Things You'll Need:
- Quiet, patient horse
- Saddle
- Halter
- 6-foot rope
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Step 1
Realize that a bridle and bit are not necessary to maintain control over your horse. If you use a bit as a crutch, you won't be able to ride your horse without a bridle.
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Step 2
Develop a positive, intuitive relationship with your horse. Practice signaling him to turn, stop and stand without using your hands on the reins at all.
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Step 3
Start by riding your horse in a bitless bridle, such as a hackamore, or a halter. Attach clip-on reins to either side of the halter or whatever you decide to use, but don't rely on the reins to direct your horse. Use your legs instead.
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Step 4
Practice riding your horse without a bridle in the roundpen, but have someone lunge you in a halter and with a lunge line. Work on maintaining your balance while telling your horse what you want him to do.
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Step 5
Graduate to riding your horse without a bridle in the roundpen with no one lunging you. Make sure you're completely comfortable and choose a time when there won't be any distractions.
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Step 6
Ride your horse in an arena or pasture without a bridle, but keep a 6-foot rope around her neck for balance and some measure of control. You should keep this rope as a "safety net" until your horse is responding to all of your cues without a bridle.
