We rode bridle-less today (with video)

If you want to put more buttons on your horse, I would add a neck string. I've seen a lot of bridle-less riding done without one (I've tried it as well), and although you can control a horse to go in circles, changes of lead, gait, etc.--there is no finesse. There is no bend. I use the neck string to have separate control of the front end--if you want things to get more technical, then you're going to need more 'buttons'.

As for his hind end, he looks very lackadaisical at the trot and canter/lope. I would start posting, push him into a nice working trot to get those legs to move under him--and THEN start to collect it into a jog. Same for the canter. He's also falling onto his forehand during downhill transitions, but I'm sure my paint would too 90% of the time bridleless because it's easier. ;)

Proves there's nothing 'magical' about bridleless--just takes good training! Now it's time to work on finesse. ;)

He is not cross firing but he was counter cantering. Very nice horse and way of going. Good job with him.
Without shoes it is hard to interfer.

Horses can still very much interfere without shoes.

To me it appears he is sore. Right front or left rear. The head bob every couple of strides. Could be why he was not loping correctly.

he just gorgeus , you have made a good job with him, keep it going and check conni, we are riding briddle less too, i will put in some pics and videos soon¨!!

Great job!! =]

cool as, you both look really relaxed. I love your saddle by the way.

Wow, I haven't checked this out in a while. Yes, I asked for a counter-canter in that video. Here are updated ones, even though they are a bit old. I decided to use a rein as a "neck string" and it worked rather well, I was able to control a lot more. ETA: at around 2:00 he took the wrong lead and I corrected him.

Great job! My arab does all sorts of circus tricks and upper level dressage but it takes finesse to be able to ride bridle less...Even though my horse is well trained, I think my horse would be like "I'm free!!!! Buck her off!" You should be very proud. Who cares if you get the wrong lead or whatever they are picking on.. you said it was like your second time? and in a "feel nothing" western saddle?! Pretty dang good...

Oh, they were 'picking on' nothing, haha. Understandably so, the first video was short (camera died) and nobody was able to see that I had asked for a counter-canter because we were working on cues instead of which direction of the circle we were headed. The second video I posted, directly above, was the fourth ride bridle-less and first time with a neck-string. Anybody can say whatever they want, but until they show me a video of them doing the same thing, I'll simply laugh.

Awesome! Your horse is frickin gorgeous! I hope one day my filly and I can have that kind of relationship!