For Sue Carnell on Bitless Bridles.

[Wally]

I read earlier about you and Heather having some Dr. Cook bitless bridles to try.

What results have you had? Do the horses like them? Do you and Heather like them?

I was wondering about one for Ljósfaxi, my nervy little chap. He seems to spend so much time champing at the bit I wonder if it's interfering with his concentration. and whether a bitless bridle might help him.

He really is mega nervy and every little may help him.

It's not something I've ever had much experience of before, but I do know that anything with long cheeks on would freak him, also anything which puts pressure on his poll.

[Sue Carnell]

I personally think they aren't good value for money, but what people charge I suppose is up to them and what people will pay. I think they're expensive for what they are. On saying that, they are a good and clever design, some of the horses liked them and those that did went well in them. I think you'd have to try one really to find out, but they are a bit expensive to risk. I don't know whether Heather would let you try one of hers? You're on Dartmoor aren't you? I'll ask her if you can have a look. If the bridle really works for your horse, I suppose then they're worth every penny and more besides. :)

Sue Carnell
sue@eclipse.co.uk

[Wally]

Other end of the country! We're in Shetland! Mossy's in Dartmoor.

Sadly even if I could borrow one I think it would be far too big for my peerie mooty horse! He's technically a pony with a small head. The Fjord horse has got the biggest head, 14.2 but full size head!

It's the design I was more interested in, have you got brakes? is the steering good and how do they react to the push on the cheek effect? By the look of the diagram on the website the nose has no leverage or "slip knot" effect, is this correct?

Does the horse yeild without the cross over part getting too tight? Would it be kinder than a bit in novice or uncaring hands? If so we could find one of ours who it would suit, so it wouldn't be a complete waste!

So many questions, but as you say it's a lot of money to part with if it don't work.

Would you recommend it's use in the training of a young, as yet un trained stallion, or would you always go for the bit in the mouth rule for stallions? I have to say he's a big girl's blouse and not a bit pushy or aggressive and as yet not needed a bit. HAve you tried it on any of Heathers entires?

[Sue Carnell]

oops. Sorry, I thought you were the Dartie, not the Shettie. :eek: The made ones are made to measure, so you're probably right.
In answer to your questions:
No.1 Yes, definitely. The higher you set it the less brakes apparently, but it has good braking power for horses who don't listen to the seat and don't have the more subtle version of brakes, I think. Though Heather's horses are trained to a higher level, so the bit etc., isn't so important for stopping. It might be a bit unfair of me to answer. A hard-mouthed hunter might be a different matter, I'd have to try it.
No 2. Yes, the steering is better than with the average hackamore, but it takes a bit of getting used to if you aren't used to using outside aids for turning. However, inside aids is still better than with a hackamore, as it brings the outside into play when steering.
No 3. No, there is no slip-knot effect, which I presume you mean like a be-nice halter type of thing?
No 4. I'd say yes, it would be better than a bit in novice hands, or, if you like, less than perfect hands which occasionally make mistakes.
No 5. I haven't seen it used on an untrained stallion, though personally I use a bit and a bitless with a set of reins attached to both, when starting my young horses, so I'd probably say yes, but you can use a bridle over it and have a bit too if you want.

I don't use bits for control though and don't go for bits in mouths for stallions either, so I couldn't really comment on that. I think a cavesson, or rope halter is strong enough for me to control any horse on the whole. I don't know whether you're a bits for control person or not though. Heather could ride her stallion in a headcollar, so maybe we aren't the right people to ask about that one. :)

In your position and if I could afford to risk the money, I would buy one. Nothing's for certain with any horse, but I think there's a good chance your horse will like it. However, if he isn't bitted and you do decide at a later date to use a bit, you will have to start from scratch, as he won't be accustomed to bits. I don't know whether Heather will have a bit more time next week, she might be able to add to this.

Hope this is useful though Wally.

Sue Carnell
sue@eclipse.co.uk

[Wally]

Interesting!

Our stallion is a bit of a drip and will follow my 9 year old boy like a lamb, so bits for control have never been an issue. Show grounds get funny if you try to show anything older than 3 in a headcollar.

But if you think they would be kinder than a bit in uncaring or coarse hands it may be the way forward.

Thanks!