The BitlessBridle™ was developed by veterinarian Dr. Robert Cook, FRCVS., PhD, Professor of Surgery Emeritus of Tufts University, Massachusetts. A lifetime of clinical and practical experience left Dr. Cook looking for an alternative to traditionally held beliefs on bits and bridles and the BitlessBridle™ was born. With a subtle but simple system of two loops - one over the poll and one over the nose the BitlessBridle™ provides the rider with effective communication through the ability to apply gentle and painless pressure to either the whole head for slowing or stopping, or half the head for steering.
Benefits of Dr. Cook's BitlessBridle™
Kinder, comfortable control: The BitlessBridle™ controls by non-painful pressure on poll, cheek and nose, using a patented loop system. It allows a more natural position of head and neck. Control is no longer dependent on mouth pressure. The BitlessBridle™ pushes, whereas a bit pulls. Increased energy: Over flexion at the poll can obstruct the airway at the throat. A horse that resists the bit or retracts its tongue behind the bit can cause the soft palate to rise and obstruct the airway. Without a bit, the horse can obtain more oxygen which, in turn, increases energy and improves performance.More forward motion: The BitlessBridle™ permits more neck freedom so essential for any athlete. The neck of a horse that leans on the bit tends to be tight and rigid. Stiffness of gait follows and the power, grace and rhythm of a horse's natural movement is limited.Improved balance and concentration: The BitlessBridle™ can help improve a horse's balance, especially one who tends to lean on a bit. Riders have reported that by removing the bit the stride lengthens; there is more impulsion and less "fussiness." The horse can concentrate on his job, not the bit.
Made from top quality English leather and crafted with superior workmanship. Padding at noseband and brow. Stainless steel hardware. Reins are not included. Havana. C/S, F/S, O/S.
Click here to learn more about measuring for a bridle.
Review
ANNETTE/customer service from NH wrote (February 24, 2010):
I love this bitless bridle.My horse had a palate that was hard to fit to a bit.He was very fussy with a bit.He was very reactive.He is a quiet ride now.
Review
Alice Ault from Ohio wrote (August 18, 2009):
I used the Bitless Bridle on believe it or not on my mules and it worked fantastic. Mules are nortorious for getting their tongues over the bit, thus resisting the bit and causing the rider to lose contol. The bitless bridle eliminated this problem. I getting ready to buy another bitless bridle for my horse. Love the biteless bridle so far!!!
Review
Natalie from Alaska wrote (December 01, 2008):
My TWH mare would run with her head to the side, she'd fight the bit, etc. We had her teeth checked - nothing wrong. I tried the Dr.Cook and she's doing great. All of our horses love it and it's especially nice in the winter! This was a spendy purchase, but worth the money.
For a properly fitted bridle, a caveson noseband should sit just below the horse's cheekbones - generally no more than the width of 2 fingers from the bottom of the cheekbone to the top of the noseband (this does not apply to drop or figure 8 nosebands). Figure 8 nosebands should sit above the bottom of the cheek bone only if they have a ring that allows movement connecting the noseband to the cheek piece. The browband should never be gaping or flopping.
Click Here for more information and examples.
Properly adjusted cheek pieces will cause the bit to create two gentle wrinkles at the corner of the mouth on each side. Cheek piece buckles should generally be at the level of a horse's eye, and on a bridle that fits a horse's head very well, all buckles will generally be at the same level as each other. These cheek piece guidelines are just a suggestion, as finding a perfect fit on all horses is near impossible. Multiple holes are given on cheek pieces to allow for vast adjustment. Keep in mind that the proper position of the bit is a priority over buckle placement.
Click Here for more information and examples.
Some horses can be difficult to fit in a stock size bridle. For this reason, additional bridle pieces can be bought in a variety of sizes and it is never a problem to mix and match sizes of individual pieces to get the proper fit.
For a bridle size chart, please refer to the "Size Guide" link that appears on the product page.
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