> learn best from verbal descriptions. what is it like to ride like that; > how do horses like it; what use does it have in the overall picture?
It's very nice to ride without a lot of equipment between horse and rider. Working up to that point helps you create a special bond. (One can start with the PNH 7 games, then progress to the riding tasks, up the different levels.) Sometimes things don't have a specific *use*, but we do them because we can. So that makes it fun to do it, something special. Some horses like it; some don't. I rode Ljufur with a Cherokee bridle, and he was fine. He was fine with the neck rope. But he was skeptical about riding totally bridleless. He did it, but with reservations :-). Skumur enjoyed being bridleless, also loved the neckrope and the Cherokee bridle. Hlynur also. I had to think about whether I'd ever ridden Cookie in the Cherokee bridle (it's a little bit different than the leather bit connected to reins minus headstall; it's just a continuous string from one hand to around the jaw). I couldn't remember ever riding her with it (but she does bridleless and neckrope), so thought we'd introduce it this afternoon. I only had a few minutes since we had unexpected company this morning, and company coming tomorrow so I should be cleaning house (but you know what they say.... if your house is too clean, you're not spending enough time with your horse :-)). So, you've inspired me to try it with her. She hasn't worn a bit in about six years. I'm pretty sure she'd take one OK, but having the string in her mouth was something else. She mouthed it quite a bit. Probably tasted pretty dirty. In any case, it was just an introduction to the string, so we'll practice again later on. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
