Gentle and Effective: Bitless Riding Made Easy

Why Ride Bitless?

Riding a horse without a bit can be done for various reasons. For example, the bitless bridle has proven itself as a temporary solution if the horse has dental problems or pain in the tongue, gums or mouth. It is often used in the training of young horses to keep the horse's mouth sensitive for as long as possible.

Every horse is an individual and many have unique anatomical features that need to be taken into account when selecting and fitting equipment, especially bits. If the restrictions for a real bit are too great, it may be advisable to try a bitless bridle.

1. Some horses have naturally larger or thicker tongues. A bit that leaves too little room or exerts too much pressure on the tongue can lead to discomfort, resistance or even pain for the horse.
2. If a horse's mouth is relatively short, the space available for a bit may be limited. A bit that is too wide or thick can rub at the corners of the mouth or generally cause pressure and discomfort.
3. Horses with a low palate may have problems with certain types of bits, especially those with high ports or a strong arch, as these leave too little room for the tongue and can press against the palate.
4. Some horses have more sensitive oral mucosa, which means they are more susceptible to chafing, sores or general irritation from bits.
5. reHorses can also have dental problems, such as sharp edges, hooks or missing teeth, which can be affected by a bit.

It is important that trainers, riders and horse owners pay attention to these individual anatomical features and work with a qualified veterinarian or equine dentist if necessary to ensure that the bit fits correctly and does not cause discomfort or pain. In some cases, going bitless or using an alternative to the traditional bit may also be an appropriate solution.

If the horse has difficulty finding the correct contact, for example by crawling behind the vertical, a bitless bridle can be a sensible alternative to a snaffle bridle and encourage the horse to stretch. However, it is important to note that the overall picture of horse, rider, influence and equipment should always be analyzed when making such decisions.

Apart from physical reasons, bitless riding is a benefit for the relationship between human and horse. The rider receives direct feedback on the quality of his aids and the horse's previous training. Bitless riding means more than just leaving off the mouthpiece. It means working on the partnership with the horse. When making the transition from snaffle to bitless and when choosing the right bitless bridle, it is important to consider the horse's personality. What character does the horse have? How sensitive or responsive is it to body signals? How motivated is it to follow the rider's signals? The better the communication between you and your horse, the easier and safer it will be to ride successfully without a snaffle bit.

Disadvantages of a Bitless Bridle

Many horse lovers prefer riding without a bit as they believe it is gentler on the horse. However, even without a bit, considerable damage can be done if the bridle is not used correctly. The leverage effect in particular can exert enormous pressure on the horse's head, which can be just as damaging as pulling on a bit. Bitless bridles should therefore never be used by inexperienced riders. The rider must be able to sit independently of the hand and be able to give the finest aids before sharper bitless bridles are used.

With the gentler bitless bridles, there is a risk that the horses will not react to the aids and the rider will become rough. Accidents should also not be underestimated if the rider can no longer control the horse. It is therefore important to ensure that the horse remains under control at all times, even without a bit.

Due to the unfamiliar aids, it often happens that the horses cannot be ridden or placed and bent so finely. The danger is that they stretch their head away and push their back away. In addition, various studies have shown that relaxed chewing with a bit loosens the jaw and neck, which encourages horses to drop their neck and move more over their back. Chewing off hardly ever happens when using a bitless bridle.

The decision of the German Equestrian Federation (FN) not to allow bitless riding in dressage competitions is based on the traditional principles of classical riding theory. These principles emphasize the importance of contact, which is achieved through the fine contact of the bit in the horse's mouth. Classical dressage training aims to direct and shape the horse through fine aids, which is traditionally done with a bit as part of the bridle.

The FN considers the bit to be an essential aid in creating an even contact - a state in which the horse approaches the bit confidently and evenly and is relaxed. The aim is to train the horse in such a way that it is worked correctly from behind over the swinging back into the rider's hand, which is an important component for harmony and the correct execution of dressage tasks.

The decision not to allow bitless riding in competitions reflects the view that without a bit, the fine communication signals and the possibility of precise influence required by classical riding theory may not be achieved. However, it is important to note that this regulation is part of a set of rules that is constantly evolving and may be adapted in the light of new research and developments in horse welfare and riding methods.

For riders who want to ride bitless, there are many other activities and disciplines outside of classical dressage competitions and shows where bitless bridles are accepted. There is also a growing community of riders and trainers who are committed to rethinking traditional riding training and advocating the use of bitless bridles in dressage too. In national show jumping, however, riding without a bit is possible from medium** level upwards, with the hackamore being a popular option.

Which Bitless Bridle is the Right One?

If you want to find the right bitless bridle for your horse, you should consider various aspects that go beyond the pure bridle characteristics.

Your horse's personality and its reaction to signals play a decisive role in the selection process. The relationship with your horse should not be neglected either, as bitless riding is always based on respect and trust.

There are different types of bitless bridles with different degrees of action, depending on their construction and how they are buckled. Some bridles work more simply by exerting pressure either on the neck (neck ring) or, if the reins are held directly, on the nose or on both the nose and the cheeks.

Other bridles have a more complex effect in that they are often cross-buckled, which causes them to exert pressure on the nose and cheeks or on the nose, cheeks and poll. Depending on the type of horse you have, you should choose a bridle with the appropriate effect.

For horses that tend to impose their own will or be stubborn, a bridle with multiple effects is required. A good relationship and coordination between rider and horse may make it possible to switch to a bridle with less effect. However, in dangerous situations, such as cross-country, a bridle with multiple effects is always advisable.

For sensitive horses with delicate nerves, the bridle should be chosen with care. A hackamore with short tails can be a good choice as it reacts quickly to the rider's hand and there is no constant pressure.

For young horses, a sidepull can be a useful addition to basic training, as it provides clear guidance and gentle lateral impulses. However, it is important to note that the sidepull may be less suitable for further training, as its signal transmission can be perceived as spongy.

Fearful or extroverted horses need clear guidance and security. A bitless bridle with cogs on the sides can be a good choice, as it has a different effect on the nose and poll. However, horses with leaning problems should not be fitted with this type of bridle as they may resist the pressure on their nose.

For impulsive or introverted horses, it is important to reduce the pressure and not overtax them. A correctly fitting sidepull that yields immediately as soon as the rider's hand gives way can be a good choice.

Riding with a neck ring can also be a welcome change to increase the motivation and enjoyment of movement in energetic horses. However, it should only be carried out in a fenced area, such as a riding arena or indoor arena.

The Bosal

The bosal, also known as the Californian hackamore, is mainly used in Western riding. It consists of a noseband (bosal), reins (mecate) and a headpiece (bosal hanger), which are connected to each other. The bosal mainly exerts pressure on the bridge of the horse's nose. Both the bosal and the mecate are often made of braided mane or tail hair, which gives them a certain stiffness and allows for more precise action by simply placing them on the neck. Due to this rigidity, the bosal should be adapted precisely to the anatomy of the horse's nose.

The Sidepull

The sidepull is a popular bitless bridle in which the reins are attached to the sides of continuous rings. When the reins are pulled on one side, pressure is exerted on the bridge of the nose and the corresponding side of the nose. It is important that the sidepull does not sit too low so that it rests on the firm part of the nasal bone. In addition, there should always be room for two fingers between the noseband and the cheekbone and the sidepull is buckled relatively loosely and is ideal for trail riding. However, the sidepull is less suitable for dressage lessons where precise aids are required, as it has a rather spongy signal transmission.

The Cavesson

Often used for lunging, the cavesson can also be used for riding. The side rings, which are attached to the noseband, give the cavesson a similar effect to a sidepull. However, on many models of cavesson, the rings are not positioned directly to the side, which can lead to less precise lateral aids. Some models of cavesson have additional straps or clips that allow a bit to be attached, thus increasing the bridle's versatility.

The Hackamore

The hackamore is the bitless version of a curb bit. The so-called shanks (leverage-like bit) exert pressure on the chin, bridge of the nose and poll. The longer the shanks, the greater the pressure. However, considerable pressure can also be exerted with short suits. In the worst case scenario, improper use and excessive pulling on the reins can break the horse's nasal bone. Due to the strong leverage effect, the hackamore should only be used by experienced riders with a calm and gentle hand.

The Bitless Bridle

The bitless bridle is similar in design to the sidepull, but the throat straps cross under the horse's head. This results in a stronger lateral effect. If the reins are accepted on one side, the pressure on the opposite side of the head also increases, pushing the horse more to the side than pulling it. The Bitless Bridle works on the jaw, cheeks and poll. A disadvantage of this bridle can be that the aids may arrive with a time delay, which can be confusing for the horse.

The LG Bridle

The LG bridle, also known as the "wheel of fortune", is a bitless bridle used in equestrian sports. 

The principle of the LG bridle is based on a wheel with several spokes, which offers different attachment options for the reins. By attaching the reins to different points on the wheel, the intensity of the pressure exerted on the sensitive areas of the horse's head (such as the nose, poll and sometimes also the cheeks) can be varied.

- If the reins are attached closer to the center of the wheel, the effect is milder as the wheel allows less rotation and therefore less pressure is exerted on the horse.

- If, on the other hand, the reins are attached at a point further out, the leverage increases, resulting in greater pressure on the nose and neck when the reins are pulled.

The intensity of the effect can therefore be adapted to the sensitivity of the horse and the requirements of the rider. However, it is important that riders who wish to use an LG bridle familiarize themselves with the correct way to use it and slowly accustom the horse to the new type of action to avoid misunderstandings and discomfort.

Bitless Riding for Beginners

For beginners, bitless riding can be a wonderful way to build a deeper connection with your horse. However, it is important to get enough information and choose the right bitless bridle.

Bitless Riding Off-Road

Many riders wonder whether bitless riding is allowed in the field. The answer is yes, but you should make sure that your horse responds well to your aids and is safe to handle before you go off-road.

Insurance for Bitless Riding

An important aspect that many riders overlook is insurance. Find out from your horse liability insurance whether bitless riding is covered and what additional measures you should take.

Tips for Bitless Riding

• It is important that both rider and horse feel comfortable with a bitless bridle and get used to it slowly. In order to develop a feel for your own influence and the horse's reactions, it can be useful to start by working with a bitless bridle from the ground. Once position, bending and lateral movements are safely mastered, this can often be transferred to riding in the saddle.
• The safety of rider and horse should always come first. When you ride off-road without a bit, you are not only responsible for yourself, but also for your surroundings. It is therefore important that the horse is well-groomed and responds reliably to the aids. It is advisable to check in advance in a familiar environment whether the horse can be steered in all gaits, whether the speed can be controlled and whether it can be stopped at any time. You should also check your own accident insurance and the horse's liability insurance, as not all insurance policies cover every type of bridle. Ultimately, sound training of rider and horse offers the greatest safety.
• Riding without a bit requires experience and sensitive handling of the reins, as the various bitless bridles also exert pressure on sensitive areas of the horse's body. Many of these bridles act on the sensitive bridge of the nose, while some variants such as the bosal or the hackamore also have a leverage effect. This leverage enables precise aids to be given, but requires extremely controlled handling on the part of the rider. It is crucial that the horse does not get used to the pressure or learn to go against it, as otherwise the connection and the possibility of influence may be lost.

Conclusion

Riding without a bit offers a gentle alternative for horses with dental problems or sensitive mouths and can strengthen the relationship between rider and horse. However, it requires experience and sensitive rein aids to be effective and safe. While bitless bridles are beneficial for many horses, there are also risks, particularly through incorrect use. Classical riding doctrine and competition rules continue to favor riding with a bit, but there is increasing recognition and acceptance of bitless bridles in various disciplines. It is important that each bridle is individually adapted to the horse and its needs.