|
Home
All about our products
Photos
and descriptions
In Tack
Stores
Ordering online etc
Price List
Customer Comments
Bitless Bridles
How ours works
Why ours is
better
Measuring your horse
Fitting
and first use
30 day return policy
Videos
Nurtural Trainer
Horse
Training DVD
Demo DVD
What people say and do
Customer Comments
Horse Tales
Clinics & Events
The Bitless Revolution
In
the press
On the air/online
Why
bitless is great
What's bad
about bits
Top
10 reasons
Bitless
coaches
All Bitless Chat Group
Chronicles
How to
join chronicles
Videos
- All the videos
How
our Bridle works
Dressage In the Rain
Bitless Pas-de-Deux
Dressage
Can Am 2007
Kids on school horses
At the 2006 Royal
Outdoor Lesson
Stallion's 1st Ever Ride
First Bitless Ride
Barrels and Poles
Bitless Driving
Bit-to-Bitless Windsor Clinic
Clinic -- Demo & Intro
Young Morgan Mare Driving
Norwegian Fjord Driving
Downloads
Links
About Us
Guys Acres
Horses
for sale
Contact Us
Return to top
|
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 BridleTM.
Listen to radio interview
with Zoe Brooks
Link to see Press Releases
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
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
First Rides
and/or First Use of
Nurtural
No-Bit
BRIDLETM
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
Return to
top
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 o r
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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
Proving other people wrong
Just want you to know that I have a gaited horse and have been riding him for
about one year. When I bought him at the age of 4, he was going in a large shank
bit. I knew this was wrong, so I did not ride him until I could get to my
trainer who does dressage work (something all new to me) for gaited horses. I
have spent hundreds of dollars and many hours trying to round my pony and get
him in true collection. Without much luck, he has not shown me his gait until I
put this bridle on him. He gaited down the trail like I knew he could. I was so
excited I cried for about one hour! He continues to gait freely and lifts me up
with his back. So, all these "horse" people in Tennessee that have told me to
use
a bigger bit have been proven wrong. I love it and am so happy. People that I
have been riding with for a year have just now noticed us. Thanks for your
wonderful idea.
Paige and Taos, the Rocky
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
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.
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
Horses Remember That Playing
Was Fun
Andree,
Thank you SO much for the
personal touch! I have had and used the Cook bridle for years now
and while I love the idea I didn't love the bridle. Your bridle seems to
have fixed the things I didn't like about the Cook bridle. I believe my
horse and I will both love it. We've been bitless for years and have
recently gone with the natural foot as well. The girl I ride with is an
Equine Massage Therapist and we each own two horses. I talked her into
going the shoeless route and we've both been thrilled with the results!
Our horses truly are much more animated and lively. They move off their
shoulder now in a fluid motion and it's wonderful to see! It's like they
remembered playing was fun. It might not all be contributed to
removing their shoes but one never knows.
Again, thank you for writing and
I just know this bridle will be the one I've been waiting for and I will
be writing a comment on your site soon, I'm sure! Thanks again!
Janet
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
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
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.
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
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!!!
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
_______________________________________________________________________________
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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
_______________________________________________________________________________
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!
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
_______________________________________________________________________________
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 weigh t.
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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
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!
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
_______________________________________________________________________________
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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
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
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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
_______________________________________________________________________________
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

Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
"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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
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 9th birthday April 7th 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 23rd 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 2nd 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 3rd 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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
_______________________________________________________________________________
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)
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
_______________________________________________________________________________
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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
_______________________________________________________________________________
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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
_______________________________________________________________________________
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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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.
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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
Return to
top
Return to First Ride Comment List
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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 |