How to Ride Your Horse Without a Bridle

Bitless riding, or riding a horse without a bridle, has become a controversial debate in the equestrian community. On the one hand, it promotes the maximum communication between horse and rider; on the other, it can be quite dangerous. Nevertheless, if you've made up your mind to try it, you should know how to ride your horse without a bridle.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Quiet, patient horse
• Saddle
• Halter
• 6-foot rope

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tips & Warnings

• Work on using your weight to signal to your horse what you want him to do. Using your seat, legs and body weight, you can ask your horse for any movement.
• Use your voice as an aid when riding your horse without a bridle. It will help keep both of you calm while increasing communication.
• Never ride your horse without a bridle if no one is around to make sure you don't get hurt. If you fall, you'll need a friend or trainer to render assistance.
• Progress at your own pace without any pressure from anyone else. Only you will know when you are ready to ride your horse without a bridle.