There are two species of bitless bridles. The newer model of bitless bridle is set to cause a revolution in
the way we ride and communicate with horses, but it is still a relatively new product. The new bitless bridle has a major advantage over both traditional bitless bridles, and also over bits, because when used correctly it is impossible to cause any pain to the horse with it.
This article will soon be updated with more information about the new bitless bridles, so please read it again in a week or so.
The older types of bitless bridles act by applying pressure to the nose, and in the case of the
English hackamore, also some curb action and poll pressure.
The German or mechanical hackamore applies pressure to the nose and chin groove when the reins
are used, and causes the head to lower – they are most commonly used with young
horse whose wolf teeth are giving trouble, or horses with another mouth injury.
The chin groove can be injured with improper use though, and the sides of the
face can be rubbed sore. It is a very imprecise bridle and not particularly
suitable for dressage – anyone who successfully does a dressage test in a
bitless bridle must be an excellent rider who has complete harmony with their
horse through their body and legs.
The English hackamore also applies pressure to the chin groove, and is
stronger than the German variety. The hackamores can be very severe bits, and
are capable of pulling a horse up sharply, but are not accurate laterally. The
last in the group, the Bosal applies pressure to the nose only, and relies on
neck reining. It is very mild and imprecise in action, and is only usually used
for western trail riding.
The English hackamore also applies pressure to the chin groove, and is
stronger than the German variety. The hackamores can be very severe bits, and
are capable of pulling a horse up sharply, but are not accurate laterally.
The last in the group, the Bosal applies pressure to the nose only, and relies on
neck reining. It is very mild and imprecise in action, and is only usually used
for western trail riding.
The German or mechanical hackamore applies pressure to the nose and chin groove when the reins
are used, and causes the head to lower – they are most commonly used with young
horse whose wolf teeth are giving trouble, or horses with another mouth injury.
The chin groove can be injured with improper use though, and the sides of the
face can be rubbed sore. It is a very imprecise bridle and not particularly
suitable for dressage – anyone who successfully does a dressage test in a
bitless bridle must be an excellent rider who has complete harmony with their
horse through their body and legs.
The English hackamore also applies pressure to the chin groove, and is
stronger than the German variety. The hackamores can be very severe bits, and
are capable of pulling a horse up sharply, but are not accurate laterally. The
last in the group, the Bosal applies pressure to the nose only, and relies on
neck reining. It is very mild and imprecise in action, and is only usually used
for western trail riding.
The English hackamore also applies pressure to the chin groove, and is
stronger than the German variety. The hackamores can be very severe bits, and
are capable of pulling a horse up sharply, but are not accurate laterally.