Bitless allowed in comp

[Indy]

The bitless bridle will be officially allowed in competition in the Netherlands from April 2010. However, it will only be in levels comparable to Preliminary and Novice, and they will be judged separately. Bitless bridles allowed will be limited to sidepulls and cross-unders under the chin or the jaw. No hackemores or leverage, and no metal parts on the noseband. They will even educate judges in how to judge dressage with a bitless bridle, as the 'acceptance of the bit' needs to be judged differently.

For people interested in bitless dressage this should be good news. Perhaps not what they realy want (bitless accepted as a normal bridle for all dressage), but it is a start.
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[spazzyjazzy]

oo its a start.. i cant wait for the day its alowed in pc!

[Indy]

I copied this verbatim from somewhere else,  I wouldn't personally like to see kids at PC jumping and sporting in bitless myself.  While there are some riders who would be fine I think there would be plenty others causing chaos although hopefully those ones won't go bitless.

[spazzyjazzy]

i agree there indy... but i just think there are some riders who would benefit from it..

[jojo]

to bit or not to bit?
firstly i think it depends on the horse. then the rider. Actually, first and foremost is what society is used to and therefor expects.

i began to mouth my colt prior to backing him but he was actually responding much better in a halter so the bit was put back in the shed.
So far, i've been on him 4 times for light riding (saddled and bareback) and have had no problems without a bit. i have recommenced him with a bit and he's more accepting of it now.

When i started my qh mare, she accepted bit straight away but even on second ride, was responding to voice, legs and weight and the reins were hung loosely on the saddle. I still hardly use reins at all and was riding her for a while with just a rope around her neck.

I prefer to start them around 2 and then turn out or not ride for at least 12 months and then just do light riding until they have matured.