Bitless bridles

horseplay · 02-19-08, 08:18 PM

Does a horse absolutely need a bit or can a bridle without a bit work as well? I feel so bad putting that piece of metal into the horse's mouth.

purplefdu · 02-22-08, 04:39 PM

Yes they can use bitless bridles, although it will take more training for your horse as well as quieter hands from you. However I have never found a horse that felt that put out by wearing a bridle since the bit rests in an empty area of their teeth anyway. Since most people should be riding in a plain snaffle or curb bit its not much of an issue since it doesn't even put much pressure on the horse's mouth.

There are a couple different types of bitless bridles and even a neck strap which can be used to ride a horse without a bit.

**alexis** · 02-24-08, 11:03 PM

How much more time is needed to train them? As I figure it would depend on the horse being stubborn or not just a curious thought here.

horseplay · 02-25-08, 10:23 AM

I would think it would need a gentle horse to begin with. I'd love to train one to not need the bit though. I guess I just think, if I wouldn't like it, he wouldn't either. But I forgot that the shape of the mouth is different.

02-19-08, 08:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
horseplay Member Join Date: 01-02-08 Posts: 50	Bitless bridles Does a horse absolutely need a bit or can a bridle without a bit work as well? I feel so bad putting that piece of metal into the horse's mouth.

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02-22-08, 04:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
purplefdu Member Join Date: 08-12-07 Posts: 236	Yes they can use bitless bridles, although it will take more training for your horse as well as quieter hands from you. However I have never found a horse that felt that put out by wearing a bridle since the bit rests in an empty area of their teeth anyway. Since most people should be riding in a plain snaffle or curb bit its not much of an issue since it doesn't even put much pressure on the horse's mouth. There are a couple different types of bitless bridles and even a neck strap which can be used to ride a horse without a bit.

02-24-08, 11:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
alexis Super-Moderator Join Date: 08-10-07 Posts: 329	How much more time is needed to train them? As I figure it would depend on the horse being stubborn or not just a curious thought here.

02-25-08, 10:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
horseplay Member Join Date: 01-02-08 Posts: 50	I would think it would need a gentle horse to begin with. I'd love to train one to not need the bit though. I guess I just think, if I wouldn't like it, he wouldn't either. But I forgot that the shape of the mouth is different.