Teaching Your Horse to Ride BRIDLELESS

Some tips and tricks on how I taught Milo and other horses in the past to ride bridleless. Please let me know what you think! Likes and comments appreciated.
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[@Milestone-Equestrian]

PSA: This is an OLD video. Critique is NOT helpful. Yes, my stirrups are short. I have bad knees that have since been strengthened and have been told by both my doctor and a chiropractor that shorter stirrups offer my loose ligaments more support. I’m sorry if that offends you but not my problem! I’ve since gotten a saddle that fits me better as well as strengthened my knees more and while they still aren’t great, they are much better! I really shouldn’t have to detail this since I have a happy, healthy horse who is clearly responsive in this video and stirrup length is largely a personal preference, but due to an influx of internet trainers who pretend they’re trying to be helpful but are clearly only interested in critiquing (because unless y’all have a time machine, critiquing this video isn’t helpful) I feel the need to explain myself. I have a trainer. I am a trainer. I work with numerous professionals. I’m pretty sure they have it covered.

[@RheeasDomain]

I'd say it is weird because I also have a small problem with my knees, however I prefer it the opposite way: good healthy length stirrups feels the most comfortable, along with soft "saddles" (that don't have a skeleton/"backbone" inside). It's also easier to do the sitting trot like that. I've had knee and lower body pain for going out riding in the forest for 2 hours with "proper length stirrups", i felt so horribly stiff... but as soon as i got rid of the stirrups I immediately started feeling better. Is this a common thing among people with long legs?

[@hadesdaughter381]

I like my stirrups longer in both English and western.

[@gypsyrose6648]

I have a bad ankle so I have to ride with short stirrup Lengths too and people say stuff all the time about it.

[@TheMontanawrangler]

dont worry Shelby, Horse people are literally just the most annoying, arrogant and self righteous people on earth. You are a breath of fresh air and please don't let them get to you!

[@elizabethlovesalbert]

I can’t believe that anyone cares about your form and equitation in this video 😤. This is a great video! Also, your form when he went to crowhop and buck was excellent. Your leg looked really strong and in contact and you looked really balanced. Anyone who’s criticizing form in this video has no idea what they’re talking about. You are a talented, pragmatic rider, with an excellent seat.

[@SigneofHorses]

Best advise: might not work for every horse and might take years! Well done.

[@pitbulls4life141]

17:40 he probably picked up the crop to chase the chickens.😏😂

[@madeleinepeuleve3654]

Shelby - you have mastered HORSEMANSHIP to the extreme - Your Milo has a mind of his own but he loves you it's obvious thank God there are people like you.

[@BrunetteInBreechesChannel]

Milo is so adorable... my horse loves to lick hands too, its so weird haha

[@bluekate123]

Brunette In Breeches yeaah mine does It too! it's to get salt off your hands which they like to lick

[@ermorrison0585]

Alyssa Equestrian you might already know this, but most horses lick to get the salt off your hands from sweat

[@emiliec4391]

I will probably use a "neck rope" next summer right now I'm building a bond will my horse, I use a side pull bridle sometimes but mostly a rope halter I've been working on my stop with my horse bareback and he's getting the hang of it so that's good. Thanks for the tips

[@deeberdonaldson824]

Awesome! I am like right where you are!

[@qrkriding3958]

Milo is precious! I love his personality. His licks and grooming of your hand remind me so much of my rescue! 💕

[@daisychilders9026]

Milo chewing on the lead hehe

[@katherinee.1213]

This is a super late comment but Milo's coat is so nice and shiny and beautiful in the summer!!! He looks so good, nobody would believe he was once a terrified neglected foal! ❤👏

[@KH-tx6lg]

Why would anyone (in the comments) think that she would "need" your advice??? She broke that horse only a year ago and is riding bridle-less!

[@equestrianava2570]

I LOVE his reaction to the chickens😆

[@28951SBDMDK]

Thanks for making this video! Milo & you make a great Team! I just rode my own horse bridleless today with a neck rope, and he turned, walked, trotted, cantered, stopped & backed up great! I've been riding him bitless since he was 4 though, and he's 10 now. Thank you for teaching others to live their dream (if their horse is suited for it). Blessings!

[@ragdolllegend]

Great work girl. I love how you Are letting him to be himself.

[@barbaracollins5605]

Just subscribed. It takes a lot to impress me. I'm impressed.

[@equushine]

Thank you for such a detailed and in depth video! I got an OTTB in November and I am excited to try this out.

[@jobk3446]

Excellent video great help thank you so much. You have a lovely relationship with Milo. This is something I have been working on with my horse for much longer than a year and watching your video is a big help.

[@ashlee730]

Thanks for the video! Love how you broke down all the steps. Well done!

[@vickikirss4401]

Shelby, I loved your video. Milo is adorable, and it shows that you and he have a very special relationship. I'm just starting out with the basics of riding bridleless, so there's lots for me to learn from this video, and to practice, and I appreciate the information you've shared with us. Thank you! I also love the work you are doing with rescues. Keep up the great work!

[@Ripplie1997]

Thank you for making this video! can't wait to try it!

[@000129558]

I loved this video! You're a smart trainer. And that bit where he threw his head and had a mini crow hop...your leg didn't move! I'm impressed with the whole shebang. Thanks for the help! Love, Alex and Comet :)

[@billiekristensen2573]

Beautiful horse. Your a great rider

[@patricianoya]

Great riding and i love Milo ❤️🐎

[@MariaIsabelll]

he is so playful!

[@michellebannon674]

Lovely rider and horse. Thank you for this video.

[@smolcloud9104]

woah he looks so different now then he did a few years ago such a big difference glad he was got by you he improved alot.

[@JA-nc9ym]

I'm watching this while braiding my cordeo/neckrope! Thanks!

[@Secretariat69]

Very good video ;) And I adore your horse!

[@terryhartle8025]

sorry you got those comments you did a great job with him and can tell you know him well and there is a great bond between you two. I really enjoyed this!!! and those comments people that know nothing about you or the horse and where ur stirups are is business and you had a reason son hey people if you don't know ask don't critic!!!!!!!

[@pennyblumberg1870]

I love ❤ it! Well done!

[@Josesnofool]

He's adorable!!

[@hyunjini7586]

have you tried a bareback pad? Maybe he'll be fine with that.

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Nah, I don't see the point in spending the money on one when I can just use my saddle

[@annacheyne5350]

maybe your barn has one you could try

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Horse awsomw they don't and I'd rather just use my saddle

[@mysticalhorse3403]

Emily McHugh Why do you think she doesn't know that? Shelby's just telling her that her barn doesn't have a bareback pad.

[@ciemmv]

Such a sweet accomplishment. Approximately how long do you think it took you to get him used to going bridleless?

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Christina Martins he didn't get really good at it until this year

[@JustNatax3]

I love how you do not punish his minor playful behaviour... he was only 4 in this video and he's just having fun... I hate when people cannot let horse babies be horse babies and scream RESPECT AND MANNERS right away. I see that kind of "MANNERS!"- training also with puppies and young dogs. They are just kids. No need to be mad with them throwing their head a bit and jump with the chicken!

[@zoechocolate19]

I want to try this in the future (I'm working on other things now, bareback and jumping) and it's probably gonna take a long cause my mare is probably tryna eat all the time but it's just more work, don't be scared to try new things, if you know what your doing you just need time and patience

[@katelist8367]

That is cool that you show it all! 😂Anyway, i onow this is an older vid, but i just recently started using bitless ... my horse works better without a bit. He never hated the bit, but required very little mouth contact anyway. Seems to carry himself in more natural balance and colllection w/o a bit. I just feel that bit are conceptually cruel and just having them in their mouths makes it too easy to over use and abuse. I mean, think about it, pressure on tounge and mouth, corner and tounge pinching ... how would a person feel about something like that in their mouth? I am a vet and after years of thoughts and learning rolling around in my brain i think nailing metal shoes on horses feet, trimming out the heels in horses (RUINED my beautiful QH mare which i finally figured out in retrospect and now trim my own horses) and putting bits in horses mouths are some of the cruelest things applied to horses anymore. Humans have such a difficult time accepting change, but it is the right thing to do especially as far as horses are concerned. Everything younare taught does not make forever right ... especially in the medical-veterinary profession. True investigation and observation leads to more correct ultimate understanding all the time!

[@silvia.paleogeo]

i hope riding bridless soon 😍

[@hadesdaughter381]

It was fairly easy to teach my pony mare. I am doing just a neck rope with out a saddle. (I am a western rider) Also I have a question. I am a western rider through and through. I bought a all purpose saddle(more to the jumping side.) I want to start doing more english riding but I don't want to put alot of contact on the horses mouth. Since all of my horses are ridden western.

[@megankidd4671]

Hahaha milo with the crop. That's adorable. 😂

[@fionaoreilly5962]

Last weekend (19th of April), I started doing tackless with the mare I ride, sadly I don't own her, but she did very well in just a halter. I am a western rider and she is a western horse and she responds to plow reining, so would it be easier to teach the neck reining to her or just plow rein? She's 22 years old and I forget sometimes I don't have many years left with her. With the bit, she's very evasive and head tosses a lot, so I'm wondering if riding in something else would work. On a whim, I just decided to take the lead rope off and use it as a neck rope instead and for the first few moments she was great. I could walk, trot, stop, and back up just by using my body. I didn't have to use my lead rope reins at all.

[@jencaisse7392]

I've been trying to teach my horse how to neck rein, but when I lay the rein on her neck it puts slight pressure on her nose and she thinks she should follow the pressure on her nose. She also has a long thick mane so it might be harder to feel the light rein. I'm teaching her how to move off of leg which will help, and she also knows vocal cues for turning left or right, although she doesn't always listen to them. Also, for a makeshift neck rope, would a leadrope tied in a knot be safe enough? One last thing, what are you using the whip for?

[@MF-cr1ib]

I know this video is an older video but you are great! I can only trot bareback, no bridleless or anything else ;( But anyway well done ❤️😂😘🐴

[@ThePervinca99]

Fantastic 😍 can you tell me what legs aids you use for steering and canter? In Forum everyone says for both "outside leg behind the girth, inside at the girth " and I don't get the difference! Without bride (and eventually saddle) in very important know that! Can you help me?

[@bidlow4]

Enjoyed watching your video. Where did you get the neck strap?

[@RobinT346]

did you do any lunge work initially (on Milo or other horses) to improve your own balance and comfort riding without reins and learning seat and leg aids?

[@sonseere10]

I would use a rope halter instead of the web halter during that phase of the training.

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

sonseere10 It's a leather halter but yes to each their own, this is just my method. Milo was broke to ride in a rope halter so had already been used to facial cues.

[@sonseere10]

Shelby-------A rope halter is a better way of conveying signals to the horse. No buckles, snaps, etc. to break.

[@lillymorris4545]

sonseere10 g

[@jinx1357]

A rope halter isn't so much "better at conveying signals" so much as it is harsher. They often have knots on the noseband that hit the buccal branches of facial nerves on horses, and even the knotless versions concentrate pressure in a much tinier area than a standard halter does. They're also much more prone to slipping around the face than a well fitting leather or nylon is. I'm not saying they're evil or anything, but it seems like a common misconception that people think they're magical pieces of tack that fix misbehavior due to being better at sending cues.

[@katk7505]

oh gosh was just waiting for him to smack himself with that crop hard and freak out xD

[@Pyr.0.maniac]

I know my lesson horse has been trained for tackless, I've ridden bareback many times and it's my preference, but I don't know how to ride bridleless. Any tips? (Also, just wanted to ask, is it comfortable for you with those short stirrups or do you hope to ride with longer stirrups soon? I read your comment)

[@sonseere10]

He also doesn't like being ridden bareback because it is hard on his back. The spine is very close to the surface. If you want the benefits of riding bareback----------working on your balance, then get a one inch thick wool felt saddle pad. Sew webbing to it with D ring on both ends for your cinch. Can also sew a hand grip (oh, sh*t handle) using a strip of webbing. And you are all set. You get to work on your balance and your weight is distributed for the comfort of your horse.

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

sonseere10 He actually doesn't like the friction on his hair. Was not asking for opinions because he's a very odd horse and I know him better than anyone could possibly online. And I'm also really not concerned about it since he can be ridden bareback, just prefers a saddle because he's a very skin sensitive fellow. Balance really is not an issue or something I need to work on considering I gallop about 10 racehorses a day and the balance required for that is fairly substantial.

[@Dylan-ez5qx]

hi, for the halter riding, is there a specific lead rope that you use that snaps to both sides? i cant find one

[@kaileyfox9657]

I have the same exact reins just mine are black

[@_bequestrian_1094]

hi! i love your videos..i don’t understand..how do you use your position to slow down Milo? i have troubles slowing down my horse, i always have to use the reins..😊

[@aimee2489]

Bea Swan I find that if I tense my core so my hips stops moving, shift my weight back slightly and sit deeper in the saddle that works with my horse!

[@rissa7913]

I know in western riding you sit back in the saddle and that's a cue to the horse to stop

[@audreymillsaps7236]

Clarissa Cook yes and voice question work great

[@horsemilk_]

just wondering if i could teach a 21 year yld horse that i belive has never been ridden without a bit to ride in a halter? btw hes a lesson horse and i take care of him.

[@gabbycollins7790]

where did you get that neck rope? It's super cute!

[@alexladwig7331]

Hey! Just commenting to say that you've done a wonderful job with Milo! I'd love to teach one of my horses to go bridleless, but they're all spastic showjumpers so I wouldn't deem it safe :P. I love your videos anway, keep on making them!

[@carolinebyrne4995]

i think milo is brill he does everything that YOU ASK OF HIM if you had used a bit you WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE FLOOR MANY MANY TIMES during this lesson well done girl I LOVE BOOTH YOU AND MILO XXXX

[@re-ridersuzanne]

What a relationship. I used to do that with knotted reigns using my seat an legs. It was on a few horses. Never did the halter. He may be feisty, but he loves you!

[@charleshills1408]

I’m gonna teach my mare Pony this over the summer when I have time to spend with her

[@evj2150]

i would but my instructer would never let me

[@matchingcolours55]

ahaha my horse will BOLT but ive only been riding/training him for a year so i still have to teach him everythig aah

[@NatalieMiller19]

Your horse looks like the one I'm leasing, his name is Phaeton!

[@maximpetrov7339]

Just wonderful, I have been researching "horse training how to" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Menailey Vonaliyah Formula - (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some amazing things about it and my co-worker got excellent results with it.

[@aimee2489]

I can’t believe some of the people that comment on your videos omg equestrian youtube is insane

[@howdyhorses61]

Why is he biting you the whole time that would annoy me so much bc my horse does that too if I let him

[@prunerd4744]

He isn't biting, he's nibbling. Horses explore things with their mouth.

[@mattiemaepinkston3611]

With my horse I neck rein him and I always ride hime bare back

[@madisonsapp2011]

my horse learned this in like ten mins

[@nala3055]

what's the point in still wearing a saddle

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Nala 305 because a saddle and bridle serve two very different purposes and a saddle is more comfortable, more supportive and better for my horse's back

[@nala3055]

nah I just meant why not go the whole hog and do total natural horsemanship- i mean you've done most of the hard work already!

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Nala 305 I do sometimes but realistically if I want to get any actual training done, a saddle makes far more sense and is more comfortable for my horse. Still the same level of difficulty training wise, too. Any horse can go bareback.

[@pureequestrian5700]

Paige Presnell Obviously there are beginners that might have a hard time with bareback depending on what they're doing, but Shelby can ride bareback just fine.

[@Mat-ilda]

Amazig for a 4 year old!

[@lorineidtinytoadplot744]

Milo / rodeo clown 😅💜💜💜

[@RumbosJJ]

This was great, thanks, been searching for "how to train horses" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Menailey Vonaliyah Formula - (do a google search ) ? Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my work buddy got excellent results with it.

[@emilyceballos487]

have you rade now sadol

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

what?

[@redfyresasoiaf]

I think they meant 'How do you ride with no saddle' I'm guessing, lol

[@equinesoul1968]

Has she ridden without a saddle?

[@rambo_rides8068]

is it just me or are her stirrups way short? It just might be easier to post

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

rambo_ rides This video is a year old, I really do not need critiques on it as they are not helpful.

[@GMD0602]

Shelby Dennis Simply a question Rambo asked. I noticed the stirrups were really short as well, thought you were aiming to be a jockey lol. Critiques are everywhere, along with opinions....comments.... If you don't want them then don't make videos or allow comments. Your comment came off as a bit snobby js

[@ceilidheyford5744]

They're jumping length 🙂

[@eril8134]

Vegan GG, well she does gallop race horses so having short stirrups is literally no big deal. She is a great rider.

[@mikaelaconnolly7310]

No A lot of Westin right is on the bit more

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

For a lot of the show disciplines, you have to ride one handed which requires a significant amount of neck reining and no where near as much contact as the typical English rider is taught to ride with.

[@kayleeblack4875]

Why was she being so rude in the comments?..........

[@elizabethdailey8285]

U don't strike me as a beautiful rider but u did say u broke in that horse and he seems really well broke so I guess u must ...

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Elizabeth Dailey Not sure why this was a necessary comment on your part, but thank you for your passive aggressive comment.

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Ryan Dailey did u know it’s possible to compliment someone without making it backhanded? You really shouldn’t expect people to be flattered when you insult them and compliment them at the same time 😂

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Are you really unaware of the fact that KZbin and other social media apps send notifications...?

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

I'm only "zappy" when people forget that social graces extend outside of person-to-person contact because my family actually raised me to be respectful of others and not compliment people if it's just for the sake of being passive aggressive. I'm honestly astounded that you cannot seem to see the issue with your comment and how it doesn't come off as complimentary

[@elizabethdailey8285]

+Shelby Dennis I'm not a hater or anything I really do think that your horse is really well trained sorry I fought back I am a debater so i don't stand down but he is cute and hope ur trading continues well with him 👍🏼☺️

[@lainiedincola9704]

your stirrups are waaaaay too short, maybe work on lowering them :)

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

BlueRiver This video is over a year old, your critique isn’t helpful or necessary at all nor is my stirrup length your business

[@lainiedincola9704]

I was just trying to be helpful, sorry if I came off as rude :) I am a fan and would love if you could make a video on how to with from western to englsih because I would like to start jumping (I just got a 5 year old horse name River and he does western and english, he already knows how to jump) and so do you have any tips?

[@pozeraczkazelkow]

Shelby Dennis why are you so aggressive? You literally sit in a fetal position in every video and take every opinion as an attack. Delete the video if you don’t want people to watch and comment it 😆

[@goob8434]

This wasn't "aggressive" at all. The video is around 2 years old, if you actually want to comment a suggestion then go to her latest video.

[@nancypelletier7590]

@@goob8434 Lainie and Shelby’s comment’s were 4yrs. ago you’re comment was 3yrs ago, so I don’t think she needed your advice.

[@tonirenee1491]

her sturrips look kinda To short

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Toni Renee I invite you to look at when this video is posted and let me know how helpful your comment could possibly be with that in mind. The flaps of this saddle do not fit me, which is why I have since gotten a new one.

[@pureequestrian5700]

It's her personal preference. Why do you care?

[@madisonandamira2723]

Can I write a comment without getting a mean reply from Shelby???

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Madison Williams If by mean reply, you mean telling people not to critique a year and a half old video because it’s not helpful, then sure, if you’re not going to try to critique a year and a half old video. If you’re truly invested in helping people, start your own training business and help people who need it instead of critiquing old content of someone who already has a trainer ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@madisonandamira2723]

Nope I guess not

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Madison Williams Girl, the reply isn’t mean and if you’re offended by people who don’t know you or pay you asking you not to critique you, you are in for a rude awakening.

[@gsdmomb530]

I think you mean bitless.

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

GSDmom B Nope, bridleless because he is not wearing a bridle. I know exactly what I mean. I highly suggest watching the entire video so you can see ☺

[@annacheyne5350]

she is wearing to difrent outfits

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Horse awsomw Yes, because this was filmed on two different days.

[@annacheyne5350]

those stirrups are to short not to be rude

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Horse awsomw The amazing thing about stirrup length is that it's entirely personal preference and the amazing thing about KZbin is that my sharing of videos doesn't mean I'm asking for advice from unqualified individuals who I do not pay for said advice or critique

[@eisenfaust08]

Shelby Dennis but they really are too short. your seat is too far in the back

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Viki Jones Let me hop in my time machine and fix something from a video from 5 months ago. And no, my seat is in the centre of the saddle lol. I'm just really long from hip to knee so my legs always look like that.

[@mikaylasimpson431]

Shelby Dennis yeah no. Your heel should be in line with your back, for most of this video you are sat on the back of the saddle rather than the middle. Judging by your attitude you probably havent changed either. It honestly just looks uncomfortable

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Mikayla Simpson Literally if you bothered looking any recent videos, you would see lol. I have terrible knees and in the summer when I'm galloping racehorses everyday, this is what I find comfortable for me. If you cared so much about being helpful, maybe you'd look into it further prior to being snide and perhaps you should also be conscious of the fact that your advice really isn't all that helpful when you have no inside scoop on the personal needs of horse or rider. People will come to YOU and pay you for your advice if they value it. Assume it's not wanted if it isn't solicited.

[@frediburke9572]

just saying that he is kind of rude. she needs to teach him manors. he needs to learn to sand still.he also needs to stop biting her hands. it is okay for him to lick her but biting is not okay! also the chickens might not be the problem. i think it might be that she is trying to stir him away but is using a little too much leg. that is common on beginner riders that are using neck rein. even if your horse has a day off he should not act like a fool. i am just trying to help. not be mean. also if you need any more advise just respond to this comment and i will gladly try to help anyone out. ps drop your strips.

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

He is a baby, I do not need your advice. This video is old. He absolutely 110% does try to play with the chickens, I know this because I work with him and see him everyday, whereas you do not. I'm not a beginner rider. I get paid to ride, it is my job. I also have a professional trainer, much more experienced than yourself who knows my horse better than you possibly could. So, I think I'll go with her advice over some kid on the internet who's acting like their word is law and like they're qualified to judge when they know nothing about my horse.

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

I asked people to say what they thought of the instructional video, not to try to take the job of my trainer who's been riding longer than you've been alive. I don't really care that you wouldn't pay me, I'm fully booked with clients already and making a really good living. Typically, those who dish out free advice constantly aren't the ones getting paid and are more likely to get kicked to the curb for their unprofessional attitudes. Thanks for the concern, though, and thanks a bunch for your dedication to watching my videos. The AdSense money from your views is awesome!

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Also PS: Valuing a proven professional's educate opinion over some child on KZbin's is not being stuck up. It's being smart enough to take advice that is actually educated and helpful. You should try it.

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Emily McHugh Okay, well your trainer is not my trainer and you don’t know anything about me or my horse so stop being so worried about it. I’m sure your trainer also wouldn’t critique a year old video and still think it was helpful or relevant.

[@Milestone-Equestrian]

Emily McHugh You are commenting on a video that is over a year old. You are not trying to be helpful at all and neither are the others. I take advice from trainers on a chronologically relevant basis and when they actually know enough about my horse to judge. Even if your insights were helpful in this scenario (which none of them have been), they wouldn’t even be remotely relevant now, over a year later. So, no, no one here is trying to be helpful because I’ve informed them all that the video is outdated and they’ve continued on their rants.

[@TreyParkersBitch]

It’s actually really cute how he got so scared of that little chicken