Comments on: Do bits hurt horses? Cheryl’s story

By: Louisa Esterhuizen

Louisa Esterhuizen — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 22:42:16 +0000

Hi, thank you so much for sharing so much about bitless riding!!! This is what i wanted to hear for so long. I want to ride my horses bitless!!!. I am new in town, and don’t know much people here in our area, but I pray God will help me to train my horses bitless, or send someone along to help me with their bitless training. It is the most beautifull story i have ever heard. It is awesome!!! Thank you so much for your honesty and sharing heart, it is highly appreciated.

By: Jo

Jo — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 16:28:34 +0000

Was leading one of our cow horses back to his pasture with just a rope halter and lead. He alerted me that he heard something unusual in a back pasture. Jumped up bareback to investigate. Found a strange bull squared off against our main herd bull. Ended up driving the hooking bulls nearly half a mile before I could separate one into another pasture. So, I firmly agree that a bit isn’t vital.

By: JoAnn

JoAnn — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 21:12:01 +0000

Awesome! It’s the only way to ride!

By: Kit

Kit — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 17:42:46 +0000

I have ridden horses for more than 65 yrs, I truly love horses. My experience includes both bit and bit-less. I have found that personality of the horse, training and hands determine whether one is safest bitted or bit-less. The controversy will continue; neither one is the “best” in all situations. I do espouse balance seat and natural horsemanship.

By: Emil Racovta

Emil Racovta — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 15:04:37 +0000

Yesterday, was at a ride, I didn’t had time to finish to groom my horse because a friend called me to help her with her horse to bridle him because she could not. The horse is in same pasture with my horses, I give them treats, scratch them, play with them, I don’t make differences, all are horses.I bridled took him out, walked him, holder to put the saddle on I rode him for few minutes, then I told “OK, now you can ride him, but be carefull”. Do you want that horse to be rode bit less ?
In same pasture are other 2 horses, Chief, and Cloud, that are ridden bit less.
That horse when I feed he come in barn and go in stall to eat, but when I don’t feed he eat outside the barn.
For that, all of you start and learn the human behavior (s).

By: DIANA DIEDRICH COOKSEY

DIANA DIEDRICH COOKSEY — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 01:55:26 +0000

😉 Thanks Cheryl I wish I could find a trainer that would train Bitless, I have 2 Dr. Cook’s bitless bridles and I and my horse’s do great in the round pen. now its time to ride.I also have a Treeless saddle, but never been in the saddle with one. it just seams to be best for any Horse and rider, I wish I had friends that think the same. thanks again for sharing. WALAKOTA

By: Dr Larry Milham

Dr Larry Milham — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 21:13:37 +0000

As a 70 year old horseman that has spent 66 years mounted on good horse I worry about the folks that have so much to say about the cruelty of a bit, or the totally inhumane use of Spade bits. Maybe if they studied the anatomy of the Equine body with special attention to the mouth. Or study a bit into the training that goes into the use of that mean Spade bit by the Buckaroos of the Great Basin area of our world. Watch them…Watch their hands when they are reining or roping.

I don’t want someone asking me how many DAYS it will take me to get their horse straight up in the bridle. It.takes years to do that. To do it correctly.

By: Diana White

Diana White — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 19:33:14 +0000

Cheryl,
Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful life story of you and your horses. The bitless bridle is the only way to go for me and my horses.
To be one with your horse and show them you are their best friend with kindness. They will dedicate their life to you. This is proven time and time again.

By: Jenny MacGregor

Jenny MacGregor — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 00:40:40 +0000

Hi Cheryl That was such a beautiful and heartfelt story. It just goes to show that through pererverance, going with you heart, tolerance, patience, knowing your horse and trust go a long way with animals, especially horses.It reminds me when I was young and growing up in Sydney, Australia (where I still live we call it “God’s country” it is so beautiful))and how I would mostly ride bareback. We would ride anyhorse regardless of it’s size or if it was flighty or not.Nowadays being older I am very aware of the dangers of being around horses and how unpredictable they can be at times. I also know that the bond between you and your horse is such an amazing and rewarding feeling, they are your best friend. Thankyou for sharing your experience with us and definitely we owe so much to God for looking over us and giving us this majestic animal to enjoy. Jenny (Sydney, Australia)

By: Nancy

Nancy — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 21:26:20 +0000

Thank you so much. I also enjoy riding bitless. I was training one mare and decided to try bitless. She just seemed distracted by the bit in her mouth; playing with it and not really listening to me. She was so different bitless and responded better to me.
So, when I started Lil Bit I just went bitless. She picked up things so much faster like my other mare had. It also helped our relationship. I am considering trying bridleless next with her next
. 🙂