LightRider Bitless Bridle Feedback
I noticed a huge difference.
"I purchased one of your Stockhorse LightRider bitless bridles a year ago in hopes to be able to train my Tennessee Walking Horse filly without metal in her mouth. A friend told me to use a 'S' Hackamore, and we tried it for our first few rides and my filly hated it. She was fairly unresponsive and I felt the way it "sloshed around" on her face annoyed her to no end.
After our first ride with your bridle I noticed a huge difference. Her 'woahs' were gorgeous, she was much lighter when I asked her to turn, her headset was perfect, and she seemed happy! Fast-forward a year later, and I've started taking her out on short (6+ mile) trail rides. Even on days she's feeling her oats I've never felt like I don't have control over her. She still plants her feet firmly when I pick up my reins and say "woah" (even when there's a barking dog running out of the forest at us), and I was told "Oh, she'll never gait in a bitless bridle" - apparently no one told her that!
I am 100% happy, and even more importantly so is my Kelosia. She even puts her nose into the bridle when I offer it - she doesn't do that with her halter! I am purchasing a yearling TWH and you bet when it comes time to train her to ride I will be using a LightRider. Thank you so much for designing this great bridle!" Kalee R. and Kelosia the TWH in Oregon, USA.
BITLESS NOSEBAND FANTASTIC
Hello Cynthia, New Noseband arrived safely. It is FANTASTIC!
Here is Ali in his "old" bridle with "new" noseband. Works brillantly.
Very easy to change the bridle.
Will be purchasing another of the Nosebands soon, to use on other good bridles I have.
Thank you soo much for developing this. You are wonderful! :)
Happy Riding, from Nan C. (& her horses too)" Tasmania."THANK YOU so much for the bitless bridle nose band.
I have used other bitless bridles before but NONE as good as this.
One ten minute ride in the round pen to try, then out on the roads today with trucks, motor bikes, farming animals, snakes the lot.I want to let you know that I love my LightRider bitless noseband.
"It is still early days as I have only ridden in it 4 times but I have really tested it during these rides.
I know you advise taking things slowly to introduce the feel to the horse but I know my mare really well and trust her not to rear, bolt or generally kick up a fuss so I chucked us in the deep end and went for a forest ride with my friend the second time I tried it.
Well, we cantered and jumped and I had just as much control as with a bit. She gave some head shakes when she felt the chin strap tighten but this is typical for her and more of a situation of her saying "I am excited and want to go follow my friend and you are frustrating me asking me to slow down". Who knows, if I improve my subtlety then we might not even have the head shake in the future.
When ridden bitted, her head shaking is accompanied by a high, tense head carriage, an open mouth and her tongue flapping out the side; this reaction is the reason I wanted to try the LR noseband in the first place.
When ridden calmly in the LR noseband, she accepts the aids beautifully and I am finding I am using my seat and legs a lot more to guide her and slow her so the noseband is improving my riding as well.
I have jumped her around a tight course and she is perfectly steerable and controllable.
I have never been able to do canter to trot transitions smoothly without her rushing but yesterday she just slipped back into trot without a fuss. Her head carriage in the trot was long and low, not tight, high and sucked back like she can be in a bit.
My friend has a fit, healthy 25 year ex-eventer who has always been strong/keen when jumped. Well she tried the LR noseband yesterday and was amazed. He was calm, relaxed, looked a little puzzled and kept licking his lips but cantered smoothly over the jumps with no 'race horse' tendencies. To me it seemed he had nothing to fight/worry about into the jump. She went home and ordered her own LR noseband straight away!
I would love the results of this bitless design if it was pink and fluffy with bells on but I am really pleased with its traditional English look and versatility. I could carry my snaffle in my pocket and change it back if I wanted to...I don't think I will ever feel the need to but it nice to have the option :)
Quality wise it is well made and looks attractive. I have the leather noseband and the leather is supple and well stitched. I couldn't be more pleased and am telling every horsy person I encounter about your fantastic product. Thank you!
I have just got back from a two trek over the Okuku Ranges, in Canterbury, South Island. My friend Jan and I used our LR nosebands for all 9 hours in the saddle. The nosebands were great. Definitely as much control as with a bit but we felt it was kinder for the horses who were working very hard for us.
Lots of people on the trek commented on them and liked the look of them. I explained the difference in design of the LR to other bitless bridles and the versatility of the LR noseband. I hope we have converted a few people! I have heard from several people that these were very popular at the recent Equitana. Great news!" Sarah, Christchurch, New Zealand
My pony has gone better than ever before in our entire 5 year relationship.
He has never ever turned to go home at a sensible or controllable speed until today with his new bitless noseband.
He always jig/jogged using his whole body to come OFF the BIT to defy
me and tear home. It was very unsettling and he was only safe engough
for me to ride, not share, because I knew him so well.This pony is truly a changed little man and he says THANK YOU CYNTHIA."
Melissa W. Victoria.
Pleased with quality and easy to use
"I just received my LightRider Bitless Noseband last week and have used it twice on my mare. Once, just playing with her on the ground and the second time riding in the arena. I really liked the way it worked. She was already used to a sidepull since I don't normally use a bit on her. It is very well made and I am very pleased with not only the quality but also how easy it is to use. And my mare likes it too." Sandy P. O. USA
Photo: Twiff and Jo.
Nan from her riding shcool in Longford, TAS. writes: "It was her first lesson with him. He was so easy to swap to a Bitless as his owner had done heaps of ground work in a halter. He is a lovely steady mount that everyone loves."Amazing Results
"I had only tried him in another bitless bridle once before, and seen how soft he could really be (believe me he was already great). He took to it immediately despite my clumsy and inexperienced intructions.
But the most amazing results were with Cody who I'd had had lots of difficulty with in being confident and in pulling up (even though I had horses in my life for lots of my 50 years). I will add here, that Cody is not an affectionate horse. Temptation got the better of me because I still believe in Cody.
He yielded, he turned and responded, he was soft and he PULLED UP with no real effort and was in fact lighter than I had ever had him on the very first try.
And as I got down from his saddle he nuzzled in to me and looked for a cuddle and that was the most amazing part of it all." Sue H. Victoria.
Problems with crossunder bitless solved:
"Hi Cynthia,
I received my bridle a couple of days ago. Let me say before I go any further that I am extremely impressed with the quality of this bridle!
Very well made. Substantial and it is very attractive. I got the western style.
I got my first chance to try it this morning. I had a couple problems with my TWH using the crossunder bitless bridle.First Feather, would get very bracy at times would just kind of get a bit catatonic for a few moments. He would go fine at times and be very responsive but, when he decided he didn't want to do something he would just brace through it all.
I have been trying to get a nice light neck rein on him for quite awhile.
So I have been looking for a different alternative. I came across your bridle and thought maybe this was just the answer for Feather, and I. It works on a totally different concept. Well it is just what we have needed!!We went for a short ride this morning and Feather never braced with me. He just neck reined beautifully. Never pulled on me or tried to push through the pressure, I guess actually because his head wasn't wrapped in pressure! He also had a very nice whoa.
We want to thank you for designing this great product! I was never going to ride in a bit again period so am very happy to find this alternative.
Let me add a note about the crossunder bridle. I had two other big powerful horses that I put in that bridle and they did great. So maybe it just isn't made for every horse. I'd like to think how they might have done in your bridle...........
We dearly love this bridle. Thanks again for creating this wonderful bridle for all of us." Sue M. in FL, USA.Simply The Best!
"I can't wait to try out the Stockhorse style although I
am really, really happy with the English. Saddiq is so easy in it and so far I have had to jam on the brakes twice and he has taken the pressure in his stride and simply stopped. There has been no over reaction at all. He has done exactly what I have asked.
Thanks again for all your help - this bridle is simply the best!!" Katy B. WA.
Full control
“I purchased the English bitless bridle from you at the Equus Inspiration. I am using it on my 7yo arab who has only recently been backed and handled. He has taken to it like a dream, he is so responsive, he was running through the bit and now he is so happy and I have full control with your fantastic bridlle.
I was recently in a situation where I thought there was no way I was going to pull him up, but I was able to control him so easily and there was no fighting.
I am now completely sold on the bridle.” Jodi, Tasmania.
Jodi's 'Storm' pictured here in the Standard English Style Light Rider bridle.As responsive in English style as the Rope style bridle:
"Besides looking lovely on him and I was pleased with the quality of it - it proved to be as good as the rope one - in his responsiveness, so my reservations on the type of bridle seemed unfounded.
He is very happy and soft in it, and again when he wanted to go back to the other horses he didn`t fight me like he would do on a bit. He turns lightly and it is lovely to ride him in it." Mandi in NSW.Better release than other bridles tried:
"I had tried a bunch of bitless bridles but wasn't happy with any of them and kept going back to my plain old halter hackamore. The biggest reason was the lack of release or very slow release.
Cynthia's new Light Rider, I just love it! It has a snug fit for direct and clear communication, it doesn't close down on the horse when you are having a conversation about what you would like them to do, and yet it has the "pull through" if you were in a situation where you needed to rely on the rein to pull your horse around into a bend.
Hopefully never, but it could give you confidence to have that ability. Woo hooo!! She's done it!!! Jenny Pearce
Author of "Bobby's Diaries - Straight From the Horse's Mouth to You" and "A Zen Connection with Your Horse".
Huge Improvement:
"I just wanted share a photo of my beautiful Arabian mare Solange in her new Bitless halter/bridle. Doesn’t she look lovely and so relaxed?
She is very sensitive and had started to develop some bad behaviours like opening her mouth, throwing her head and more recently threatening to buck when I asked her to stop.
I had been advised to use a nose band on her to stop her evading the bit but wanted to find a gentler alternative to tying her mouth together.
I first saw your bridle at Equitana and loved the simplicity of it but sadly it took me a year to finally buy one.
The good news is that after a few short rides I can see a huge improvement! She is listening to my leg and seat aids more and the best part is her brakes are much better as she is not tensing when I ask her to slow and stop.We still have more work to do but we are finally making progress rather than getting worse and I feel much more in control. I have ridden in a rope halter before as I liked the freedom it gave her, but I found it didn’t give me the communication I needed and also had a tendency to mark her soft nose.
Your bridle combines the communication that I need, the lightness of a halter and the comfort of padding as it has never left a mark on her - even after an hour long ride. So thank you Cynthia – you have definitely helped us!!!" Judy W. Queensland.
Confidently in Control:
"I am sending you a picture of my daughter Amaya riding Candy Girl in your stock bridle. We bought it last year and we have been very happy with it, Candy accepted it no problems.
Until we bought it we were riding bitless in a rope halter and our requests to Candy were not always clear enough and although she is very generous and kind with us, Amaya sometimes felt nervous when riding out because Candy would take over.Now there is no doubt as to the direction in which we ask her to go and there is no resistance. Amaya is thrilled and we have had many interested comments from friends in riding club and pony club, (we dont go to either but we have friends who do).
The bridle looks lovely on her as well which is a bonus, much better than the rope halter." Valezka M. Victoria.
Taylorsglen Renegade loves his LightRider Performer bridle:
"He is a purebred 13 year old Arab who has been competing on and off in Endurance over the last 5 years but the picture is his first ride in a bitless bridle. The difference is outstanding. There has been no head shying when bridling up or constant chomping on the bit when riding. I have also found that he is more likely to eat and drink out on track." Janeen Smith, Vic.
Head high and shaking problem solved:
"Well we have given Polly's bridle a good work out now. She was a horse that did not like to have a bridle on at all, she would lift her head in the air, clench her teeth and look very miserable when putting the bridle on. Additionally when we first purchased her she had a head shake that was continous 24/7.
By riding her in the bitless bridle, head shake nearly gone, does not lift her head up when putting the bitless bridle on, she also remains relaxed and is gaining confidence slowly but steadily. The bridle feels like a quality product, easy to keep clean and looks good on the horse. Overall we are very pleased with our purchase." Sally S. Queensland.
Better response than in the crossunder bitless:
"I have ridden bitless for a couple of years now with a crossover bridle and then progressed to a simple rope hackamore. So my mare is quite used to being without a bit, especially for hacking. The crossover does not have the release my mare needs being sensitive, and so the responses to my cues are often delayed and therefore my cues have to shout louder over the noise levels to get her attention. And all I can say is thank you for designing such a wonderful piece of equipment. It is so simple, yet so effective. " Jo UK.
"My mare Lady is a 30yr old stockhorse cross. She is still sound and active, and we mainly do short trail rides. She was Parelli trained when she was about 12yrs old, and I learnt to ride on her, learning "natural" horsemanship methods rather than pony club style.
Anyway, because she had already been taught to yield to pressure, the light rider bridle transition was virtually non-existent. I had only rode in rope halters before this so my first experience of putting a bridle on was interesting!
Lady loves the LightRider, it gives me a more consistent ask and I believe more control. The rope halter knots on the older horse can start to cause problems, and I didn't like the weight of the fiador knot pulling the halter down constantly under her chin. The LightRider takes that constant pressure off. It looks really smart too!
Thank you again. " Carly RichmondNoticeable Difference
"It's just great! I've been using a crossover one prior to this, which I was reasonably happy with (except the pressure sometimes didn't release straight away), but the difference is really noticeable. My horse is much happier in it, and responded the unbelievably light aids - I felt a bit like I was riding her with feathers! What a great design - I'll be doing my best to get other people over here using them." Jess R. New Zealand.
Allows horse and rider to be more relaxed:
“I bought your Light Rider bridle at Equitana and the funny thing is, it was a spur of the moment decision and has proved to be so beneficial for Luke and me.
For Luke, because I don’t hang on his mouth anymore due to tension, and for me because it has reminded me of how I used to ride in my teens, relaxed and with ask and release. My aids are lighter. Both horse and rider are more relaxed and more confident, (thanks also to Jenny Pearce’s clinics and books).
As far as the design of your bridle goes, it is effective without being harsh. It does not take them long to adapt to no bit.
I like the fact that it does not work on the poll and has instant release. Most of all I love that it doesn’t cause pain to my horse, at least not the way I use it. The halter adaptation is useful when like me you ride in the bush so I don’t need a halter as well. Thank you Cynthia for your foresight. Cheers, Jenny S. (Victoria).”Happy Horses:
"I purchased two bitless rope bridles approximately two years from you and have found them to be wonderful. I use one for my endurance horse and one on my young horse, both horses round beautifully when asked and with the slightest of aids. I have had quite a few comments from people in regards to how happy my horses seem, and I believe that apart from being devoted to them, a lot has to do with not putting a bit in their sensitive mouths.
Thank you for my marvellous bitless bridles." Kim R. Tasmania
Light Rider Bridle lightest and on top of the list:
“I actually really enjoy doing these bitless trials and the one thing that I really notice is how each bridle would work best with different horse/rider combinations. As for the light rider bridle, I would say that it has felt the lightest (no pun!) on Indy of all the bridles. There truly was a quick release and other than when making contact intentionally, there was no pressure between Indy and the bridle. Steering with the light rider was just as light. Indy was very responsive even with the looser fit of this bridle. Overall, I was very pleased with this bridle and when the day comes for me to purchase tack of my own, the Light Rider is on the top of my list!”
Beth Sabor, LMT, HHP, CESMT, RM in USA
www.holisticessence.com
~Licensed Massage Therapist
~Certified Holistic Health Practitioner
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~Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist
Impressed:
“I am so impressed with my LightRider bridle! It is really lovely, good control and attractive to look at. Also my horse just seemed so much happier without a bit in her mouth, so much more at ease. So cheers on a fantastic product, I am happy to advocate the use of your bridles to anyone who asks me in the future.”
Fiona H., Tasmania.
Most comfortable bridle:
“The bridle is fabulous thanks. I have ridden my horse 'Huckleberry' (photo right) in a crossunder style bridle as well as a riding halter bridle, and yours would appear so far to be the most comfortable one from the horse's perspective. My horse usually has impeccable manners when on his own, however when with a group of 'mates' he gets understandably excited, and sometimes I have to apply more pressure than I would normally like, in order to get him to listen.
So far so good. Yours looks lovely and fits him well.” Thanks again, Kelly C. Vic.
Hated whole head pressure - better response in Light Rider:
"I then got my pony out, put your new Light Rider Bitless Bridle on him, and guess what - he responded soooo much better to this bridle, than the one I have used for him until now. I got a cross-under bitless bridle for him, and always wondered why he tended to brace himself, when I gave him rein aids. He seems to hate the pressure around his whole head!? With your bitless bridle he was smiling and responded straight away to my aids.
So, now we have the whole horsey family on your LightRider Bitless Bridle!"
Kaya Femerling (Natural Hoofcare Practitioner) NSW.
Inconspicuous and in control:
"Thought I would give you an update of us jumping in the new bridle. Its been great so far, it took a couple of days to get used to, and I had to tighten the chin strap a couple of times to get it right, but we are sorted now and going well!
Abbey is a bit crazy in big open spaces at the moment, cantering sideways and threatening to buck and just getting generally excited and skitty - very scary when your horse is 16hh and just as wide! But I still felt safe with the bridle and was in control as much as I had been in the halter previously. We went to jump club without any problems and had no comments that there was no bit in her mouth - it was very inconspicuous! She is responding well to it and I am very happy so far - looking forward to competing later this year too!" Daisy, NT.
Racehorse's many problems solved & rodeo horse responds:
"I was very pleased to come accross your design and since receiving it my off-the- track thouroughbred has been a dream to ride.
I was given this horse literally straight from the track...one day racing...next day mine.
I have spent the last 2 months retraining him and the biggest and the most rewarding changes came about when we started using your bridle. No more jig jogging, no more frantic sweating prior to a ride, he's now relaxed, cool calm and collected.
No more head shaking and a willingness to flex in any direction with hardly any pressure. People often ask me why I went for the bitless bridle and I am passionate about telling them my experiences and about all the reasons why we should treat our horses with respect and dignity and not as a slave to our leisure...at an often painfull cost.To this end I have converted many to bitless bridles...in one of the toughest horse riding towns.....including a friend of mine who is a rodeo pick up rider and rides his horses hard and fast.
Initially he thought I was kidding when I guaranteed him one particular horse would respond better to no bit than with a bit. This horse has the most unbelievable sensitvity to pressure I have ever seen.....and within 10 minutes of riding bitless his owner was won over and has since ordered a number of bridles to start taining his other horses of various disciplines including cutting and reining, roping, pickup and also barrel racing.So after all that I would like to say thank you for designing such a simple and versatile bridle that I will continue to use as long as I have horses... and expect a few more orders from me in the future and also from those I have influenced up here in the top end. Thanks, Bec." Darwin. NT.
Photo: Tasmanian endurance rider Tanya Jago reports her horse is happy in the Light Rider Performer Bridle.
Now accepts the bridle willingly:
"To put Joe’s old bridle with bit on I had to get him in a headlock and stick my thumb in his mouth to prise open his clenched teeth. Getting it off was a similarly tense and unpleasant moment for both of us as he prepared himself to be banged in the teeth (which of course I was careful never to do but which he expected nonetheless). Now, in his new English style light rider bridle, he willingly puts his head down to accept the noseband and to have to removed. He is responsive to just the slightest touch with it and willingly turns to either side. The bridle fits beautifully and looks great, thanks from both of us." Julia and Joe, Tasmania.Delivers a clearer, more direct message:
“I am impressed with the bridles. I have to admit that when I first heard of them I thought they were just another version of the “bigger bit” theory, however I now think that they are a very good alternative to a natural hackamore.
I have had good feedback from the whole family, husband, 12 & 14yo boys as to how they like them.
My personal opinion is that they are very good for novice riders and for using on green horses.
This is because I have noticed that with natural hackamores novice riders can tend to twist the horses head when asking for lateral flexion. The Light Rider bridle seems to deliver a much clearer and more direct message when using it to convey lateral messages to your horse. It is also ideally suited to endurance riders as it can still give you a lead rope if you need it.
All round the horses and humans all appreciated their new bridles. Thanks," Tara N. Tasmania.
In control in endurance:
“The Bitless Bridle was terrific. At the endurance ride, Angel got toey quite a few times once we were back out on the roads, but with pressure and release of the reins she was under control. I was particularly proud of her when we came across other riders out on the track as she stayed within my hands and never once ran off like she used to. I was in control the whole ride. I LOVE THE BRIDLE” Tammy M. Tasmania. (pictured left)
"Cynthia, I just wanted to touch base with you about the Light Rider Bridle. I completed the 40km ride at Woodstock successfully. I was very pleased with the bridle as I had heaps of control, and she listened. Overall I was really pleased with it and will definitely be ordering another one soon so I have a spare." Danielle - Tasmania.Lighter than the rope halter:
"Thanks soooooo much for the bridle- Brady responds wonderfully with it (he is a 20 year old thoroughbred that thinks he is 2 sometimes)! Much lighter than the rope halter. I wish everyone would use them for the horses!" Angie H. South AustraliaTotal control and 100% safe:
"Kate was in one of her 'do everything at 100 miles an hour moods'- pulling, rushing and wanting to get home and as you can see she is a big strong girl. Well the bridle didn't miss a beat, I had total control and felt 100% safe. Thank you so much for letting me try it out, I am really impressed with it." Julie S. (Kate and Julie pictured below). Victoria.
Stopped head tossing - Better concentration:
"Thankyou so much for the bitless, it works a treat. My little mare is loving it. She hated the bit in her mouth and was always a devil to get the bridle on. She has stopped throwing her head and pulling down on me.
It's fantastic. What a great product! Even though I have only used it a few times, she is so much better and I feel a lot safer knowing that I have her full concentration. She and I are very happy. Thankyou. Feel free to put this email on your feedback listings for the product. WOW!" Krystlelee T. NSW.
No difference in control between bitted and bitless:
"My partner who had always done his riding/mustering with a bridle and bit was quite sceptical and even concerned to ride our (well behaved) thoroughbred without a bit. He noticed no difference at all between the Light Rider and the bridle-with-bit, from his own point of view, in terms of control during a 2 1/2 hour ride: the horse was settled and responsive to him. I give it full marks, and we both feel confident with it." Toni A. Tasmania.Having fun:
“Am finding it an absolutely AWESOME bridle and can’t thank you enough for the fun we are having.” Karen M. South Africa.Soft response - traditional look:
“Just to let you know, I received my bridle last week and love it! I put it on my TB gelding, who has literally had a couple of rides over the past week after 12-18 months of no work. I had a lesson Saturday morning and he went brilliantly in it. I've previously been riding him in another bitless bridle (as he's not great with bits) but found the noseband would never stay put and he was still rather resistant at times. In your bridle he was incredibly soft.
So, very impressed. Love the way it looks too, totally traditional!”
Sarah W. Vic.
Bracing solved - much clearer:
“Just to let you know how I am getting on with your rope light rider bitless bridle. It is great and I am very pleased with it. I was already riding my icelandic horse in a bitless cross under type bridle, which was fine for riding out on tracks and she seemed to like it, however when it came to tight turns or trying to get rein and feet coordination, she was bracing against the pull on the rein. I was not able to get a feel - it was a case of hold until she gave then release.
The same when turning back to shut a gate (we have lots ) - a complete brace. However with yours it is a lot clearer for her so I just lift the rein and she moves over. Also I thought it is very good for riding out with one rein - just clip lead rope on and leave two reins on if you want. Wonderful. Thanks.” Rikki from U. K.Better conversation Bitless:
"The light rider bitless bridle has given me the opportunity to have a real conversation while riding my horse, due to the absence of pain, which otherwise is caused by a bit. When a bitted bridle is put on my horse he becomes stressed and tense. Even before I place the bit in his mouth his whole body tenses and his head goes up.
Now using the LightRider bitless bridle he lowers his head and waits for me to slip it on. He is also not afraid of being accidentally jabbed in the mouth and with his new barefoot treeless saddle the combination is beautiful. He is more willing to tune into me and concentrate on what I am asking.The LightRider bitless bridle also looks like a normal bridle which I love. Thanks Cynthia for a wonderful product." Vanessa and Echo, Tasmania.
More responsive than in the halter:
“The LightRider bridle arrived yesterday, thank you so much for your very prompt service!! I rode with the bridle yesterday and today and I am very impressed, it's very well made and nice and soft, much softer than I expected. My horse seems to really like the bridle too, she is used to being ridden in a rope halter so I expected that it would take a while for her to get used to the Light Rider bridle but she was happy in it straight away and was even more responsive than she is in the rope halter, I must admit I was expecting that she would be slightly less responsive so it was a pleasant surprise to find the opposite.
To give you a little history on my horse, she is 14 years old and has been ridden in a bit until recently, she is also a chestnut TB mare who has raced and is prone to 'leaving the scene' when something (everything) scares her. I found that schooling her with a bit was adequate but I had to be strong and I didn't want to have to do that, she was happier in a rope halter but it is not practical for schooling for Dressage and I found that it would slip down her nose every few minutes, the Light Rider bridle stays put and only applies pressure when I ask it to, I can also ride with a consistent light contact! I was warned that riding with a bitless bridle wasn't safe because it offers less control, well I can tell you that if anything it offers more control because my mare is 'with me' all the time and listening, not worrying about the bit, she is MUCH more responsive and much lighter. I feel completely safe and 'in control' having the Light Rider on my mare and I plan to start two youngsters later this year using this bridle.". Siobhan. W.A.
The best:
"I am very, very happy with my new bridle, I have tried a few different types of bitless bridles and this is by far the best I have come across, thank you for designing it and making it available! Now, any possibility we could have the same thing in a lovely good quality leather to use in competitions (when we finally manage to get them approved)? :)”
Siobhan, Western Australia.
Photo: (By Matt Bennett) - Pauline and 'Roy' are using the Light Rider Stockhorse Bridle for their many successful endurance rides.
"Bridle arrived safely thank you. Tammy Mark and I went to the beach to try them out. We were all very happy with them, so much so that Mark and I would like to order another one.
I felt that I had good control with Roy at the beach as naturally being very fit at this stage he was in a hurry on the ride back and I was able to keep him at a reasonable speed easily."
Pauline Goodwin, Tasmania.
Smooth transition from bit to bitless:
“I just wanted to let you know that Pete (my horse) and I are loving the bitless bridle. It was a really smooth transition from bit to bitless and don't think we'll ever look back.” Jacqui, Tasmania.
Problems solved - happier in control horse:
"I was having real trouble with my 20yr old mare, Chloe accepting any bit whatsoever. She absolutely hated being ridden with a bit, tossing her head, not listening to the rein aids etc. We tried just a halter but there was no one rein stop and she just pulled through your hands and left me with not much control at all.After chiro and dentist visits, Merry suggested we try your bitless bridle and after one session in the round yard to get used to it the difference is amazing! No tossing the head, she listens to the lightest of aids, she is easier to handle, has emergency brakes and most of all she is happy. She enjoys being out on the trail. She even cantered for the first time for me the other day and loved it.
Thankyou for designing this product. I can't believe the control and how much better I feel riding her now that she is happy. Personally I have ridden horses that accept the bit happily but still didn't feel as in control as I do riding with the bitless bridle. Thankyou again," Jenny Keenan. Tasmania.
Bitless, barefoot endurance:
“I loved the bridle! Ziya (photo right) was very "Right Brained" for the first half of the ride, but she stayed in hand really nice. I know Elizabeth did great with hers too.
Our horse were the only non-booted barefoot horses at the endurance ride.
Thanks again! Kelsey C. USA
Likes the Light Rider best:
"Just to let you know that I have fitted the Stockhorse Bitless Bridle and it looks great!!! It looks and even smells like leather! I had a look at one of your bridles at a clinic back in January. Since then, I've been doing some research and liked yours the best.
I put the bridle on Wunjo at liberty.....at first he wasn't too keen as he didn't like the jangling of the metal against metal and I think he was expecting a bit from the way I put it over his ears (we've only been using a halter for the last 2 years), but once on he relaxed and we did a very small bit of ground work with excellent results. We'll be taking however long it takes before I'm in the saddle with it, but once there, I'll have more feedback for you.
I'm looking forward to experiencing a ride with the new bridle. Thanks so much for taking the time to figure something out to help our horses have a better life with humans and for making it available to anyone who wants to try it out!!! " Kath in Victoria.Never been happier:
"These bridles are fabulous. Started all three of mine recently and never been happier with a product." Jo in NSWWorks Great - acheives collection:
“My horse works great in the LightRider and with hardly any transition at all, after 10 minutes in the paddock to test the basic controls I was confident enough to head straight out to the trail. And the light brown colour looks absolutely gorgeous on my chestnut Arab. I even went for my first canter in the light rider and at a walk and trot I can still achieve full collection, it's amazing.” Simone L., ACT, Australia.
Safe to use as a halter too:
"I am very happy with the bridle, the lower placing of the noseband worked well, just that bit more sensitivity and lightness, its wonderful to know I can have him in a traditional looking bridle and be bitless too.
Plus, when I am finished riding, I can just pop him straight into the float still in his bridle, with the lead rope attached to the centre ring, so no more changing over to the halter in strange environments where things can go wrong" Marina A. Victoria.Very responsive and light to ride. A different horse!
"Last year I leased an Anglo Arab mare, an ex-endurance horse, as a riding horse. Although quiet by nature, she liked to hoon around and was very forward going.
This mare had never been ridden bitless. I thought I might have trouble introducing her to the LightRider Bitless Bridle, but I had no problem whatsoever from the first moment I put it on her. In fact, she was noticeably more relaxed in the Bitless Bridle right from the beginning.
Soon she was a calm and relaxed horse and was not looking for the bit to lean on, and she is now far more enjoyable and relaxing to ride.
It is also easier for her to drink from dams and creeks when we are out for a ride.
Before the Bitless Bridle, she did not like having her head patted at any time, and would put her ears back every time her head was touched. Now she drops her head for a pat and her ears are always forward. There is a marked difference in her.
Now she is very responsive and light to ride. A different horse! I wouldn't have said she had any problems as such before, but now she is noticeably so much happier, and far more relaxing to ride.
I must add that the LightRider Bitless Bridle is of beautiful quality.
Thanks, Cynthia!" Ann Nyland, NSW.Whole New World Opened Up!
" I really love the bitless noseband. It fitted easily and well on my existing bridle and with the clips I ordered as well I could attach my soft leather reins.
My instructor, who teaches classical riding (NO pulling the head of the horse behind the vertical etc ...!! ) also thinks it is great.A long standing bad and hard to beat habit of mine was to act with the inside rein slightly downwards and backwards - so I tried bitless riding (inspired after a clinic with Carlos Tabernanerri ) to get away from riding too much with reins and more with the seat and legs.
Why should my poor horse Bondi suffer pain in the mouth, when I can't even give the rein aids correctly.
Now with your bitless bridle, I am learning to act forward, upward, sideways with the inside rein to get the bend and really use my outside aids to initiate the turn (my instructor had been trying to get me to do this with the bit, but somehow I just did not get it), I can turn now effortlessly and all the fighting is gone. Bondi happily turns saying " O.K. that’s what you want - no problem " I am learning to turn the whole horse and not just pull on the inside rein.
Riding bitless seems much more clear to me and to the horse and has helped me enormously to really understand the right aids.
Also rein back works much better and my horse follows my request with much more softness.My horse also does not cough any more when we first go into trot and most amazingly he does not have to poo at the beginning of the ride, which he did every single time, when ridden with the bit. It seems like the bit got his digestive progress going, just that there was nothing to digest!
What I really like about bitless riding is that poll flexion cannot be forced (maybe unless one really pulled on the reins hard !? ) and that the horse’s head positions naturally from the poll as here with Bondi going long, low and relaxed while I am concentrating on my seat. It is like a whole new world has opened up to me! Thanks so much again for the nose band.” Eva T. Vic.
Amazed at the control of ex-pacer.
“I have just acquired a Standardbred who was used for pacing. His mouth is quite badly scarred and he was always fighting against the bit. I would have never used a bitless bridle before, but am amazed at what control I have. I now have both brakes and reverse and it can all be done with such gentle hand movements.
I am really impressed, it’s an amazing design. Thanks.” Kate G. WA.Less bracey due to the release.
“I was very impressed. I got a better response than with the crossunder bridle. Usually, when I am leading him, it takes a lot of pressure to get his head down. Last night, with only 2 fingers I was able to get his head to stay down. And he yawned a couple times. He seems less "bracey" because there is an actual release with your bridle.” Theresa J. MI. USAImpressed with the quality.
“The bridle arrived - I am sure impressed with the quality and the design :-)
Both of them just felt so relaxed, I can't tell you how nice it was to ride without hearing my mare chew and chew her bit.
When I initially got on, both of them tried to evade it as though it was a halter. After a couple of tries they took to it like they'd been ridden in it for life. I then headed out into the forestry for an hour on each.
My mare was so light and responsive in it and has totally accepted it. My gelding was ultra fresh and just wanted to run. He knew he had freedom from the horrid bit from the word go and really enjoyed himself. I love being able to unclip the reins and let them go :-) I just love it!!!” Nicole C. QLD.Simple to put on and Use
"I'm really impressed! It's so simple to put on and use, and she seemed happy with it too. I have a leather crossover design, but this one is just so much more simple, and easy! I'm very happy and love everything!!" Sarah B. NZImpressed and looks so nice
“Just wanted you to know I received my bridle and tried it on my curly mare. I am so impressed! I have ridden her with snaffle bits which she hates, a Natural hackamore, side pulls and a Crossunder bridle. All of them work to some degree but she seems annoyed and tends to raise her head with the Crossunder or I don’t get a nice soft feel with her with the side pull. In just a few minutes she was going softly and didn’t raise her head when I asked her to stop, back or do lateral movements. AND it looks so nice – like she is wearing a nice English bridle. It’s the closest thing to riding a horse with a bit I’ve experienced in terms of response and softness.
Thank you!!! There will be no return trip for this bridle – and I’m going to tell everyone I know about it. " Teresa R. USA
Loving It
“My friend is lending me her LightRider bitless bridle, and both me and my horse are loving it!! Being an adult beginner I'm appreciating the bitless, as I'm still learning to get my balance, and I love that I don't have to be in my horse's mouth hurting it while I'm trying to learn! A happy mouth is a happy horse :)
I've attached a pic of me and my horse Tas, showing off your bridle :-)
So thankyou for your bitless bridle. I'll be ordering my own soon!!
Warmest Regards, Meghan S. TAS.Thrilled with the LightRider English
“I just want to let you know how thrilled I am with my new bridle.
My horse Larmo really enjoys the new feel, and although he has been trained to a high level in dressage and natural horsemanship, I wasn't sure if he would need some integration time to adjust to the new feel of the bridle. I found he instantly recognised the gentle pressure of the bridle and instantly understood what I was asking, responding with softness and ease. In addition I really enjoyed the pliability of the biothane and the look of the bridle.
Thank you for your wonderful creation, and I will definitely recommend your bridles to my clients.” Zoe D. QLD. www.naturalhorsetherapies.com
Very Nice Balance
"My TB Gulliver is going well in the LightRider bridle. He was a very shutdown horse, who is improving everyday. I have been Clicker Training my horses for 8 years. Your bridle is good in many ways. Feeding treats while training makes it easier for the horse to eat them. I have found the communication during work in hand and under saddle very effective. I used a cross under bitless bridle years ago on another horse and found that had a dead feel. I found my horse picked up on giving to light pressure, just as well as if it was a bit. I look for softness, attentiveness in my horses expression, I look for changes in my horses balance, taking the weight back and elevating in front. In hand I got these results with your bridle, during training shoulder in, and felt the Lightrider bridle had a very nice balance, hand/rein connection. The LightRider bridle is also easy to put on and adjust. Excellent design.” Cheers Anne W. South Australia
Very Responsive
“I bought the LightRider Bitless nose band to make my bridle into a bit-less bridle. I am thrilled with the response from my 7yr old quater horse mare, We are much more in harmony and there is none of the grinding and chomping we have with a bit, but there is a nice connection and she is very responsive. Thanks very much.” Joy W. and Chiquita (pictured). NSWWonderful Product
“I just wanted to say how thrilled I am with my bitless bridle. Pippin is a 7y.o anglo gelding I have owned since a yearling. He was trained under saddle initially with a halter and only then had the bit and bridle introduced by a professional trainer who I felt did a fantastic job. I rode him in a conventional snaffle but occasionally due to circumstance i.e going for a trail ride at the beach and forgetting to pack my bridle, would end up in a halter and always found him super responsive. I purchased your bitless noseband and fitted it to my existing bridle. Wow. Pippin is just as responsive if not more so, will work in a collected frame doing flatwork and is very "control-able" on trail, road, and in company. You have given us a wonderful new dimension to our partnership and we are both thrilled. Thankyou for a wonderful product.” Kind Regards, Ingrid K. TAS.Amazed at the Control
“I have just acquired a Standardbred who was used for pacing. His mouth is quite badly scarred and he was always fighting against the bit. I would have never used a bitless bridle before, but am amazed at what control I have. I now have both brakes and reverse and it can all be done with such gentle hand movements.
I am really impressed, it’s an amazing design. Thanks.” Kate G. WA.Just Love it
“The Lightrider Natural arrived - I am sure impressed with the quality and the design :-)
Both of them just felt so relaxed, I can't tell you how nice it was to ride without hearing my mare chew and chew her bit.
When I initially got on, both of them tried to evade it as though it was a halter. After a couple of tries they took to it like they'd been ridden in it for life. I then headed out into the forestry for an hour on each.
My mare was so light and responsive in it and has totally accepted it. My gelding was ultra fresh and just wanted to run. He knew he had freedom from the horrid bit from the word go and really enjoyed himself. I love being able to unclip the reins and let them go :-) I just love it!!!” Nicole C. QLD.
He responded beautifully!
Greetings from Las Vegas, Nevada!!
I thought that you might like to know...
I recently purchased a LightRider "Natural" bitless bridle for my Welsh mountain pony, Charmin. I've been working with him for some time now in a Parelli halter. He bends really well so I didn't feel that it should be necessary to change things up drastically by riding him in a bit.
Charmin is a "former rescue," who has had extreme issues with his head and mouth due to what, undoubtedly, was past abuse. He's come a long way... so far, in fact, that I recently took him out on a six mile competitive trail ride, which he successfully completed in his Light Rider bitless bridle! We had no issues whatsoever; he responded beautifully!
I'm really proud of him, and I just love the bridle. There were no marks whatsoever on his nose at the end of the day, and he seemed extremely comfortable the entire time.
Thank you so much for creating such a high quality product that enables me to safely and comfortably communicate with my pony!
Sincerely, Robin DiGiovanni
- To
Bit or Not To Bit - by
by
Janene Clemence
This article details the damage bits can cause to horses.
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