Be more gentle to your horse!

Since three years ago, I removed the metal from his mouth, as I always felt it was cruel. We are now both happy. From the very first trial he showed positive and thankful response. He does everything better than before and listens more to my voice.

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Comment by Jackie Cochran on April 9, 2011 at 1:34pm: Thank you for telling me about your horse. I knew he had to be a hot blood, I just could not figure which group.

I have found that bitless or bitted that it does take just as good coordination of the aids to get the horse cooperative. Luckily I haven't had a problem, but being handicapped I just ride on the flat in a ring mostly at a walk and trot. What you do is a lot more challenging!

Comment by Amir Khosro Alai on April 9, 2011 at 10:30am: The breed is Thoroughbred, but I assume there is a little Turkmen blood in him as well. To go bitless requires much care and training in order to come to a stage where you can make the strides long or short as you need, especially in jumping. The good thing I experienced is that he no longer opens his mouth and resists the pull, compared to when he had the bit. With a little pressure he keeps his head vertical and only by using my legs he walks backwards; no need to drag at all.

Comment by Jackie Cochran on April 8, 2011 at 11:41am: I agree that your horse is beautiful. What breed is he?

I have been riding bitless off and on for almost 35 years. My Multiple Sclerosis messes up my hands, and the mares I ride are very firm about telling me when I need to switch back to bitless. They are always right.