Bitless Riding Info
This Bitless Riding movement is gathering pace so this page will keep you up to date with who accepts bitless bridles and any new developments.
Riding Clubs and Associations who allow Bitless Bridles:
AUSTRALIA WIDE:
Australian Equine Endurance Riders Association
Australian Trail Horse Riders Association
- TASMANIA:
- Tasmanian Trail Riders ‘Devils on Horseback’
Inc
- Secretary: Raylene Garwood, on 0418167382 - Tasmanian Mountain Cattlemen’s Association
- Clifton Riding Club Tasmania – Clifton Beach
- Cygnet Riding Club – Cygnet
- Dodges Ferry Riding Club – Dodges Ferry
- Derwent Valley Horse Riders Association – New Norlfolk Sec: Janine White - Ph: 03626159
- Northern Adult Riding Club – Westbury
- Huon Hoofbeats - Mountain River - see their Bitless Bridle Policy - a well worded document that could be used as an example.
- North East Adult Riding (NEAR) Club Scottsdale Tas. Contact Chris on 03 63524254
- Suncoast Pony and Adult Riding Club - St Helens, Vice President: Gina Jetson Ph. 0363722547
VICTORIA:
Bendigo Bitless – Huntly Riding Club –NEW SOUTH WALES:
Darkes Forest Riding Club – Darkes ForestUSA:
American Competitive Trail Horse Association - USA
Instructors who allow and promote Bitless Bridles:
AUSTRALIA WIDE:
Australian Equine Behaviour Centre - AEBC clinics held in Hobart, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast Qld, Perth WA, Sydney NSW.
Carlos Tabernaberri – Whispering Acres
Mel Fleming - www.melfleming.com.auTASMANIA:
Cynthia Cooper - Golden Valley
Melissa O'Rourke - Equus Equestrian Centre - Sandford
Nan Catmur – Nan’s Riding School - Longford
Scilla Sayer - Leslie Vale Ph. 0409476624
Samantha Goss - Devonport Ph. 0414 486493VICTORIA:
Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (AEBC)
Carlos Tabernaberri – Whispering Acres
Leonie Tainsch – www.lusciousleather.com.au
Jenny Pearce - Tanjil South - www.bookswithspirit.com
Dianne Luc - www.naturalhorsemanshipaustralia.com.au
Phone 0428722636NEW SOUTH WALES
Janene Clemence - The Academy of Equine Performing Arts - Byron Bay
Natural Equestrian - Instructor Suzanne Bellette promoting Bitless Bridle On line and Ridden in Arcadia ( near Sydney) Ph. 0419 603 122.
Steeve Croucher, Coffs Harbour - www.steevecroucher.com 0418 235 359
Deb Shearim KalEquine Services – Central Coast NSW Mobile: 0417268884 www.kalequine.webs.comQUEENSLAND
Alexandria Bailey - www.aape.com.auWESTERN AUSTRALIA
Sietske Nobel - Bridgetown WA 6255 Ph 08 9761 9210 Mobile 0429 139655 www.naturalhorses.com.auSam and Sascha Watson - www.horsesandhorsemen.com
USA
Kathy Boettcher, Meadowsweet Ranch, Spring Grove, IL
Bitless Buddies
- people/groups who welcome contacts for bitless riding:AUSTRALIA
Tasmania
Leslie Vale: Scilla Sayer Phone 0409476624.
Hillwood: Anne Bowden - 041 7274340 anne@maxaustralia.netVictoria
Glen Waverley: Melissa Carstens - 0402 857 862 melissacar@gmail.com
Tallangatta Valley: Kelly Bick and Glenn Wilson, NE Victoria, 02 6071 0210 or waterfallcreek@westnet.com.auNorth Eastern Vic: Elaine Moores – ElaineM@peacocks.com.au
New South Wales
Grace from Macksville, North Coast NSW - horseygirl@live.com.auQueensland
South Maclean: Jenny McCubben -0437 118 570 jenmccubben@gmail.comSouth Australia
Northern Hills: Jenny Austin - 08 8289 0395 or 0404 168 395.IRELAND
Co Armagh/Richill: Lesley Harvey - 07733 262511 http://www.intouchequestrian.co.uk/
Bitless Buddies at Leslie Vale - What We do by Michelle.
The Bitless Buddies Group which Scilla has integrally formed with a great deal of passion and I would like to tell you my reflections of the two sessions so far.
The first session was on Sunday 12th December 2010 and began with Scilla arriving late with a freshly broken wrist after tripping and falling whilst leading Salty and Pumpkin amidst a group trail ride! (she did continue to ride one-handed for the rest of the 14km ride!).Six horses and their human partners, with a few additional spectators seemed the perfect begining for our group. When asked to introduce ourselves (and horses) and give personal insight about our expectations and desires for attending, many of us commented we would like social support with like-minded people about ethical horsemanship and we would like our horses to enjoy social time with other horses in a safe, respective and supportive environment. I was particularly happy to see a young girl and her pony come along with her Mum after trying the more traditional teaching of horsemanship and not really being able to accept it, nor get anywhere with it.
There was also discussion about different types of halters, lead ropes bridles (with bits and without), reins and the pro's and con's of each. We then announced some of our individual problem areas with 'on ground respect' etc. and Scilla happily gave support and suggestions with how to correct our 'on ground' behaviour to project clearer communication for our horses to accept what we ask of them.
We then gave the horses some social time (after discussing the safety and risks of our horses being free together and whether appropriate etc.) - we all enjoyed observing and analysing their true selves as horses!
A cup of tea, biscuit and much chatting was then in order and Scilla suggested we watch one of her DVD's about a woman and her revelations of 'Mindful Horsemanship' and the effects of riding in high pressure equipment such as bits, spurs etc. We were all quite speechless with the cruelty of such human behaviour - the impact was extraordinary.
We finished with all of us being very greatful that the horses have brought us all together to learn how we can harmonise our ways with theirs.
Session 2 was on the 2nd of January 2011 and began with a few of us preparing our horses with 'ash paint' markings to show our horses individuality with ourselves in a fun, semi ritualising way.
When we arrived we were struck with a 'vibrant', new horse member - a 5 yr old bay, Arabian gelding named Scout who was displaying all his Arabian spirit at liberty in a small paddock on his own. Scilla wanted time for the horses to be free with each other for a time before our interaction of Bitless learning etc. No-one felt confident to let their horse run with 'wild' Scout except Erin with Zebbie.
We were all amazed when Zebbie was free to play with Scout how much his energy came down and when we decided to let all (but 2 horses - one was injured from a previous incident and the other had partnered with her) run together as a free herd. Zebbie was faced with the role of mediator between his old herd and Scout.
Watching Sam and Salty 'joined together' like yin and yang and only interfering in Campbell's behaviour when too threatening to the others was truly reamarkable horse behaviour!
Time for a cuppa and cake again, whilst Scilla discussed different bridles and their bits or no bits, with practical demonstration and discussion (especially to show a young a boy from England who is accustomed to riding traditional Engilsh pony club ways) before we all set out to practice some on ground and mounted horseplay in the large sand arena.
We all enjoyed watching, playing and supporting one another with our horse companions. Scilla also gave a mounted demonstration (one handed of course) on Sam - bitless and with a bareback pad, with a little 'dressage flare' - proving bits are not necessary for a horse (and rider) to interpret certain movement or head carriage - connection, feel and harmony are instead the most influential and desired!
We all left feeling inspired and serene with another great day of learning, social fun and support from our like minded group - Thank you Scilla, Mandy, Erin, Nicola, Linda, Penny, Sam, Freya, Rosie (I've probably forgotten a few) and all of our beloved equine teachers.
Also a huge thank you to you Cynthia, for your pioneering journey with bitless riding and giving us the opportunity to develop and learn from each other with you as our inspiritaion and guide.
Insurance companies with no Bitless Exclusion:
Bitless Dressage in South Africa
At the annual National Dressage Meeting in February, 2008, SANEF (South African National Equestrian Federation) approved the introduction of bitless dressage classes (Novice and Pre-Novice initially) at graded dressage shows on a year trial basis starting later this year.
This followed extensive representations to SANEF by a Bitless Dressage Committee over a long period of time. All aspects of bitless riding and dressage competitions were discussed and a proposal was then put to the National Dressage Committee where it was debated at the February meeting. Final details of the rules governing bitless dressage and classes will be announced in due course as well as the starting date.South Africa should be proud that our Equestrian Federation has been so forward-looking as to be one of the first countries to give bitless dressage an official forum.
Over the years the art of horsemanship has developed and changed as new approaches to equipment and training have evolved. Recently these changes have become more profound as riders and owners of all sorts have embraced modern concepts of horsemanship less anchored in military roots. One of these new directions has resulted in many riders now riding bitless in all manner of 'bridles' ranging from neckstrings through rope head-collars to 'professional' bitless bridles. Riders riding bitless have ranged from novices and happy hackers through to 'serious' classical riders doing Haute Ecole dressage. This has opened up a whole new curiosity as to how well dressage tests can be done bitless.
Any riders who are inspired to do 'formal' bitless dressage, whether they currently ride bitted dressage or don't ride dressage but ride bitless and may be keen to enter dressage, are requested to express their interest by emailing their name, locality and experience to bitlessdressage@webafrica.org.za so that a register of bitless dressage riders can be compiled. Please also state what bitless bridle you are currently using.
If you are wanting to lobby your local dressage club to allow bitless bridles, here is the submission from the Committe for Recognition of Bitless Dressage to read.
Bitless in Dutch dressage competition (July 2009).
After many requests, the KNHS (Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation) which has around 203,000 members in all affiliated equestrian sports, held a pilot dressage competition where a range of bitless bridles were used in classes from Prelim. to Medium.
There were no restrictions on the types of bridles as the point was to see which bridles were the most ‘horse friendly’.
The classes were judged by five listed judges and marked according to the usual guidelines. All the riders were also interviewed to get their feedback.
Points made included the need for alternative wording in the collectives as contact and submission would differ from the norm, and fitting of some of the bridles needed attention.
Once conclusion was that those bridles with potentially excessive influence on the horse’s nose, and usually used with loose contact such as hackamores and western bridles, would not be permitted.
The most favoured bridle seemed to be the ‘sidepulls’ (not rope/cord).
The committee, including a veterinary surgeon, experts on bitless riding, instructors, and judges will discuss and evaluate the outcome of the competition using a video of the event and the judges comments.
Agreements need to be reached about the type of bitless bridle permitted, and adjustments to the judges’ sheet.
Holland, like most, if not all countries, does not permit bitless bridles in dressage competition, but I’m sure everyone keenly awaits the outcome of this Dutch initiative to at least investigate the situation.
The LightRider Bitless Noseband will work with a bit for transition or abiding by rules
The LightRider Bitless Noseband can be attached to the bridle over the bit (as shown in the photo) so you can use the reins to the noseband or the reins to the bit.
This is an ideal solution for people who are unsure of their horse's reactions in all situations while transitioning to bitless, or for those ocassions where rules state a bit must be worn. (some rules don't state that reins must be attached to the bit!).
It's even a good option for when young horses are transitioning from bitless to a bit (if its absolutely necessary) - the rings of the bit and the chinstrap can even be clipped together to limit bit action as the next step up from just wearing the bit, if you really need to ask your horse to do this. At least the progression is then easier for your horse.It's a good idea to have two quite different sets of reins so you can easily see which ones to use, and to have the reins to the bit (which you may use less frequently) knotted on the neck, and/or tied with something breakable like a shoelace to the saddle. That will still allow you to use the reins while keeping them in postion so they don't slip forward or to the side.
The best type of bit to use is one with smaller rings, or something like this french snaffle as shown in the photo above.Bitless Collection with a LightRider Bitless Noseband
See how soft vertical flexion and a responsive relaxed horse can lead to true collection via self carriage.
In this first video, Instructor Suzanne Bellette with her colourful Paint gelding, Tombay, shows how this is achieved with the LightRider Bitless Noseband and the appropriate education of course.
Tombay's ridden education started with the halter. Once Suzanne moved onto using the bit her horse developed a history of head and neck problems which on occasion led to front end lameness. Suzanne now puts this down to pain and discomfort from the bit. After numerous body work treatments and continuous use of the bit there was no consistent improvement so she went back to using the halter.
Searching for a solution that would give her the finesse of the bit yet no pain to avoid, she added the LightRider Bitless Noseband to her bridle and found it worked brilliantly with no more recurring front end soreness and a happier bitless horse.
Bitless and barefoot eventer – Freyr and Scruff competed at the State Eventing Championships They were sponsored by LightRider Bitless Bridles.
“Scruffy was a little distracted in the dressage and the test was not so great, but he jumped clear on a very wet cross country course, followed by probably the best round of showjumping I've ever had on him. He was so lovely to ride and jumped up through his withers with much more freedom. Everyone watching our round said that he looked like he was enjoying himself and yes I did showjump in the LightRider Bitless Noseband. He did have a rail down but that was my fault because I asked for an extra stride where he didn't have room. The judges came up to me after the class to look at his bridle because they had spent my whole round debating whether he had a bit in or not!
We finished in 5th place and I know Scruff enjoyed the competition more than any other he has done.
Scruff must be one of the few horses actively competing barefoot and bitless. I know it sparked a lot of interest from the other competitors, so maybe it will spark some debate and there might be more jumpers out competing bitless in the future.
Thanks so much for sponsoring the Bitless Noseband, and a big thanks from Scruff, he is definitely happier.” Freyr Colvin. Tasmania.
Bitless at the Masters Games - pics taken by Lisa Dolbel.
Joylene Dudink on Maelong Anawa's Marionette competed in the Master's Games 'A' Grade winning games team recently and reports: “She loves the LightRider bitless and is extremely light and responsive. My team mates stated that we were the most consistent combination of the team - steady and accurate - because I have the most control! Some people commented later on in the day about how good she was and were even more impressed when they noticed the bitless. They said that they hadn't even realised.
I was very happy to be able to do games bitless because sometimes in the adrenalin rush etc, it can be a little difficult to always be so gentle on the reins, but I didn't feel so bad bitless.”
NSW Instructor, Shelly Broomham says: "This is my 4yo Clydy x Andalusian gelding GP Amadeus (Clan). My goal with him is to train him to high level dressage bitless, treeless and barefoot. The bridle I am using is a Bitless Dressage type side pull, the saddle is a FreeForm Elite treeless Dressage. In this video Clan has only been ridden less than 30 times. Although I am riding bitless I am still applying Classical principals to his training. I will try to update as often as I can for those of you who are interested in this type of training. "
Horse Safety Australia Endorses LightRider Bitless Bridles
The Association for Horsemanship Safety and Education
From the Horse Safety Australia Executive June 2011:
Horse Safety Australia is happy to endorse the LightRider Bitless Bridles and Nosebands.
These items are made of good quality materials, with attention to detail.
When properly fitted to the horse, and with appropriate training of the horse, they work as effective equipment for riding horses.
Horse Safety Australia sees these products as useful not only for individual riders but also in a riding school situation, if the horses are properly trained and well behaved. The bitless bridle provides the opportunity for a new rider to learn to keep their hands still and develop a light touch.
As with any products, they need to be used properly, correctly fitted, and used on horses which respond well to this different kind of pressure.
www.horsesafetyaustralia.com.au
More Links to Bitless Information:
- Bitless Driving
- Bitless Riding Tips
This article details the damage bits can cause to horses.
- Horse Safety Australia Endorses LightRider Bitless Bridles
-
To Bit or Not To Bit - by by Janene Clemence details the damage bits can cause to horses.
-
To Bit or Not To Bit by Dr Amanda Warren-Smith looks at Responses of young horses to bitted and bitless bridles during foundation training
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