Roadwork And Bitless???!!!!!!

[beautys mum]

Have just had my first venture into bitless riding and am totally hooked :D :D , so is Beauty my mare. The problem i forsee is that i have been informed that it is illegal to ride/lead a horse on a public highway without a bitted headpiece, also insurance may be invalid?
I have started to ride in a Dr Cook bitless and she loves it but do not know what to use for roadwork ---suggestions have been a scawbrig with mullen mouth hanging cheek(to give poll pressure which she is used to)attached, to use only as back up but i am very confused as i dont want her thinking that by giving her a bit whilst out on the road it is something to be scared of. :eek:
Any help or advise out there will be greatly appreciated as i am desperate to do the best for my baby and i dont want to hurt or stress her out as she is soooooooo precious to me....... yes soppy i know!!!!

[claire hodgson]

Hi, i've just read all your posts in the other thread.

see my blog about my molly, molly & the bitless bridle (http://www.20six.co.uk/clairehodgson)
I have to say I hadn't even thought about the insurance.

illegal? I don't think so. if it were, it would be illegal to lead a horse on a road, which it isn;t.

You can get done for riding whilst under the influence (as you count as traffic when you're on a public road)

The point is, to be in control when you're on the road. If you are not in control in a bit, but are in control bitless, then I don't see how the insurance company could complain, really.

If you are concerned about what your insurance company might say, read the policy. if it doesn't mention it as a cause for exclusion, then (even though an insurance policy is a contract of utmost good faith) i don't (and I am not an insurance lawyer so take no responsiblity) see how you could have a problem?

(claire now goes to read her own policy ...)

[Showjumper]

You need to ring your insurance company and clarify. The Dr Cook isn't generally an insurance problem - I'm insured to ride Dolly in hers.

[beautys mum]

Thanks for that claire, your right my policy DOES NOT specifically exclude bitless control but states that i have to comply with 'rules of the road'. I have a friend who is willing to look into the legalities of riding bitless on the road. I will update this as soon as i have any more information and will post it.

[Yann]

The Highway Code which is the interpretation of the law for road users states that a horse should be ridden in a bridle on the road. The Dr Cook is a bridle, so technically you're fine with it.

You'd be unlikely to be prosecuted if you didn't comply with the Highway Code but it does have insurance implications if anything goes wrong, so it is best to run it past your insurer to make 100% sure. I've done plenty of roadwork in mine :)

[Jacquie]

I hack TB out in a PNH natural hackamore. Although I don't think it's an offence to ride on the public highway in one of these, my current insurance doesn't cover me in the event of an accident.
There is one company (though I can't remember the name at the minute) who specialises in natural horsemanship insurance cover.
Sorry folks, I'm showing my ignorance here - I don't know the first thing about the Dr Cook bridle, would they be classed as 'natural'? :o

[Yann]

Well, horses don't wear them in the wild ;) :D

I know what you actually mean, obviously how 'natural' it might be considered is a matter of personal preference. Have a look at www.bitlessbridle.co.uk for more info on it and how it works :)

[claire hodgson]

generally mean the highway code and related topics; I am not aware of anything being said anywhere in the HC about bridles! so long as you are in control (in so far as anyone is in control these days, what with the traffic ...) and not drunk i/c ..., don't ride on pavements, etc etc

[Yann]

From section 37:

Never ride a horse without a saddle or bridle.

[claire hodgson]

ah yes, but it doesn't say what type of either ...

HAve to say, didn't know that! about the highwaycode, i mean ...

[Yann]

Of course not, the people who wrote it will have had traditional tack in mind. There are also bits about having your horse under control and it being sensible etc. A bitless bridle is still a bridle, a halter or headcollar is not :)

[Pinkstergirl]

Any news on the name of the company that offers insurance for 'natural horses'?

[Jacquie]

Any news on the name of the company that offers insurance for 'natural horses'?
Sorry, I forgot to check it out but if you contact the PNH office I'm sure they'll be able to help because the company is recommended by Parelli and advertises through them. It's a well known UK insurer but for the life of me I can't remember their company name. :o

[Pinkstergirl]

Thanks!!!