Instructions on Using a Bitless Bridle

There are several devices for facilitating efficient communication between rider and horse. Using the bitless bridle option ensures that nothing is in the horse's mouth. A bitless bridle works simply by applying gentle pressure on different parts of the horse's head. This device is painless for the horse and allows the rider to control, steer and stop the horse.

1. Choose the proper bitless bridle. When choosing a bitless bridle for your animal, keep in mind your riding style. It is important to select the appropriate bitless bridle for the riding style.


2. Consider using bozzels if you ride with one hand. If you use one hand like the western riders ride, make a bozzel because it is the most appropriate device. Bozzels are made in such a way that all the pressure is taken away from the horse's nose and moved to one point.


3. Use hackamores for English style. Hackamores are ideal for the English style of riding and they use two reins. They usually come with a leather padded piece or sheepskin covering the bridge of the nose. They also have two metal supports that connect the reins. Attached to the metal supports, is the chinstrap that puts pressure on the jaw and nose when the rider pulls the reins. It is ideal when attempting technical jumps.


4. Choose bridle halter conversions for trail riding. They are more like the regular halters but with additional rings. They are operated like the hackamore because of the set of reins. The bridle halter is made of nylon or leather. These make it gentler than the metal hackamore.


5. Train the horse on the device. If it is your first time to ride and with the new device and you are not familiar with it, a smaller fenced area would do. Gently train the horse on the new device by repeatedly asking it to make turns and stops until you ensure that the horse is comfortable with it then you can ride. Horses react differently to the bridles so it is important that you exercise patience. Ensure to make adjustments to the bridles and avoid applying excessive pressure to reins for the horse’s comfort and for your security.