The Bitless Bridle™ 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. Stainless steel hardware. Reins are not included. Havana. P/S, C/S, F/S, O/S.
Click here to learn more about measuring for a bridle.
Review
Emily from NJ wrote (February 02, 2011):
I love this bridle for my horse, and my horse loves it too. It is not always strong enough but it is great for flatting and jumping when I want a forward pace. Honestly though I wouldn't use this bridle on any horse that is already pretty responsive. It is a great bridle and gives more control than one might suspect, but is still a bitless bridle, and should be treated as such. I also find this bridle great for slower and/or sensitive horses being ridden by handsy riders, or if you realize you are being more handsy recently, because it really makes you realize how strong you pull, even when you don't need to.
Review
Finns Mom from Kentucky wrote (September 14, 2010):
This is working really well for my little green Arab mare. She actually started drooling and working her mouth the first time we used it -- which she'd never done with her Happy Mouth bit! Anyway, she's light and happy and floppy-eared, going sweet as can be even with my beginner-rider fella bouncing around up there. As for my big "special needs child" horse, I've only tried it on him once and he didn't seem too thrilled -- but it does take a little figuring out so that could have been me. I aim to try it again, however, and see what he thinks. My only complaint is that the brown Beta version kind of looks like rubber dog poo. If I was to get another I might put up for the leather version (you can use your own reins) b/c the Beta one doesn't exactly show the horse's head off.
Review
Winston's Mom from Maryland wrote (September 01, 2010):
My horse and I LOVE this bridle. No more head tilting! Full control, and my horse is even more responsive now that he is not focusing on a bit in his mouth! FIVE stars all the way!
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.
Dover's Customer Satisfaction Guarantee
Dover Saddlery is proud to offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our products. We stand behind the quality of our products, and should you not be satisfied with your purchase, simply return it and we will refund, replace or exchange it for you.
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed - Your Money Back Any Time, for Any Reason.
SECURITY GUARANTEE
Dover Saddlery understands your concerns regarding online security. We share in your concerns and therefore work hard with experts in the field to maintain a highly secure ordering environment. Along with our comment to security, we offer you a Secure Order Guarantee - this gives you 100% protection for your credit card transactions on Doversaddlery.com.
Our Secure Order Guarantee means that you will never have to pay any money related to unauthorized charges to your credit card account, as long as those charges are a direct result from a transaction on Doversaddlery.com.
How it works: If you experience credit card fraud, the Fair Credit Act specifies that your credit card company can hold you liable for no more than $50.00 in fraudulent charges to your account. Our Secure Order Guarantee will reimburse you for any amount up to $50.00 billed to you by your credit card company for unauthorized charges to your account, if those charges result from an order you placed with Doversaddlery.com. For this protection you must promptly notify your credit card company of fraudulent charges and follow their procedures as outlined in your credit card agreement.
