Bit v Bitless

[poppie]

Ok, i've the bit v hackamore thing in my head for long while now, i'm not sure if i want to use a bit on my pony. I kind of think to myself would i want a bit in my mouth:confused: So if i use a hackamore which would i choose:confused: I havent been riding for several years due to my pony not being old enough, i have now broke her in she is doing very well in a snaffle bit< so i'm a bit of a rusty rider:rolleyes: Any suggestions.:D

[xloopylozzax]

If she is fine with the snaffle then i wouldnt change it. "dont fix what aint broke"
i have never used a bitless bridle/ hackamore before though so i cant comment on that :)

[No_Angel]

hackamores are quite severe, especially if you are quite rusty;)

Have a look at this site
http://www.freewebs.com/alternativehorse/

It might give you an idea of the type of bitless options available and which would suit your horse:)

[loujomiles@yaho]

a dr cooks which is great. You do ride differently using a bitless but it does not hamper you in any way. I took her hunting in it before Christmas and she was grand. :D

[TiggerthePony]

I use a Libbys scawbrig bridle on Lily, it works really well with her. I would much rather ride without a bit if I can as I think it must be much more comfortable. It all depends on your horse or pony and what they are more comfortable with, I have known them to hate a bitless, I assume because they are not used to that kind of pressure being applied. I would experiment if you can but do it safely! I galloped in my field to double check I did have proper brakes in a bitless!!!

[wedney]

Excellent that you want to try bitless bridles.

Lots of horses show at least some discomfort in a bit, the cross under bridles (dr cook, nurtural, be kind) are usually well accepted by horses so why not give them ago.

Years ago I thought my pony was okay in a snaffle and he certainly never did show any signs of discomfort, but one day I decided to try a bitless bridle and after 5 minutes he released the biggest sigh ever as if to say, thank goodness thats gone. We continued to show jump bitless and the only time he knocked a fence down in a jump off after that was the time I put him back in a bit - needless to say it was soon removed again.

[ShariN]

Mostly ride bitless...in fact all the riding horse's I have owned go better bitless.
Have a Dr Cook (top of the line leather one) and a Lodgerope endro.
Also what I call a broken snaffle...you know the ones with the smooth almond shaped middle piece. I will ride my grey Ice mare in some times.
Normally doing a tune up couple of times a year.