Hi Judy, >While I'm not a fan of the Bitless Bridle using the cross-over design >because of the vice-like grip it can have on the horse, and not being able >to ask for a tip of the head without also affecting the poll, I am a fan of >bitless riding (i.e. sidepull) and am glad to see that "bitless" in general
>is gaining stride in Europe: I would agree with you in generall about the bitless bridles - especially because some of them are fastened so tightly around the nose and the cross over pieces don't release well. As far as Europeans being open to bitless in general Linda started taking sidepulls to Germany in the 70's when she took a Western trail mare to one of the first Equitana's and did a demo of bridleless riding which astonished people. Since then many people have been using "Lindell" the sidepull various that was named for Linda. Also the first cross over bitless bridle that I saw was in Germany at least 20 years ago, long before I ever saw them here. He gave me two to try but I was not totally convinced because of the slow release on the cross over. The same man developed a leather bit that could be used without a headstall. Quite fine unless a horse chews through it : )) Robyn Icelandic Horse Farm Robyn Hood & Phil Pretty Vernon BC Canada www.icefarm.com
