How to Use a Bosal With Cotton Reins

A bitless bridle can be a much gentler bridle than using a bit.

The bosal is a bitless bridle comprised of the bosal (the piece which goes around the nose and knots under the chin), the hanger (the side piece going along the face between the bosal and the ear slot) and the mecate (cotton or rawhide reins, 18 to 20 feet long). There are numerous types of bitless bridles, which all function in a slightly different way. The bosal bridle works by placing the bosal over the horse's nose and a heel knot under the chin. The knot applies pressure to the sensitive nerve endings of the horse's nose and chin. The mecate is wrapped around the heel knot of the bosal to form a closed rein.

Instructions

1. Fit the bosal properly on your horse's head. It is similar to a regular bridle and may or may not have an ear slot or a brow band to hold it in place. The bosal needs to hang a little lower than the noseband on a standard bridle.

2. Ask you horse to stand quietly while you "rest" the bosal. This is a neutral and comfortable position for the horse.

3. Lift the left cotton rein to ask for a change in direction. This raises the heel butt slightly to one side and causes the headstall to pivot. The back of the bosal will rub against the lower jaw, while the nosepiece shifts downward to place pressure above the nostrils. The horse will automatically attempt to regain that neutral, comfortable position by flexing its poll and turning its head in the opposite direction of the signaling rein.

4. Repeat using the opposite cotton rein. When the horse responds, release pressure on the bosal. If the horse responds to you, but you continue to make it uncomfortable via the bosal, this bridle will no longer be effective.

5. Use intermittent pressure and release on the mecate, rather than a continuous pull to ask the horse to slow down or stop. Only after the horse is well trained will the bosal work with neck reining--laying the cotton rein on one or the other side of the neck to direct the horse in the proper path.

References

• Equisearch: All About Bitless Bridles
• Cowboy Way: A Horse Bosal