Bitless riding
This is a long winded post, because I felt the details mattered. But in summary, I’m asking how people feel about horses who have never been trained to ride with a bit? Is this what we consider an essential skill? How common is it for horses to not be ridden in a bit due to their anatomy or sensitivity?
I have a gelding who has only been under saddle for less than a year. I started him last July. He is an ex bucking horse. I have him going nicely so far. He might even be a bit lazy lol. He is drafty and tall with big feet and a stout neck. I had his teeth done last in October 2024. I am planning to get his teeth done again later this Spring. I typically ride him in a side pull. I have also tried him in a bosal (in an arena, once. He did great!). I was planning to introduce him to a bit. I have an eggbutt snaffle that be’s worn maybe 5 or 6 times for about an hour or so each time. He hates it. He is fussy, he is trying to rub the bridle off. He is throwing his head. This most recent time, he acts like he is going to flip himself over and I’m not even doing anything with the bit yet. He is literally just wearing it at this point.
He is normally very gentle, forgiving, stoic and easy to tack up. If he sees a bit now, he is wide eyed and head in the sky. If I have a halter or the side pull, he drops his head and is easy going about it. He rides well in the side pull. I have taken him to two different state parks. He’s been to a local show, a clinic, arenas, etc. He is a chill guy and so fun to ride.
I am starting to wonder if his mouth anatomy is different. He seems to have a larger tongue than my other horses and the dentist had commented that he had a slightly low set palate. I don’t know how that would change my bit selection. Is there such a thing as a bit fitter (like a saddle fitter but for bits)?
We mostly trail ride and do the occasional, local ranch versatility show. So I don’t think having him in a bit is vital? One of my friends thinks I am babying him and that he just needs more time and training with the bit. I am not going to be putting a bit back in his mouth until I can have a dentist double check he’s ok in that respect. I love this horse and don’t have any intention of selling him. I don’t mind not using a bit, I feel safe with him. He listens well and has a great stop.
I feel like his reaction to the bit is genuine and he’s been trying to tell me he’s uncomfortable. Any experience with a horse having this strong and adverse reaction to a bit?
This is a long winded post, because I felt the details mattered. But in summary, I’m asking how people feel about horses who have never been trained to ride with a bit? Is this what we consider an essential skill? How common is it for horses to not be ridden in a bit due to their anatomy or sensitivity?
I have a gelding who has only been under saddle for less than a year. I started him last July. He is an ex bucking horse. I have him going nicely so far. He might even be a bit lazy lol. He is drafty and tall with big feet and a stout neck. I had his teeth done last in October 2024. I am planning to get his teeth done again later this Spring. I typically ride him in a side pull. I have also tried him in a bosal (in an arena, once. He did great!). I was planning to introduce him to a bit. I have an eggbutt snaffle that be’s worn maybe 5 or 6 times for about an hour or so each time. He hates it. He is fussy, he is trying to rub the bridle off. He is throwing his head. This most recent time, he acts like he is going to flip himself over and I’m not even doing anything with the bit yet. He is literally just wearing it at this point.
He is normally very gentle, forgiving, stoic and easy to tack up. If he sees a bit now, he is wide eyed and head in the sky. If I have a halter or the side pull, he drops his head and is easy going about it. He rides well in the side pull. I have taken him to two different state parks. He’s been to a local show, a clinic, arenas, etc. He is a chill guy and so fun to ride.
I am starting to wonder if his mouth anatomy is different. He seems to have a larger tongue than my other horses and the dentist had commented that he had a slightly low set palate. I don’t know how that would change my bit selection. Is there such a thing as a bit fitter (like a saddle fitter but for bits)?
We mostly trail ride and do the occasional, local ranch versatility show. So I don’t think having him in a bit is vital? One of my friends thinks I am babying him and that he just needs more time and training with the bit. I am not going to be putting a bit back in his mouth until I can have a dentist double check he’s ok in that respect. I love this horse and don’t have any intention of selling him. I don’t mind not using a bit, I feel safe with him. He listens well and has a great stop.
I feel like his reaction to the bit is genuine and he’s been trying to tell me he’s uncomfortable. Any experience with a horse having this strong and adverse reaction to a bit?