Here’s some advice to ensure you get it right if you go bitless with your horse.

If you’ve ever wondered whether going bitless could improve your horse’s way of going and comfort, there’s no reason not to give it a go.

For many, going bitless has transformed their riding and they would never chose to ride their horses with a bit again.

There are lots of reasons why you may chose to ride your horse in a bitless bridle – perhaps he has a mouth injury which means wearing a bit is painful, or he’s extremely sensitive in the mouth.

For many owners they believe, from a welfare point of view that removing the need for a bit is quite simply a kinder way to ride.

However, going bitless isn’t for every horse and it’s important to remember that it’s not a replacement for good riding and training.

A bitless bridle, removes pressure from your horse’s mouth and depending on the type of bridle you use will place pressure on different parts of his head.

The benefits of going bitless

  • A more forward going horse with greater freedom of movement
  • Improved jumping technique thanks to increased freedom of movement in their head and neck
  • A happier and more willing horse
  • Better communication
  • Improved contact and connection
  • Teaches you to ride from your seat and legs making you less reliant on controlling your horse from you reins

Introduce your horse to a bitless bridle in an enclosed space

Introducing a bitless bridle

If you’re keen to give bitless riding a go, although most horses adapt to wearing one quickly, it can take a while to adjust to the feeling you have riding without a bit.

We’d recommend riding in an enclosed arena to begin with. Taking the time to practice stopping, starting and steering just in walk will help build you and your horse’s confidence before you up the pace and venture out of the arena.