Uniek is such a special horse, even for a friesian! And an interesting historical insight: Knights in the middle ages had specially trained warhorses, normally the "Destrier"(spelling?) type, that were trained specifically to be ridden in battle without bits AND bridles; responding chiefly to the riders' leg and voice prompts! This was so the mounted warriors could have both hand free for their weapons and shields.
I think that Uniek likes to please you, Yvonne. She has worn ALL KINDS OF COSTUMES over the years and we have loved watching your relationship with this SPECIAL HORSE. Thank you for including us in your journey💖💖💖
I truly believe part of my healing from cancer has been the pure joy I experience watching Uniek and Yvonne and the whole stable. I imagine the wonderful scent of horses, the sounds are delightful, the scenery beautiful, the Dutch language so friendly! Mahalo nui loa - THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS!!!
I hate the bit with a passion! 😤 Thank you so much for doing that for Uniek and sharing it with us! It is heartbreaking for me to watch a horse being ridden with the bit, and frothing at the mouth, then not even offered water or anything to allow some comfort afterwards. In my opinion it's heartless. I realize that training in the beginning may be easier with one, but once you have gained the horses trust and love and they are aware of the routine. I just don't feel that the bit is necessary. That looked like it went very well to me, and I think you're right, it's just a matter of practice. You won't know unless you try, and be consistent.
Bitless riding is much gentler for the horse - with training and trust, no bit is needed. Thank you for the video. Hello from Boston, Massachusetts USA!
Depends on the bridle! I have had to ride in hacksmores that were much harsher than a snaffle bit (i was helping an instructor test to see which bridle worked best on a horse. I wouldn’t have done it on my own horse)
Agreed. Granted, the halter trained horses I rode had very nicely designed headgear, nothing painful, chafing or upsetting l, and once you get to ride a horse that way, it's hard to go back to riding with a bit, you just feel like you're being a little mean (after all, isn't taking the bit out of a horses mouth after a ride and watching them wriggle their lips n tongue in comfort one of the best parts of a ride? Even well loved horses that are used to bits still remind me of a woman coming home after a long day and slithering out of that bra before the front door closes.... sheer comfort). No, not every horse will respond well to halter training, but I try to seek out out when I look for a stable now. So great just to see will cared for horses, though (and I'm partial to the confirmation of sturdier breeds, from Gypsy Vanner/Irish Cob up to Friesians and Clydesdales... they seem an ideal mix of strength, height and beautiful proportions).
@@cynsini9211 Yes!!! Gypsy Vanners are my favorite breed for everything from their confirmation to their temperament to their beautiful manes and feathers
@@hayleymarse2853 Nobody means a hackamore with bitless. A hackamore is not gentle, you can break the horses nose with 5ja5 crap. NO IRON on the horses face. Bitless is like she rides or just with a rope halter or a side pull, but without iron.
@@cynsini9211 Sorry, I disagree. We tried it with different horses, different breeds and if you learn it right, EVERY horse goes better bitless. And bits are torture tools.
I still to this day never use a bit, unless absolutely necessary. I herd cattle with just bridle and reins. And most of the time when I trail ride its with nothing, just hold his mane and use a bit of pressure from my knees and heels for direction. No saddle, nothing. As long as you are completely bonded with your horse and there is that trust between the two of you, it's amazing what you can accomplish with so little ❤ I will add I'm from Oklahoma in the United states. I'm in the heart of indian territory and we still follow the same practices and techniques as they did many many years ago. 😊
I know nothing about horses and riding and bits and halters, but everytime I see a horse battle with that thing in it's mouth pressing it's tongue down, looks like to me🙄, I feel sooooo sorry for them, I don't know how people can do to animals what they won't tolerate themselves. Same with a collar and lead around a dog's neck, nò human would like that, or a steel ring through a bull's nose, or a damn noisy bell around a goat's neck, imagine the cònstant noise close to your ears! I think humans get away with it, because an animal can't say help me please, it hurts! 🤦♀️
Can be good for ex=racehorses who have become either over sensitive or “dead” in the mouth. Surprising how much better they go when they are not panicking
I love seeing a horse being ridden without a bit. Much more pleasant for the horse, I’m sure and shows superb trust and communication between horse and rider. You two are a joy to watch. 😊
It becomes less about control and more about cooperation, using feet and knees, even the sound of the voice rather than bite. It's more subtle and takes some time to get used to for both you and the horse but look at you: fantastic! you make a great team.
When I first tried it felt like lack of control aswell. Then I tried only with cordeo and had no control whatsoever. But I started working on my seat and leg position, I always used voice so it ended up with somewhat listening horse on cordeo and horse that listens as much in bit as in halter. Just matter of releasing the reins more, but my horse is collected by nature, releasing reins when horse does something right teaches that its correct thing to do
I learned to ride bareback first, then western & dressage. A couple of years later I moved temporarily to the west coast (USA) from the Midwest, and was taught to ride bareback and bitless. You're right about the subtlety, and the reciprocity between horse and rider. My horse taught me so much.
I’m struck by how much I wish I could have ridden bit less. Seems so much more humane instead of putting a steel bar in their mouths. Midway she seems more relaxed, neck lower, stretch good. Good work both of you.
Uniek is such a good horse. You can see her concentrating and doing her best. She tracks up so well, especially at the trot. And she keeps looking for contact with the bit, trying to communicate with her rider. It's so sweet the way she follows you, Yvonne.
I wish that all horses could be ridden this way. That is true horsemanship and a testament to both the rider and the training of the horse. LOVE it I do understand the value of the bit, especially in asking the horse to bring their heads down. Sadly, so many poor horses are tortured by harsh hands, and badly fitting bits.
I never miss a 1st-time bitless ride video, the expressions on the horse's faces are priceless, however, Uniek doesn't seem surprised at all which is equally as interesting.
My horses were a little bit strong at first with a bitless bridle. But after they warmed up to it, they all became far more supple and "gumby". When I switched back to using a bit, they were all much more soft and responsive. It's a great training tool.
Barbara, The Queen is not easily impressed.... Sometimes literally.... Hard to imagine a horse like that, as my Dad worked with race horses and polo ponies, which have considerable "temperament" in many cases... She is such a good mare, even if a touch stubborn on the rare occasion! But I believe she would never let her owner down.... I digress! Am such as fan of The Queen!! Lisa in Los Angeles. 🌏🇦🇺🐨. ☮️💞🐎. 😷
@@lisaaslanis690 Well, you're correct in my view. The Queen is quite the pampered fouling mare, they all are. If I was a pampered mare my owner would also know my every intention and I'd know their's😀
I used to ride my horse often without a bridle when I was younger. We used to go out outrides with a group just for fun. This was 35 years ago. So quite a long time ago. It just felt more natural and was fun. Bareback with no bridle.
Loved this video. My sister and I frequently rode our quarter horses with bit less halters. Our mares were so sweet and well trained, like Uniek. I love how she holds her head and neck in position. She is an absolute love💜
During my natural horsemanship training, there were some ladies who usually rode with bitless bridles. In NH riding, the rope halter can become the only bridle the horse wears or it can be a transition to another type of bridle. Some people like to use the bitless bridle so we all had a lesson with them. The one I chose was much like the style in this video but I note there are so many styles. However, there seem to be some differences even with ones that appear the same. The one I used had its noseband sitting further down the horse's nose below the swell. The reins crossed below the teeth rather than below the cheek muscles. I only understand a little about the design and due to there being many designs, they are all different in the way they apply pressure and to which parts of the head. I hope you go on to have good success with this bridle. Learning liberty riding is a heady awesome experience and really brings the rider back to earth and forces them to let go of any ego they carry. Because as they say "once you remove the tack all you have left is the truth". And that would be on both the horse and rider. That is honesty and trust in its simplest form.
Greetings from the United States, where I happen to support the use of bitless bridles, and I actually prefer one designed by Jesse Drent and Eva Roemaat in the Netherlands. I would not use a bitless bridle in all cases, but would definitely prefer bitless on a well trained horse I know and trust. It does take a period of acclimation, especially for someone who has been riding in accord with FEI guidelines. But once both the horse and rider are used to it, the bitless bridle is so much kinder to the horse.
I loved watching you guys ride bitless! Equestrians are now quite concerned with the "bit" and are trying out (as you) what they and the horse feel without one. It certainly does seem a more natural way to ride, but what to do with a more untrained headstrong horse... I think it's a good thing. Like when people thought children needed to be beat to behave, which is a bad idea. Perhaps horses don't "need" bits to behave and have the motivation to do well? I will watch for progress on this with horses and riders... :) Thanks for another good video!
Very good! It looks like 2 successful rides without any problems. 🤩 Native Americans rode - extremely well! - without bits or spurs up to modern days. Though not dressage riders, they are still recognized as some of the best working riders when it comes to direction and control, without inflicting such things on their 4-legged companions. I am happy to be among those who have been educated that such implements are not needed to successfully, and comfortably, ride most horses [those who were trained, but not already abused and damaged, by humans].
I used to ride my horse "bitless" all the time. It is called a hackamore bridle. Basically, it puts more direct pressure on the horse's face (nose, side of the face, or chin) and creates a direct response. For example, if you pull back on the reins, the nose piece tightens on the horse's nose, making them want to stop. A hackamore saves from damage from a bit to the mouth by a person who is "hamfisted" or too rough. A hackamore can damage the nose with a person like that as well, even moreso than with a bit - those pressure points hurt like hell when the rider is too heavy-handed. Most of the time, with my horse, I rode him with a hackamore and a bareback saddle. He was also a very well-trained horse, and I trusted him like you do with Uniek, 100%. He "listened" to my body and my voice, even more than with a bit or hackamore.
Oh how I love the way Uniek holds her ears back and turns her head to the other side for you, to put on her new Bitless reins, and the she stays when you tell her too, just like Bauke teaching Dieuwke . ❤
Uniek looks so calm. Like she’s saying whatever. I can’t get over how she let you put the different bridle no. My horse is melodramatic and snots and blows trying to put his head so high I can’t reach. He is a drama queen!
Maybe he doesn't like a bit and you should try bitless. LOL. I know Elisa Wallace trains her horses to put their heads into their halters when she walks into their stalls and presents it (and maybe bridles) by holding a treat where they have to put their head into the halter to get it and then rewarding with lots of scratches and praise when they do. Just thought I'd pass that along.
Such a gentle patient sweetheart. Uniek is a kind-hearted beauty. Love this video. Riding bitless is so kind and a gift to the horses. I hope you keep doing it. Thanks for sharing.
I love bit less, I think it gives the horse the opportunity to please and pay attention more to what you're asking it to do. It builds your relationship. You become one.
Oh, how wonderful to see that you too are going bit less. I bought a bit less bridle from Jesse Drent and both my ster Friesian and the Friesian Percheron I lease can use the same bridle because it is so adjustable. Both of my horses seem to like the bit less better than the bit bridle.
We had a horse from a previous owner who was unpredictable for them. In fact they named her “Caution”! We changed her to a bit less and she was a love-no problem-very gentle and sweet. Best horse I ever had.
Thank you so much; I don’t know anything about any horses but I’m learning so much from these videos and the comments and replies. I came across the channel by chance and was captivated by the beauty of these magnificent creatures 😍
I really love that! I’ve not seen a bit less bridle before. When I was younger we used to ride with halters. I think the horse must enjoy this more too💕
Watching her movements is a joy. Everything is so beautifully done. I’ll never be able to ride one of these glorious horses, but seeing them ridden with you is just as good. Thank you.
🌿 ❤️🏇 Love seeing how attentive Uniek is with her surroundings while at the same time staying relaxed with the riders. When in the arena, you can tell that Uniek wants to do her best with no matter who is with or rides her. What a great follower that Uniek is with everybody. Always enjoy watching Uniek with how she makes her trot and canter look so graceful & easy.🏇 For the first time, I believe both Yvonne, the other rider & Uniek did a great job with the bitless bridle. I can just imagine what it must be like to be around or ride a horse as beautiful as Uniek is in all that she does. Awesome teacher for the riders & the younger horses. This video is worth watching again & again. Thanks Yvonne for sharing. 🌿🌈🤗💜 Lynn 🇺🇸 ❤️💚❤️🐎🌿🦋
So pleased to see you are trying Bitless Bridles. I never liked seeing bits in a horses mouth. I would not like one in my mouth. Thank you for posting.
My ex barrel horse I could ride with nothing but halter and no bit. He was ex barrel horse from Calgary, AB Canada stampede, Quarter horse with maybe some mustang blood lines. Miss him. He died while back 2012-13. Billy was over 35+ yrs old before he died. But beautiful horse you have there. She beautiful. Nice black coat. Almost black as Morgan Legend I also has for bit before he died too :(
@@literallyagodactually9763 Howdy! LOL [hey, might as well use our 'national greeting' -- ok, a Texas history joke and my own nerdiness presenting itself]. Things are good. How are you? I'm guess you're from the same area?
Rachel R Houston’s PD ain’t all that close actually, I live up by Humble but yea. It’s great that you’re day’s going good man. And I’m doing good too dude, have a good day.
Such. Big Love between the two of you!!!!!!!I Love that you are riding Uniek bit less!!!!!! Such a Beautiful Video to watch!!!!! Thank You!!!! 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖🦋💖🦋🦋💖💖
A well trained horse will do fine in one, and welcome the relief to their mouth not being banged by a bit. And yes, there is getting 'used to all things' with horses, why the safest practices is - on the ground first, in the saddle second!' Next on the list...going barefoot! My guy has been barefoot for 13 years. It's all doable, and needs education, and supportive work! Glad you are all experimenting with bitlessness now. Keep going, but start on the ground with less fully cooperative, or trained ones! Once they get how the cues are from the headstall vs their mouth, they will give to you with such appreciation !
Its Bitless riding. It works just like a normal bridle but without the unnecessary piece of metal in your horses mouth. If you can lead a horse in a halter on the ground, you can ride bitless. No more bits for me ❤ I love your Friesians. I cant find many channels about them.
Both you and Unike did well without the bit, I don't like bits either. The headband looks good I her. I also love hearing you talk, of course with subtitles in English. Good video, thank.😍❤️
I love the look and idea of bitless bridles. Unique is very well trained but also very strong. For an experienced rider such as yourself this should not be a problem as she trusts you very much. For an inexperienced rider it could go bad.
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 just beautiful the trust between you both. Brings tranquility and relaxation just to witness poetry in motion Thank You very much for sharing 🌹
Sending you a Good Morning from Rhodeisland! Going "BITLESS" is "PRICELESS"!! When you were trotting I caught myself bobbing up & down to your rhythm!! THANK YOU for another smile inducing video!😁
This is what I call beauty. Riding bitless and show how a horse and rider trusts each other. Also shows you don't need all that head gear to strap the horse down and try to control every movement. So this is awesome to watch.
Thank you for having an open mind about bitless bridles. It really is the future, I believe, as we humans evolve and learn that we don't have to dominate all other creatures and use cruel methods for our own purposes.
I know NOTHING about horses except for watching breeds I love & Friesians are my favorite & this one is clearly a lover. I've always wondered about controlling a horse via a piece of metal in their mouth!
I would absolutely LOVE to ride a Fresian Horse one day! They are so beautiful and seem to be smoother to ride vs other horses! Uniek is just GORGEOUS!!
Oh, how beautiful, beautiful Is she. You are so blessed. I would love to ride horses like that. 🐴🐎 thank you so much for this video. I really enjoyed it.
