Riding in a Dually full time ?

[companymagic]

So after a few weeks of riding both my ponies in their Dually's I have to say both seem to prefer the bit-less option.

My question is, is it ok to use their Dually's full time for riding both in the school and hacking ? Or should I be looking for an actually bit-less bridle?

I only question it as they are fairly heavy compared to a bridle, and was just wondering if's it's OK to use long term?

[Catrin]

I have for years. I only use a bridle for one of them for schooling, I still hack him in the Dually.

The other two are a 24 year old semi–retired TB and a four year old just backed Oldenburger. He'll go in a bit next spring when his schooling level moves up.

[specialized]

The only question I would ask is whether your insurance company accept them as a recognised bridle for claim purposes.

[companymagic]

Perfect thank you, so they are fine to use, although I might at some point get bit-less bridles if I really take to it (Sad but they come in nice colours ;D)

And yes Specialized, I had thought about that. As they are sold as a head collar, I wondered how my insurance would hold up. I have it with the BHS so I will call them in a bit. It would be silly if they said no but I could use a bit-less bridle. But I guess it's all in the name.

What has surprised me though is how nice they are both riding in them, and I can get such a better feel on both ponies with tiny movements etc.. I am really really enjoying it. :-)

Just to Add have called the BHS and they say I can ride out in my "Head collar" and my insurance won't change! Woo hoo

[Catrin]

If you have BHS gold membership, the insurers consider you to be in control in something that is designed to ride a horse in, provided it is suitable for the particular horse.

The British Horse Society’s policy on the use of bitless bridles when riding on the highway was explaned by, Chief Executive Graham Cory when he was in post:

“As regards your question about the BHS insurance cover, in the event that a rider should ever be called to account for an accident, one can see that s/he might find it difficult to avoid the charge of negligence if it were shown that s/he had chosen to use tack which did not achieve the fullest measure of control. Nevertheless, the £10m of Public Liability cover provided to all Gold Members does not exclude the wearing of bitless bridles, and any indemnity provided by the policy in respect of legal liability to provide compensation (including claimants’ costs and expenses) would operate. …

“The key point, therefore – and the BHS policy – is that any tack is permissible provided that it promotes horse and rider harmony without compromising the welfare or safety of either.”

Their insurers take the BHS as an expert qualified to give an opinion. The Dr Cook's has survived a court case where this view was used and accepted in defence.

A Dually is generally considered to be a riding halter, so there should never be a problem.

[LuckyRed]

I suspect that it would come down to a 'case by case' assessment. if you could provide evidence that you were used to riding in the Dually and were under control (ie a photo of you doing a fun ride or your instructor being prepared to say that you had been riding for years in a Dually) then you'd be covered. If however, the evidence came out that you'd but a dually on for the first time and then taken your horse out for a hack alongside a main road then you might be considered to be negligent and not be covered!

[clara81]

I currently ride my pony in a Dually. I keep meaning to get round to getting a "proper" bitless bridle but she goes so nicely in the Dually I don't really want to. She's never been ridden in anything else as she was completely uncontrollable in a bit when I tried to bit her so I didn't bother.

[poppyandbea]

the only thing i would say my insurance classes the dually as a head collar not a bridle so if your insured you may not be insured if you ride in it,