training on their horses/animals. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or webmaster. |
Concern: The bridle does not appear to be providing instant release. With the Bitless Bridle, the initial "whisper of communication" is no more than a gentle squeeze therefore the need for immediate release is no longer paramount. The horse has not been punished and does not look for flattery and coaxing by way of reward. The partnership and trust between horse and rider was never breached. You may be concerned because you don't see any movement in the crossover pieces after rein pressure is ceased. In fact, there is no significant movement in the first instance. The crossover pieces do not function by sliding on the 'O' rings of the noseband, but by using the 'O' rings as a pivot. Some contact might linger after the aid has been achieved but this is no more than desirable for good horsemanship. The amount of pressure is trivial. Although the release is less urgent, there is, nevertheless, release. If there was no release, you might expect a horse to circle indefinitely. As with steering, so with stopping the 'brakes' do not get stuck in the stop position. |
BITLESS BRIDLE FACT SHEET - Questions & Answers |
How do I stop the crossover straps on the Bitless Bridle from twisting? The crossover straps will not twist if you make sure, at the start of your ride, that your reins are not twisted. You might find it helpful to place some marker on the reins in your hand to remind you which alignment is the correct one. If the reins are twisted at the level of your hands, the twist runs forward into the crossover strap area. All of the materials will do this but it is particularly likely to happen if you are using a swivel connection between the reins and the crossover strap. Heavy reins might also exaggerate this problem. |
Can the Bitless Bridle be Used for Driving? Short Answer: Yes. Long answer: Yes, because The fundamental principles of equine physiology which can be cited to demonstrate that use of the bit for riding is a mistake apply equally, if not more so, to driving. It is a mistake, for example, to use any method of communication, such as a metal in the mouth, which causes pain. Not only is this a mistake from the point of view of animal welfare but also with regard to the welfare of the rider or driver. An animal in pain cannot pay attention to instructions. Bits frighten horses and they run from pain. It is a serious and potentially dangerous mistake to frighten an animal as powerful as a horse. If a bit is in the mouth of a well-trained horse and the reins or lines from the bit are in the hands of a master horseman, perhaps such a situation is acceptable but only on the understanding that the bit is hardly used, if at all. But a method of communication that requires such finesse is not a method that can be recommended to the average horseman and certainly not to the novice. The bit is a method of communication that is too easily abused, albeit unintentionally in most cases. Research by Dr.Robert Cook has shown that the bit is responsible for causing over a hundred problems in equitation (see the evidence in articles available on the website at www.bitlessbridle.com ). Most of the problems can be classified under the heading of fear (manifested as nervousness, anxiety, a tendency to lather-up, and become 'hot'). But the pain of the bit frequently triggers flight (bolting, running-away, rushing, and restlessness) and also fight (resistance, arguments, bucking, rearing, and a general loss of that harmony between man and horse which is the basis of good horsemanship). The fourth 'F' is facial neuralgia (the headshaking syndrome, which includes muzzle rubbing, sneezing, snorting, head shyness, photophobia etc.,). In addition, the bit obstructs a horse's breathing (shortness of breath, 'roaring,' soft palate displacement, asphyxia, and bleeding from the lungs), causes premature fatigue (falls, stumbling, stresses and strains to the legs) and reduces performance. It physically damages the bone of the jaw at the bars of the mouth and is a frequent cause of exquisitely painful bone spurs at this site. Finally, the bit damages the teeth and causes both dental and TMJ pain. A more detailed indictment of the bit is available online at www.bitlessbridle.com. The Driver's Needs: The driver relies even more heavily than the rider on effective and safe (i.e., painless) communication with the horse's head. In the absence of any ability to control by seat and legs, the hand aids are of prime importance. Voice aids and discrete communication via the whip are supplementary aids but the rein is the only direct communication that the driver has for most of the time. The Driver's 'Advantage': Because the driver's feet can be stabilized on the dashboard, it is relatively easy for the driver, when using a bitted bridle, to throw the whole of his body weight against the horse's highly-sensitive mouth. The leverage provided by the long reins facilitates this process mechanically and further increases the intensely focused pressure on the bars of the mouth, tongue and lips. In reality, such an 'advantage' represents a liability, as it is far too easy to inflict severe pain. The Bitless Bridle Alternative: The two compelling advantages of the Bitless Bridle are that, first, it is virtually impossible to inflict pain. Secondly, partly because of this pain-free feature but also because of the head-hugging design of the bridle, it provides superior and comprehensive communication. The driver is safeguarded against the possibility that, in an emergency and albeit unintentionally, he might hurt the horse and precipitate a crisis. In driving, as in riding, Cook is of the opinion that accidents are less likely to happen if the bridle is bitless rather than bitted. Can the Bitless bridle be used for Showing? The current regulations for competition driving require the use of a bit. Until these regulations are amended, a Bitless Bridle will not be acceptable for FEI sponsored competitions. In due course, organizations will surely recognize that the Bitless Bridle is entirely compatible with their stated objectives of safeguarding the welfare of the horse and the safety of the discipline of driving. Accordingly, they will undoubtedly be eager to update their regulations to bring them into line with the advance in welfare that the Bitless Bridle offers. In the meantime, though the Bitless Bridle option is freely open to pleasure drivers, it is only partially open to competition drivers. Competition drivers and their horses cannot benefit from the full advantages of the Bitless Bridle during an actual competition. Nevertheless, drivers can choose to train their horses in the Bitless Bridle. Even though they have to revert to a bitted bridle for the competition, some of the advantages of the bitless training will carry over. For example, come the day of the competition, the horse will not have such a sore mouth and will not, for this reason, be so nervous, apprehensive and liable to spook. Product Availability: A Bitless Bridle headstall specifically designed for driving, as opposed to riding, is available in all sizes from draft to Miniature. In the first instance it will be available in black Beta material only. The headstall is designed in such a way that the driving lines can be attached to the rings of the crossover straps on the headstall, just as the riding reins now attach. In other words, drivers will use their own lines and also the rest of their standard driving harness. Every driving headstall will be provided with a throat latch but will not be provided with side checks. These can be added if a driver so wishes. User discretion must decide whether a side check should be added to the Bitless Bridle. Dr. Cook does not feel that such a device is essential, anymore than blinders are essential. How should a carriage horse be first introduced to the Bitless Bridle? The same general recommendations and guidelines apply as described in the current User Manual for the riding bridle. Similarly, the same reservations apply with regard to the prevention of accidents. Neither the Bitless Bridle Inc nor individuals can accept liability for any accidents that might occur during use of the bridle. Stage 1: Even though a horse may already be trained to drive in a bitted bridle, it should first be ground-driven in the Bitless Bridle. The ground-driving should commence in a restricted space until confidence is gained with regard to all the basic aids. Stage 2: The horse should be harnessed to a carriage but still driven in a small paddock rather than the open countryside. Stage 3: Regular use in open country but preferably in company with one other experienced and companion carriage horse Stage 4: First trials in company with multiple carriages and strange horses. Technical Support Dr. Cook has had minimal personal experience of carriage driving and does not regard himself as an expert in this field. Nevertheless, he is most willing to work with carriage drivers to help them in any way he can with their transition from bitted to bitless communication. He can be contacted by telephone in Chestertown, MD at (410) 778 9005. His e-mail address is drcook@bitlessbridle.com. A collection of Users' Comments about driving are available on the website www.bitlessbridle.com, click on the menu options for 'driving' and 'Standardbred racing and driving') and more will be added as these are received. Feedback is welcomed. Even though the huge amount of information currently installed on the website has been developed in relation to riding rather than driving, most of it is also relevant to driving. Drivers will find many answers to their questions already available online. |
Will I need a martingale with the Bitless Bridle? The martingale is only recommended as an aid in the early schooling of an utterly green horse. It may help, under these conditions, in encouraging an acceptable head set, though even here it is by no means essential or even required in every case. Otherwise, the martingale is not recommended. A mature horse that tosses its head when ridden in a bit will, in the great majority of cases, stop doing this when the bit is removed. So a martingale is unnecessary. |
How does The Bitless Bridle work for neck reining? Neck reining is a "taught" response. When the horse feels the rein on one side of the neck, it is taught to turn to the opposite. There is a very slight and subtle pressure applied to the bit on the same side as the rein is touching, but because this pressure is so subtle, the horse is trained to ignore it. Likewise, our bridle exerts subtle pressure on the entire side of a horse's head when neck reining. Since the pressure is spread over such a large area it is even subtler than the pressure from a bit. Therefore the Bitless Bridle can be effectively used with neck reining. In addition, unlike other "bitless" tack, our bridle still provides a very positive brake if you must stop quickly. While that may sound hard to believe, the following is a typical testimonial from a customer that tried it on his horse after asking the same question as you have. "Who says you can't teach an old horse new tricks? I've got a 12 year old Quarter horse gelding named Zanegrey who is great in every way. He's got a wonderful mind and is the best, most reliable companion for every task on the ranch we lease. His only knock was that he was a little "pokey".....not anymore! I've been using a hackamore on him mainly because we ride up into the high country to check fence, open irrigation and sort cows and while I'm busy I want to let him graze without worrying about him choking on a bit! I also dislike bits in general but to my amazement, I have found that I've been holding him back all this time? The headstall fit perfectly and I immediately noticed a change in Zane's response! He's ready, willing and more than able to get going, it's like he's born again! He acts like a horse half his age and is so eager but I still retain full control at all times. His breathing is more regular and seems more focused while under saddle. I can't thank you enough, this is a wonderful product and the quality is top notch. I purchased the heavy leather version, it is well made in every respect and I can tell that it will hold up for years to come. I've got to also thank Christina for showing me your product, I in turn will now show my new Bitless Bridle to all my friends! My ranching partner even noticed a difference in Zane..... It was the best 2 hours I've had riding in years and now I really look forward to getting under saddle whether for work or for play.....Wow!" Finally, be aware of our warranty. If for any reason you don't like the way our bridle works, return it within the first 30 days and get your complete money back. |
Will the Bitless bridle enable me to achieve sufficient poll flexion? Yes, the Bitless Bridle will provide all the poll flexion you require. But perhaps I should phrase this differently. The point is that if you wish to achieve true collection, which includes but is not limited to poll flexion, you should strive to do this through seat and legs, rather than by means of your hands. By degrees, with the emphasis on seat and legs, your horse will develop the necessary strengthening of its muscles so that 'self-carriage' will be achieved. Self-carriage comes from hind-end impulsion and a roundness of the spine. Appropriate poll flexion is part of this roundness. False collection, limited to poll flexion only and achieved simply by rein pressure alone, is not true collection. Sadly, because the bit is painful, it is rather easy to achieve false collection by hand aids. . All this is explained much better than I can explain it by Dr. Jessica Jahiel. I strongly recommend that you visit her website at www.horse-sense.org and carry out a search on the word 'collection.' Archive # 3872 for example, provides a good answer to the question "Can an endurance horse go 'round'?" If you search her archives you will find a wealth of good advice on collection and many other matters. To summarize, forget about the phrase "on the bit." With the Bitless bridle, your horse can be "on the bridle" or, more correctly, "on the aids." Good dressage performances can be achieved with the Bitless Bridle... in fact better than those achieved with a bit in your horse's mouth. Before too long, we hope that the FEI rules will be updated to embrace the advance in equine welfare that the Bitless Bridle provides. |
