JUSTABITLESS

Bitless bridles are becoming a popular alternative to the conventional bit. Generally considered kinder to the horse, they offer simplicity, increased comfort and less for the horse to fight against.

If you are considering going bitless, it needs to be introduced slowly and preferably with some ground work before being ridden. The actions are very different to a bit so the horse cannot be expected to respond in the same way without some prior training. For instance; pressure applied with one rein generally applies pressure to the same side of the face/mouth depending on the shank/bit ring used. With most bitless, the pressure applied with one rein applies pressure to the opposite side of the face.

As with bits, sensitive hands are needed and riding with as little or no continual contact is recommended. This is because of the “one foot on the throttle; one foot on the brake” effect it can have on the horse if ridden with the desired contact that is often associated with snaffles and other bits.

BITLESS OPTIONS:

• Sidepull - this is the simplest of the bitless options as it is basically a noseband with rings for attaching reins.
• Scawbrig - another simple bitless option which has a free-running section under the jaw which has a slight tightening effect around the nose when the rider applies contact.

Indian Bosal - this is a cross-under design but under the lower jaw only and similarly to the Scawbrig, it applies pressure around the nose but has a stronger effect. The added advantage of this option is that it has better directional control.

Side-Pull

Most of the Side-Pull’s we’ve seen and had experience with are rather chunky and can look cumbersome on some of the smaller, neater heads. So I’ve designed this to be a little more discreet & stylish. It features a hand braided, adjustable back strap with decorative hand-braiding over the nose section in a choice of 3 braiding patterns. The braiding also gives this a softer feel and a touch of elasticity. Because of this, there is more work involved which is reflected in the price.

From

£18.95

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Scawbrig

This is one of the gentler bitless versions and is my own design which incorporates a Fiador knot at the chin. This has three functions:

• To help with release by acting as a slight counter-weight
• Prevents complete pull through thereby increasing directional effectiveness.

The knot allows for some adjustability for fit.

From

£15.95

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Indian Bosal

This features hand braiding over the nose section and other braided decorative elements as well as an “easy-release” system that allows the pressure to release when the rider gives with their hands. It is designed to be used with your existing headstall and cheek pieces, thereby making it an easy and cost effective way of trying the bitless method of riding.

from £15.95

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MATCHING ROPE BRIDLE (headstall, cheek-pieces & browband only)

A buckle-free design made entirely from diamond braid rope, with decorative over-braiding. This can be used with any of the above bitless options and can therefore be colour coordinated.

from £16.95

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MATCHING REINS

These are a hand braided, hardware-free design of reins to match the bitless bridles/bridleware. They are lightweight to reduce the downward weight/pressure that can often be experienced with heavier rope reins or those with metal clips. There is also the option of the  addition of a 3’ Romal which can be detached from the end of the reins and looped around your hand if preferred. This can be a gentler but more effective alternative to the traditional riding crop.

These reins have a fairly soft and slightly elastic feel throughout their length. They are available in all the rope colours and in both 8’ & 10’ lengths.

from £17.95

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