i'd love to learn to ride bitless! When i get older i want to do more dressage...but in the higher levels, it always seems like the riders have to have the big clunky pelham or kimbelwick..or whatever they use on top of a snaffle. isn't dressage about the NATURAL connection between horse and rider? I wish they would allow bitless
So....the horse is staying in frame for the most part, nice job. Kudos for breaking ranks and being unconventional....going bitless, impressive. Without sounding critical though, I will pose this as a question; Why are you riding him behind the vertical (Rollkur - causing pain to the neck)?
LOVE THIS! I do not ride dressage but I do also use the Dr Cooks bitless. I love how soft the eyes and ears are of a horse in a bitless, and my horses slobber and relax their mouth in a bitless, they LOVE it, I will never go back. Thanks for posting this!
Best to you ! I hope your example will be followed in the dressage world! I cannot watch it as a rule due to all the ghastly overbending ,force and metal.
The International Riding Academy is having an International Dressage Freestyle Championship show where you are allowed to ride bitless (in SP or CBB). You may want to check it out. iracademy.webs.com
respect for riding without a bit. i totally agree that it should be accepted more. i noticed you are wearing spurs, am i right? what do you think about them id like to know.
That is such a shame people don't let you ride in competitions without a bit. You are an extremely good rider such a shame it is good to see that you are putting your horses comfort before yours not many riders do that :)
You are wonderful, beautiful work and an awesome job!!! Your DR. COOK bitless bridle looks fantastic on your horse too. I use nothing but Dr. Cook! Sorry to see your great video has been spammed by the dilusional bitter person. Like anybody cares about the personal war he waged with the good Doctor!
I did invent the bridle Cook is selling. It was designed in 1988 and I have signed affidavites from two witnesses that were at meeting between Cook and I, at which I explained the reason the rein connectors were no longer in the design.
Dr. Cook is simply a common thief who has made a fortune at my expense. He is a liar and I have volumes of physical evidence to back up what I say.
I think it would be worth trying the bitless. Your horse may be strong in the bitted bridle, but completely different without a bit. Often problems like the one you described with the jumps can be caused by the pain the bit causes in the mouth. This mare in this video could not be ridden alone on trails because she would freak out and take you home (even with drawreins on). Now I ride her bitless walk trot canter on trails, no problem. Cannot recommend the Dr. Cook bitless bridle enough!
I ride with a dr. Cook too, and since april this year, bitless riding is approved in shows here in the Netherlands. I can finally show him in a much more relaxed state :)
@hunnymonster86 Everyone can do it. THis is a Dr. Cooke Bitless Bridle. I've tried others, but I like this one the best. I have ridden almost a 100 different horses in it from young three year olds to a Grand Prix dressage horse and I have yet to find a horse that is not better without a bit than with a bit. Be brave, get yourself a bitless bridle and start riding - there is no secret to it! (although I have to say your horse will be listening to your seat more!)
@reproproof my sister in law uses a Dr Cook with her Catherstone mare :) she has to use a snaffle when doing dressage comps as she does not get placed :( sucks really as the mare does everything else in bitless
It's amazing how people hang on to traditions from 5000 yrs ago. I ride my horse bitless and have a really happy relaxed friend. Good on you for doing your demonstration and getting people to think outside of their primitive minds. Maybe if bitless pony clubs could start up, things will eventually change alot quicker but it will happen. Barefoot and Bitless is best for horse and rider.
I ride dressage with a bit, probably never changing. I have to say, this is beautiful riding. I would love it if they allowed bitless bridles for dressage, I do eventing and I'm sure several people would do their tests bitless. Again, the only reason I wouldn't is because I'm an old coot (mentally) and I know I ride with very soft hands.
take care for her not to go behind the vertical. Phillippe karl has very good suggestions for that. He rides on a bit but all his technickes are perfectly aplicable without one. My mare doesn't like the Dr. Cook (the only horse I know that doesn't) so I started riding on a halter alone with a snug fit at the nose. My stallion's entire training was done on a halter and I find him more sensitive to the hand than all the bitted horses I've ridden, including my own!sensitivity is key, nothing else.
The design from Cook is my original design from 1988. He was given a fraudulent patent for it while I was trying to get my current 'improved' design patented.....I changed the original design before he and I met in 1997..........also he took my current design to Equitana 2000 and represented it as his invention Bitless Bridle
actually you are using the bridle as if it was bitted.
As the 'actual' inventor, I can state you are using it incorrectly and not getting correct results. Yes, you are improving upon the bitted, but still lacking correct muscle engagement.
@obscuremelody, Collecting foam in their mouth Is a sign of A supple horse that is working correctly through it's back. This doesn't restrict the horses breathing at all because horses are only able to breath through their nose and not their mouth. Stuning horse!!! It's to bad that dressage judges don't allow bitless bridless but I think some point of dressage and dresasge training (among other things) is for the horse to accept the bit and trust the rider enough to let him use his mouth.
Wow, living proof that you don't need a bit to work 'on the bit'. One to show all those sceptics out there who think I'm insane to be bringing on my youngster in a cross under bitless bridle. Bits? Don't want them, don't need them! Fabulous video. :-) x
Misha009, you want to show dressage bitless? Petition USDF, USEF or whatever national organization governs your competitions.
If they do not agree that it's still dressage without a bit, then start your own organization with your own rules. This argument has been going on in other BB's and you guys are bringing the complaints to folks who cannot help you!
I agree that the harshness comes from the rider's hands, and ultimately, from the rider's seat, bitted or bitless.
I find it interesting that this horse is being ridden in a bitless and is still collecting foam around the mouth. Isn't that one of the "terrible" side effects of a bit? So much so that people accuse the foam of preventing the horse from breathing properly because of a bit in it's mouth?
I agree with you, but according to many bitless bridle advocates I talk to say that the slobber is formed because of a bit and it adversely affects the horses breathing and swallowing.
Foam and drool are a sign of a supple, relaxed, and soft jaw.
But in excess, it is a sign of a stressed or tense horse that is still giving it's jaw out of learned submission (like a hyperflexed horse).
Bitless is all well and good, but I'm not very happy with the advocates that assume things that aren't true about them. Harsh is in the hands of the rider, who makes the decision of what bit goes in the horse's mouth, and how it is used.
I so wish we could get bitless bridles accepted in the show ring. If people are willing to try it and the horse is happier, why not let them? While we're at it, can't FEI make rollkur against the rules sometime soon?
it is allowed to ride bitless in you country? in germany you aren´t allowed to...okay in show jumping you are but in dressage you aren´t...i think that´s really sad...but congratulations that you are allowed to :)
(sorry, english isn´t my mother tongue, hope you can understand me.) :)
Amen. I had the same experience going bitless - horses LOVED it and ACCEPTED it and are obedient & round in it. I would NEVER go back to a bitted bridle after this experience. My only regret is that I waited YEARS to "take the plunge." Those years were mostly wasted.
Just beautiful! I am waiting for my Nurtural to be delivered. I think my mare will appreciate it very much. I've ridden a friend's horse in one and was amazed at just how responsive she was in hers.
I just rode my horse Izzy for the first time in a bitless bridle. No more pulling, no more leaning, no more head tossing. I can't wait to see how we both change as we continue to ride. Izzy had NO adjustment period going bitless. It felt as if we had always done it. You and your horse look great, thanks for sharing.
Awfull... the horse has a nice hind movement but is so unsteady in his forehand, he is obviously comfused as to where she wants his shoulders and poll to be. If she used a bit properly, she could ask the horse to keep his shoulders lifted and his poll at the highest point, like in the classical way and the horse would be much better, and they would perform better. even with this bitless bridle the horse fall under and behind the bit, wich is a fault.
You're just "sour grapes" and set in old ways of thinking. The horse looks great....happy and freed from abusive double bridle and horrific snaffle nutcracker effect. Maybe in another life you'll have something banging in your mouth and hurting the inside and teeth.
I bought my 4 year old a dr cook. He loved it, he used to grid at his bit open his mouth and headshake to the point where I would be going insane trying to get him to concentrate on me and not the bit!! Even if you didn't mess with it he was still annoyed enough to lean against it.
5 seconds after putting the bitless on he was going beautifully. :) success!
first off I'd like to congratulate you on your wonderful horse. I too ride bitless and I started my young horse in it too. He sometimes sneezes like your horse did in the end, I don't know if it's the bridle or dust. Do you notice any different behaviours with your bitless? thank you for the video
SOMETHING GOOD WILL HAPPEN TO U AT 9:10 SOMEONE WILL CALL YOU OR TALK TO YOU ONLINE AND SAY I LOVE YOU OR ASK YOU OUT BUT HERES THE CATCH Send To 3 vids
This was not an official show and I had to ask for permission to ride bitless, but as it was organized by friends, they were ok (although I was the talk of the town afterwards haha). I wish I could do more shows, but as the bitless is not accepted, I can't. And I'm not willing to put a bit in the mare's mouth again! Good luck with your bitless, I'm sure your horse will thank you!
Wonderful video! Her collection is fantastic! I am getting my girl a Dr. Cooks for christmas. Is this an official show? I thought they weren't allowed...which is a shame. Is it only in the higher levels that they are not permitted?
Thanks for your encouraging comments. It took this particular horse about 5 seconds to adjust to the bridle. She used to be like a giraffe and run off with you, with this bridle she (obviously) doesn't do that! At the time of the filming, she had been bitless about a week I think. I have ridden lots of horses in this bitless bridle, and have yet to find a horse who does not respond well. Generally speaking, they are all BETTER without the bit.
hats off to you. im new to the whole bitless concept, its only just been brought to my attention. Im feeling guilty and embarresed that iv never thought of it before. Having said that i never punish my horses with the bit or ride with heavy hands but i dont know if thats enough? did it take you long for your horse to accept the bitless bridle? xx
i'd love to learn to ride bitless! When i get older i want to do more dressage...but in the higher levels, it always seems like the riders have to have the big clunky pelham or kimbelwick..or whatever they use on top of a snaffle. isn't dressage about the NATURAL connection between horse and rider? I wish they would allow bitless
BraveHorseForever13 1 month ago
So....the horse is staying in frame for the most part, nice job. Kudos for breaking ranks and being unconventional....going bitless, impressive. Without sounding critical though, I will pose this as a question; Why are you riding him behind the vertical (Rollkur - causing pain to the neck)?
TheDesperado2526 3 months ago
LOVE THIS! I do not ride dressage but I do also use the Dr Cooks bitless. I love how soft the eyes and ears are of a horse in a bitless, and my horses slobber and relax their mouth in a bitless, they LOVE it, I will never go back. Thanks for posting this!
Carbinex3 4 months ago
dressage looks alot more natural this way i love! i ride my western horse bitless!! (:
rockymntgirl215 5 months ago
Best to you ! I hope your example will be followed in the dressage world! I cannot watch it as a rule due to all the ghastly overbending ,force and metal.
chelackie 5 months ago
wonderful!!!!help others come out of the dark ages!!! as a vet associate i am so happy about this!!!!God bless your heart helping our horses!!!!
greatbigbubby 5 months ago
Wow! Your mare is a lovely mover. This is the nicest example of bitless dressage I've seen yet.
aniranch 7 months ago
try spurless lol... a lot of people can ride bitess
RobsAvatarNerd 8 months ago
The International Riding Academy is having an International Dressage Freestyle Championship show where you are allowed to ride bitless (in SP or CBB). You may want to check it out. iracademy.webs.com
IRADressage 8 months ago
respect for riding without a bit. i totally agree that it should be accepted more. i noticed you are wearing spurs, am i right? what do you think about them id like to know.
YJMvdW 11 months ago
That is such a shame people don't let you ride in competitions without a bit. You are an extremely good rider such a shame it is good to see that you are putting your horses comfort before yours not many riders do that :)
TheLoveOfHorses1 11 months ago
Love that you ride bitless, now just lose the spurs! :)
TheNoonie50 11 months ago
A lot of horses become so much more alert to your seat and your movement when you ride bitless. You won't need spurs or a whip anymore... (:
ximulady 1 year ago
i find dressage so cool!
gun20044411 1 year ago
You will care when your horse spooks or runs away......
but thanks for your sand pounding comment.
dragonharte8 1 year ago
You are wonderful, beautiful work and an awesome job!!! Your DR. COOK bitless bridle looks fantastic on your horse too. I use nothing but Dr. Cook! Sorry to see your great video has been spammed by the dilusional bitter person. Like anybody cares about the personal war he waged with the good Doctor!
eternaldragonfly444 1 year ago
FYI
I did invent the bridle Cook is selling. It was designed in 1988 and I have signed affidavites from two witnesses that were at meeting between Cook and I, at which I explained the reason the rein connectors were no longer in the design.
Dr. Cook is simply a common thief who has made a fortune at my expense. He is a liar and I have volumes of physical evidence to back up what I say.
dragonharte8 1 year ago
@dragonharte8
OMG we come here to look at bitless video not hear about your war with dr cook, we love his bridle so go pound sand, nobody cares!
eternaldragonfly444 1 year ago
Do you ride competitions bitless??
That would be wonderfull!!
welsey4e4 1 year ago
this approve horses also can ride without bits
Bo5x4life 1 year ago
Thanks for the advice! Happy riding! :)
EquiCrescent 1 year ago
are bitless bridles allowed in upper level dressage?
Ghorseyluver 1 year ago
you should all check out the micklem multi bridle it is great , i have found the dr cook ok but it has its flaws check it out
jimvr4 1 year ago
Comment removed
EquiCrescent 1 year ago
I think it would be worth trying the bitless. Your horse may be strong in the bitted bridle, but completely different without a bit. Often problems like the one you described with the jumps can be caused by the pain the bit causes in the mouth. This mare in this video could not be ridden alone on trails because she would freak out and take you home (even with drawreins on). Now I ride her bitless walk trot canter on trails, no problem. Cannot recommend the Dr. Cook bitless bridle enough!
reproproof 1 year ago
looks great!
I ride with a dr. Cook too, and since april this year, bitless riding is approved in shows here in the Netherlands. I can finally show him in a much more relaxed state :)
TammyPureInnocence 1 year ago
what type of bitless where you using? Id love to be able to ride without a bit
hunnymonster86 1 year ago
@hunnymonster86 Everyone can do it. THis is a Dr. Cooke Bitless Bridle. I've tried others, but I like this one the best. I have ridden almost a 100 different horses in it from young three year olds to a Grand Prix dressage horse and I have yet to find a horse that is not better without a bit than with a bit. Be brave, get yourself a bitless bridle and start riding - there is no secret to it! (although I have to say your horse will be listening to your seat more!)
reproproof 1 year ago
@reproproof my sister in law uses a Dr Cook with her Catherstone mare :) she has to use a snaffle when doing dressage comps as she does not get placed :( sucks really as the mare does everything else in bitless
shell181 10 months ago
It's amazing how people hang on to traditions from 5000 yrs ago. I ride my horse bitless and have a really happy relaxed friend. Good on you for doing your demonstration and getting people to think outside of their primitive minds. Maybe if bitless pony clubs could start up, things will eventually change alot quicker but it will happen. Barefoot and Bitless is best for horse and rider.
MsRozzee 1 year ago
I ride dressage with a bit, probably never changing. I have to say, this is beautiful riding. I would love it if they allowed bitless bridles for dressage, I do eventing and I'm sure several people would do their tests bitless. Again, the only reason I wouldn't is because I'm an old coot (mentally) and I know I ride with very soft hands.
djdragon181 1 year ago
take care for her not to go behind the vertical. Phillippe karl has very good suggestions for that. He rides on a bit but all his technickes are perfectly aplicable without one. My mare doesn't like the Dr. Cook (the only horse I know that doesn't) so I started riding on a halter alone with a snug fit at the nose. My stallion's entire training was done on a halter and I find him more sensitive to the hand than all the bitted horses I've ridden, including my own!sensitivity is key, nothing else.
DJBelbe 1 year ago
The design from Cook is my original design from 1988. He was given a fraudulent patent for it while I was trying to get my current 'improved' design patented.....I changed the original design before he and I met in 1997..........also he took my current design to Equitana 2000 and represented it as his invention Bitless Bridle
dragonharte8 1 year ago
@dragonharte8 you again? When you going to get it, we dont care about patents and whatever stop spamming!
eternaldragonfly444 1 year ago
actually you are using the bridle as if it was bitted.
As the 'actual' inventor, I can state you are using it incorrectly and not getting correct results. Yes, you are improving upon the bitted, but still lacking correct muscle engagement.
dragonharte8 1 year ago
@dragonharte8 this is a Dr. Cook bit less bridle she is riding in it right and you did not invent this bride you invented some other bridle.
lightslily101 1 year ago
It is easier on some horses without a bit, it's too bad we can't compete without bits should we so desire.
UltimateDQ 1 year ago
thatss amazing that you can perform dressage with a bitless bridle
marrylegs28 1 year ago
@obscuremelody, Collecting foam in their mouth Is a sign of A supple horse that is working correctly through it's back. This doesn't restrict the horses breathing at all because horses are only able to breath through their nose and not their mouth. Stuning horse!!! It's to bad that dressage judges don't allow bitless bridless but I think some point of dressage and dresasge training (among other things) is for the horse to accept the bit and trust the rider enough to let him use his mouth.
Ponymadgrl 1 year ago
Wow, living proof that you don't need a bit to work 'on the bit'. One to show all those sceptics out there who think I'm insane to be bringing on my youngster in a cross under bitless bridle. Bits? Don't want them, don't need them! Fabulous video. :-) x
Runewitch77 1 year ago
Misha009, you want to show dressage bitless? Petition USDF, USEF or whatever national organization governs your competitions.
If they do not agree that it's still dressage without a bit, then start your own organization with your own rules. This argument has been going on in other BB's and you guys are bringing the complaints to folks who cannot help you!
I agree that the harshness comes from the rider's hands, and ultimately, from the rider's seat, bitted or bitless.
aniranch 1 year ago
I find it interesting that this horse is being ridden in a bitless and is still collecting foam around the mouth. Isn't that one of the "terrible" side effects of a bit? So much so that people accuse the foam of preventing the horse from breathing properly because of a bit in it's mouth?
Just curious.
obscuredmelody 2 years ago
@obscuredmelody Everyone I know takes it as a sign of a good relaxed jaw and mouth.
dylanXhorsieXtime 2 years ago
I agree with you, but according to many bitless bridle advocates I talk to say that the slobber is formed because of a bit and it adversely affects the horses breathing and swallowing.
obscuredmelody 2 years ago
@obscuredmelody Ive heard that too. But I think that's the difference between slobber and foaming at the mouth.
dylanXhorsieXtime 2 years ago
It doesn't make sense. Why would one and not the other have that affect?
obscuredmelody 2 years ago
Foam and drool are a sign of a supple, relaxed, and soft jaw.
But in excess, it is a sign of a stressed or tense horse that is still giving it's jaw out of learned submission (like a hyperflexed horse).
Bitless is all well and good, but I'm not very happy with the advocates that assume things that aren't true about them. Harsh is in the hands of the rider, who makes the decision of what bit goes in the horse's mouth, and how it is used.
pinknessxlee 2 years ago 3
And for good measure, this horse is nice and relaxed. She's seems happy to be working, and happy with the bit. The rider is nice and giving, too.
pinknessxlee 2 years ago
I so wish we could get bitless bridles accepted in the show ring. If people are willing to try it and the horse is happier, why not let them? While we're at it, can't FEI make rollkur against the rules sometime soon?
misha009 2 years ago
it is allowed to ride bitless in you country? in germany you aren´t allowed to...okay in show jumping you are but in dressage you aren´t...i think that´s really sad...but congratulations that you are allowed to :)
(sorry, english isn´t my mother tongue, hope you can understand me.) :)
Naele293 2 years ago
Amen. I had the same experience going bitless - horses LOVED it and ACCEPTED it and are obedient & round in it. I would NEVER go back to a bitted bridle after this experience. My only regret is that I waited YEARS to "take the plunge." Those years were mostly wasted.
NeverDullRanch 2 years ago
The rider needs to quiet her legs. the horse moved beautifully but when you see legs flopping up and down it makes the ride unattractive
hobbyhorsegirl 2 years ago
I am all for bitless bridles!! I think bits just cause more problems than they solve!!
KeeliRox 2 years ago
I'd like to know how the horse is going nearly a year after going "bitless". What level is the training at now?
brokefordstud 2 years ago 2
Just beautiful! I am waiting for my Nurtural to be delivered. I think my mare will appreciate it very much. I've ridden a friend's horse in one and was amazed at just how responsive she was in hers.
Cheriec11 2 years ago
I just rode my horse Izzy for the first time in a bitless bridle. No more pulling, no more leaning, no more head tossing. I can't wait to see how we both change as we continue to ride. Izzy had NO adjustment period going bitless. It felt as if we had always done it. You and your horse look great, thanks for sharing.
mica1izzy 2 years ago 2
Awfull... the horse has a nice hind movement but is so unsteady in his forehand, he is obviously comfused as to where she wants his shoulders and poll to be. If she used a bit properly, she could ask the horse to keep his shoulders lifted and his poll at the highest point, like in the classical way and the horse would be much better, and they would perform better. even with this bitless bridle the horse fall under and behind the bit, wich is a fault.
saddlesforsale 2 years ago
why does she need a bit to do that? she can still position his head and neck and his shoulders.
she still has the same number of lines of communication as with a bit.
xxXTheRealMcCoyXxx 2 years ago 13
You're just "sour grapes" and set in old ways of thinking. The horse looks great....happy and freed from abusive double bridle and horrific snaffle nutcracker effect. Maybe in another life you'll have something banging in your mouth and hurting the inside and teeth.
RGM1950 2 years ago 2
Comment removed
zrx110099 2 years ago
Please, if you want people to take your comments seriously, check your spelling.
DartagnanRocks 2 years ago
I bought my 4 year old a dr cook. He loved it, he used to grid at his bit open his mouth and headshake to the point where I would be going insane trying to get him to concentrate on me and not the bit!! Even if you didn't mess with it he was still annoyed enough to lean against it.
5 seconds after putting the bitless on he was going beautifully. :) success!
xxXTheRealMcCoyXxx 2 years ago
first off I'd like to congratulate you on your wonderful horse. I too ride bitless and I started my young horse in it too. He sometimes sneezes like your horse did in the end, I don't know if it's the bridle or dust. Do you notice any different behaviours with your bitless? thank you for the video
meischicha 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
SOMETHING GOOD WILL HAPPEN TO U AT 9:10 SOMEONE WILL CALL YOU OR TALK TO YOU ONLINE AND SAY I LOVE YOU OR ASK YOU OUT BUT HERES THE CATCH Send To 3 vids
xoxChownyxox 2 years ago
Meh... there is still that saddle thing.. and you are wearing way to much clothing yourself.
LadyCasa 2 years ago
yes more bitless:)
DarlinaLady 3 years ago
very nice! good job
you are both riding very well bitless :D
prisonbreakobsessed 3 years ago 10
WOW! that was great! what a nice horse!
101dressage101 3 years ago 2
This was not an official show and I had to ask for permission to ride bitless, but as it was organized by friends, they were ok (although I was the talk of the town afterwards haha). I wish I could do more shows, but as the bitless is not accepted, I can't. And I'm not willing to put a bit in the mare's mouth again! Good luck with your bitless, I'm sure your horse will thank you!
reproproof 3 years ago 2
@reproproof I also wish that there was more bitless shows and more bitless bridles available in shops!
FyesanFan 1 year ago
Wonderful video! Her collection is fantastic! I am getting my girl a Dr. Cooks for christmas. Is this an official show? I thought they weren't allowed...which is a shame. Is it only in the higher levels that they are not permitted?
shortstuph123 3 years ago
Hi SeaSpray08 (and others, too!)
Thanks for your encouraging comments. It took this particular horse about 5 seconds to adjust to the bridle. She used to be like a giraffe and run off with you, with this bridle she (obviously) doesn't do that! At the time of the filming, she had been bitless about a week I think. I have ridden lots of horses in this bitless bridle, and have yet to find a horse who does not respond well. Generally speaking, they are all BETTER without the bit.
reproproof 3 years ago
hats off to you. im new to the whole bitless concept, its only just been brought to my attention. Im feeling guilty and embarresed that iv never thought of it before. Having said that i never punish my horses with the bit or ride with heavy hands but i dont know if thats enough? did it take you long for your horse to accept the bitless bridle? xx
SeaSpray08 3 years ago
does'nt take long anymore till bitless is accepted in the dutch dressage competitions :)
i really like to see this!
nemeseaofficial 3 years ago 2
Your horse is one of the lucky ones....good for you for caring about his mouth!
How can we get the Dr. Cooks bridles accepted for showing?
HiddenFarmApalachin 3 years ago
Thank you for this video. Could you post more dressage video with the Bitless bridle. Please . Thank you
egasserdsterling 3 years ago
shes sweet! and doing GREAT!
myponiesrule123 3 years ago