Tara And Bella Go Bit-less | ~ Part 1

[@sophiesaraby1105]

Congratulations Tara, you are well on the way to ruining this horse physically and mentally. Your arrogance in refusing to learn correct training is off the charts. Your horse is paying the price and still you refuse to learn

[@Sue-D1101]

Totally agree, I hope she reads these comments.

[@Phillip-p1e]

​Hello from the UK,,, Tara will not respond to any criticism or offer of help,, she prefers those who say she's doing a wonderful job with Bella, and how pretty the horse is etc etc. If she reads a comment that she doesn't like it's reported to KZbin as bullying.. I've commented to her several times ( I say as I see) she didn't like my comment and got me suspended a couple of times... There not much w we can do except hope that there won't be an accident,,, which we ALL know is coming 👍🇬🇧

[@randiholbrook5849]

Tara scares me to death. She's really going to get hurt. You need a CORRECT bitless bridle, NOT a halter, unless the horse is trained for it, and understands it. With a halter, the pressure comes from underneath, and Bella is used to pressure from the SIDES. You can't just hop on and expect this to work! Tara has always held the reins super tight and never gives the horse relief. And if she does, it only lasts for a second or two. You are exactly right when you said she is holding the horse back. And that is because Tara is afraid to loosen the reins. Leaning forward and balancing on the reins is what she always does. That constant pressure on the horse's nose has to be uncomfortable. Bella obviously doesn't understand what Tara wants. Tara is obviously too inexperienced to be riding a green horse to begin with, but this demonstration has convinced me that Tara doesn't have even basic knowledge. The horse has to be SHOWN. This is a whole different feeling for the horse, and I feel sorry for the horse. If you insist on riding in a rope halter, AT LEAST ground drive the horse first to introduce her to it. Tara has heavy hands too, which further complicate things. The horse is not being stubborn, and is being ruined just as you said, K9Tay! You are right on the money.

[@Enjoyinglifeonedayatatime]

I hate the mindset when people have a bitless bridle on and they think they can pull however hard they want it doesn't affect the horse at all

[@Aimee0206]

I feel like this was set up for failure right from the get go. If Tara wants to ride bitless, she should've done it in a properly fitted bitless bride, not in a loosely fitted rope halter. Pressure from under the chin is different to pressure from then side of the face, which is what Bella is used to. Using a rope halter that's so loosely fitted that you have to literally pull her chin to her chest to get any kind of contact is never going to work on any horse that isn't well trained in how to ride in a rope halter.

[@sdlboston2947]

OMG, she connected the rope halter directly to a neck loop! I didn't see that at first. Whyyyyy?!?!?! It's worse than a super-tight martingale, or super-tight side reins. And she wonders why the horse won't go forward. I can't with this woman.

[@demisalad1455]

It doesn't look better with a bit in the mouth, or from the ground... It is horrible to watch, she is not open to any advice and urgently needs to improve her riding before trying to teach a young horse.

[@Vespa7419]

That poor horse 😥😥 Bella looks sooooo miserable and the worse part is Tara can’t see it!! If she doesn’t understand basic horse body language she should certainly not be training young horses!!

[@MegaSunflower56]

This woman does NOT have a clue right from her first video shes 'overhorsed' and actuallt think she needs to sell those poor horses she has!!

[@marymacgregor6952]

I’ve watched this disaster. Several people commented that that’s not a proper bit less bridle. I would think she’d research them first. Poor Bella, more torture.

[@Sue-D1101]

Well well well, Tara actually admitted she made a mistake with this so called bitless riding. She is still saying poor Bella is a difficult horse though which is not correct of course. There are now 3 more car crash videos of poor Bella in the bitless saga. Her adoring followers are still praising Tara saying she’s done a great job. 🙄

[@Phillip-p1e]

Hello from the UK. I've been watching Tara and her horses from day one . She had an Arab , got rid of it ( too sharp) same with a Friesian. Now shes got Bella ( an accident waiting to happen) . Tara will not listen to any criticism and if she reads a comment she doesn't like she'll report it to KZbin as a hate comment.. I've never seen her ride from her leg, seat , just her hands ( holding on for balance and dear life ... The rider continually applies pressure but doesn't release... There's a saying,, Novice riders and novice horses are a disaster waiting to happen...

[@vanclemmons]

I don’t follow her but it seems to me that many of her mistakes could be easily corrected by a professional trainer. Does she not work with one? Why does she document her rides? Does she think _she_ is a professional?

[@Sue-D1101]

@ I think she does have occasional lessons but from what I’ve seen definitely not professional as they never correct her.

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

Hi I am in uk too ,i am in tears over this, esp as i am not a million miles away. It is so easy to ride bridleless, never mind bitless, they, rider and horse in danger, worried Tara may get hurt, worried Bella may one day say NO,,,,,, I RIDE WITH NO BRIDLE ITS SO EASY. Your body weight, and thought controls a horse, thanks xx

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

@@vanclemmons i am a qualified trainer, tried to help, to no avail, i hope she is safe happy, Bella too

[@Phillip-p1e]

@@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf I mostly have concerns for Bella,, she has definitely lost condition, top line has diminished and is looking tucked up,, I've also noticed something isn't right about her front legs and was terrified she'd injure herself ( and Tara) when they had a jumping lesson.. Am not surprised Tara refused your help.. I watched her have a lesson and the instructor was praising her even though things were not going well , twas a hard watch Tbh. I too am a BHS coach and find it sad that the horse still can't walk in a straight line ,or go around a corner, let alone jump .. I'm done 👍🤔

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

And PLEASE DO NOT TRY AND JUSTIFY what you say. You are 100% CORRECT in ALL observations. Tried all i can to help,, without physically marching round, Just 1 BACK, CHECKS WITH GREAT equine vets. 2 Saddle NEW ONE TO FIT BOTH. Her basic spine has changed so much from last saddle, over a year ago. I GET MY YOUNGSTERS SADDLE CHECKED every 3 months, from 4 to 7 at leasf. 3 She needs xrays ALL 4 legs. 4 ALL legs from shoulder down xrays. 5 All gums, pallete checking 6 xrays on poll and ALL bridle areas.EG,, We both livie in racing area, have used same vets EQUINE,, They are great.Also bridle DOES NOT fit correctly, eg poll area, just my opinion.Hope she keeps safe, i would love to help Tara and Bella today xx

[@tegan5332]

This is a recipe for disaster even for Bella and Tara! First of all one of them is going to end up getting hurt really bad. This lady shouldn't even be riding this horse this horse is not even ready to be ridden! Tara needs to go back to basic groundwork with Bella this is just plain abuse that she's doing riding Bella like that! And the bitless Bridle she's riding Bella in is honestly a piece of crap She could get a nicer one for Bella period.

[@godwinseverytime3725]

Tara is stark raving mad. That poor horse Farouk that she got rid of. I hope he found a decent home.

[@SeekerKC]

She took a _terribly_ foolish risk just to prove her point.

[@PersonalTriumph2022]

What was her point ?

[@Sue-D1101]

@@PersonalTriumph2022 Her point was she always said going bitless was like driving a car with no brakes and she would never do it despite many saying it would be beneficial for Bella.

[@SeekerKC]

@PersonalTriumph2022 I believe that she was trying to demonstrate that bitless isn't a good option for that horse. Maybe I was wrong. 🤷

[@Sue-D1101]

@@SeekerKC you’re probably right. So many have suggested trying Bella in a bitless bridle due to her looking so uncomfortable during her training. Tara has always said no to this but now here we are confusing Bella even more.

[@mishamandrake1677]

Tara is frightened to death of this horse, wth she keeps up with this is beyond me, its getting beyond ridiculous 🙄

[@lisaupdawrally2732]

Tara is going to get herself hurt pushing poor Bella like this. That rope halter can be a great source of discomfort and confusion when used by a person who doesn't understand its pressure points! Tara needs to do tons more ground work with Bella. For goodness sake Tara cannot safely mount without Bella stepping away and she is not able to get Bella to walk when riding. Aren't these major red flags for her? She needs a good professional trainer to help her accomplish these 2 things safely. Bella needs to be rescued so to speak by a trainer who can help Tara understand how to work with Bella in a safe, clear and gentle manner.

[@nixequestrian3721]

Wow! Just wow! The few videos I saw of her before covid she was riding the same way- I thought back then she was a very new rider & 'good on her' for getting in the saddle as an older lady... that was 6 years ago & she is riding just as bad, if not worse now. At some point we all have to realise that what we think we can do vs what we are actually capable of doing in reality don't align & either seek help to close the gap or change course & pick a different activity entirely. Tara is a shining example of 'just because you can, doesn't mean you should'. Many people have offered her advice but Tara has simply ignored it & blocked those trying to help her & her horses for years (I saw a posts about her doing this way back in 2019/2020). At this point she knows she has options, she simply refuses to acknowledge that her skill level & knowledge base is vastly lower & limited than makes out. That poor horse is screaming out that she is not OK with what is happening to her & Tara ignoring it will only last so long before it all comes to a head- we can only hope that when that happens the people & Bella do not suffer long lasting harm. I haven't watched Tara's content since 2019 because I have no desire to support her abuse of the horses is keeps- although reading the comments here it sounds like the other horses she had, finally had enough of her abuse & decided to start protecting themselves from her & ended up sold as a result- I hope Bella does the same sooner rather than later tbh.

[@Sue-D1101]

Tara has been riding since she was a lot younger and has had numerous horses over the years. Her arrogance will not let her take advice from well meaning people unfortunately.

[@PersonalTriumph2022]

I am intrigued by how many horses she has bought and sold in such a short period, esp after buying stallions and gelding them. Why not just buy a gelded horse ? Whatever happened to the warmbloods chestnut yearling she bought and just returned like a month or two later because he ‘didn’t fit in.’ What in the world does that mean ?

[@Sue-D1101]

@@PersonalTriumph2022 oh yes I remember the chestnut yearling, she bought him I think the same time as she bought Bella. I think from memory she said he wasn’t as advertised so she sent him back to the breeder. I think she also had another Friesian but he was sold as well as her Arab Farouk.

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

Hi angelxx i responded and said i am willing to help. Sorry im in tears over this.she has not got back to me,, pulling like CHEESE WIRE! POOR BELLA CANNOT MOVE. Before she mounted she put her into a TIGHT bind, muck scoops, mounting block et corner of school. Thin rope halter she iz using IS NOT A BITLESS BRIDLE. Seriously, worried, as SO THIN, NO MUSCLE MASS, look a month ago she was not this thin. And WHY BITLESS, i do not believe she would go bitlessWithout a LARGE REASON,, Tara, my opinion loves old school, EG BIT WITH M8NIMUM 2 WRINKLES, And do not want HORSE TO DIE EARLY, BELLA IS SO WEAK. And i DO NOT WANT TARA to be in a dreadful accident. Sorry, i do not wish to offend, i am at a loss, THANMS sorry, i am beyond upset with this, love always to your lovely animals xx

[@Phillip-p1e]

@kathrynmurphy.... Tara will not respond,,, she's stuck in her own way of doing things , seems to prefer those who say she's doing a wonderful job and how pretty and sweet Bella is .. I took am disturbed by her riding and total lack of understanding of what she should be doing... I've commented to her several times ( I say as I see) Tara didn't like what I said and reported my comment to KZbin as bullying. I truly believe that one day she'll have an accident with Bella like she did her Arab , she got rid of it saying it was too sharp, same with the Friesian horse too much to handle...

[@annecahling7251]

Saw this video yesterday, so hard to watch. Tara's videos just get worse and worse.

[@JoAnnWilliamson-b6o]

That is not a bit less bridle. It is a rope halter with knot pressure points. Tara never once releases those reins. Yes it is a death grip as that is how she always rides. As a side, Tara clipped Bella’s forelock as well.

[@sandrafogarty1073]

I watched this video when Tara said she was going to try bitless training, thinking, I'm glad she is at least trying it. Unfortunately, Bella looks uncomfortable and jittery. I think, if Tara is going to try Bella bitless, she needs to invest in a bitless bridle, that is correctly fitted, and learn how to do it before she tries it on Bella. The corner of the arena was a bad place to mount - there is no room to move, as seen when Bella hit against the wall.

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

Thank God you did this, very few people seem to care, you train dogs in a wonderful way, and i believe horsemanship is as good,,, WHY you have great empathy, your comments are honest, insightful with the horses brain, you see things that others dont, looking deep into the spirit of an equine, thankyou, xx

[@sharigirardeau3367]

Personally, I think this is a recipe for disaster. HOW will Tara do this. 🤦🏼

[@bevgrubel7503]

All I can say is poor Bella. Just confusing her more. I agree with bitless, but you start your training with this from the beginning.

[@bevgrubel7503]

Always blaming Bella for everything. So frustrating 😫

[@suzanneyorkville]

This halter is also quite fine so that is a lot of pressure on her nose. it's all very sad....for the horse that is.

[@hollywill2226]

Where RSPCA!!!!!

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

Hi saw your comment, re Bella, im bhs qualified lecturer, vet trained, almost begged to help worried sick, i am scared she may die, and or Tara may hurt herself, beyond upset. Thanks xx

[@Sue-D1101]

The RSPCA wouldn’t do anything in this case. Bella is being fed and has water and shelter so they would definitely not do anything. I’ve reported several dog cruelty cases (in my opinion) but the RSPCA said after inspection they were fine. Unless it’s extreme to the point of death they don’t want to know.

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

On the way, pray to God

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

Stifle joint one of largest joints in a horse, so weak, no movement in lateral area no push through hip, all muscle on shoulder, ulna region because of weight and still twisting right pastern ddt.pivot is so weak, And its getting worse, sorry leave you in peace xx

[@PersonalTriumph2022]

What does it all mean for the horse ? What does it predispose her to ?

[@tanyabrown9839]

Poor horse. Rider look like she needs to go back to the basics. I've ridden horses with their halters and I've never had one look uncomfortable like this or be backing like that when I'm wanting to go forward

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

Ps sorry about spelling, IM worried like REALLY worried,BELLA may be really ill, her back is in agony, I have almost begged to help, beyond upset, YOUR OPINION IS PERFECT, AND TOTALLY CORRECT XX

[@elizabethireland3192]

Kathryn do you think her back may have been injured when she went over backwards as a youngster ?

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

@elizabethireland3192 possibly Elizabeth, but THERE IS MUCH MORE AT FAULT. I also feel that she is doing bitless for a reason,, she is not a bitless rider, she put Bella in 3 ring gag and martingale a while ago. She has used bit like razor wire for DECADES FACT not just Bella,, imagine yourself with bit pulling up at corners mouth right back far to high, then a big man using whole body weight to pull himself up by, youd be screaming in seconds, caughing, deffacating all over every time she gets on, i ride with no bridle all over the place, Im sick of it, look how much weight she has lost, even from christmas

[@elizabethireland3192]

Thanks Kathryn, I agree there is a lot more to this than is being said. She definitely rides 'old school' with a really harsh contact and gags are not appropriate for a youngster, or any horse for that matter. I do feel for poor Bella. She has no stabilisation in her seat and cannot give the correct aids through it but then had no idea how to teach them anyway. I do suspect Bella has a lot of physical issues and her mouth is another to add to the list. I knew a lady of similar age in the past and she was exactly the same, knew everything but actually knew nothing and wouldn't be told. She had a young Arab and would saw at his mouth to stop him. One day he'd had enough and dumped her in a field when she tried to canter him on a hack. He luckily went on loan to a lovely lady who treated him with respect and trained him properly. I fear that one day Bella will have enough and Tara will end up on the floor. I'm concerned about Bella's cough and possible health reasons for it. She needs to be thoroughly checked by a vet and also blood tests done urgently. I've been thinking about the loss of weight. There's a video thumbnail of the mare bowing and crossing her legs and you can see her hip bones. She is far too thin and tucked up too. I know she is ridden a phenomenal amount for a baby. Has she had her feed increased to compensate ? She is also still growing and needs more feed for this. She has given the mare a full clip and needs more rugs than normal to keep her warm. When we fully clipped our horses they were older and doing a lot of work over winter. They never lost weight like this. Although I don't know the temperature at the time of these videos, a half rug would be appropriate when working at slow speeds, even in an indoor school. I fully appreciate your drive to help Bella and how distressing it is for you, but I thank you for trying.

[@Sue-D1101]

@@elizabethireland3192 I was really surprised when I saw her using the gag and martingale. She’d harped on so much about how she always uses snaffles, she’s such a hypocrite.

[@elizabethireland3192]

​@@Sue-D1101unfortunately she just keeps trying things out, instead of listening and getting proper advice. It proves she doesn't know what she's doing. No one who is experienced would keep changing bits. The idea of a gag bit in a baby's mouth is very upsetting. If you haven't got brakes, get off and sort your groundwork out, or send her to someone who can do this.

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

Also worried about deffication almost every video, coughing for weeks, sadly Bella also had convex face, small eyes, not overly so, but makes a BIG DIFFERENCE, TO VISION, and nerves, not poor Bellas fault, i feel this horse could dissapear soon,, her body score now less than 3, look at at new year video, more weight lost!!

[@mishamandrake1677]

The best thing this women can do is stop posting all this garbage and live in her own egotistical bubble, the whole bitless thing is a joke, its not even a proper bitless bridle, just something shes cooked up to prove everyone wrong, poor bella, she absolutely deserves better smdh 😔

[@mishamandrake1677]

Of course I know that 🙄

[@elliemae7442]

Bella has no clue what you want

[@lynetteheitman5118]

Wow 100% people are not appreciating this womans horsemanship and I can see.why. Feelings for the poor horse. Tara should start watching some training wideos. Maybe KZbin should let her know she is getting a lot of negative comments

[@ktgequestrian4475]

I dont understand why they went to the Isle of Wight. Thats a hell of a journey from Yorkshire and a very expensive ferry crossing. There are plenty of places you could do the exact same thing much closer.

[@Sue-D1101]

I thought that, it’s a helluva journey from where she lives. Wonder who looked after Apollo?

[@ktgequestrian4475]

​@Sue-D1101 she has a groom I think. She didn't really explain why they went there.

[@PersonalTriumph2022]

@@Sue-D1101 that poor horse has just been living by itself since Farouk got sold. I think she will sell Apollo as they do nothing with him

[@Sue-D1101]

@@ktgequestrian4475 oh really I didn’t know she had a groom. I knew she had some guy who helps around doing jobs for her. She never ceases to amaze me.

[@Sue-D1101]

@@PersonalTriumph2022 I know I feel so sorry for Apollo. She goes on about him being herd leader, poor thing spends so much time alone nowadays.

[@flufflewarrior]

Tara has much to hard hands for a bitless bridle. Her hands are too hard for any sort of reins! She should go back to learning the basic of using your body/ balance instead of pulling on the reins like she is holding on to dear life.

[@rorybooth4923]

Like I said, this is why you don't ride with a halter, with heavy hands. And the squeaking saddle is mostly due to it being inlaid with leather, she really needs to stop buying from saddleries that have material that is too small for her, let alone cows being slaughtered to make the exact material. I feel like as someone who is both a farmer and rancher in training who rides horses and mules (Western for herding cattle, English for herding sheep, both styles are used for trail riding, as well), I wish people would be more gentle to animals... upstate NY, as well as western Massachusetts and Vermont rarely have any spots for ranching, but it's pretty atmospheric watching the sunset with '70s/'80s yacht rock playing... and I don't mind the roosters crowing in the background.

[@rorybooth4923]

And as someone who plays video games, as well, I kind of like how some such as Pokémon or Zelda make you interact with dogs and horses or creatures resembling them... for Pokémon, you have Growlithe and Arcanine, as well Ponyta and Rapidash, with some in later generations I like as well. When it's raining, I usually whip out my Game Boy Advance or DS...

[@kathrynmurphy-ug5qf]

Talc cures squeeky saddles in seconds!

[@patriciahorn7415]

Think her hands are part of the problem, up and down instead of following the movement of the horse, jabs the mouth when she jumps

[@randiholbrook5849]

Yes, she does NOT have quiet hands! They are all over the place - a sure sign of a rank novice.