This is a bitless bridle I tried out on Delia yesterday, I borrowed it from Janice to see if it would work for us. I believe it's a Dr. Cook style.
So I climbed aboard..... and Delia promptly dropped her head to graze... "Oh look, I have nothing on my head, I can eat!" It took a bit to pull her head up and I promptly put her through turns, stops and backing, but after 2 minutes I got off- I don't like that there is very little release after you pull the rein. It seems that it is hard to be light with your hands with this rig.
Meanwhile, I decided to try shaping my bosal to fit better.
I also might have a side pull tomorrow to try out.
So since riding was out of the question, I worked Delia on the long line... and got a bit of attitude! She was quite sure she shouldn't have to work, and tried popping a crow hop when I asked for a lope, also tried to blow out of the circle- she did this both ways, silly girl! I think she was feeling pretty good! But she did quickly stop the nonsense and get back to work.
She made sure to find the muddiest spot she could to roll after I put her back in her pen!
9 comments:
what a funny girl!
I've found the Dr. Cook's not to be very useful. As you say, the release is very muddied and imprecise. Some horses also strongly object to having their head "squeezed".
I've had very good experience with my Buckaroo Leather side pull. It fits snugly and has excellent feel.
Your girl seems to be making good use of the mud!
One of my horses hated the snaffle, but loved the bitless bridle. The one you are showing seems awful stiff just looking at it. I also found the contrl was much better bitless. FWIW
Oh silly girl. But mud bathes are suppose to be good for you! :)
It's been forever since I've ridden in a bit. Even got Cameron to ride with a little s bit as they're called. All the horses on the ranch are in one. Very easy to turn and stop.
Good luck finding a good bridle .
Cheri
I'm eager to see how she does with a bosal! I have a Dr. Cook bridle that has the cross under straps like your bridle, and my horse (who is normally calm and goes bitless or even just in a halter) was freaked by it. He hated it, so I took it off pretty quickly. He's in a mechanical hack now and I'd eventually like him to go in a bosal or sidepull.
Ian H - it is very soft leather on that bridle. I did get my bosal shaped nicely and was hoping to use it today... but the weather is yucky, it's raining sideways! I'll have to wait for it to clear up, or Monday when I can haul.
Wow! You're little grey mare really knows how to get down and dirty- Or was she just getting back at you for making her sweat?!?
Loved reading this. Riding bitless would be great...I have to admit, I don't understand a lot of what you described (I came late to the Horse Party), but I find it extremely interesting.....
eww yucky pony! I guess I have some catching up to do, about why you are going bitless
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