FDT tip: Transitioning to a Side Pull or Bitless Bridle (Natural Horsemanship)

[kamiherring]

Do you prefer a bitless bridle to a bridle with a bit? I have a yearling that I would love to just start his life with a bitless bridle, it sounds so much nicer ^^

[FDHorsetraining]

@kamiherring Going Bitless is a personal choice. It is not necessary to use one. I start babies with no bit.

[GalisgiaSoquili]

I recently started my mare under saddle, and while I did all of her initial training with a bitted bridle just to get her used to the idea, I use a rope halter under saddle to preserve her mouth. I've been thinking about keeping her bitless throughout our riding career, and I was wondering if there is any real transition between the rope halter (which I used like a hackamore) to the side pull. Thanks!

[FDHorsetraining]

@GalisgiaSoquili Thanks for your question. Well the big difference in feel will be the reins coming from the side and not the bottom unless you are using a side pull style rope halter. The other thing I think you'll like is it will offer a bit more precise communication as compared to a rope halter and is more stable. I have ridden in both and prefer the feel of the side pull myself.

[GalisgiaSoquili]

@FDHorsetraining I've been browsing through the website that sells the side pulls that you use, and I do believe that I'm going purchase one for her in the very near future. I really like the way they're put together compared to some of the other ones I've seen, and I think they'll be perfect for continuing her training. Thanks so much!

[FDHorsetraining]

@GalisgiaSoquili Yeah they are the nicest I've seen too and are high quality leather and construction. I love the padded version and I have the all Zebra one too! My Favorite!.