Have you ever ridden a horse in a bitless bridle and would you consider doing so if you dont already? Few things cause more division and controversy than the subject of riding in a bitless bridle, but there are numerous benefits and physiological advantages to doing so.We only need to look at the natural horse to find out why this item of horse tack is so beneficial.When there is an obstruction in the oral cavity (mouth), it can cause a multitude of physiological disadvantages that hinder the horse.Two significant examples are movement and breathing: key roles in any equine performer, regardless of breed or discipline.A horse can only breathe through their nose. When the seal of the mouth is broken, this causes the soft palate to displace and obstruct the airways, hindering the horses ability to intake air. This is made even more difficult during vigorous exercise.The combination of any present tension and restriction in the horses jaw indirectly affects the movement from the shoulders and forelimbs through to the hindlimbs.This results in compromised movement, striding and balance. Removal of obstructions from the mouth allows your horse to perform to his optimum athletic ability, with increased stride length, balance and comfort.This is where a bitless bridle comes in.Facial nerves and bridle fit1) Olfactory nerve; 2) Optic nerve; 3) Oculomotor nerve; 4) Trochlea nerve; 5) Abducens nerve; 6) Trigeminal nerve; 6.1) Trigeminal Opthalmic Branch; 6.2) Trigeminal Maxillary Branch; 6.3) Trigeminal Mandibular nerve; 7) Facial nerve; 8) Vestibulocochlear nerve; 9) Glossopharyngeneal nerve; 10) Vagus nerve; 11) Accessory; 12) HypoglossalWhen you consider any type of bridle, bitless or bitted, its essential to consider the facial structure of the horse.When selecting a bitless bridle specifically, it is important to assess whether the type of bridle used is suitable for your horse given the various contact points these bridles have on the face.No one type of bridle will be suited to each and every horse a mistake so often made.One horse may be more comfortable with contact applied to a certain area of the face than others, be this by preference or for medical reasons.There are a few key areas that need close consideration, with specific reference to the intricate network of cranial nerves.As part of the peripheral nervous system, the cranial nerves stem directly from the brain and come in 12 pairs, with one of each on both sides of the head (see diagram).Every nerve has its own multitude of nerve branches. These play a vital role in sensory and motor functions, including balance, sensory (touch, taste, smell, vision) exchange, tongue movement and vocalisation.Fitting a bitless bridleOne of the key nerves that play a role in bitless bridle fit is the trigeminal nerve, which divides into three superficial branches: the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular.These exit the skull cavity through holes known as foramen. This, alongside the facial and hypoglossal nerves, is a main nerve to be affected by poor fit, due to the branches close proximity to the skins surface.Though we are not able to avoid each and every nerve, we can be mindful of bridle (bitless or otherwise) placement for enhanced comfort.For example, ensuring the headpiece has sufficient ear clearance, the cheekpieces sit above or below rather than on the facial crest, and any noseband sits above the beginning of the soft cartilage tissue, but two to three fingers below the facial crest.There should be two fingers clearance between the band and bone for an ergonomic fit.Bitless bridles: where are the brakes?People often ask me about brakes when using a bitless bridle, but it is a misconception that brakes are related to a bit. If you had a bolting horse and a bit made of barb wire, it still would not stop them.Why? Because horses naturally push into pressure and pain.Stimuli placed within the mouth commonly causes discomfort, exacerbating the horses natural flight response.The removal of such a stimulus via a bitless bridle will free up the lines of communication so that your horse can respond comfortably to your cues, from your seat to hand. It is correct training that is required, pure and simple.Every horse can transitionI believe every horse is able to transition to a bitless bridle, but many people disagree with me. I think the bigger question is whether every rider can transition to riding bitless.The way in which the equestrian world continues to train horses is steeped in tradition, yet isnt the point of tradition to add something good for future generations to come? Much of what we are conditioned to believe about horses is false. Control is an illusion it is communication we should seek. The world of the bitless bridle may seem foreign, but it is a language you will never want to forget once you learn it.Types of bitless bridleThere is a good selection of bitless bridles available on the market. Below is a list explaining what the different types are and how each of them works:Bosal HackamoreThis traditional Western bridle was brought to America in the 1700s by the Spanish Vaqueros. The bosal hackamore consists of the bosal nosepiece, hanger and 22 mecate reins, traditionally made from horsehair. A bosal is made from rawhide (this is the inner layer of cattle hides) braided around a rawhide core. Used as a signal device, it applies contact on the nose, chin and jaw.Natural HackamoreA natural hackamore is a combination of a high-quality braided rope halter and mecate reins wrapped around the fiador knot of the halter. On this type of bitless bridle, the mecate reins (these are usually made from horsehair) allow you to adjust the length of rein to that which is most suitable for your horse, before finishing the wrap to give a ground line that is tied to the saddle when riding.SidepullDefined by two rings on either side of the noseband to which the reins attach, the sidepull is one of the clearest and gentlest forms of bitless bridle around. Working on direct rein aids, the contact points are clearly presented on the sides of the noseband when individually applied, and on the nose when both reins are applied, with no leverage.CrossunderMost commonly referred to as the Dr Cook, the crossunder bridle distributes pressure over a larger surface area on the opposite side to which the rein is applied (ie the indirect rein). Creating an x under the horses chin, it makes contact points under the horses jaw, across the cheek and up to the poll with a single rein, including downward contact on the nose when both reins are applied.ScrawbrigThis is a noseband with a ring on each side, with a strap that loops under the chin through the two rings. The reins attach to two further rings, one on each end of the strap. When the rein is applied, the curb strap applies pressure primarily in the chin groove, but also downwards on the horses nose. This means that this type of bitless bridle creates a constricting effect.JaquimaA Jaquima is usually known as the Paso Fino bridle, because it is a bitless bridle used traditionally for the Paso Fino breed of Spanish-gaited horse. The Jaquima is a dual bridle that can be used with single or double reins. Each bridle has a side-pull option, with two separate rings located underneath on the curb strap to form a curb-ring hackamore.Dual bitless bridlesThe dual variety of bitless bridle provides the option of using either a single or double rein depending on preference and exercise. Dual bridles are available in a variety of designs, most commonly featuring a side-pull and curb combination.Multi bridles and attachmentsSome bitless bridles feature multiple options. Multi bridles have three or more interchangeable settings that often come with various attachments and accessories. Noseband attachments are available to add to existing bridles to convert as opposed to purchasing a full bridle.Mechanical HackamoreA mechanical hackamore is shownNIKON D7500 f/11 1/60s 36mm ISO5600A mechanical hackamore is defined by shanks in varying lengths and designs, acting via leverage with the contact points on the horses face, primarily the nose, chin groove and poll.The amount of leverage varies according to the length and shape of shank. The smaller the shank, the less leverage.Some have adjustable settings, offering variation in method of communication.Tips for riding in a bitless bridleGood communication begins on the ground. Ensure your horse is relaxed and focused, using a foundation of dynamic groundwork exercises.Choose a correctly fitting bitless bridle based on your horses facial conformation and responses to the points of contact of the bridle.Check your horses responses by training soft rein responses from the ground, both while stationary and in motion, with soft lateral flexions on both sides, half-halts and rein-back.When your horses responses are soft and clear, practise the same rein exercises in the saddle, beginning with simple transitions in a comfortable space, before progressing further.Whenriding in a bitless bridle, a constant conversation with the horse in which the contact is understood and meaningful is vital.Feel the horses movement fora fluid rapport to eliminate holding, which causes bracing.Removal of the bit frees up lines of communication between you and your horse. So if you change to a bitless bridle, you find find that theystartto express underlying areas of training that need attention.Benefits of bitless bridlesThe following are some of the many reasons why choosing a bitless bridle can be so beneficial:A more forward going horse with greater freedom of movement.Improved jumping technique thanks to increased freedom of movement in the horses head and neck.A happier and more willing horse.Better communication between horse and rider.Improved contact and connection.Teaches the rider to ride from their seat and legs, making you less reliant on controlling your horse from your reins.Shop for a bitless bridleTwin Oaks Trekking Bridle NevadaThis is the ideal combination of headcollar and bridle. Made from leather, the Trekking bitless bridle features an anatomically-shaped headpiece for horse comfort.The ring on the chinstrap can be used for leading. The noseband and browband feature soft padding. The Nevada also comes with a pair of web reins.RRP 69.90 (US$41.90, sale price)Colour: Black.Sizes: Cob or fullBuying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereRambo Micklem Multi BridleThis leather bridle is designed to comfortably fit the shape of your horses skull, avoiding pressure on sensitive areas.It can be used as a bridle (with a bit), lunge cavesson, or as a bitless bridle with three strength options.It comes with tongue protection clips, bit straps, curb groove strap and a strong bitless strap.RRP 143.95 (US$119.43)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereQHP Sunna Bitless BridleThis multifunctional bitless bridle can be used as a side pull, chin crossed and jaw crossed bridle a great option if youre not sure what style of bitless bridle to plump for.The anatomically shaped headpiece ensures the best possible comfort, while the browband is decorated with rhinestones with a multicoloured sparkle.RRP 79 (US$97.70)Colour: Black or brownSizes: Pony, cob, fullBuying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereEasy Trek Anatomical Bitless BridleA leather cross under bitless bridle with a soft padded brow and noseband for extra comfort. The ergonomic headpiece is shaped for a good fit and has extra padding to minimise poll pressure. Included with this bridle is a pair of rubber sure grip reins.RRP 89Colour: Black, brownSizes: Pony, cob, full, draftBuying in the UK? Purchase herePractical Horse Company Bitless BridleThis bitless bridle is shaped to fit your horses head and avoid major facial nerves. The thick padded noseband helps to distribute pressure when using the aids and the all-in-one headpiece helps to reduce bulk and increase comfort when ridden.The Practical Horse Bitless Bridle is a side-pull style. There is also an extra strap that attaches from the throat lash to the noseband so that the bridle can be used as a headcollar.RRP 43Colour: Black or brownSizes: Pony, small cob, cob, full, X-fullBuying in the UK? Purchase hereTranscend Bitless BridleTranscend is a soft bitless bridle made from English leather. The action of the bridle creates a subtle, soft communication between you and your horse.It is designed to avoid the sensitive nerve bundles on your horses head for increased comfort. The Transcend noseband is wide and softly padded, and it is fitted below the facial crest and the nerve bundle exit point.RRP from 160Colour: Black or Havana with various coloured stitching decorationsSizes: Pony, cob, full, X-fullBuying in the UK? Shop the rangeMain image: copyright Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media Ltd. Diagram: copyright Ross Cooper/Rosca HorsesmanshipRelated contentHow to introduce your horse to a bitless bridleBridle fit and horse head anatomy: everything you need to know *VIDEO*Groundwork exercises for horses to build trustThe many benefits of hacking a horseHow to read a horses body languageThe post Bitless bridles and the physiological advantages for every horse appeared first on Your Horse.

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Long reining a horse isnt just for those equines being aimed at pulling a carriage. It is a useful skill for every owner/rider to have because, when done correctly, it will help with your horses development.You may choose to do a long reining session instead of riding or as a good warm up before you get on board. It also makes an interesting change from lunging a horse. As well as the physical benefits, long reining can help to build trust between horse and rider before you mount.You can do pretty much everything from the ground that you do in the saddle, while also observing your horses movement and responses. This is why the skills of long reining a horse are so useful to learn.Benefits of long reining a horseLong reining helps to strengthen a horses back and enhances their posture to enable them to carry a rider with ease. It usually forms part of the breaking-in process, but a lot can be achieved from long-reining even when a horse is beyond the initial training stage of their education.For driving horses and ponies, long reining is an important part of the early training process as it gives them time to get used to having a handler behind them.Getting startedHere are five exercises to help you get started with long reining a horse:Long reining a horse: first stepsIt is important to introduce long reining slowly to a horse in order to build confidence and set the right foundations for successful training in the long term.How to do itStand behind your horse and, just as you would when youre lunging, use your voice to ask them to walk on (going large) around the arena.Maintain contact on their mouth to help engage and guide them. You can learn quickly by feeling through the reins and observing from behind how your horse is going, so you can help them when needed. This method will help to develop their musculature, posture and strength.Dont allow the lines to touch the ground. This is potentially dangerous and having no contact on your horses mouth wont aid their training and wont help with communication.Take time to get used to the feeling, and continue to walk behind your horse as you guide them around your schooling area.Long reining allows you to watch how a horse moves and potentially highlights weaknesses and possible issues. Check the following as you walk round:The levelness of your horses hips one may be lower than the other.The posture of their tail it is relaxed or kicked to one side?The levelness of the hock joints they should appear even in the way they bend.The saddle is it level? Does it sit still?Steering the horseMake sure all of your communication with your horse is confident and clear; think of it like a firm handshake so that your horse isnt left guessing what you want them to do. As they become more experienced, your aids can become more subtle.How to do itTo turn left, use the left rein to gently bend your horse and the right rein will close in on the right side of their quarters (just as your outside leg would do when riding), indicating that you want to turn left.If your horse is very young, nervous, inattentive or struggling to understand, ask your friend to help from the leading position in front.To turn right, apply a little more pressure to the right rein to bend and direct your horse to the right. While doing this, close the left line against your horses flanks/ quarters, indicating to them that you want to go to the right.Practise turning to the left and right until you feel confident and your horse understands what youre asking them to do.Learning to haltAs well as steering, its important that you can stop your horse while long reining. I would recommend that you dont ask your horse to stop next to the gate, wall or fence, so turn them into the middle of the school.How to do itUse your voice and apply a little even pressure down the reins. Most horses will understand that this means stop.Your horse may pull a little at first, but take your time and calmly repeat the aid, relaxing when they do the right thing.If you are continuing with your schooling session, ask your horse to walk on again.If you have finished, once they have halted, quietly drop the right line on the floor and walk up to their head on the left side, taking the line through the stirrup iron so that its free to lead.Move to the other side to unclip the line placed on the floor and pick it up safely.Increasing the paceWhen you and your horse feel confident and happy in walk, its time to move up a gear to trot. This requires more coordination and the ability to move and think quickly, so make sure youre happy and in control in walk first.How to do itIn trot, youll move your horse onto a large circle and also change where youre positioned.Start off in walk. If youre on the left rein, take three steps to the left youll now be looking at your horse from the side and will be positioned in the centre of the circle that your horse is creating around you. Think of it as lunging with two lunge reins.When youre happy with your position, use your outside line (on the left rein that means the right line) to encourage your horse to trot by tapping their quarters with it.Use your voice if they need a little more encouragement to move up to trot.Youll need to walk round with your horse if you stand still, your circle will be too small.Check that you are positioned behind your horses eye, never in front, or youll confuse them and they may stop or turn in towards you.Putting a full session togetherAt Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Centre we long-rein younger, physically weaker horses for 10 minutes initially, and up to 20-25 minutes for those horses who are older and stronger.The quality of the work the horses do is more important that the time spent doing it. The biggest advantage of long-reining is that you can go large and achieve so much without straining young joints or old or damaged ones as might happen on a permanent circle.Sometimes work your horse in a full stretch, maybe at the beginning, middle and end of your session; at other times, work them in a less stretched outline. This helps to develop their musculature and the elasticity of their whole spine.There are lots of useful exercises that you can do on long reins, including:Centre linesSerpentines, making the loops very even its harder than you think to be accurate.Figures of eightCorrect changes of rein long and short diagonals, for example.Long reining a horseAs you up the pace a horse is working at while long-reining, youll see a new set of aspects that will continue to teach you about your horse.This highlights what a great insight long reining a horse can give you compared to riding, including:Correct or incorrect definition in your horses neck muscles.The fit of the saddle and its placement.The posture of your horses thoracic spine.Whether your horse is over-tracking in their paces evenly. This is an important observation that we should all be monitoring in any training scheme, as its vital to soundness and progress.Main image: copyright Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media LtdRelated contentGroundwork exercises for horses that build trustHow to improve a horses poor toplineLunging exercises to help your horse work correctlyWhat are the Scales of Training in dressage and flatwork?How to use a Pessoa training systemThe post Long reining a horse: technique explained and exercises to try appeared first on Your Horse.

I was surprised and delighted in equal measure when I was handed this Mountain Horse Sally Jacket for testing, because it was delivered to Your Horse editor Aimis house and she loves the colour blue. Im thankful she didnt lay claim to it, though, because its proved a handy little coat in unpredictable British weather and I wear it a lot.I work in PR full time and Im also a freelance groom at weekends. I often struggle at this time of year to find the perfect layers for when the weather cant decide what its doing, especially in my latter job, but the Mountain Horse Sally Jacket has solved that problem.Ive been wearing it regularly since March 2024 and Ive really put it through its paces. From yard duties and hacking three horses a day right through to trips to the supermarket and a music festival, this jacket is super stylish. Ive even worn it to the office on occasion!Its fair to say that I find myself reaching for it on a regular basis, whatever the occasion. I particularly love its vibrant blue colour. This jacket has kept me dry and warm, whether Ive been on the yard or dancing along to Mel C and the Sugababes at Blenheim Palaces Nocturne Festival (caught on camera see main image above!).FitThe Mountain Horse Sally Jacket is lightweight and a very breathable material, which means its not at all restrictive when Im carrying out yard duties or riding.It has deep pockets that zip up, which is always a bonus and I dont have to worry about losing my phone or car keys.The jacket is quilted with a soft insulated lining which kept me warm on chillier summer evenings. I really like the line detail across the jacket too.I vary between a size 14 and 16 on top and opted for the large. It is big on me, so I would recommend staying true to size if youre looking for a closer fit.First impressionsI instantly loved the vibrant colour and Ive had many comments on how nice the bright blue is. It has also served as an added bonus out hacking theres no missing me when I have this jacket on under my high viz.So far, the colours brightness hasnt faded at all, and Ive washed it several times.No more soggy sleevesOne of my favourite things about this jacket is that it has cuffed sleeves. Not only do these keep your arms totally warm, but it means nothing can creep down the sleeve either.We all know that feeling of damp arms and soggy sleeves when carrying water buckets. Well, it isnt a concern while wearing the Mountain Horse Sally Jacket.The cuffed sleeves also keep hay and straw out, which means my car and flat need vacuuming much less often. It gets an extra star for that!If I had to be critical, the hood doesnt have a compartment to be zipped away into and it cant be detached either. This can be annoying as it means the hood billows out behind my head on a windy day.Value for moneyThis jacket is on the slightly pricier side at 85, but I get so much wear out of it that I think its worth the money and I would definitely buy it again. My cost per wear is already pretty good in six months. There are some really good discounts available online, so its worth having a look around to find the best place to buy it.Purchase hereFurther readingEssential tack for a riding horseHow do horses sleep?Groundwork exercises for horses to build trustWhy a horses bad behaviour could be a plea for helpThe post From the yard to a Mel C concert, my cost per wear of this jacket is already pretty good appeared first on Your Horse.

Ocala, FL The 2025 dressage competition calendar, sponsored by Hampton Green Farm and Discover Dressage, at World Equestrian Center Ocala (WEC) is set to feature an impressive lineup of 11 shows including seven Fdration Equestre International (FEI)-rated events. The 2025 slate of FEI-rated competitions, which run alongside national US Equestrian (USEF)/United States Dressage Federation (USDF) shows, will include three CDI3* shows, two CDI4*[...]Read MoreThe post World Equestrian Center Ocala Announces 2025 Dressage Competition Calendar appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Mia Farley and David OConnors Thoroughbred, Phelps, at Morven Park in 2022. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.The 2024 Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials is thrilled to be offering a new award at this years world-class competition. Celebrating the dedication and passion of American breeders and the countrys high-performance talent pipeline, the MARS American Bred Talent Trophy will be awarded to the American-bred horse that places highest in the 4* level at the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials, October 1013. We are very excited to be debuting this award during our 2024 event this season, said Morven Park Executive Director/CEO Stacey Metcalfe. Ms. Mars has been a strong supporter of high-performance eventing in the United States for many years. Offering this new award will help celebrate the incredible breeders that make our sport possible and recognize the talented horses from the United States that are a part of this event. The trophy will be awarded to the highest-placed American-bred horse at the 4*-L level. If there are no horses qualified in the 4*-L division, the trophy will be awarded to the highest-placed American-bred horse at the 4*-S level. In addition to the trophy, the winner will receive a $10,000 prize, with $5,000 awarded to reserve. Horses bred and born in the United States are eligible for the award, with no breed registry limitations. Qualified horses will be determined by the information provided on their FEI database profile/FEI passport. Entries for the 2024 Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials open on August 26, so start making your plans to continue the legacy at this years event! As one of only six venues in the United States to host a CCI4*-L competition, Morven Park invites spectators to enjoy the exciting, multi-phase discipline of eventing at all levels. Make sure to reserve your tailgate space or purchase your VIP Tent Pass to elevate your experience. Click here for more information and plan your weekend in the country today!

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