Dr Cooks Bitless Bridle

Hello everyone!

I am so sorry I have been "away". A late winter, VERY wet conditions and now sudden above 90degree F heat has really put a damper on our equine activities. Mick was spared the bad feet but my time was consumed with other horses that had a variety of hoof ailments. We went from abscess, Thrush, mild strains and sprains. It was awful  Now we have flies the size of prehistoric birds.

I would like to take a few minutes to talk about Mick and bits. As big as he is, he is a big baby. he really panics when a bit is applied.

First , let me point out that I do not believe a horse should be stopped by pulling on their mouth. Use your balance, your seat. Please. That being said, the plan does not work when one is DRIVING the horse. By accident I found that a good rope halter meant something to Mick. Nose pressure sent a message that he could understand without being fearful or resistant. So, Clinton Anderson's rope halter-draft size-became our friend. I honestly feel that this serves us as well as the best cavesson (providing they came in his size) for ground work.

With this in mind, I went on an internet pilgrimage and found information on bitless bridles. I found I could by them on Ebay. Stupid me went with the less expensive on. Wrong. The design is not the same ans does not work the same way a Dr. Cooks does. So there was a waste of money. Let me save you some. Finally, I had some spare cash and I happened to be at the Ohio Equine Affaire where I stopped at the Dr. Cooks Bitless Bridle Booth (say that real fast). Without hesitation, I bought Mick the "BB".

I could hardly wait to get it home and try it. I had to wait two days but we then had our first lunge lesson and ground driving. he was right on! he was able to concentrate and connect. I was very pleased with the outcome. I bought another for my smaller horses and they do well with it as well. I am going to try it on a friends horse that is always dropping her head and banging herself in the mouth.

There is a lot of good literature on www.bitlessbridle.com. You will really wonder why you use a bit! Unfortunately, You cannot ride every show, every discipline with a BB due to governing rules. Check out the rules for your discipline before you show up at a show with only a BB. Go ahead and school with it though! You and your horse will be happier!

As a side noteEnglish Leather Headstall-Bitless Bridle, I had to get the biothane for Mick as that was the only material the draft bridles are made of. I was a little concerned but I really like it. Very pliable and durable, So easy to clean and maintain. I like it so much, the smaller one was purchased in biothane.

Mick and I, another milestone!