TRYING A BRIDLELESS BIT?! // Leather Bit & American Equus Review

So just a little update, I rode Zo in an actual lesson today and she was phenomenal in this bit. Like we really worked on me letting her mess up a bit instead of micromanaging to fences, and after one bad spot, the next time she was right on the money. We worked through some grids as well, and she likes to get rushy, but today she was so quiet and ah I really think we're improving and maybe this bit is our next step. I'm still not 100% sure if it's legal or not for eventing, but I'm going to email USEF and USEA about it and find out! Until then, enjoy the video!!
🍎The Bit
The one I bought:
www.etsy.com/listing/21754103...
Here's a similar one:
www.etsy.com/listing/49033571...
The original meroth!
www.horsebitemporium.com/prod...
🏕Orignial Meroth Leather Bit: www.horsewellness-store.com/pr...
🇺🇸American Equus: americanequus.com
📚Shelby's Bit Video: • THE BIT DEBATE
__________________________________________________________________
MERCH
☀︎ teespring.com/stores/jetequit...
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#JETEquiTheory

[@rustheart9532]

Awhile ago I made a hateful comment about bits on this video. I've deleted it and I am sorry for my behavior. I watched your videos on bits and I understand now that it was wrong of me to judge you for your choice in tack.

[@WillowMyGoldendoodle]

This is the best comment I have ever read in my life! Your maturity is inspiring ;D

[@charlottecanalle2621]

Amazing major props!

[@mlequestrian4769]

Best comment ever

[@lifewithmares1451]

Omg your the best, honest person ever

[@kaylajoy777]

i mean they realized what they did was not helping anyone, so i wouldn't say it isn't any of your business, but i would say that you cannot change the past and you should just leave them alone.

[@sannamannen3041]

Instead of a bitless bridle it is a bridleless bit 😂

[@horsegirlmaysen1900]

At first when I read the title I read bit less bridle🤦🏼‍♀️😂

[@Mustbeereading]

Aha I love your trainer 😂 "who taught you to ride?!" 😂

[@JETEquiTheory]

its a daily thing😂😂

[@TheLuckyloky]

Bridie Ansell classic trainer

[@shywolfstarstables1260]

Bridie Ansell hi

[@Mustbeereading]

Gabby Mae ohhhh heyyyyy!! 😁

[@skylinejumping8711]

You would think these people who are trying to “help” the horse by telling you not to ride in a bit would calmly present there opinions and cite actual credible sources instead of yelling and cussing at you if they actually wanted to help even though zo clearly well taken care of and loved

[@jasminemurfin538]

Grey OTTB Lover I know right, and the reason why they don't is because they've got no credible sources. They're too blinded from having their head so far stuck up Raleighs and Rick gore's asses.

[@meghanroy5742]

She looked sooo chill in that bit. Such a happy bean

[@abbyqueenan4127]

Meghan Roy oh yes, but a spicy one all the same! 😝😜

[@maddisonschooley4218]

I about dyed laughing around 6:50-7:16 when she paused it and did her accents

[@xellusions]

Maddison Schooley same! XD so funny

[@chloeillingworth4551]

Dawn & Samantha the awsome team Star stable k

[@owcollier7776]

Maddison Schooley

[@owcollier7776]

Maddison Schooley

[@ChestnutCharm]

I DIED at the pause for commentary in the middle of jumping! But this does look like something worth trying! Ignore the comment keyboard warriors who think they know whats best for YOUR horse! You go Jill!

[@JETEquiTheory]

ChestnutCharm thank you dude i wanna rip my hair out😂

[@justinesmulders6660]

I love this video so much! It’s so nice to see that you’re willing to go a very unorthodox route in order to try and make Zo more comfortable, and so useful for us to have an honest review video. I actually can’t deal with the people saying “use a bitless bridle all of your problems will be solved” and “all bits are cruel you’re a horse abuser for putting metal and leather in your horse’s mouth”. C’mon guys😂 I’m a firm believer in the fact that a bit is only as cruel as the hands of the rider. You can put the softest bit in the hands of a harsh rider and cause the horse pain, or you can put a strong bit in the hands of a very soft and careful rider and have a happy horse. Nothing against hackamores and bitless bridles (its clear some horses love them and go very well in them) but people need to start realizing that they are not the cure to all problems!! 😂 Lotsa love Jill - your content is great and I love your videos. Keep ‘em coming❤️

[@allisonrieber7461]

I love shelby. The bit debate is an awesome video

[@angiedyer9619]

I was so interested to see how that worked.thank you for doing a video of the process. Wish I knew then, what I know now. This would’ve been so helpful for me to try. Thank you again and happy riding! 😊

[@amberblyledge7859]

Wouldn't work with my mare sadly. She can spit anything out of her mouth, including wormer shot far in her mouth. She can freaking separate her electrolytes FROM HER FEED. I still can't figure out how.

[@pspiritz1518]

I seriously don't know how you can stand all the nosey and know-it-all comments on here 😂 Apparently everyone wants to be an expert on someone else's horse...

[@JETEquiTheory]

mmmmmmhm ugh

[@JuliaSwiftrain]

I know right😂

[@abbyalsted2966]

This is awesome! I saw your post on Facebook about these and I was really hoping for you to post something about it!!

[@aleeexxe]

I love watching your videos! You make me laugh and I smile everytime! You are very funny and your ride is insane! I really love your channel !!!

[@UchihaBabe1]

lovely mare!!!! she clearly loves her job. You also have a very gentle hand when you ride which I believe helps her get used to the bit. Loved this video!

[@kennablack3295]

I ride with a bitless bridle and all of my horses really love it! Its cool that there is a complete alternative and that some people prefer it. Its funny how different people can be

[@chlobo146horses]

I love this!! It looks so cool!:) Your coach's commentary though 😂😂

[@graceagnew_]

AHAHA I LOVE WHEN YOU WERE LIKE "when there's no head stall i go blehhh" and "the teeny bopper"

[@michelebuckles7865]

Why is it not allowed? It's allowed in FEI Show Jumping. LAME! She looked really good on the flat with that bit :)

[@JETEquiTheory]

I've got to email usea and usef and see if it is or not I still am not 100% and thank you!!

[@mekenziehall1007]

JETeventing did you find out for sure??

[@graciea4646]

I'm not sure if it would be aloud in dressage (rip) but maybe jumping cuz I have seen lots of people ride bitless so

[@RecklessGirl93]

So is it allowed in Eventing dressage and normal dressage competitions? Have we figured it out? I'm having no luck

[@kirakelley552]

I highly doubt it's allowed for any dressage classes. You're required to use at the very least, a cavesson noseband with a headstall and cheekpieces

[@suzv8375]

I have seen these bits a lot, and it's awesome to see them in action 😁 Zoe looks lovely and soft as always ❤️ will be rly interesting to see how she continues in it ❤️

[@annelise.m806]

Omg you're so pretty and I love your personality. This is the first video I've ever watched of you and I loved it!!! You're such an amazing rider and I can't wait to watch more of your videos I subscribed😁

[@gracecarew9975]

Jill I just love this so much you always make me laugh and you did so great with it. luv you

[@abbyforestell7759]

Loved it! Def wanna try riding in a leather bit like that!! Also like wow how did you teach Zo to stand while you hose her off like that?!?!?

[@tangointx2947]

I know! My horse would be like "gtg, grass"

[@JETEquiTheory]

Abbyjo 1612 haha it took her about two weeks but she knew vocal commands from lunge line work so I would hold onto the rope and say woah if she took a step forward and put her back to where she was and if she puts her nose down I kind of squirt her with the water so that she'll lift her head up and not walk forward and I tell her good girl pretty much the whole time she standing there until she starts to move

[@equipad]

Yas been waiting for this video 🙌🏼

[@BridgetCarta]

I think it's cool that you're getting her used to using so many different types of gear 👌🏻

[@KaseyKasey100]

That leather bit is so cool!!! I just recently found your channel and I am in loveeeeeeee ❤️ you are truly an inspiration!

[@JETEquiTheory]

Miranda Lynn awh thank you💗💗

[@jjust.jaz.]

Definitely a cool insight on the leather bit. I've always heard about them, but never really looked into them much. I don't think I would ever try one, lol, my mare and I like the double jointed snaffle. However, I like that you showed trying the bit for the very first time, not just after Zo got used to it.

[@Ella-zx9mm]

I love how willing you are to try new things with zoë!!!!

[@laurencekloe9342]

I really like the bit you really expanded well I think I'm gonna buy one so thanks lysm♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@cwinkler6280]

My gelding who's quite fussy in the mouth goes in a nathe loose ring and I've found he's so much more comfortable and happy when I take up the contact :) And it should be allowed in SJ / dressage!

[@victoriatyler00]

I didn't even know they made leather bits! And I love the new intro! :D

[@l.d.ferguson5257]

Such a cute beannn... I'm always really interested in other riders' releases because it's so different depending on the roundness of the jump and such. I've always grabbed mane up the neck...??? Love to see so much variation in riding and riders *AND THE SUPPORT WE SHOW THEM NONETHELESS. EVERYONE'S EQ IS DIFFERENT AND THAT DOESN'T MAKE IT INCORRECT*

[@ellamitchell541]

It kinda looks weird without the bridle, but Zoe seem to be fine with the bit. So the people who say it hurts the horse, it really depends on the horse

[@melodyyork6578]

Bahaha you are so amazing love your videos!! I’m going to order one and see if it’ll work better than my Hackamore.

[@unfortunately_caylee4757]

"When headstall off, I go bleh". 😂

[@maddie8082]

ok but I had a dream last night about a bridleless bit and i did not think they were a real thing ??? weird coincidence or ??????

[@JETEquiTheory]

maddie oo gurl u psychic

[@textingpuppy751]

maddie HOLY shit I did too one day before she posted omg

[@rushellealexandra5243]

its based of old native american style riding they just had a rope or leather thong type lip strap bridle and horse hair rope or leather reins till they learned to made headstalls

[@equestrianmaggie1726]

I LOVE your review videos!!!!!😊😊

[@iintrusive_th0t]

I love this. I see SOOOO many people doo their headstalls up too tight so it's CONSTANT pressue on the mouth. If the corner of their mouth wrinkles, it's too high up. You can't do that here. I'll have to invest in one for sure.

[@stephanglim7192]

Oooh yay I've been looking forward to this video!

[@kaytlynkelley9579]

Zo is such a bean! You two make a wonderful team

[@beth3171]

Congrats on 22k I love your channel!😃😃

[@TheGriffin199]

It's definitely worth trying out double jointed bit :) My old mare was in one, and the only time I rode her in single jointed (mistake during bit changing between dressage and jumping!) she was opening her mouth and fighting with me the whole ride! My mistake for not checking bit, but made it clear to me that double jointed/french link are so much better than single

[@hanakarnikova6950]

I have the Biothane one and love it, I just had to figure out how much I have to tighten it to prevent her from spiting it out :D :D My mare is quite happy with such bit, and she can decide if she put mouth under or over it, some horses prefer one some other option, but surely this bit does not work same as standard bits do, the make pressure only on lower jaw, so any rider has to be really sorry and sensible, its not bit for pullers ;) Great video! LOVE the comments windows lol

[@roseshultz6829]

This is so cool! I have to try this eventually.

[@VeronicaEquestrienne]

Seems like an interesting bit to try.. maybe further down the road :) Liked this video!

[@lilyfrohlich6641]

You have great horse values, so I love your review products because I can find things to use from someone who clearly cares so much about her horse

[@JETEquiTheory]

BeaJumper thank you that actually means a lot

[@Kailyn-rs9ml]

You are soo ICONIC ONLY ONE VIDEO AND IM IN LOVE WITH YOUR PERSONALITY I DONT THINK I WOULD BE SO HAPPY TO MEET ANOTHER EQUESTRIAN LIKE ME

[@GG-wf2lg]

Hi, I remember when you had 10k Subs ( don't worry I was one of them ) love your channel btw I have watched this video about 1 mil times I love this vid and don't know why

[@EquineLove]

Awesome video really tempted to try this bit!!!

[@horsesarelife03]

I really want to try one of these with my mare but she can get very strong. I currently have her in a kimberwick and she's good in it but not that soft, maybe this would help??? Thanks for the video, Jill!!

[@CarterSullivan]

OMG YES YOU DID IT IM SO EXCITED.. Definitely gonna order one and make a video on it too!!!

[@JETEquiTheory]

ooo girl hit me w dem idea credssss haha only joking maybe sorta kinda ah hate myself😂

[@CarterSullivan]

JETeventing Omg girl you know i will , idea creds all go to you😘

[@tristonmatthew8546]

JETeventing what is the song called while your riding??!!

[@Wisepati]

Going to try one for my mare. Tried a french link, unhappy; tried an expensive Herm Sprenger, unhappy,; a synthetic bit my trainer has (no idea of brand) and happy horse!!! Sadly the synthetic may not be legal either. Wish we had more choices in the US market for bits. Trust Equestrian has some amazing bits! But not easily found in the US. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@louisenejkov1438]

this is really cool, ive never seen a leather bit! i wondeer how different it must feel for thehorse and if many horses would prefer it.

[@christinegilson671]

My bit just arrived at my house! I can't seem to find sunflower oil at any local stores for some reason. Could vegetable oil or olive oil work? Love your videos! ❤️

[@devyndaisy5162]

Adore this video. My mare is simmilar to Zo and I wanna try one so bad now. 😂😍

[@elladidomenico5807]

Zoe looks like such a good horse and I love your videos.😀

[@skrrtus]

i remeber a couple of years ago i found a video, which by the way, i found hilarious, and ended up loosing the channel in which the video came from because i didnt have a utube account. well guess what! i found it, i love this channel so much and have been trying to find it ever since!

[@JETEquiTheory]

kate elizabeth oh my god my heart ah that makes me so happy!!!💗🎉

[@frogfacepippi]

This is my first video of watching you Jill. At first I was like wth is this chick doing with a bit less bridle, but I’ve watched you ever since... I love you and your beans

[@jessluvsyouxx]

I'm really interested, what is the upkeep/ maintenance with this bit being leather? do you have to wash it with just water and thats it? or would you have to regularly soak it in oil to keep it soft ?

[@sylvanshalosky7166]

I just started watching you and I really like your videos. Their fun and informational and you really love your horse.🥰 ps, I don't hate bits I hate when they're used incorrectly.Not you of course.

[@stephanglim7192]

I can't believe how amazing she was in that first flat ride! (And jump ride)

[@belledavis5874]

We literally thought the same- can we use it in SJ 😂

[@Cakebot2055]

I've subbed to you because this video was a amazing and funny 😂

[@stelladupont1757]

Your horses canter is so pretty! my horse is crazy and goes everywhere its so funny lmao

[@fortalezathejumper4253]

“When there’s no headstall I go blah”😂😂😂 I died when u said that

[@stelyn6456]

Loved the video! Side note, all of the Bridles and Reins bridles are 89.99 right now! So exciteeee

[@keiraoconnell4185]

How do they even stay in/on? Does it rely on the reins to stay in/ if you loosened or dropped your reins would it fall out?

[@sophiekolbe2543]

She looked so good

[@JETEquiTheory]

thank you!!!

[@DustFingerFireDancer]

i like the concept of the leather bit, even pressure across the mouth makes it seem super soft. Also the horse has to pay more attention to the bit to keep it in their mouth, probably keeps their minds from wandering.

[@ansleythomas3345]

I definitely going to try that!

[@sarasabo3016]

Love the concept, you look really good!

[@JETEquiTheory]

Sara Sabo thank you!!

[@ac.showjumping2856]

You should try Zoe in the trust bits, they're like a soft rubber material, I recon they'd be a similar softness to the leather bit if you wanted to change to something similar to compete in as I'm pretty sure the trust ones are legal! Xx love you Jill and love this video! I love Zo bird too!

[@JETEquiTheory]

ac.showjumping thank you bbg!💗

[@caballuscollecting]

do you keep your horse in a stall, paddock, or pasture? :)

[@alyssanich1873]

So I'm new here and this video was really great and enjoyable. The only thing is I would recommend making the music quieter. I turn it up to hear you because you talk quiet, and then really loud music starts playing. Anyway, that's all, have a nice day!

[@Linda-hs1lk]

I've seen this bridleless bit twenty years or longer ago already. People I knew used it on their horse. It's a very friendly soft bit

[@theequinesistaz6912]

These look so cool!

[@HannahMay44]

Please can I ask what make your bridle is? I think it's the one that you use for dressage with the comfort headpiece and cavesson noseband. Also what's the song on your intro piece?

[@JazzMyBaby]

That song when you're riding??? What is it??

[@emmaoncesaid]

At 8:23 seconds into the video there was a bridle in the right side of the frame. What is the name of that bridle? Btw Ilove your personality and just the overall quality of your videos!

[@LittleMissPaperHeart]

Trust Equestrian does leather bits as well. They made such a difference with my old mare.

[@kowmoooo]

YAS MY BEST FRIEND IS ALSO SPONSORED BY AE IM SO GLAD YOU ARE A PART OF THE TEAM TOO I DIG THEIR PRODUCTS ya feel wow that was a lot of excitement

[@JETEquiTheory]

Kiera Marie Hahah yay!!

[@marchellab]

Did you already try a myler bit? I use it and love it

[@chloemcardle1101]

Ur bond 😍😍 it’s unbelievable

[@BridgetCarta]

Also do you use the curved rubber snaffle or the straight bar rubber snaffle? I couldn't tell in the quick snippet lol I have a JP korsteel rubber d which is curved and I looooovveee eeeeettttttttt

[@JETEquiTheory]

Bridget Carta i have a rubber single jointed snaffle(:

[@jazzdressage645]

I ordered an original meroth leather bit from that website ages ago and they haven't responded to my emails after telling me they were going to ship one out, not happy with their service at all and don't know if the bit will ever arrive... but great video Zoe seems to really like it!

[@JETEquiTheory]

JazzDressage oh wow ik @mylittleponiess on insta bought one recently

[@gabriellenagura3540]

Did you ever find out if the bit is legal for eventing? I thought you mentioned using it for show jumping in a video but cant find it. Ive ordered one to try on my gelding. **much respect to you for responding so well to the bitless comments. My horse personally hates bitless, he gets tense, resists cues, anxious, fights and has run away with a trainer to try and get away from the pressure. He is much happier in a bit. Bitless is not a one size fits all answer.

[@holidayb.8027]

The horse I ride acts similar in a bitless bridle...

[@jetizar732]

Do you have any tips for getting a first horse??

[@reganshill530]

yayyy gilliannnn

[@lilianak4442]

omg I love your vids u and your horse are amazing and I would love to have a horse of my own one day love ya

[@tiffuhnnyxo]

your voiceovers kill me like every single time, the voices are too damn funny

[@Dani-bd5ll]

So, for someone who doesn't use bits on horses, how does the horse use the bit? Is he trying to hold it in his mouth? Or does the ride need to hold the bit in place?

[@sienarosato5307]

Omg you are too funny! Love your vids!

[@notkevinbro5451]

this bit seems to become super popular i always see this bit being used/tried in pictures and videos on instagram and yt

[@stephanglim7192]

Definitely do try her in a double jointed snaffle :) Dusty was in a single jointed bit and he felt just too strong in that bit like he wouldn't even always be extra forward but just strong and I got him into a double jointed bit and he softened soooooo much and didn't loose any forwardness like he was still strong but it felt like he was strong in his body instead of his mouth/neck if that makes sense.

[@JETEquiTheory]

yeah for sure! right now though this is perfect!

[@larastutchbury9743]

If she goes well in the non jointed leather, you could try a non jointed bit, she might like a rubber one. I ride my mare in a rubber kimblewick, but you can get rubber straight bar snaffles too 😊

[@hazel1189]

Beautiful horse 😍

[@SeraconEquestrian]

I think I might try one!

[@jessicab287]

zoe is the most amazing horse ever!!

[@estherimmele8450]

This is so cool! Your horse seems to like it too, but I wonder isn't it a little uncomfortable without the bridle since she maybe has to try to keep the bit in the right place? Idk If anyone has an answer😉

[@maddierus6322]

"When there's no headstall I go 'blah"" I LOVE YOU HAHAHA