bicky
Grand Prix Poster
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got!
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Post by bicky on Dec 20, 2005 19:13:41 GMT 1
Hi all,
I've taken the plunge and ordered a Dr Cook's bitless bridle today.
Does anyone have any tips/suggestions/helpful hints for me or my horse in the early days of this transition.
Thanks.
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Post by jaffaandme on Dec 20, 2005 19:23:19 GMT 1
Hi bicky, Congraulations on taking the plunge. I bough one for Jaffa and rode him in it over the weekend. I let him wear it a couple of time before I rode him in it, just to get used to it. I did some groundwork with him wearing it and then rode him in the school. I must admit I was quite impressed. The steering was good and so were the brakes. It did take him a while to get used to not having a bit, but he was soon working in a nice outline, something that he wouldn't do when bitted. Be prepare for them to feel heavy on the hand to start with though.
Good luck, let us know how you get on.
Claire x
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Post by horselady on Dec 20, 2005 20:46:12 GMT 1
Hi Bicky, yes hubby and I ride bitless on dr Cook's, and just ordered the western ones to. One horse took about 10 mins to adjust, the other about 40mins, as it is a different pressure, I have a TB 13yrs on one, always been bittted, also mare 10yrs, both go very well on them, I have a letter on the bitless bridle site if you take a look. I was scared of riding TB in it at first, as he bolted off with me on 3 occasions, but since I plucked up the courage and rode him, said my prayers beforehand, (TOUCH WOOD) he has been fine since, and alot better, no snatching the bit, and I Feel I have more control, and only hold him lightly to, he seems alot happier to. We have used Monty's pressure halters beforehand though, and dually for schooling and riding in the field first, so they where used to the pressure.
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bicky
Grand Prix Poster
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got!
Posts: 1,905
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Post by bicky on Dec 20, 2005 20:46:43 GMT 1
Thanks Claire,
Will keep you posted. Looking forward to it but a bit scared as well.
Oh well, you don't know till you try. Thanks again, Angela
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bicky
Grand Prix Poster
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got!
Posts: 1,905
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Post by bicky on Dec 21, 2005 10:36:22 GMT 1
anyone else? please
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Azrael
Grand Prix Poster
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Post by Azrael on Dec 21, 2005 14:54:04 GMT 1
I just put mine on, checked from the ground that she understood left, right and stop and then got on and went out on a hack. It did take a while for her to get really light and responsive in it but had as much, if not more, control than in a bit from the start. On some horses trying it in an enclosed space, like a school or field, before going out hacking is a good idea.
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berylsmum
Grand Prix Poster
My Baby
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Post by berylsmum on Dec 21, 2005 15:52:36 GMT 1
I put mine on Beryl and did a bit of groundwork then jumped on and mooched around the yard (we have no school, that would have been a lot better though). Went through steering and brakes before going out on a short (quiet) hack and built on from there.
Good luck with it. I was a bit worried to begin with that I would not have enough control but we took it slowly and it as been excellent.
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Post by jogypsy on Dec 21, 2005 16:13:47 GMT 1
I was slightly apprehensive when I first used one but they are really good and you have as much control as a bitted bridle. I would probably recommend establishing basic steering and brakage in an enclosed area unlike myself who just hopped on and went straight out in one!
If anyone would like to swop a cob size Libby's scrawbrigg for a full size (Gypsy has such a big head!) please let me know! I could also do with swopping a red dually for a black one too!
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Post by mandal on Dec 21, 2005 16:33:33 GMT 1
Hi, all mine took to it really well and quickly no probs, brakes great! I did ride in an enclosed area first though which I stronly recommend from a safety point of view. My little mare has almost stopped her head shaking since using Dr Cooks/dually with her. No real tips for you as fitting instructions etc. supplied with bridle are good. Hope you enjoy it.
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bicky
Grand Prix Poster
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got!
Posts: 1,905
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Post by bicky on Dec 21, 2005 17:45:16 GMT 1
Thanks everyone,
My bridle arrived today and I have had a fitting session this afternoon. I only hope I have fitted it correctly, I followed the instructions but with me you never know LOL.
The nose band is on the last hole so I am wondering if I should have the larger one. She is great at backing up anyway and was no different in this bridle, so then we did a little work on steering from the ground. I will ride in it on Friday, so fingers crossed.
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Post by horselady on Dec 21, 2005 17:50:55 GMT 1
Bicky you could take a pic of her in it, and send it to Sheila, bitless bridles, and she will tell you if it is to small, or in the right place, I did. Happy bitless riding.
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bicky
Grand Prix Poster
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got!
Posts: 1,905
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Post by bicky on Dec 21, 2005 17:54:35 GMT 1
Great idea Sandy1,
I will do that as soon as I can but she is a bit hairy under her chin so it will be hard to see through the hair to where the bridle is sitting. I will do my best though, thanks.
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lc
Olympic Poster
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Post by lc on Dec 21, 2005 17:55:04 GMT 1
I ride my pony in one too. She was backed and schooled in a dually after the bit rubbed her mouth. I did ride her in a bit for a while but she has a small mouth and the bit is uncomfortable for her. I rode in the school at first with the Dr Cook then a friend walked out on foot with me. I haven't had any problems and my friend who I hack out with says she would never know I'm riding bitless. If your horse isn't used to pressure and release I would work the horse inhand first though.
Some people at the yard look at me on awe and say they would like to ride bitless, others think I should 'just put a bit in her mouth' but I'm happy and so is my pony!
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bicky
Grand Prix Poster
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got!
Posts: 1,905
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Post by bicky on Dec 21, 2005 18:00:35 GMT 1
Hi Lc,
My cob Kinzzy was also "started" in a dually and I have put a lot of time and energy into this process by working her using pressure and release on the ground and still do sometimes just for a change. I have also ridden her in a dually so I am hoping the change won't be too great at all for her. She is very laid back as you would expect from a gypsy cob. Can't ride tomorrow but looking forward to Friday so I can try it out.
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bicky
Grand Prix Poster
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got!
Posts: 1,905
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Post by bicky on Dec 23, 2005 16:46:50 GMT 1
Hi everyone,
Just to keep you posted - I rode this morning in my Dr Cooks bitless bridle and my cob Kinzzy was exactly the same as normal, didn't even notice I don't think. Well I'm sure she noticed how much more comfortable she was with no bit in. Brakes was good and steering was ok, just one or two small problems to iron out, although she has always liked to have a good look around when we are out.
Hope to ride a few more times over xmas before I finally make my mind up but first impressions are very promising. ;D
Thanks for all the advice.
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