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Barrels and Poles

CUSTOMER COMMENTS  / Heartwarming stories to make you smile
Please e-mail your stories and questions! 

I would like to thank the many wonderful people who have
taken time to share their stories and photos. 
The people and horses come from a wide variety of ages and expertise.
Every story shares two common themes:
   - The horses are happier, and
   - The people are happier.
Please enjoy the real life experiences of these pioneers
in the "bitless revolution".  I hope you will join!
Zoe Brooks, designer, with Hazel - the mare who inspired the Nurtural Bitless Bridle^TM.

Link to the Ultimate Customer Comments - Talking with horses through an animal communicator!

2007 Canadian Junior Dressage Team's Comments on the Nurtural Bitless Bridle
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 What people say about ...
 First Rides and/or First Use of Bridle
 More comments on:
  Bridles 
  Training DVD 
  Trainer
  Customer Service  
  Questions / How-To's
  Horse tales - Success    stories or just plain fun
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

No Sacrifice of Control/Safety
Well Now You've Gone and Done It!
Less Fuss, More Focus
Proving Other People Wrong
Absolutely Delighted
Skeptical No More
Tried it -- Loved it!!
This I Believe Is The Best I Have Had
Horse Remember That Playing Was Fun
Last Chance Horse & Pony Rescue
What can I say??? WOW!
2007 Canadian Junior Dressage Team's Comments
Communication now clear between horse and rider
Happy, happy customer
Poof! She was a different horse
Dangerous horse's temperament changes
Shire Horse Goes Nurtural
Bridle makes rider feel secure
Hunter/Jumper uses the Nurtural Bitless Bridle
Arizona Ranger uses Nurtural Bitless bridle for police work & Parades
Winning Competitive Trail in Oklahoma
People can't believe that he doesn't "need" a bit. 
2 Mules, 1 bridle, great results...
"Hot" Paso Fino responds well
Teenager rides with confidence and control - winning ribbons!
Won Hunter Pace and my partner didn’t notice I was riding bitless
I have confidence in her finally!!
His whole demeanor changed
Balanced and relaxed up and down hills, happy, and easy to control
Wow your bridle made a big difference.
Tears of joy!
Green on Green no longer Black on Blue!
Nurturing Down Under
I was thinking of selling my big Belgian.  Now I can enjoy her! 
It was literally the best ride I’ve ever had 
Well-trained warmblood lunges well
Inexperienced rider in Illinois doesn't have to feel sorry for his horse anymore
Thoroughbred from the track loves to jump in GTA
Forward motion no longer an issue in Calgary
Happy California warmblood has never been ridden in a bit
No more bucking and less nervous in Ottawa
Spreading the word in Vancouver

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No Sacrifice of Control/Safety

My wife ( an Equine Canada Certified Instructor of Beginners and graduate of the University of Guelph's Equine Science Certificate Program) and I purchased our first Nurtural Bitless Bridle on Thursday Sept. 4 at Spruce Meadows' fall Equifair. We tried it out the next afternoon on our Fjord x Quarter Horse Pony. He is a 14.2hh 1000 lb pony with good training but very stiff and inflexible. He took to the new bridle immediately and was much easier to handle , showing none of his stubborn manners. He even gave a good attempt at flexion and kept his head nice and quiet.

The next morning I reset the bridle for my mare, a simple, 5 minute exercise. She is a 10 yr old 1200 lb, 15.3 hh Clydesdale x Thoroughbred who suffered a broken hip as a foal and has, until recently, only been ridden casually as she tends to be very unbalanced at anything but the walk. We are training her up to be a beginner horse for students and have worked to improve her balance by careful exercise and conditioning. She has long standing issues with bits, tossing her head a lot and generally trying to avoid it as much as possible. Without a running Martingale she is almost unridable by anyone not experienced. In the Nurtural bridle she settled down in one circle of the arena to a gentle, rhythmic gait and did not toss her head once…with no Martingale on. To me she feels like a totally different horse, responsive, quiet and attentive to the lightest of contact. She also went "on bit" something she never does, totally different horse to ride, much more balanced and doing walk trot transitions smoothly and with gentle cues. It also felt as if I had installed power brakes, requiring only a fraction of the pressure I usually need to get a balanced stop.

Sunday we went back to Equifair and bought 3 more for our other horses. Monday we tried one on our 5 year old Westfalen x Thoroughbred gelding. This horse has significant head issues from his short career as a stallion. ( Former owners seemed to prefer a chain instead of proper training.) Pecos is very shy around his poll and will go catatonic and just stand still if too much pressure is put on his mouth or head. We worked him on the ground and within a couple of minutes he was responding quietly and quickly to the most subtle of cues. He also was alert and willing to move, seeming to enjoy his work rather than plodding through. My wife could hardly wait to get one on our 3 year old Canadian Mare. The results were grand. She took almost no time figuring out the cues and actually did a controlled turn on haunches for the first time under saddle. My wife reported her responding to gentle touches and she obviously was steering and stopping as well or better than ever.

We are thrilled with the instant acceptance of the bridle by our horses and by the obvious behavioural improvements. My wife's comment was she will never put a beginner on any of her horses with a bit now that she has experienced the Nurtural Bridle. No risk of injury to the horse from a student and no sacrifice of control/safety.

Brian and Alison
Blackie, AB

Well now you've gone and done it!

Part I:
I've been working as an animal caregiver at Children's Fairyland in Oakland, California for 8 years. We've always had a pony. Recently we retired our 37 year old Welsh Mountain Pony to a very nice ranch near by. Our new pony, 13 year old Shetland-mix Dori, arrived about 3 months ago. Her previous owner said she was gentle and crazy about getting pets and scratches over the fence. Just what we were looking for as Fairyland is a park strictly for young children, most who have never seen yet alone touched a real live pony. And Dori lived up to her reputation. She just loves standing at the fence and getting up close and personal pets and the hundreds of kids who've been lucky in meeting our new Dori, are absolutely delighted.
Part II:
I decided over a month ago to get some additional exercise and lunging in with Dori as our Veterinarian advised Dori needs to loose about 50 pounds. Her previous owner advised Dori absolutely does not like a bit but has worn a side pull bridle, although a bit sassy under saddle. And so began weeks of on line research into bitless bridles. I talked with equine folks I know, I looked at hackamores, various side pulls, cross unders, bosals and so many others. Your Nurtural website came up on one of my many Jeeves and Google searches. But so did all of the others. Night after night, website after website - but I kept coming back to yours. Finally I had to make a decision and after measuring her as advised by your web page, I took a huge, deep breath and ordered your pony sized synthetic BETA with English reins.
Part III:
It came last Thursday, pretty quickly too - many thanks for that. I was chomping at the bit to try this new bridle on Dori. I followed your fitting instructions to the letter. I worked her from the ground first and her response was instantaneous. No matter whether I asked her to turn left or right, back up, go forward or whoa, she was highly receptive. And so, after luring me into a false sense of security, Dori allowed me to get on - and I was immediately bucked off. Oh my. I'm a little too old and don't bounce like I used to. I had forgotten that Dori has not had anyone on her back for many, many months and apparently had an involuntary muscle spasm which caused her back legs to jerk in a quick up and down fashion. Not her fault, I was certain. But I did get back on and things went swimmingly. She was perfect with her new bridle.
Part IV:
Today we had Dori back into her Nurtural Bitless bridle. By the way, this bridle looks beautiful. Right outta the box, it looked and smelled like real leather. And on her, it looked even more beautiful. This time I elected to use my seventeen year old volunteer, Micah, who I was pretty sure would bounce much better than I did. Seriously, we took all appropriate safety measures and Dori was unbelievably responsive. Micah was blown away with how she barely had to apply or release pressure before Dori would react. After about 20 minutes of riding in the corral, we moved out to the meadow and did another 20 minutes of lunging. We attached the lunge line to both reinstrap rings on the Nurtural bridle. Dori had a wonderful, responsive and enjoyable exercise session. You could just tell she was having the time of her life.

And so, when I started this email out with "Well now you've gone and done it!" - Your bridle is just what you claimed it was. Dori loves it. Her caregivers love it. And it's natural. Nothing foreign, cold and hard in her sensitive mouth. I really can't see why anyone would use anything else. And I'm gonna talk about it to anyone who will listen. And maybe even if they won't. Attached, is a photo I took today at Children's Fairyland. The kids enjoyed watching Dori and Micah work with her new bridle on and later lunging in the meadow. A terrific day for all of us. Many thanks to all involved in bringing this bridle to Dori.

Yvonne
Animal Caregiver, Children's Fairyland
Oakland, CA
 

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Less Fuss, More Focus

Hi Andrée!
Thanks so much for your quick response to my question. Today, I used my Western training reins instead of my one-piece competition reins. They are a little heavier and they hung just right. The bridle is also losing its stiffness which will make everything hang down instead of flopping out to the side. So far, so good. I love this bridle! My horse isn't resisting and sticking out his tongue. He isn't getting distracted by the bit in his mouth.
If it hadn't been for your 30 day satisfaction guarantee, I would likely not have purchased your Nurtural bridle. I'm usually skeptical about something that I haven't seen used and don't need a gimmick training product hanging in my tack room. Since I ride for pleasure and not for show, I can use whatever works for my horse. And this works so far. I'm not bound by the bit-wearing rule makers at horse shows. I would recommend this bridle to anyone who wants less fuss and more focus.
Julie

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Absolutely Delighted

Passed along by our Tack Store in France

Hi Zoe,
Can you do something with these pictures ?

It’s an international endurance rider who is absolutely delighted with the bridle.

This photo was taken at a competition held in France.
Chris

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Skeptical No More

Hi Gang,

Just HAVE to share my first ride experience using the Nurtural Bitless Bridle with you. In a nutshell, I was THRILLED! Here's my story…

After almost 3 years of taking lessons and leasing a horse, I purchased my very first horse in November 2007. Being an adult rider (late starter - 40-something), it was important to me to learn all I could about the care and feeding of my black beauty, a 5-year-old Canadian Appy cross named Diamond Jewel. I had read about bitless bridles and was intrigued. Could I develop a solid dressage and trail horse using a bitless bridle?

Just about everyone at the barn thought my new mare was crazy! Early on it looked as though I had my novice hands full. Jewel was a relatively green horse who hadn't been ridden more than a handful of times in the past 2-3 years and prior to that only had 3 months of training when she was 2 or 3. Essentially, she is green. Broke but green. And very dominant and herd-bound. Don't let her looks and teenage behaviour fool you though. She is VERY smart.

I saw the Nurtural Bitless Bridle at the CanAm and was convinced by Zoe to try one. Even though I was skeptical, I've always been one to give anything new a try and the thought of something so much more humane than a metal bit in my horse's mouth just seemed the sensible choice to me.

Having only started working with and riding Jewel in March (long story short, she suffered a neck injury in the trailer ride up from the U.S. where I bought her and was seconded to total rest for 4 months), I was a little skeptical about trying the bitless bridle on such a "handful" of a horse. She bucked and kicked in the round pen, threw me when we tried to canter in the pasture and was difficult to bring around to focusing if her herd buddies were out of sight.

Since getting the green light from the vet in March, I've lunged Jewel several times, backed her 6 times and yesterday, for the first time, after having lunged without incident, rode in the Nurtural Bitless Bridle.

We started off in the round pen figuring this was a nice, safe and enclosed environment. She couldn't go far if she decided to get goofy. Alas, Jewel was great! In fact, I think she didn't know what to do with herself not having a bit to chew on. She just seemed SO happy! I decided to venture out of the round pen on to the country road at a walk. Jewel, again, just seemed so happy and had such a pep in her step. She was so excited she tried to break into a trot and I applied a half-halt and she stopped dead. In fact, my body jolted forward. I laughed out loud. We proceeded again, this time venturing into a wide-opened pasture. Now, if she was going to try anything funny, it would have been in there. But no. I kept her at a walk and she just continued on happy as could be. We carried on around the perimeter of the pasture, then back on to the road and into a nearby apple orchard. Here, is where she threw me the last time we rode. We entered the apple orchard, walked around a bit and finally, I got up the nerve to ask for a trot. She picked up the trot, lifted her head and actually framed up all on her own! I had no trouble steering her. She responded to the lightest rein aids and, again, stopped on a dime when I asked. I was amazed! The other riders out with us were amazed too! In fact, THEY want to try the Nurtural Bitless Bridle now!

Needless to say, I was OVER-JOYED at the success of our ride and to have such a happy horse. I felt totally confident and in control. The Nurtural Bitless Bridle is everything I've read it to be and more! At the end of our ride I do believe, in Jewel's words, she said, "Thank you Mommy! That was so much FUN!"

I CAN'T WAIT to ride again with Jewel in her new bitless bridle. From my black beauty and the bottom of my heart THANK YOU! Zoe, you were absolutely right!

Skeptical no more,

Vanessa
Sydenham, ON

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Tried it -- Loved it!!

Good Day -

I ordered one of your beta, bitless bridles with great anticipation! It arrived in 4 days - excellent service by the way. Anyway, I put it on my 9 year old Paint mare and she was perfect the first time out. Her stops were perfect and she steers better in your bitless than she did bitted. Her body bends easily into her turns and are very crisp and fluid. I am so thrilled!

I responded to your e-mail shortly after the purchase saying I wasn't addressing any problems with her. She is a very kind and well behaved girl although she has a big engine and loves to go fast, she is very controllable. I was wrong about no problems however. As I said her steering is better in the bitless and her head tossing stopped. That's it, it just stopped. She always fought the bit a little and mouthed it when I asked her to back. She would back up but frequently went crooked. That stopped too. The first time in the BB I asked her to back and she just tucked her head and backed up straight as a stick. The ultimate test was running a barrel pattern with her. Her favorite thing to do! She steered easily at speed, turned each barrel without tucking her head, (probably to get away from the pressure I was putting on the bit to turn her,) ran for home and stopped without hesitation at the end. A very smooth run!

I purchased another brand BB without the x-circle, some time ago. It was not satisfactory at all. My horse found the sliding crown piece very annoying and I had to keep constant slight pressure on the reins to keep them from bowing at the cheek. It just didn't work well at all.

I will also add that I am able to communicate with animals. A tremendous gift that I am so grateful for. Her input is, that sometimes the bit hurt her. Also, because she would over flex when she collected while wearing a bit, it would impede her breathing somewhat which made her nervous. Those are of no concern to her in your bitless bridle. She is much more relaxed in your BB. I guess if an animal can endorse a product Oree just has. :)

Thanks for this wonderful product.

Elizabeth and Oree

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This I Believe Is The Best I Have Had To Date

Hi Zoe & Gerry,
I wish to thank you for introducing my wife and I to the No-Bit Bridle. I first tried it on my working mare a Tennessee Walker and then put it on her 2 year old son. 
I was amazed to find that it took about 20 minutes for him to catch on to the neck reining. Since we teach our horses to work cattle and do tricks, we are always searching for the best possible means to subdue any and all artificial restraints and this I believe is the best I have had to date.
Our horses are all Tennessee Walkers so they range in size from 15 HH to 17.5HH. We usually use a soft hackamore for our working horses but I find this No-Bit Bridle even gentler on them and quite easily adjusted to fit other horses during changeovers thus not requiring to carry a second bridal in the saddlebag because one horse likes a different nose pad than another.

Once again I wish to thank you for introducing me to the bridle.

Heather and Bill

Here is a picture of Rohan, thanking you for his Nurtural Bitless BridleTM.

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Horses Remember That Playing Was Fun

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Last Chance Horse & Pony Rescue
Attention: Manager/Owner

     We would like to take this opportunity to introduce our Rescue to your company. We are “Last Chance Horse and Pony Rescue.” Myself, Adele Cadeddu and Sharon Allan and a number of people who sit on our board operate this Non Profit Registered Charity. We are located in the Niagara Region. We have two farms approximately twenty-five acres each. There are 21 horses, 7 ponies, 10 dogs and 22 cats. And still we are approached to take more!

OUR MISSION:
Is to rescue animals that are abused, neglected, unwanted or on their way to slaughter. They come to us undernourished, dehydrated, starving and lame or injured. We have nursed quite a few back to good health and found some of them good forever homes. We visit them from time to time.

      But we are in need of kindness and some generosity. We were hoping that your company could in someway help by donation to this Charity Rescue and good cause.

      We have a small number of companies that have donated and their generosity is over whelming. If only we could find a few more to work together with, to help these animals get well and find good homes.

      We would graciously accept, used, returned items, dented, seconds etc. If you
      could donate any of the following items on our wish list, it would be deeply 
      appreciated………………………….

 Wish List:
  Water troughs, outdoor heated water buckets, feed and water tubs and buckets
  Blankets – turnout, stable, sheets, rain sheets, flysheets, magnetic etc.
  Halters – all sizes, lead ropes, grooming supplies, clippers
  Fly masks, fly spray, fly catchers, fly eliminators
  Pony sizes items – desperately needed – halters, blankets of any kind, fly masks
  Saddles, saddle pads, girths, bridles, bits, reins etc
  Medical sprays & ointments, vet wrap, animal intex, therapy/magnetic bandages
  Salt blocks, maybe even TREATS!
  Supplements – gluscosamine, msm, zev, frrier’s formula, de wormers, Thrush
  Buster, calmers, vitamins, minerals, gates, portable round pen, stall doors, grills, latches etc.
  Fencings supplies – fence boards, posts, paint.

  We look forward to hearing from you!

   Sincerely,
   Adele, Sharon and all the horses.                   Email: adelecadeddu@yahoo.ca
 

Hi Adele & Sharon,

Thanks for your message!

We are currently unpacking stock from a trade show but would love to help out! (As soon as we get organized that is!)

I noticed on your wish list that you want pony sized items desperately. We happen to have a couple of bridles that have never been used – we changed our logo therefore, these (with the old logo) aren’t going to be sold at regular price anyway. We would be more than happy to donate them to your organization.

We would appreciate it if once you receive the bridles that you give us feedback on them, and consider becoming one of our Nurtural Coaches. It doesn’t cost anything; we just like to have people who constantly work with the bridles to be available to answer questions from customers who may happen to be in the same situation as one of our coaches. In your case, it would be for people asking about ponies.

Let me know where to send the bridles, and also let me know your thoughts about being a coach!

We truly admire what you are doing for horses and ponies, as well as all the other animals you care for!

Thanks a bunch!
Andrée - Nurtural Horse

Hi Andree,

We are so excited!!!! We would love to be a coach. We have never been involved in such away. It feels like an honour!
 Thank you. Also we have never had anyone who has donated to the pony rescue, the little ones always seem to get
left out, so you can image how excited we are. It's usually all about the horses.
I'm very excited to try this bridle on one of the ponies here at the rescue, I think its sounds great! We have an older pony
 who has issues with wearing a bit so we usually have the kids just ride him with a halter and shank, but now giving this
 opportunity I hope he will like it! He's a great child's pony but was sent for meat when his owners child out grew him. So
along we came and took the little guy home. He had come to us with lice and rain rot, and very bad teeth. Since we have
 had him his condition has improved so much and now that he can have his own bitless bridle I'm sure he will  think he is a king!
Once again thank you for all your help and if you want to send some brochures I will gladly pass them around when we
go to horse shows and auctions.

We will left you know as soon as we receive them.
Thank you from myself, Sharon all the kids and ponies.

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What can I say??? WOW!

To: info@nurturalhorse.com
Subject: What can I say??? WOW!

I've been meaning to drop you a quick note to comment on the bitless bridle
I bought a few weeks  ago - but guess what - I'm out riding so much I don't
seem to have time :) 
I have an Arabian mare (Sheza Desert Rose) who is 15
years old (and is unfortunately still green).

What this bridle has done for myself and my horse is nothing short of
amazing - wouldn't have believed it if I didn't experience it first hand!

The first couple of times I rode with it, my horse was unsure (as I was as
well) of what  to expect.  Each time since then has been a positive
building block.  With a bit, Rosie would start "dancing" even before you
got on her back.  She would  be concentrating so hard on the piece of metal
in her mouth, she could think of not much else.  I was definitely not
excited about riding her alone and felt very much out of control sometimes.

With this AMAZING bridle, there is no dancing, in fact, sometimes we just
sit in the middle of our ride and chill out.  This was never heard of
before :)  I'm riding her alone, nearly every evening without any issues at
all.  She no longer spooks like she used to, what you said on your website
is so true - horse spooks and jumps, rider grabs reins to balance, hitting
bit in horses mouth, escalation from there.  There is absolutely none of
that now. 
Everyone is absolutely amazed at the change it's made for both
of us.  She puts her nose in the bridle and is so calm.  I can't thank you
enough!!

I look forward to someday getting a leather bridle, do they come in black?
Also, I'm wanting one for each of my 3 other horses :)  Can't wait for my
daughter to try it out, but I'm pretty possessive, if I let her use it when
we ride, I have to use a bitfull bridle - NO THANKS!!

Yours truly,
Laurie

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2007 Canadian Junior Dressage Team's Comments

My name is Lindsay Seidel Wassenaar (2007 member of the Gold medal Junior team) and you sent me a bitless bridle to try after we saw your booth at the Royal Winter Fair in October.
First I would like to thank you for the opportunity to try the bridle, and I am sorry I have not responded with my comments earlier. I rode my FEI dressage horse in the bridle for several light schooling sessions and found the bridle to provide a fairly good connection. The contact I had in the Nurtural bridle felt very similar to the contact I feel with a regular bridle. I did find it slightly more difficult to complete little suppling exercises though, and I think this is just because the horse is not as sensitive to the Nurtural bridle as he is to the bit. On a regular bridle I can make quick and light changes in flexion because of the direct contact with the bit, which is very important in the higher levels of dressage. I feel though that the Nurtural bridle does provide enough control to provide the rider with the ability to make the horse round with a steady connection and is easy enough to allow for the rider to change flexion, just not with he precision and quickness of a regular bridle.
Therefore, I feel this bridle would be appropriate to ride in at the lower levels of dressage, but may not provide the precision needed at the higher levels. On the other hand, I do think this bridle is a remarkable invention and that more trainers should use it when working with students who are either beginners or do not have very good control over their hand position.  Consequently, I believe it is an awesome bridle because it provides the rider with a worry free ride since he/she knows they can't hurt the horse but pulling or leaning on the reins and at the same time gives the rider control and a nice feeling of connection with the horse, which I believe is essential to riding.
 
I will continue to use the bridle, especially when hacking out and in lighter schooling sessions. I will also try the bridle on a few of my other horses to see their response. So once again, thank you for the opportunity, and I will keep in touch.
 
Thank you,
 
Lindsay Seidel Wassenaar and Oslo 

Photos to follow!!!
 

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_______________________________________________________________________________ 

Communication is now clear between horse and rider

Hi Zoe and everyone at Nurtural-

I finally got a chance to write.  I have had my bb for about two weeks, but due to nasty ice at the farm where I board, I was not able to ride right away.  Finally, this past Sunday and Thursday, I got to try out the bridle.  Here is how it went.

Sunday, Feb 23rd. 
I put on the bridle and Raven seemed normal and not bothered.  I had already played with the adjustments a few days before so it went on quick.  I brought her up to the ring and mounted.  Nothing, she stood quiet and calm.  I asked for a walk and started to "test the steering and brakes".  I could tell she was thinking "hey, this is different", but no fuss or anything.  Perfect stops, turns, etc.  My instructor came up, mounted on "Cougar" who needed some work and she made the comment that Raven looked very, very relaxed.  I brought her up to the trot and she did her normal "camel head", but there seemed less resistance when I asked for her head to come down.  After about two trips around she seemed to be responding and her head was coming in and she was starting to soften some when her hind foot hit the one patch of ice still in the ring, under the snow.  She was startled, I was startled.  However, I had no problems bringing her back to an immediate walk.  After that she wanted nothing to do with that side of the ring and was short stepping and kitty hoping along that side.  Again, I found I had complete control.  My instructor suggested to go out on the trails.  Couger had been bucking off trail riders lately, so he needed some "trail time".  Off we went.  Within minutes, Raven was completely relaxed and didn't mind me taking up some contact (she always resisted in a bit).  It wasn't too long before Cougar pulled his nonsense and tried to unseat my instructor.  Raven simply stood and waited for Cougar to finish.  She barely acknowledged his antics.  Since I figured Cougar wasn't done arguing, I asked Raven many times to stop and put distance between us and him.  Imagine, I asked a 16 had Appendix QH to stop and let her equine companion walk on without her.  I don't think I could have done it with her snaffle.  She would have jigged, fussed, opened her mouth, tilted her-- anything to avoid that request via the bit.  Now, the message came in clear.  I had a firm hold on the reins, but nothing unreasonable.  The second I released the pressure, she walked on.  Cougar did try several more times to buck and rear, and each time Raven barely twitched an ear at him.  I have to say it was the most pleasant trail ride I had had with her at that time. Too bad I couldn't say the same for my instructor.

Thursday, Feb 28.
I came to the barn by 3pm and discovered several of the ladies were going out on a trail ride.  It was a nice day and I was happy to go.  Again, Raven seemed super calm went I mounted up, standing quietly with loose reins while waiting for all the riders.  Off we went, with her second in line.  This time the lead horse was smaller than her and he didn't have the same stride she does.  Thus I was constantly asking for her to shorten stride so as to not be right on his rump.  The last time I went out with these ladies, I had the same issue, but also had a bit in her mouth.  Back then, there was a lot of fussing, head twisting, mouth gaping, jigging-- all the usual "I can't understand you and this thing annoys me" stuff.  I didn't feel like I had complete control.  Now, with the bb, though she was not the happiest to shorten stride, she did so.  There was few minor head flings here and there, but she did as requested.  I truly felt I had complete control if she were to bolt or get nervous. And nervous she was when our trail lead out near some homes.  I don't think she was a big fan of the road and boy was she ready turn tail and run back to the woodland path.  I didn't let her.  Yes, she argued some, but we could now "talk clearly" and she stayed under my control.  I realized not long after she was accepting good contact and was even bending at the poll and moving forward in a big stride.  I was never able to get her to that in the ring with her bit except on draw reins and drop nose band-- and here we were on wood path and she was doing it. 

All I can say is "AMAZING".  Both times, Raven came back to the barn relaxed and happy.  She was doing such funny things as licking her mouth and her lead rope tie ring.  After the second trail ride, she nuzzled my head and ears.  I really think she is liking the experience.  Well, I know for sure that I am. 

Thanks again for making a truly inspired product. 

Carla

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_______________________________________________________________________________ 

Happy, happy customer

Email received from one of our tack stores in Florida

I sold my first 2 last week to a woman who drove 3.5 hours.  She called me today to tell me she LOVES the bridles!  She bought
one for herself and one for a friend (she bought a black and wouldn't you know it, wanted a dark brown as well but settled for tan). 
They have Pasos.  She said she just put the bridle on the horse, got on and took off.  She had been having a lot of trouble with her
mare tossing her head and grinding on the bit.  She even brought the bit to show me the teeth rubs.  Happy, happy customer! 

I just want to tell you how appreciative I am that you all not only offer such a wonderfully superior, innovative product, which
is an honor to offer, but you guys have been so great to work with and I really appreciate that.  Thanks so much!  I will be putting
my next order in this evening or tomorrow.  Thanks again!

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Poof! She was a different horse

email #1:
Good Morning

First let me apologize for taking so long to write.  I ordered your bridle for my husband for Christmas.  His mare cam from an abusive background and although she rode well she had a bad habit of giving a small buck after he was on her for 10 minutes.  We had tried everything, different pads, saddles, etc.  nothing made a difference.  She could not be ridden bareback as she would buck or kick out when you tried to get on.  Well, we put the new bridle on her and Poof! she was a different horse.  She flexes with no problem and she seems to actually enjoy it.  She no longer kicks out or bucks.  She can be ridden bareback.  You can ride her for hours without any bad behavior.  Thank you so much for this wonderful bridle.
Belinda

email #2:
I will  try to get some pics to you this weekend.  I can't thank you enough for the great results this bridle has brought to us.  Mel is so special, she came to me about 300 lbs under weight.  We did not know then that she was bred.  We got her in August, the vet told us how to fatten her up.  In Jan he came to see her and told us she would foal sometime in April or May.  We were shocked.  We did not know she had been with a stallion.  Well, to make a long story short, on April 9, 2007 she blessed us with a beautiful, healthy little chestnut filly.  We named her Melody's Spring Miracle, Spring for short.  I just got a new job and hopefully soon I can order the the Nurtural trainer to use on her.  She leads pretty good but can be stubborn like her mom.  I don't plan to ever use a bit on her.  I can't stand the thought of putting a piece of hard cold metal in her mouth.
Belinda

 

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Dangerous horse's temperament changes

Deborah Adams is a Grand Prix dressage rider who has competed, trained, and judged for over thirty-five years. One of her current horses is "Adaleah" nicknamed "Dell" who she rescued from a field last year. "Dell" is a nine year old Thoroughbred mare. After starting her basic dressage training it was apparent that temperamentally there was something very wrong in that the horse was explosive to the point of being dangerous. With all of her experience Deb could not determine what the problem was until she discovered that Dell's tongue was scarred so deeply across it's surface that it must have almost been severed when the injury occurred. What abuse the horse suffered we do not know. Not wanting to give up on Dell, Deborah researched bitless bridles and found The Nurtural Horse bridle website. She immediately ordered the bridle, restarted Dell's training with it, and reports that there has not been one incidence of violent behavior on the horse's part. She is calm, looks forward to working, and has achieved a high level of performance in the Nurtural Bridle.

Watch for more news, photos and videos of Dell's progress!

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Shire Horse Goes Nurtural - (Recent discussion on our Yahoo Chat group about a big horse needing a custom sized bridle)

Hi, I am new to the forum and live in the UK. I have a 3 1/2 year old Shire, 18.3hh and growing, that I backed this summer using the
nurtural bridle. I am really pleased with it, the only thing I have found is slight rub marks on the sides of his face where the rings are
and I wonder if altering the position of the noseband might sort that. Otherwise it hasn't been easier to get him started and I wish I had
known about the bridle when I backed my last horse 7 years ago. I am delighted with it and would welcome any feedback from others!
best wishes
Jo

Hi Jo,
Do you have a picture of your horse in his bridle she we can see the fitting and where the noseband lies?

Great for you to back your horse in a bitless bridle, good luck.

Wendy
(Nurtural Tack store owner in the UK)

Hi thanks for your replies - I will get a photo of his bridle and send it to you  I have put a sheepskin noseband on it, as I am a softy and I want to make sure he is comfortable as possible - I am quite sure I am a bit obsessive about him but he is my best friend and I want to make sure everything is right!!  I have attached a photo taken in the summer of him - and me - only just backed!
Jo

                       

Hi! I finally got my Internet working and can join this very interesting conversation! What an amazing horse!! Would you mind if
I put your photo on our web site or maybe even a brochure? Thanks so much for sending the photo!

For some reason I cannot link to your original message and issue. It could be that with such a big head he would have done better with a
noseband where the rubber gripping extends lower and the rings are lower. Ideally the noseband rings should come BELOW the lipcrease -
and they are quite a lot higher on him. Lower rings and rein position also gives you improved turning control. If you ever order another
one, let's get one made to measure for your big beauty. In the meantime, your fuzzy should work.

If I can use your photo at our site, I can point this out to others with very big horses.

We had one gal recently add 3 inches to all the straps of the draft bridle - still waiting for photo!

So glad you have gone Nurtural!!

Very best wishes, Zoe

 

Thanks for that - I have dropped the noseband and it is definitely better - I might just drop it another whole and see how we get on!  I would be delighted for you to use the photo - I am very proud of him, he is a very gentle caring chap in spite of his size and I love him to bits.

At some point I would like a proper leather one - currently I have the Beta version - but I notice the importers to the UK don't appear to be doing the Canadian Leather bridle any longer - I also want a driving bridle at some point for when I train him to harness!
Jo

Hi Jo,

Thanks so much for letting us share the photo of your beautiful big boy at our web site so others can see that there really is no limit to
the size of a horse that can go bitless.

I wanted to clarify the noseband ring advice. I couldn't see how to attach a photo to the message (how did you do that?) so I added a
photo to your album showing what I meant. When you are ready to get a leather one, work with Wendy and send us measurements including
"lipcrease to lipcrease, over the nose". Then we can make the rubber gripping part longer and the noseband rings lower. This will put the
noseband rings near the lipcrease as shown in my photo. With the rings and reins there, it gives you virtually the same action as a bit
in the mouth - your signal is at the side of the mouth and it is easier to turn than with the rings higher up on his face.

What is the big boy's name? Did you ever ride him in a bit?

Cheers!

Hi Zoe,
his name is Hendra Trelawny - I call him Trelawny (or Dollop but that isn't a very flattering nickname!)  I backed him in the Nurtural and have never ridden him bitted - I just hate them and wanted to give him the very best start that I could - he is treeless (when I can be bothered to put a saddle on him!) and wont ever wear shoes either.  I will certainly sort out measurements etc when I get a new bridle - hopefully in the spring.   I am very very pleased with the Nurtural and never at any time did I doubt it - I recommend it to everyone I meet but the English can be quite stubborn when it comes to trying something new with horses - well they are in my neck of the woods anyway!  Anything I can do to promote the bridle - let me know!
Jo

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Bridle Makes rider feel secure

I have two of these and don't use any other bridles; and my girlfriends also use them.
 
Also my horses love them, and they make me feel secure on the trail, I can
control my horse much better then side-pulls and even bits....
 
 
Thanks,

 Cindy Hill
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Hunter/Jumper uses the Nurtural Bitless Bridle
 

Hi Andree!

 The bridle arrived , and we tried it on Kasey's head today.  Her coach had a look at it, adjusted it, etc and thought maybe the throat latch should be a little longer.  Allie didn't have time to ride with it today, we are going to try it on the weekend, with her coach watching, to see if it fits to work properly.  Kasey does need to lower her head.    If we need one with a longer throat latch, is it possible to get one?  It is a beautifully made bridle and we want to use it to show Hunter Jumper this Spring.  I have attached a pic of our "big headed" Kasey.  Thanks!  Sharon
                                                                   
Hi Sharon,
The Circle-X under the jaw can be moved forward and back. This should help lengthen those straps. In the box, I believe we sent a pamphlet with fitting instructions. There are detailed step-by-step adjustments with pictures to assure it is being fitted properly.
Hope this helps!
Happy trails,
Andrée - Nurtural Horse

 

Update:
Thanks very much Andree!  We have used "bitless" bridle on my daughter's hunter / jumper for lessons and "fun".  She wanted a nice bitless bridle she could show in next summer.  We look forward to it, and will send you some pictures after it arrives!
Merci Bien!  Sharon

 

Hi Andree!

 Allie rode with the bitless bridle today, no problems.  We just had to slide the "X" more down towards her mouth.  Kasey seemed very comfortable, and was lowering her head  - there is nothing left for her to "fight" in this bridle.  Her neck is noticably more relaxed.  Allie does not have heavy hands, but Kasey has the "memory"  of a previous rider constantly pulling on her mouth.  They will enjoy using this bridle to show hunter jumper! I'll try to get some pictures of them for you.  Thanks very much,  Sharon, Allie and Kasey

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Arizona Ranger uses Nurtural Bitless bridle for police work & Parades

July, 07:  Zoe, Thanks for your response. 

I am a member of the Arizona Rangers and I intend to use my horse for police work and parades. I certainly will send you a photo when I get one.  Thanks.  Rick

November, 07:  Zoe, Nice to hear from you. 
“Buddy”, my paint horse has adapted very well to the bridle. 
As you can see in the attached photo, I have him in a public place with people all around him. 
Beside that I used the bridle on Buddy during the nine day, twelve hour days of training at the Arizona Officers Mounted Training course.  Thanks for your interest. 

Rick

 

 

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2 Mules, 1 bridle, great results...

Hi there,
Just received our nylon bridle last week and tried it on my husbands mule - Rusty.
What a difference! This mule just didn't seem to like any bit we put in his mouth.
He was always trying to pull the reins out of my husbands hands, dinking with
the bit, etc. My husband commented that he'd never back up so well and turned so
good. In those moments when they just know that something is going to get them,
it was also way easier to pull the mule around with one rein. I just got done trying
the bridle on my mule and working him in the round pen. He too backed up like he'd
never done before, with very little pressure. He also responded quite well over all.
Though I haven't had a chance to ride him out on the trail with it as of yet. We only
 have the one and my husband is using it.
I would like to order a couple of your Beta Bridles and keep the nylon bridle around for
friends to borrow and tryout.
Hope you're having a great day and I look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers,
Barb Taylor - Clayton, WA  

                               

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"Hot" Paso Fino responds well
 

Hi Zoe & Andree,
 

Just wanted to let you know.  I just tried my new Nurtural bitless bridle on my newly purchased "hot" Paso Fino. 
We put him in the round pen first and did some work with the lead rope, then put on the reins and rode for a few minutes then on out to the pasture. 
He has not been ridden for about 6 months so was a little unruly at first but I was able to control him well with the bridle. 
He responds well and I think he'll do great with more saddle time under his belt. 

I like the design better than my Dr. Cook bitless bridle but my Walker does very well in it too. 
Now if I could just talk my husband into getting one for his horse.....

Thanks a bunch.

Barbara Porch

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Teenager rides with confidence and control - winning ribbons!

Dear Zoe: I wanted to say it was a pleasure to meet you at the Royal Winter Fair. Here is the story and photo of Nikky and Dakotaroo.

For my daughters 9^th birthday April 7^th 2004 I got her 4 private riding lessons. After the first lesson she got off the horse and announced that she was buying a horse! With some doubt to her quest I explained the cost involved and that did not deter her. She stayed true to her heart and on June 23^rd 2006 we went 50/50 partners on a beautiful palomino paint named Dakota, 7 years old with a beautiful heart, but not very much experience.

Now I thought it was a pretty smart idea to get her bridle that she was used to included in the deal. It was an egg-butt snaffle. Well the thing kept sliding out of her mouth and we were not getting very far, so we changed the bit, and then we- changed the bit and the bridle, and then we changed the bit and the bridle again and so on with not much success in 13 months. The problems we were having were at first she would stop all the time and when we got past that we had a whole new set of problems because she kept turning in- out of the blue when ever she felt she wanted to and because no bit we had tried ever stayed put in her mouth we never had any control.

I ran into a horse girl who started telling us about bitless bridles and how it had changed her horse. I figured we had nothing to lose. In August I purchased the Nurtural bitless nylon bridle because it was affordable and we had already spent so much money on other stuff that did not work- I was skeptical. Happily my skepticism has long since past. It is a pleasure to watch my daughter ride with confidence and control in the Nurtural bridle. It is no longer a challenge to bridle our horse she drops her head and happily accepts her Nurtural bridle.

Nikky and Dakotaroo recently competed in a show, they placed 2^nd in the command class because with the Nurtural bridle she understands how to back-up now, and with only 1 day of practice they finished 3^rd in the jump class. In their bitless bridle they competed in 7 classes and received ribbons in 5 classes.

Nikky has now found her new quest, she is saving her money for a black leather nurtural bridle and reins.
As for me I am thinking this year I will have some bits tied with red ribbons hanging on my Christmas tree, because I have to do something with them- all they are now is tack box ornaments that I will never use again. Heather Grobbo, Guelph On

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Winning Competitive Trail in Oklahoma

Hallo!   I don't know if you remember me, we talked a number of times and I ordered your bridle down here in Lawton, Oklahoma. In the last year it is ALL I have used on my horse King and it's first true test was at our first Competitive Trail ride.

Each day was 16+ miles and we placed 2nd and 3rd. We went to another CTR this month and placed 4th and 5th.  At one point a wonderful guy I had been riding with rode past me and stared in shock to see no bit in King's mouth and commented on it.  I never once felt I didn't have control of my horse, and I never once felt I was hurting or could hurt my horses mouth when correction was needed.  

Here are some photos from those rides if you wish to use them on your site. People have told me "When you really need it, there will be no stop on that bridle". Really? I reply. When a horse wants to go they can take a bit in their teeth and then who is it that has no stop? I've seen that happen and it isn't pretty. My horse, the few times he got spooked, was brought to an almost immediate stop in this bridle. He is happy in it, can graze easily when we are relaxing and I have no cold bit to warm up on winter days.  

The fact that I can use it as a halter in emergencies has also come in handy on the trail. I don't have to worry about tying him up with a bit in his mouth or dealing with putting on a halter on trail or having to ride with a halter and bridle encumbering his head. Did I mention its pretty darn snazzy looking, too?

Don't ever go out of business!!

Adriane and Shadrack's King   (who are trying to spread the word down here in cow country)

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People can't believe that he doesn't "need" a bit. 

Dear Zoe,

 

I have a 4 year old Belgian/QH gelding.  I have had him since he was 5 months old. 

I started training him to ride and went through all kinds of bits, sidepulls, bosals, and bitless bridles. 

Of all the products I have tried the Nurtural Bridle is the BEST.  It is most user friendly and easy to care for. 

My horse (All That Jazz) loves his Nurtural Bridle SO much that as soon as he sees me hold it up he gets excited and starts trying to put his own nose in the bridle as if to say "hurry up and put on my bridle, I'm ready to ride!" 

 

It has been easy to train Jazz with this bridle.  We go trail riding, and parade riding in the Nurtural Bridle.  I have attached some photos.  People can't believe that he doesn't "need" a bit. 
And when others ride him they often don't even notice he doesn't have a bit!

 

Thanks from San Antonio, Texas

 

Teresa Nguyen and Jazz

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I have confidence in her finally!!

 

Hi,

My name is Morgan and I am 15 years old, and I happened to come
along to your site. I have a mare MULE and she used to fight the bit
a lot, so I decided to try your bridle. I finally got it and tried
it out just walking under the saddle. She did really well, so I tried
it out with my riding coach and "Trigger" (the mule) did wonderfully.
For the FIRST time with my coach we got to a lope, going in small
circles. Normally with a bit ( which we tried different bits for a
long time,) she would throw her head in the air and do the complete
opposite of what i asked her to do. But now she minds with the tiniest
of a tug. She's like a different mule. I just want to thank you for
coming up with this wonderful bridle. Me and Trigger have a grand
entry at our rodeo tomorrow and I can actually have confidence in her
finally!! Thank you so much!


2006-2007 Colfax County Fair and Rodeo Junior Queen,


Morgan

 

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 Won Hunter Pace and my partner didn’t notice I was riding bitless

I bought two nylon Nurtural bitless bridles (1 Arab and 1 horse) from you a couple of months ago.
Josh, my Arab gelding is 16 years old and hadn’t been ridden in about 8 years. I really didn’t relish the thought of jumping on him after all this time with a regular bit.  Just a few days after receiving the bridle from you I put it on him, adjusted it per your instructions and took him to my arena. To my pleasure he didn’t mind me getting on him after all this time. No buck and no spook. I was concerned about control but didn’t have any issues. He seemed to immediately understand and accept the side pull mechanism for turning left and right.  Although he did throw his head when I pulled back to stop him, the important thing is that he did stop.

My next ride started in the arena but I then took it out across an open pasture. Just a short ride in the open but same result. I rode him a few more times on casual trail rides down dirt roads near my home. Each time he accepted the bridle a little more.  After 5-6 rides the head tossing completely stopped.

Two weeks ago I took him to a state forest with my son and some friends and rode about 6-8 miles. This was the first time he had been trailered from my property in at least 8 years. He did great and I had no control problems.

Today, April 1 I took Josh to the first competition we’ve ever entered, a 7 mile “Hunter Pace”.  We went there for fun, but pending final results, my partner and I look like the winners with a final time of 1 hr, 39 minutes. There were approx 100 riders. Again, no control problems whatsoever. We went from walk, trot, canter (up and down) with no problems controlling his rate. In fact, my partner didn’t notice I was riding bitless until I told him.

Josh will never know the pain of a bit again and I can ride without fear that my heavy hands will injure or scare him.

I’m working on neck reining now and will let you know how that goes. By the way, I put the horse sized bridle on my wife’s quarterhorse who had also not been ridden in several years. He was neck rein trained and had not forgotten his training even after all these years. He turns just fine with a light rein on the neck so the bitless bridle turned out to be no different than any other bridle in this regard. He was previously ridden in a long shank curb bit because he could be hard to stop. I rode him once in the arena and then took him on a trial ride and had no problem keeping him at a walk. In all fairness, he is overweight and out of shape and really didn’t want to do anything but walk so I’ll let so know how that goes as well as I continue to work him into shape.

Thanks for making this great humane tool. One of these days I plan to pick up a leather bridle for dressier rides but the nylon is great as it looks as good as new even after the rides described herein even though I haven’t washed it yet.

Tom,  Florida

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His whole demeanor changed

Hi Zoe, Angela here, well I tried the bridle today and he did fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! His whole demeanor changed.
I even went over a small jump with him for his and my first time with the bitless!!!!!!!!
It was a beautiful feeling and I know he likes the bitless!!!!!!!!!
I love it too!!!!!!!!!          Angela, Ontario

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Balanced and relaxed:

 

I rode my Trakehner mare once in the arena to get her used to the different feel (and it was raining!). There was actually no adjustment period, she easily understood the rein signals.
 

Our second trial was out on a hack with a friend and her OTTB. Spring breezes, bounding herd of deer and wide open cornfields! I had the same or slightly better control than using a bit.

 

The third ride was the real test - 3 other horses, one of which is quite hot and known to get the others excited. The jokes when we left the barn all questioned my sanity having no "brakes". I did have to take hold a few times and tell my mare "steady" once - again, no more than with her usual snaffle. I was curious to see her head though - had I been forced to take a consistent hold with a bosal, she would have had rubs. Other than a bit of sweat under the noseband and crown-piece, there wasn't a hair rubbed. That was the ultimate proof. We had done two hours of fairly strong-paced riding in a group and my mare was balanced and relaxed up and down hills, happy, and easy to control. Congratulations on designing and manufacturing a great product!

Lisa.

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Wow your bridle made a big difference.

I received it yesterday and today I tried it out. I did some bridle work with my horse Breeze and then went under saddle.
I rode her for over an hour. That was first for her.  
I have had her under saddle before and tried to use a different type of bit less bridle but had very little success.  
However today was a whole different story she was wonderful.
Your bridle made a huge difference for Breeze and I.  

I hope you make it Equine Afair this year. The word really needs to get out to more people. I’m sure my wife will be buying one in future for her horse. She’s an Appaloosa as well.  

I will email some photos with bridle on in a few days.    Rodger, Ohio

From Zoe to Rodger: 
THANK YOU!  I love messages like that!
Please do send photos – and I will post your message so others can see! 

I am off right now to see if we can still get a booth at Equine Affair!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Rodger to Zoe:

I'm still kind of shocked. It totally changed her response.
I thought she give me buck or swish her tail turn and try to bite at as before. None of that happened. Not that I tolerate it when she does.
She was totally flexed really easy. I did not take much rein pressure for her to do serpentines. Just a slight pull. WOW!

I'm following the John Lyons approach to training but adding my own twist to it. A little of Monty Roberts methods as well. I think one of these days you going to read about some of well know trainers endorsing the Natural method.

Rodger

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Tears of joy!

After watching your video on the 22nd, I decided it was time to start Duke in your Nurtural bridle last night (23rd). 
As he is an older horse, he is quite familiar with round pen work and join-up was not an issue.  However, since he is generally distrustful of new things, I chose to introduce the bridle in the pen rather than in his stall so that he would have a choice to either be with me and the "new thing" or be put