Horseback riding typically includes using a bit to control your horse. Some horses have problems with bits, however, and for these horses, a bitless bridle can be the answer.
Bits Can Cause Pain for Horses
Some horses just don’t accept a bit well, no matter how gently used or how well-fitted it is. The horse’s reactions may range from putting his tongue over the bit or constantly mouthing the bit, to head-flipping or constantly holding his head above or behind the bit.
Other horses have been mistreated by hard-handed riders, creating a tough mouth and resistance to control. And unfortunately, too many have been abused by rough training and wickedly harsh bits, leaving them with injured mouths and a fear of contact with any bit.
There is also a movement to “go natural,” which considers any sort of bit unnecessary. Equine veterinarian Dr. Robert Cook, a major proponent of bitless bridles, believes that a bit not only causes stress and pain, but interferes with a horse’s breathing.
Types of Bitless Bridles
There are several types of bitless bridles, some new and some traditional:
- Sidepull bitless bridles
- Cross-under bitless bridles
- Hackamores and bosals
This article specifically discusses sidepull bridles.
What is a Sidepull Bitless Bridle?
A sidepull bridle works somewhat like a halter. Reins attach to rings on the noseband, letting a rider steer the horse using either a direct rein (pulling in the direction you want to go) or western-style neck reining.
Any rider who has hooked a rope onto halter rings to ride knows that good steering doesn’t always lead to good stopping. A sidepull bridle differs from a halter by having a close-fitting cavesson, which usually has a stiffened portion over the nose. This can be anything from a thicker piece of leather to stiff rope, and the increased pressure leads to better control.
Instead of a throatlatch, sidepull bridles often have a specially fitted strap that curves closely around the horse’s jaw and helps keep the bridle in place.
Advantages to a Sidepull Bridle
Sidepull bridles can be good for horses that:
- Have had facial injuries or have dental problems. A sidepull will avoid mouth pain and the resulting fear.
- Are young and just being started under saddle. A horse learning to carry a rider’s weight won’t need to deal with a bit in his sensitive mouth at the same time.
- Resist accepting the bit, whether from previous abuse or some other reason.
- Don’t like pressure on the poll, which is how cross-under bitless bridles work.
- Well-trained horses with inexperienced riders. The new rider will have good control without ruining the horse’s mouth.
Cautions when Using a Sidepull Bridle
As with any training aid, sidepull bridles will work for many horses but not others. Bridle fit and common sense need to come into play as well. Here are some situations to watch out for:
- Horses that flip their heads to evade the bit. They may do the same to evade the nose pressure of a sidepull bridle.
- Poorly fitting cavesson (nose piece). If it is too loose, the bridle will pull too far across the horse’s nose when steering. If it’s too high or low on the face, it will either not give enough control, or will be too harsh.
- Too-stiff rope on the nose, which can cause pain and injury. Use a sheepskin cover to cushion it.
- Heavy hands on a sensitive horse. While better than a bit, a horse can still become desensitized learn to ignore a sidepull.
- Competitive dressage horses. Bits are still required for dressage competitions in most countries. Bitless users suggest training a few days a week with a bitless bridle and a few days with the bit, and then showing in a bit as required.
Sidepull bridles can be a great alternative to bits. It can be worth taking the time to try one – you may have a happier, more responsive horse as a result.
Read Crossunder Bitless Bridles for more information.
Sources
- Ambrosiano, Nancy. “All About Bitless Bridles,” Equus, March 1999.
- Beck, Andy. “Bitless, Treeless and Barefoot,” Horsetalk.co.nz, 2 Aug 2010.
- Bonner, John. “Seeking to Remove a Source of Serious Discomfort for Horses,” Veterinary Practice, Feb 2010.
- “On the Bit(less) Bridle: A Comparison, equineink.com, 2 Aug 2010.
Jennifer Jensen - Jennifer Jensen is an Indiana writer just returned from a lovely few years in County Cork, Ireland. She has been the Feature Writer for ...
Join the Conversation