halter w/ clip on reins vs. bitless bridle

Well, I've been using it with her for 2.5 years, and she seems pretty happy. Mostly I can turn her by just removing some slack from the rein. If she pushes her head into it, it creeps up, but she still handles left, right, stop, go just fine. I'm not interested in getting a particular headset, etc.

If need be, I can do one rein stops and pulley stops with it.

The cross-under types I tried didn't release pressure when I released the rein, so I don't use them. There are other types of bitless bridles, but some of them are scary.

If the horse is willing to obey you, you need very little to send a signal. If the horse gets more excited or scared, you need to send a stronger (harsher?) signal to break thru the background noise of their fear or tension. There are situations where a bit is more appropriate than bitless, but most general putzing around can be done with the bridle/halter I'm using.

But no one has to use it. It is an option, it is fairly cheap, lasts long and works fine as a halter too. I use a snaffle on my gelding instead, because he seems happier with a bit.

If you look at my "barn", you can see the horses ridden in a more typical fashion. I posted the picture I did because it is the only one I have close up.

Looks like you'd pull it right off the horse's head if the horse threw its head up in the air.

Here is a picture of my daughter riding one of our horses in his leather halter and the lead rope just tied around. At least with a good leather halter, you can adjust the chin/nose and crown so it fits more snugly. She's just riding him around the pasture.

To the OP:
I posted this on another thread, and am tired of writing it all out over and over! Here's my response.
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There are many types of bitless options out there to try if your horse resents the bit, but first of all- have your horse's teeth been checked/floated recently? Does your bridle fit correctly? Are there any sores in the mouth? Etc. Rule out pain first.

The simplest bitless option is a sidepull, and is much like riding in a halter. It's basically a noseband with rings on the side. It pulls on the bridge of the nose then pressure is applied to the reins. Picture: Google Image Result for http://www.galadriel.shaftnet.org/horses/duchess/jumping-hackamore.jpeg

The next step up from a side pull, in my opinion, is an indian bosal. These work much like a sidepull, but with added chin pressure. If you plan on getting one, just ensure that the rings the crossunder straps pass through are metal to reduce friction and give a quicker release. Picture: Google Image Result for http://www.horsegroomingsupplies.com/pictures/files/9/9/0/3/bosal2_022.jpg

Another option to consider is the crossunder bitless bridle. It works on nose, chin and poll pressure. It's a slightly stronger bridle. Sometimes the release is a little slow, so I don't suggest it for a horse in training, but it's up to you as an owner to decide. Picture: Google Image Result for http://tackguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/DSC00075-225x300.jpg

There is also the LG zaum bridle, which I haven't tried personally, but am working on aquiring. It basically works as a hackamore (next description) with very short shanks,and you can direct rein with it. Picture: Google Image Result for http://equineink.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/lg-bridle.jpg

The last basic option is a standard hackamore. Hackamores are not meant for direct reining, they are to be treated like a curb bit and only neck reined in. That being said, if you have a horse that neck reins consistently, go for it! Picture: Google Image Result for http://www.crossedsabers.com/images/Hackamore.jpg

There are of course many options for bitless riding, as you can see, and I urge you to try a few to see what works best for your horse. Good luck on your bitless journey!

Ook. Thank you everyone! Your responses were very helpful.

Side Pull Attachment
This is what I use. I just got it. When I got my mare, her previous owner rode her in a rope halter with rings like bsms's horse. But it's fairly old and stretched out, so it slid all over and up and down. Plus it was a disgusting shade of brown. Haha. I really like my headstall too, so this was a win-win. It's cheap and has the same effect as a rope halter.

She makes Indian bosals and just riding halters too.

Woah, there's one that matches my halter!

Also, you can email her and request to do 3 colours for the little attachment piece. I did and it turned out awesomeee. The picture doesn't do the brightness of the colours any justice.

That's awesome. Just realized I could probably macrame one myself. Hmm, do I have the patients and time for that, though?......

If you want to make one yourself, go for it! Just make sure you get appropriate rope and use the proper knots. I think blood knots would work for this?