Pros and Cons of Different Types of Bitless Bridles and Bits

You have all been asking about bitless bridless, the different types and what to use. Here is my review of a bunch of different types and my favourite types of bits.

[@georgiasmith1300]

No offence, but it shouldn’t matter what other people say about your training methods even if it’s the truth, just tell them that you no longer need to use a bit because you have formed a special bond with your horses

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

Georgia Smith I get what you're saying. I figure it's good to show people that I can use a bit with soft hands though.

[@georgiasmith1300]

Harmony Horsemanship oh yeah, kinda like making a stand, like for those who can’t use a bitless bridle, that no all people who use bits are harsh. 😁

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

Definitely I agree ... Although I prefer bitless, bits aren't all bad nor those that prefer them :)

[@fliss5838]

This is helping me alot, I asked on bitless forums the best type and most got mad and gave me lectures when I said I needed something with a bit more control than my current one. People get really uppity these even when you're trying to do that right thing

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

I totally agree;)

[@orileyautoparts6952]

I’ve never used a bit in my life, nor will I ever.

[@debtompkins5363]

the flat cheek cloverleaf now called a jumping hackamore used to be called a Crocket and was mostly used western

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

Thank you for sharing

[@lesliejacobs3002]

I noticed a few horses in the Olympics stadium jumping were using a jumper hackamore. Any idea who sells these?

[@meagenruttan4681]

I like your approach and perspective on this. I think you covered your bases and explained the thoughts behind your decision making really well. Thank you for sharing.

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

thank you - i really appreciate the feedback :) I was worried it was too long

[@ocequinesport]

I currently use a cross-under style, but its definitely not my end goal. I found there was quite a few training gaps in my horses learning that I am trying to fill in. I just felt safer in the cross-under for now, I think half the battle is the psychological battle with yourself when going from bit to bit-less and you're right we do rely on tools and they act as comfort blankets. Obviously I want better for my horse, and know there will be more suitable bit-less options. There's just so many to choose from it can take time to find what works for you and the horse! I appreciate this video as it has given me an insight into other potential ones to try.

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

Thanks for the feedback

[@dariaharruff7025]

I agree I think people should ride horses in rope halters my opinion

[@amandasawyer4784]

Great video Lindsey, thank you. Very clear explanation. I found this really helpful 👍

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

Amanda Sawyer awesome thanks...I know it's a bit long for a video but wanted to be thorough

[@DanaDelSol]

Thank you for this! I've been looking for a video just like yours.

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

Yay

[@SherriCavalier]

Clear, concise, excellent video!

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

Sherri Cavalier thanks :) Not too long?

[@SherriCavalier]

Nah, I didn't find it too long. :-)

[@Terrapart]

Thanks Lindsey for a great breakdown of bridle options. I have been using the rawhide noseband side-pulls on a lot of my horses for over 15 years and I completely agree with what you say. Often I actually use a well fitting leather halter with reins attached. Works great. I also agree with you about the cross-over leather bitless bridles. I find that the directional aid becomes reversed so that the horse feels the pressure on the opposite side than the rider is asking from. Not sure how they have become so popular. Maybe I'm missing something!

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

Thanks for the feedback... yes I agree about the cross unders... in a clinic this past weekend I had to detach the reins and hook to the sides to make it a side pull so the horse could understand the rider asking for a one rein bend. I guess they are meant for a different technique.

[@ebonypegasus9864]

A lot of people think the mechanical hackamore is "too harsh" but you are right, the Dr Cooks is much more harsh! I also remove the chain and jsut go with a leather chin strap.

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

Good idea

[@lesliejacobs1439]

Technically...any mouthpiece...bit..that has no shank...is a snaffle.....( see classic descriptions)...most snaffles are broken bits.. but not all..like straight driving bits..and the first one you showed..is a snaffle. Enjoying your video..thanks.

[@DayByDayVlogs]

Amazing video! Where do you buy your side pulls? I'm finding it hard to find the leather one in the size I need!

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

DayByDay Vlogs thank you! There is actually a special side pull bitless convertor available on the Harmony Horsemanship website that can be used on any bridle. You can find it at www.harmonyhorsemanship.ca/shop/thinline-ez-harmony-bridle-convertor/

[@jj_hoolio]

70-80% of bitted horses end up with bone spurs on their jaws. What is the point in using a bit ever, especially since you've trained him to ride bitless? Who cares about soft hands and 'showing that you can'? Respect your horse enough to not care what other people think!

[@lesliejacobs3002]

Don’t think so…

[@bamp1624]

pals face tho😂😍

[@willowreavley465]

hi i'm wondering why the cross under is not for you? i'm tryign to decide bewteen the side cue & cross under so am curious to hear??

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

I find horses don't like it

[@Gre_tel]

Your horses are so cute! Dam it

[@charlenebraddy5155]

First❤ awesome vid😁

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

Char Braddy thank you!

[@195419771983]

what is the brand and make of the leather sidepull in this video? I like the style...thx

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

Thanks it is the Thin Line bitless converter

[@SephirothWaifu]

Note: A true hackamore/bitless bridle doesn't have the presence of a shank to create leverage.

[@Stephanie-rl5nz]

Hiii ! I know I’m super late but I wanted to know what is the name of the bits you show in the beginning? It actually look really soft and gentle in the mouth ... I am actually riding bitless but I am searching high and low for a bits that is gentle enough! I am starting barrels competition and I want the most gentle bits there is. Also I can’t seem to find the side pull (in leather) name in the video ? Do you know we’re I can find and buy one ? (If it doesn’t show I really want the best/gentlest for my horse :) ) Ps: sorry for all the questions! Have a good day

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

The thinline bitless attachment will turn a bridle into a leather sidepull. I usually use a level 1 or 2 myler when using a bit

[@slipmasterd]

If you're looking for a soft bit, I recommend a loose ring, double-jointed , happy mouth/rubber bit. If not a loose ring, then some horses prefer a Dee ring.

[@stephanieortega9496]

Where can we purchase the fusion halter?

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

Www.harmonyhorsemanship.ca

[@brihems]

Could you tell me which brand of leather sidepull you use for English, and where you get it? I have a Waldhausen sidepull bitless bridle on order, but it had been backordered forever and I am getting antsy!

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

The ThinLine bitless attachment is what I use

[@lissyclay]

Is it possible to ride a horse both western and English?

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

Great question for a future Harmony headlines episode

[@lucasa1849]

I thought it was called a bosal or a traditional hackamore, not a basel

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

It is a bosal

[@TheTeapotte]

Have you ever tried the Nalanta bitless bridle? I'm thinking of transitioning to bitless but my horse has an extremely sensitive face and wasn't happy with a standard side pull. We ride bridleless so control isn't really an issue apart from when we are jumping or doing cross country, then he gets a little excited 😅 I like the look of the Nalanta because the noseband is nice and flat but also super padded and you still have the option of slight poll pressure on the cartwheel but want to get more reviews before I go ahead and buy it

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

I havent tried that kind.

[@rebekahashman1152]

Not an expert but looks like it would work very similar to a flower hackamore?

[@joyhughes750]

I very much appreciate your training manner, and the love you have for horses. I was in a mountain bike accident on 24th May 2018, it was a 4 day event. Day 1, I went head first over the handlebars causing severe brain trauma. Fortunately we are now moving on to acreage, allowing me to go back to my first love, horses. I stil have memory loss in many areas, not , fortunately my ability yo ride and handle a horse correctly. I am getting a horse I have now ridden and bonded with well. I would like to introduce him to a bitless bridle as he has such a soft mouth. thanks for your video's they help me so very much.

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

I'm glad its helpful

[@magogagaga39]

I am not judging, I am saying it for the horse. The hackamore was too low on the horse’s nose.

[@denelll.bennettsurvivorwar8224]

The first “bridle” I would NEVER use, No Control; it’s not even a real halter (in my opinion)!

[@denelll.bennettsurvivorwar8224]

*Dr. Cook’s Bitless cross-under Bridle gives you the rider the same control But, WAY MORE HUMANE; (in my opinion, BETTER CONTROL) as a bridle with an Mean bit, because Dr. Cook’s cross-under bitless bridle hugs the horses head i.e. Distributes to pressure All Around The Horse’s Head!* *Pain-Free with Excellent Controllability!*

[@HarmonyHorsemanship]

We all have our own experiences ... I train ottbs and wild mustangs as well some rescues and horses with serious issues. I would not feel comfortable with a cross under bridle.

[@TheTeapotte]

Not pain free! Put your finger under the noseband when a small amount of contact is applied... It hurts!!! The cross under actually intensifies the pressure on the noseband. My horse hated it. But that's why they stop so easily in them