Monte in his new bitless bridle

Just thought I would post a pic of my gorgeous TB. Can't believe I just brought a bitless bridle (light rider) for a horse that had its last race start may this year!! But he worked awesome in it Popped it on last night to let him get the feel of it, and it took him 5 mins and he was fine. Where I agist there is a huge arena that the race horse people from down the road use sometimes, they were barelling around this morning, usually monte is quiet anxious about them, they didn't even get a glance this morning, I think he is quiet happy with his new gear Will be interesting to see how he goes on the trail rides, a good canter up a hill while we sit behind will be interesting...

So can't wait for our Carlos Tabernaberri clinic in less than 2 weeks now!!!

I have ridden my mare for 7yrs. Without a bit, I find she responds better without one. I got a biteless bridle from nutural about 1 1/2 yrs. Ago and I love it! When we trailer our horses out I don't have to worry about a halter to take along and when we stop for lunch she can graze easily. About 1 1/2 yrs. Ago I trained her to hobble on one front leg and now I just hobble her and I can eat my lunch in peace....

Wow I can't believe how responsive Monte is in it, he has adjusted to it beutifully well. Got a good test out over the weekend when we came across a scary pony and cart!!!. Also Thunderspark, I found how good it is not having to have seperate halter. Friend and I decided o a short trip down the road the other day, didnt take halters as was just a quick down the rd and back. However she ended up having a fall and had to call ambulance cause of suspected broken ankle. Luckily I was able to unclip the reins to make long enough roped to tie both horses up (she's got same bridle) while I dealt with her. Then when agistment people come in float to pick horses up there was no problems with getting halters and stuff.
Im a convert LOL, and I was defiatly a bit apprehensive about it, but shows you give things ago and you may be suprised by the result.
Luckily my friend is ok, ankle is lot of pretty colors and soft tissue damage. The poor girl is supposed to be doing a clinic with me this weekend but has now had to cancel, great timing to hurt yourself :(

It's real handy being able to unclip the rein so you can tie up! My mare is real responsive with the bitless or even her halter. Alot of people are really apprehensive about riding without a bit but I've always said if a horse is going to bolt they will do it with or without a bit, everyone says you have no control over your horse but I've seen some so bad with a bit but my mare behaves beautifully.....I have never rode with a bit and probably never will....

:) Really impressive, love it.

He looks great in his new headgear! Glad it is working so well for you.

I have been looking at that brand of bitless bridle. I was planning on getting just the nose piece so I could use it on my regular bridles. May I ask what prompted you to go this way? In my case, I`ve got a horse who has a low palette and doesn`t find bits that comfortable plus she is very responsive to the aids.

I started looking into it when I decided to do a Clinic with Carlos Tabernaberri who rides bitless. At first I thought I better give Monte a go , riding in halter as I didn't wnt to get to clinic and try it for first time! He normally plays with the bit non stop which keeps him a bit distracted, with the halter he had nothing to play with and I was amazed at how much more relaxed he was. He is pretty laid back but takes 10 mins or so to settle and start listening , now without the bit he walks off nice and relaxed straight away.
After researching it I found a lot of endurance riders go bitless, and I want to get into endurance, it ables the horse to drink properly at water spots, helps there overall breathing, and I figure I wouldn't like metal in my mouth for 5 hrs plus.
I then went to equatana and spoke to Cynthia Cooper (desighner of lightrider) and then spoke to just another shoper in the store that was buying one , he had been riding in them for a couple of years and he pretty much talked me into it LOL Cynthia should have had him on commission!!!

Well, Maz, you too should get a commission for a good sales job

My first horse (many many years ago now) was off the track and she had that bit chomping thing going on. Once I started riding her bitless all the time as I did trail riding with her I also noticed that it made a big difference in her serenity.

I don't do endurance but pack in a lot and found they have more wind without a bit plus its just easier.