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The earliest recordings of humans using bits to control horses stretch back 5,000 years. These crude instruments were comprised of leather, bone, or wood, and later, metal. Today, horse riders can choose between a varied assortment of different shapes, sizes, and materials. Since their first appearance, bits have become an essential piece of tack that many horses will never be ridden without. Most riders have never ridden bitless before and to this day many governing bodies require bits in the show ring. Their prevalence has led many riders to rely too heavily on them, often to the detriment of their horse.
Even if you are not ready to completely leave bits behind (or can't because of show ring standards) being able to ride your horse bitless occasionally can do wonders to help keep them motivated and test their mastery of the basics. Today, many more riders are looking to leave bits behind altogether, believing them to be uncomfortable for their horses. Nearly every horse can go bitless occasionally and reap numerous benefits from it. Better yet, the process of transitioning a horse to bitless riding is simple and easy.
Bits: A Harsh Reality
Despite their widespread use in traditional horseback riding, many riders are unaware of the effects the bit has on their horse. Bits sit in a small gap between the horse's last incisor and first molar. They exert pressure on the tongue, palate, lips, and bars of the horse's mouth. Leverage bits are designed to also put pressure on the horse's poll. Every bit is designed specifically to add more or less pressure to each area of the horse's mouth. While bits have been used as instruments of subtle communication for thousands of years, there is a lot riders have to consider when using them.
While in masterful hands bits can be a tool, they are all too often used carelessly. Bits have to be fitted perfectly to each individual horse, taking into account their own unique oral anatomy to ensure comfort. Oftentimes, horses need to have their wolf teeth removed to accommodate the bit. But even when used effectively and well-fitting, for many horses bits are uncomfortable. Take a look at any high-level horse competition across any discipline and you will horses with gaping mouths. This is an evasive maneuver as they try to release pressure on their sensitive oral cavity. Even adept and experienced riders can be unaware of the damage their bit is doing.
Over the years, more awareness about the effects of bits has led many to choose less harsh equipment. Opting for snaffles instead of leverage bits, rubber instead of metal. However, many riders are making the decision to do away with bits altogether and are reaping the benefits of the transition.
Benefits of Going Bitless
In 2018, researchers Bob Cook and Matthew Kibler looked into the benefits of transitioning horses from bits to bitless. The findings are eye-opening. They recorded pain signals in ridden horses during a bited ride and a bitless ride. After switching to a bitless alternative, of the 66 horses studied, there was a substantial 87% reduction in pain signals, showing that the bit was the main cause of pain among the sample. Throughout the study, a whopping 65 of the 66 horses showed an aversion to the bit.
Multiple studies from across the globe have been able to replicate these findings since, making the switch to bitless riding a worthwhile investment for any rider. The proven benefits of bitless riding include:
creating a more willing, happy, and comfortable horse
greater freedom of movement
less pain and distraction from the bit
reduced anxiety
better ability to take contact (depending on the bitless bridle you use)
removes pressure points from the mouth
improved communication between horse and rider
more forgiving of rider error
Beginner lessons horses to those performing at the highest levels of jumping, reining, and dressage can reap the benefits of bitless riding. However, especially horses that have been relying on bits their whole lives need to be properly trained on how to ride bitless safely. The process of transitioning to bitless riding is easy and straightforward for most horses.
Picking Your Bitless Bridle
Before you can start transitioning to bitless riding, you need to have your bridle ready to go. While some riders may have success just using a halter, others who want more control, or a certain look will need to choose and properly fit a bitless bridle.
Types of Bitless Bridles
Before going bitless, it can be helpful to learn more about the number of different kinds of bitless bridles on the market. Each act on the horse's head is a slightly different way, like bits, so you will need to be sure to pick one that suits your horse and your discipline the best.
Dr. Cook Bitless Bridle
When someone says bitless bridle, the Dr. Cook is usually what comes to mind first. This bridle is unique because it has two straps that go from the horse's poll, cross under the jaw, and come out on the noseband where the reins attach. This creates a squeezing feeling on the horse's nose, poll, and under their jaw when pressure is applied to the reins. To some horses, this can feel like too much pressure, so be sure to introduce it slowly. Dr. Cooks are most commonly used in English riding and can be good for dressage or horses that tend to be strong.
Hackamore
A hackamore adds shanks to the noseband, working similarly to a leverage bit without the bit. When pressure is applied to the reins, the horse will feel pressure on their nose, chin groove, and poll. Like with leverage bits, hackamores come with different length shanks that increase poll pressure as they get longer. Often hackamores are used for western or trail riding. Because of the shanks, it can be more difficult to turn your horse's head sideways in a hackamore, so they are most often used with neck reining or for traveling straight. The leverage will give you more stopping power, but be mindful of the pressure it exerts on the horse's sensitive nasal bone.
Bosal
Traditionally a bosal is made with stiff rawhide that forms a teardrop shape with the reins connecting at the bottom. The bosal comes from vaquero tradition, although today many western riders are using it as a substitute for a bit. Some even use rope halters with the reins attached low to act in the same way as a bosal. Bosals work in a rocking motion on the horse's nasal bone so it is essential that they are fitted correctly and used with a gentle hand.
Side pull
The easiest and most straightforward to use of the bitless bridles is a side pull. Side pulls can be found in a number of styles suited to both Western and English riding. Anyone can easily craft a side pull by attaching reins to the sides of a halter. A side pull works in the same way as a halter, making it an easy transition for most horses. Flexing is easy in a side pull, making it a safe option for horses that bend to pressure easily. Side pulls can be used with nearly any horse in any discipline.
Fitting a Bitless Bridle
Regardless of the bitless bridle you choose, fitting it correctly is paramount to your horse's safety and comfort. Bitless bridles work by exerting pressure on the nasal bone. The lower on the horse's face you go, the more sensitive and fragile the bone becomes. Therefore, you need to keep the noseband of your bridle well above the end of the bone. However, put your nose band too high and it will rub on the sensitive facial tuberosity.
Adjust your noseband so it sits 3 finger widths below the cheekbone. Be sure you can fit at least 2 fingers into the closed noseband. This will ensure your horse's comfort while riding bitless.
Transitioning to Bitless Riding
Making the transition to bitless riding can, for most horses, be made simply. After all, horses are already used to responding to pressure around their face from being led on a halter. However, with some horses, it is not safe to just jump right on without a bit, making a gradual transition with ample prep work essential. This way, you can get your horse accused to cues without a bit, making steering and stopping more reliable.
Ground prep work
The best and safest way to start your transition to bitless riding is on the ground. This way you can hone the basics without being on the back of an out-of-control horse. Be sure to do these exercises in whatever bitless bridle you choose so your horse can get used to the sensation of the cues.
Stopping and backing up
When riding a horse, you need to be able to stop. Therefore, ensuring you have good brakes on the ground in your new bitless bridle is where you want to start. Lead your horse around the arena and provide gentle pressure backward on the reins. It can help to say "Whoa" at the same time. When your horse stops, praise them. Once they have that down, you can apply a gentle pressure at the halt until they back up. Once they take a few steps release the pressure and reward them. Keep working the halt and back up until your horse responds to the lightest touches on the reins.
Yields
Soon after making the transition to bitless riding, many riders feel like they cannot steer as accurately as they could before. Being able to move your horse's front end and hind end separately can help keep steering skills sharp even without a bit. Practice having your horse move their front end around their hindquarters with a gentle touch at the girth.
Move their hindquarters around their front end with a gentle touch a couple of inches behind the girth. This will allow you to reposition the horse without the use of a bit, allowing you to steer after going bitless. Over time these cues can be phased down, or abandoned altogether for smooth steering.
Flexing: your emergency brake
The last thing any rider wants is to be out of control on a runaway horse. Even with a bit, there is only so hard you can pull back to get a horse to stop. In a bitless bridle, flexing will become your emergency brake and allow you to stop your horse instantly, whenever you need to. To teach your horse how to flex, stand at their barrel, reach about halfway down their reins, and pull up towards their withers. The horse should turn their head to touch their barrel. Once their nose is at their barrel let go. Practice evenly on both sides until your horse responds to the lightest touch and is willing to keep their head in place for a couple of seconds.
Riding
Once your horse has the basics down, it's time to start riding. Always start slowly, transitioning to a bitless bridle after riding with a bit for a while first if you have to. Take your horse through the basics on the ground first and then get on.
Getting on for the first time
Once your horse can back up, yield, and flex reliably on the ground, it is time to hop on for the first time. Keep your first few rides short and ALWAYS in a fully enclosed arena with minimal distractions. Use your first ride to practice the basics under saddle.
Stop, back up, yield hindquarters and forequarters, and flex, until your horse is performing as well as they did on the ground. Then you can add the walk, practice steering, and flexing. If your horse is calm, try a short trot, and bring them back to a halt afterward to test your breaks.
Continual training
Once your horse has the basics down under saddle, it's time to slowly reintroduce more advanced work. Stay in the arena until you're confident with your horse's obedience. Over time you can work up to riding at large. Like with all riding, bitless riding is a journey you will embark on with your horse, as you both learn to communicate more effectively. After a while, riding bitless will feel just as natural as with a bit but your horse will feel less pain, feel more free, and be more willing to work.
Conclusion
Taking the time to switch to bitless can eliminate pain and increase the enjoyment your horse has for their work. Going slow in the beginning, choosing the right bridle for your horse, and using positive reinforcement can help the transition go smoothly and successfully.