I don't know anything about bitless bridles but I was wondering if they hurt the horse or not.
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Wow, what a big subject you've picked :-) Anything has the capacity to hurt a horse if used incorrectly. The arguments for/against bit/bitted are vast. Ok, let's make a start... http://www.bitlessbridle.com/MITM_review.pdf This is by Dr Robert Cook. Like all research etc. we must keep an open mind and look at the motivation. Robert Cook markets a bitless bridle, some love it, some don't.
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http://www.horseandrideruk.com/article.php?id=2784 This article contains some, in my opinion, false reasons against bitless (1) is the age old arguement about control i.e. you have less of it with bitless - this is nonsense. If you can't control your horse you shouldn't be riding it! It also states that insurance may not permit it, again nonsense, if that is the case, change the insurance company. The law is about "reasonable care and control"
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http://www.bitlessbridle.co.uk/bitless-bridle-faq.php source of information
: Don't forget, the dually is also a bitless bridle. When I asked Monty wh, if he is so against misuse of bits does he not stop riding in a bit altogether? He answered that you can get immense refinement and collection with the CORRECT and gentle use of a bit as the horse can detect the slightest request, this refinement may not be as sophisticated with a Dually but these are for ADVANCED techniques/stages and the Dually is perfectly suited for many as a bitless bridle.
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Hope that's a starting point :-0 It's a very hotly debated subject and I'm sure there will be many views.
Hi. I'd like to add to Vicci's post. The MOST important things to refine are your hands. Always use the least amount of pressure to get your result, whether it be a Dually from the ground or under saddle with a conventional bridle. Every horse/pony is different. Some will be trained - they may be well trained or they may be " coping with the humans as best they can ". If you've ever been slapped with a wet towel ( something that can occur in a playful situation at home ) you'll know that even the most common articles can cause pain & horse equipment is no different. Like Monty says a whip on a shelf will cause no pain. Likewise, a gun will never hurt anyone or anything until someone picks it up, loads it with bullets & fires it. Our responsibility is to ensure that we act in a violence free manner. Sorry - not a clear cut answer to your question but an answer none the less. Have fun. Cheers, Jo.
I think it all depends, my big man is happy in either. I compete/hack him in a sweet iron loose ring snaffle with a lozenge, we do dressage, showjumping & xc. But on saying this out hacking he starts to throw his head on the way home so (he's on a mission and doesn't like to stop) so I also ride him in a German hackamore if he's getting too bad with his snaffle, which seems to stop him throwing his head around so much.
As always though it's the hands that hold the reins and not having it correctly fitted that can do the damage.
I think it all depends, my big man is happy in either. I compete/hack him in a sweet iron loose ring snaffle with a lozenge, we do dressage, showjumping & xc. But on saying this out hacking he starts to throw his head on the way home so (he's on a mission and doesn't like to stop) so I also ride him in a German hackamore if he's getting too bad with his snaffle, which seems to stop him throwing his head around so much.
As always though it's the hands that hold the reins and not having it correctly fitted that can do the damage.