I agree wholeheartedly with the idea of using a bitless bridle on lesson horses. So many riders learn that the bit controls the horse *sigh Good for you Callie! I bought the Micklem multi bridle for my daughter and found it to be the best as it is so versatile with different levels of control. Well worth the money.
Another great video, Cali, I am so so happy that you cover bitless bridles from time to time and help normalize using them. Your channel helped me when I was just starting out and definitely helped give me the confidence to ride bitless for the first time. I now only ride bitless with my thoroughbred and he has never been more relaxed and happy! One of my favorite channels on youtube by far!
A bitless bridle is a big improvement for the horse, in unexperienced hands especially, but using a rope halter, that only applies direct pressure, is still a better choice. It is harder for the rider but in the end it will make them better and improve their riding skills. The delay in the release with this type of a bridle is an issue since the horse's reward is the release and it needs to be timed correctly to communicate effectively with the horse. Any squeezing action is needless. If you can control the horse in a halter on the ground, it shouldn't be any different while on it's back. I wish this would be taught in riding schools to all new riders as it would make the world more understanding and kinder to horses.
Oh thanks for this! This is exactly what I was thinking. I know my hands aren't super steady and my horse on top of that doesn't easily take the bit (More experienced riders have tried and struggled) So it is so clear when you pay attention to the horse that bitless bridles(especially side pulls and halters) are simply better and softer whether you have good hands or not. I struggle to understand why big bits are the norm and bitless is seen as weird or just not as effective when they are better for the horse.
Thanks for the video abpout bitless! I hope more riders try it. I know not all horses like it, but I have found when they do like it, they really like it:) Karen Rohlf at Dressage Naturally makes a wonderful bitless bridle. I do not care for the Dr Cook. I dislike the pressure around the head and completely agree with what you said about it not giving enough release.
I also don't like this particular style and have ridden bitless at least 20 years. I don't like the non-release as you mentioned. Plus my horse threw her head straight up every time there was any pressure on those under straps. I will ride in a rope halter hackamore, a little S hackamore, or a sidepull. I've started almost all my horses in a sidepull. Good on you for going bitless when you can.
I used to ride my horse in the Dr Cook bridle, but with no relase, he got angry with the contant pressure around his head. I have switched him to a mechanical hackamore and he actually likes that, but I am working on getting him into a sidepull-that is taking a bit of time, but making progress.
Bitless doesn't necessarily mean soft. A bitless bridle like that one, which gives no release, is actually hard on a very sensitive area. As you yourself said, this one doesn't give enough release but there are plenty others that do. I would never put a student on any horse with the Cook bitless...
I just ordered the Waldhausen Cavesson for my Shire mare; it has a feature that allows one to add a bit to this bridle. I have not ridden with a bit bridle so do not know the difference. I have a Nalanta bitless bridle for my Ster Friesian.
The concerns that the bitless bridle is control in dangerous, out of control moments! The bit applies the necessary pressure to regain control when a horse losses it’s ability to handle a situation! In controlled environments it’s seems to be acceptable?!?!?
