Bitless Bridles – What They Are, Benefits, Types

A bitless bridle is a bridle that doesn’t have a bit.

But before I go further, let me briefly explain what a bridle is, its purpose, and the function of a bit.

A bridle is a piece of horse equipment or tack, as it’s commonly called, that the horse wears on its head, similar to a halter.

Generally speaking, a bridle consists of:

• a headstall (or crown piece) that fits over the horse’s head behind the ears,
• cheekpieces that run along the sides of the horse’s head,
• a browband that lays across the horse’s forehead,
• a noseband, which fastens around the horse’s nose and
• a throatlatch strap that runs from one side of the bridle, under the throat of the horse, and fastens on the other side.

Attached to the bridle via the cheekpieces is a device called a bit.

When a horse wears a bridle, the bit goes in the horse’s mouth. The reins, which the rider holds in her hands when mounted or when leading a bridled horse, are also attached to the bit.

There are many different types of bits made of various materials. The most common is stainless steel, but bits are also made of copper, plastic, or rubber.

However, the purpose of this article isn’t to delve into the intricacies of bits and bitting.

What’s most important to understand is that every bit’s fundamental purpose is to help the rider control the horse while riding.

With proper use, a bit is an effective communication tool between the horse’s mouth and the rider’s hands.

Depending on the bit’s design, pressure is applied to various areas in the horse’s mouth, such as the tongue, the bars (the area in the mouth without teeth), the lips, and the roof of the mouth.

To avoid hurting the horse, the rider must maintain a steady connection with the reins to manipulate the bit softly in the mouth so the pressure is minimal.

Since the horse’s mouth is sensitive, it’s easy to understand how improper use of the reins could cause discomfort by applying more pressure with the bit than necessary to those delicate areas.

Rough treatment of the horse’s mouth can result in, at worst, physical injury and training issues that could take years to undo.

With that background information, let’s return to our topic of bitless bridles, a bridle minus a bit.

How Does a Bitless Bridle Work?

Bitless bridles work on pressure points.

Instead of mouth pressure, pressure is applied to the horse’s nose, chin, or poll (the top of its head directly behind the ears). 

Like a bitted bridle, the rider applies pressure via the reins. However, depending on the type of bitless bridle, the reins attach to the bridle’s noseband or metal shanks rather than the bit.

This is great for sensitive horses or horses with dental issues, as it avoids direct contact with the mouth. Riders still use rein aids, but the horse feels pressure in various areas of its head instead of only the mouth.

Types of Bitless Bridles

There are a few types of bitless bridles:

• Mechanical Hackamore: Uses leverage on the nose and chin via shanks to which the reins attach.
• Cross-Under Bridle: Straps that cross under the horse’s jaw and connect to the reins evenly distribute pressure.
• Bosal Hackamore: A traditional Western design made of rawhide, often used with mecate reins attached to the bosal’s underside.
• Scawbrig: The noseband applies mild pressure under the jaw when using the reins.

Each has its uses. Trail riders often prefer the mechanical hackamore for control, and bosals are popular with Western riders.

Why Use A Bitless Bridle?

Riders choose them for different reasons. Below are some of the more common ones:

• Comfort for the Horse: No bit means no pinching, pulling, or discomfort in the horse’s mouth. It’s not uncommon, especially for beginning riders, to use the reins for balance, which can result in unintentional abuse to the horse’s mouth. 
• Personal Preference:  Some riders prefer not to use a bit because they believe bits are harsh and restrictive. They can achieve their riding goals despite the lack of a bit.
• Alternative for Sensitive Horses: Horses with mouth injuries, dental issues, or strong aversions to bits often respond better to a bitless bridle.

Bitless bridles are popular in disciplines like trail riding or endurance, where comfort and trust are more important than control. However, many jumping and eventing riders use mechanical hackamores.

How to Transition to a Bitless Bridle

Transitioning to a bitless bridle takes a little prep, mainly if your horse is used to a bitted bridle. Here’s how to do it smoothly:

1. Start with groundwork using a rope halter. Teach your horse to yield to head, neck, and nose pressure.
2. Introduce the bitless bridle in controlled areas, like a round pen or enclosed arena.
3. Reinforce basic commands like stopping, turning, and backing.
4. Be patient. It may take time for your horse to get used to this new communication method.

Most horses adapt quickly, but all will benefit from a gradual transition.

If you’re interested in pursuing bitless riding with your horse but aren’t ready to purchase a bitless bridle, why not consider ThinLine’s Bitless Noseband Bridle Converter? It might be just the thing.

This converter noseband lined with ThinLine’s famous foam is easy to attach to any English or Western headstall.

The foam padding eliminates pressure point discomfort, and the noseband is soft, supple leather. It includes heavy-duty stainless steel D-rings and buckles and is available in two adjustable sizes: cob and full-size.

Harmony Horsemanship^TM designed this bitless noseband bridle converter to promote bitless riding and help riders curious about it convert their bitted bridles easily.

What Disciplines use Bitless Bridles?

While bitless bridles are popular in trail riding and Western disciplines, they’re being used in other areas, too:

• Endurance Riding: Comfort-focused and reliable for long rides.
• Jumping: Hackamores can provide control while keeping the horse comfortable.
• Western Riding: Bosal hackamores are used to start young horses and refine neck reining skills.

Some riders do dressage bitless, but traditional bitted bridles are still required for competition.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

Bitless bridles work for many riders but not for every situation.

• They require proper handling. Heavy or unskilled hands can still cause discomfort even without a bit.
• Some designs, like the mechanical hackamore, can apply too much pressure if misused.
• Advanced disciplines that require precise control may still prefer traditional bridles.

Ultimately, it all comes down to proper training, gentle hands, and clear communication between horse and rider.

Popular Questions

Below are common questions we’re regularly asked about bitless bridles.

You can decide whether a bitless bridle suits your horse and riding goals.

Whether you want comfort, simplicity, or a better partnership with your horse, riding bitless is a thoughtful and humane alternative to traditional tack.