Customer Comments

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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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: Melody in the Nurtural Bitless Bridle
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 Melody happy in the Nurtural Bitless Bridle 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

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Dangerous horse's temperament changes

Dell - bitless bridle changes horse temperament 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

Shire Horse in a Nurtural Bitless Bridle Shire Horse happy in a Nurtural Bitless Bridle

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!
Recommended noseband placement-Nurtural Bitless Bridle
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 Nurtural Bitless Bridle user

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

Nurtural bitless bridle in police / parade situation 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

Buckshot- Nylon Nurtural Bitless Bridle Mule Rusty - in Nylon Nurtural Bitless Bridle

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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 Teenager wins big in nurtural bitless bridle 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

Competative trail ride in Nurtural Bitless Bridle 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 Oklahoma competative trail rider loves Nurtural bitless bridle 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 Nurtural bitless bridle provides control ... and a halter 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.

Texas parade ride in Nurtural Bitless Bridle 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 to work. It took about 20 min for him to make up his mind that he could accept the bridle. I found it very easy to fit as per your instructions and chose to set the noseband a bit low initially as he is naturally very high headed. As soon as I had it fitted and asked him to yield, he adopted his usual stiff-necked position. Then you could almost see the light bulb go on in his head! He turned his head a fraction and I released the pressure. He instantly began licking and chewing. He was onto the concept of yielding his head and then his whole body within minutes! Much like your stallion, things were progressing so well that I asked for my driving lines and after a few minutes of allowing him to figure out what I wanted, we were ground-driving!

Now, here comes the most amazing part. In the nearly two years that I have had him, I have never managed to have him back up from the bit. When I would ask for the back, he would plant his feet and fight, throwing his head in the air, thrashing around, anything he could possibly do except give in and move backward. The very first time I asked him to back in your bridle, he took a step back with only minor resistance. By the third time I asked, he tucked in his nose and backed up as straight as a poker for about 6 steps and then stood quietly, waiting for what I asked next. I was ecstatic! I decided that it was a good time to stop (mainly because I was so happy I was in tears).

I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful gift you have given Duke an I this Christmas. Because of you, I now have a gentle way to communicate with this ultra-sensitive giant of mine. You have solidified my dream that he will be a "normal" horse again some day.

Although I don't have one, there should be an abundance of digital cameras around here over the holidays. I will try to get some shots of us working to send you. As busy as the next several days will be, I am determined to make the time to continue. Please don't feel that you need to take time away from your family to respond. I just needed to express my deepest gratitude to you. Jackie

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Green on Green no longer Black on Blue!

I am a new horse owner with a green broke 5 year old Mustang. Utah is not a wild, difficult, or mean horse. His ground manners are superb and he loves people. But that would change under saddle. Utah hates riding in a bit (tossing his head, pulling, gnashing) and is very uncooperative while being bridled even by trainers. Since I was so paranoid about hurting him with my untrained hands, I had been riding him in a rope hackamore or just a halter. Needless to say, green on green really does equal black and blue. After 3 runaways and one bad fall, I was desperate to find something that would be comfortable for him while still giving me the control I need. So, I purchased the nylon version of your bridle. I didn't want to invest too much in case it turned out to some kind of "snake oil" that wouldn't live up to its promise.

The transformation has been dramatic! He must like it because he now lowers his head for me to bridle him and doesn't fuss and fidget with his head while being ridden. His steering and stopping have improved so dramatically that we are now going out on some pretty challenging trails and trotting and cantering more. Utah is more relaxed and listens so much better. It is the perfect combination of comfort for him and control for me and now we can truly be partners.

I have only had the Nurtural bridle for a few weeks, but plan to upgrade to the leather version next year.

Thank you so much for your great product.

Best Regards,

Sarah , Shawnee, KS USA

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Nurturing Down Under - Our first Nurtural Bridle in the Land of Oz!

Nurtural Bitless Bridle - horse & owner happy in Australia

I pleased that the delivery was quick too. I took Jordan out on a trail after showing him on the ground the way the bridle works - people thought I was mad not bit or saddle, but I trusted my boy! He was a bit unsure and confused at first but for our first ride out I thought he went well. By the end of the street he began to turn properly - we will work on that, he was a bit grumpy, but he will quickly get used to it. Jordan didn't try to eat grass either which was a step forward. He still head tossed a bit, but I think it was the weather as it was only in one section of the trail which we were head on to the wind. Everyone was very impressed and there are lots of inspecting etc. My friends are going to try my bridle which is promising for going natural with their horses. Will send some photos.

Later ..I finally have some photos for you with Jordan and his new bridle. He has no confusion at all after that first ride, and I feel very secure and in control. He actually has a reverse gear now and I have been able to keep him at a steady trot whilst others are cantering in front which is fantastic. I may be biased, but I think he looks great in the bridle!!! Thank you.

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I was thinking of selling my big Belgian. Now I can enjoy her!
Link to the full story. (It would lose too much character to type it!)

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It was literally the best ride I’ve ever had

Zoe, my old OTTB absolutely LOVES the Nurtural Bridle, and I’m so impressed with it, I’ve recommended it to two friends. None of us have indoor arenas, so until we get a day that isn’t rainy and damp after work, we’re kind of waiting for them to try it.

I put it on Jordan for the first time, and it was literally like riding a different horse! He is an older been-there-done-that-got-the-cooler kind of horse, and likes to pull the reins thru your hands. I think perhaps he was ridden by youngsters he could do this to. If you fix your hands, he tries to ‘bop’ and is very fussy.

Well, the Nurtural Bridle went on and Jordan gave a toss of his head. No hitting the bit; no lengthening of reins. You could see his gears turning…and he was going along in such a contented frame and attitude in just moments. I kind of figured he’d lean in and follow his shoulder around on the corners, but no! He bent and lifted into my hands so smoothly. It was literally the best ride I’ve ever had on him.

I can’t say enough about this bridle for Jordan…and, as I say, I’ve recommended it to two friends already! The review won’t go into this issue (it’s in the process of going to press), but I’ll check with Laura when she can insert. I just got a new digital camera, so I”ll be able to get some pictures to include.

Thank you again for giving me the chance to try this!

Elizabeth

Watch for Elizabeth's full review in the summer issue of EQUINE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Well-trained warmblood lunges well

Zoe, I've just gotta tell you! I put the Nurtural bridle on Tuxedo (my 17 hh, green warmblood). I always lunge him before riding, and he is well-broke to lunge, so I don't know if a green lunge session would work so well.

I clipped the lunge line onto the two clips the reins go on...I put them together under his jaw and clipped on the lunge line. I was careful not to pull and tip his head -- and Tux is well-trained -- but he lunged like a DREAM with his bridle on. I didn't have to worry about banging a bit around in his mouth. He lengthened and shortened his stride on command, reached out and down, and in general seemed very pleased with the situation. His wooas were the best I've had in ages, but smooth and steady.

.... I'd just want it clear that Tux is already well-trained to lunge...I don't know if it would be a safe way to start or work with a horse inexperienced to lungeing.

Elizabeth

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Inexperienced rider happy in Illinois

The no-bit bridle fit and worked great! Stopping, turning and backing up was no problem for my 16 year old pinto mare. I just bought her four weeks ago and had not ridden her until then. I just started riding about two years ago and consider myself a very inexperienced rider with lots to learn. I don't have to feel sorry for my horse anymore!

Thanks, Greg

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Thoroughbred from the track loves to jump in GTA

Thoroughbred (off the track) jumping in Nurtural Bitless bridle Hi Zoe,
Thought you would like to see this pic taken today. Steph is now part boarding Zeus, (the horse in the picture) using the bitless of course. She gave up Jasmin so other kids could enjoy her since she is now bomb proof. Of course, Laura will let her ride her if she wants, but Steph wanted a new challenge. She is still riding Mystic for barrel racing.

Zeus is a thoroughbred from the track. He needs work and conditioning but loves to jump. Steph says 3 ft to him is nothing and she has jumped him higher but doesn’t want to do too much until he is stronger and more in shape.

Take care, Gail (~August 2006)

Update from Stephanie April 2007
So we figured out why Zeus has been acting so out of control.
As I said in a previous email I'm going in a show, so I've been practicing for it in a bit. Stupid show people. They need to learn to accept change. The problem is, Zeus has his 8-year-old molars coming in. Thankfully I can still ride him because of your bitless bridle (did I mention how much I love you?), but because most hunter shows don't allow the bitless bridle I might not be able to show him all summer! It really bites because we've gotten so good and he's ready for a show. Laura said we might be able to get them filed and then I'd be able to put a bit in for a show, but life would be so much easier if they would just let me ride in your bitless.

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Forward motion no longer an issue in Calgary

Happy horse in Calgary in Nurtural Bitless Bridle

I have recently started to incorporate some riding into my 3 year-old's (2 months shy of 4) training. She was started with a highly recommended trainer and has come along wonderfully! Groundwork is still a major part of our work, but she has taken this new addition in stride. The only problem was, she fussed with the bit. She would play with it, and chew on it and be distracted from listening to me. I tried riding her in a halter with reins attached to the side and she did better, but it slipped around too much to be effective. So, when I received my bridle I tried it out immediately. And the difference was incredible! She pays (almost - she is a youngster!) complete attention to me and is not stressed out at all. Forward movement is not an issue anymore - she was so absorbed with her fussing that even walking forward was a big challenge. She walks around quite willingly, turns, stops and backs up as if she's been doing this for years - and she looks happy too! When grooming and tacking up, all I have to do is put the bridle on and she will stand as if tied while I brush her and put the saddle on. Whenever I bring the bridle out, she waits at the gate for it. So thank-you very much for this wonderful piece of equipment that has made such a difference in our training! I have a few theories about why the bit was such a problem, but as it appears we will never go back to it, they don't really matter! Alia

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Happy California warmblood has never been ridden in a bit

California warmblood in Nurtural Bitless Bridle

I am attaching some pictures of my 3 year old warmblood gelding in the nurtural bridle. It is probably about his 20th ride in these pictures, and he has never been ridden in a bit. Using a bitless bridle, he is extremely responsive and supple, and wow, you should see his stride!

This was his first time in the nurtural bridle, and my trainer and I loved it. It is very well constructed and didn't feel as flimsy as the other bitless bridle (won't mention the brand). We never had to worry about the straps twisting or shifting while riding. The main pressure difference seems to be that the nurtural bridle applies pressure on either the left or the right side only up to the strap holder (the x-piece, sorry don't know what to call it!), and then the pressure is applied to both sides of the head and the poll. We weren't quite sure if that would work better or worse, but Royal ended up being just as responsive, if not more responsive to left or right aid requests.

Basically, I love it! I feel that Royal is just as supple and just as responsive as horses in bits. I just hope that some miracle will happen before he's ready to start showing dressage so that bitless bridles will be allowed in competition.

Thanks so much, and I highly recommend your product!!!!

Laura

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No more bucking and less nervous...
… We came across a couple of deer sleeping in a field yesterday and when they got up he bolted - I had no trouble getting him under control again. He has also been bucking a bit on the trail when he gets nervous or excited (he is young) and has not bucked at all with the bitless bridle - so all in all I am pretty pleased. The whole concept of the bb is less disturbing that the idea of putting a piece of metal in someone’s mouth in order to control them.
Kirsten Woodend, RN, MSc, PhD, Assistant Professor

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Spreading the word in Vancouver
My name is Nora Robinson and I have recently ordered and am anxiously awaiting the delivery of my new bitless bridle! I am currently organizing a horse show for my barn http://www.bodiceafarm.com/ and we are planning on having a product display area for our local equine companies as well as some from other areas. I personally ride my horse with a treeless saddle and bitless bridle and would love to see more people exposed to the benefits of this equipment. The show is on June 24 and as I am sure I will have my bridle from you by then, I will definitely be telling people where I purchased it from! My question to you is: do you have any information packages you would like us to display for you that might generate sales from our province? Obviously you can't be here, but the owners of my barn are very much into natural horsemanship and products (and barefoot shoeing too) and I think your product would be very interesting to our local equine community. ….. Yes my bridle did arrive (last week). I love it, and the quality is very nice. You bet, I would recommend the bridle and will show it off at our event.

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Sure, you can post my comments. I am in LOVE with this bridle! Before, with the old bitless bridle, he would fight against the bridle and get worked up--with the Nurtural, the signals are very clear bc of the solid noseband and circle-x and he respects it--he may resist once or twice, but then he seems to realize "hey, she means it!" and then he does what I ask. His performance on the ground has improved dramatically in just a few days. Now that the signals are clear and he is comfortable, he is responding more and more readily and with less and less pressure ( my experience with mustangs is that it is no use asking them to do something that they do not like or makes them uncomfortable--it turns into a fight and you will not win--you have to make it a good experience for both of you!). This morning, in gusty winds, blowing snow, and zero wind chill, he plowed through drifts down our trail into the woods, something he has steadfastly refused to do in the lines since the snow fell. He shied away once, I turned him back, and he just stuck his ears forward, and off he went down the trail! It almost works too well : ) This morning after the woods he was having such a good time he decided he wanted to go right down the road, past the plows and everything. I was disappointed to cut his fun short, but it Denise Bickel, DVM driving her Mustang in a Nurtural Bitless Bridle wasn't a very safe day to go down the road. There is a big change in his attitude toward the work! We already know we will start our new weanling in the Nurtural when he is ready to start ground-driving.

And yes, go ahead and include my contact info--the way the economy is here, I need all the help I can get! Thanks again! I will let you know how it goes when we get back to riding--way too much snow for me to try that right now.

Thanks-
Denise

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Sorry to clog up your email. I hope to one day have a story as cool as the ones on the website when Brennir is all grown up and trained, but here is my 22 month old Mustang on his second day in the nurtural, being ground-driven around the farm. He is VERY hard-headed when he decides where he does or doesn't want to go....but the Nurtural gave him very clear signals and he responded very well, going past spooky, snow-covered objects with ease. I was so happy, and I hope he was too. He certainly stands quietly in the barn aisle completely unrestrained and lets me put it on him with no fuss. I just had to share these pictures...I am sure you get a lot of emails, but I was so proud of him for doing so well, and he looked so handsome in his pretty blue bridle! -- Thanks!
Denise Denise Bickel, DVM Driving her Mustang in a Nurtural Bitless Bridle

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Hi Zoe, the bridles finally got here an hour ago and I have fondled
them excessively!! The quality is very nice, can't wait to try one
on; it is suppose to be very nice tomorrow, and I have to baby-sit the
grandbabies, but I think we will get to the barn!! I will get back
with you. Thank you so much for your generosity; we will do our best
to promote your bridles to everyone we can. Happy trails, Peg

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Hi There,

I recently purchased your bridle and I love it!!! My horse, Archimedes, is very happy and he has responded so well. Previously to using your bridle I was riding with just the Parelli halter and ALWAYS felt nervous. I did not feel that I had the control I needed to really work him. Now that I have your bridle, Arch has been bending and turning beautifully! Thank you for creating such a great product! (My coach is even “borrowing” my bridle when I’m not using it for her horse!) I’ll take a photo and send it to you very soon.

Thanks again,
Lisa Ntantoulis
London, Ontario

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Hi, I'm a natural horsemanship student. I like the look of the nurtural bridle, but have a few questions about it. I currently ride in a rope hackamore, and really love it. However, it is not a good tool for collection etc. Can the nurtural bridle be used for refinement and freestyle riding? Also, does the nurtural bridle sit bellow the end of the nose bone of the horse (cuting of the horse's breathing if pulled back on to hard) ? Thanks -Victoria

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I ordered one of your bridles and it arrived early last week (quick shipping time too!) I don’t even know where to begin- I am so incredibly happy with the bridle!! And more importantly, my horse is thrilled with it too!!!

I purchased my trail horse “Dakota” in late August of last year. He is a 5 year old draft x. He hadn’t had much formal training before I bought him. I’ve ridden all of my life, but had spent about 5 years away from my horses. It was a huge risk for me getting a young green horse after not being around horses for a while. Last fall, Dakota and I worked daily on exposing him to new things. Living a secluded life deep in the country before I got him, he wasn’t used to many common things (cars, bicycles, etc.) He made great strides on our daily journeys and by the end of the fall was feeling very comfortable on the road and trail. Before winter set in, I found him a companion pony which he instantly became smitten with! (Read: barn sour!) Our rides became more and more challenging with him wanting to jig the entire way home. Before our last trail ride before the ice storm, my old bridle broke (dry rot) and I tried to fit him with pieces and parts from other bridles. Obviously, I didn’t get the bit situated just right in his mouth. We had our worst ride that day- he tossed his head all over the place, reared, bucked, kicked, jigged, danced, snorted- all (except the recently added jigging) very uncharacteristic of Dakota to do. It was an awful ride- Dakota was obviously upset, and I was confused and feeling a bit overwhelmed with my horse!!! We’ve spent the winter working in just a rope halter and trying to re-establish some trust in one another on the ground and on his back. With spring right around the corner, I decided it was time to start searching for a new bridle to replace the broken one. By chance, I stumbled upon your site while looking for a traditional bridle. I think I looked at every single page on your site, crossed referenced it with other sites, and did as much research as I could on bitless bridles. Then, I took a huge leap of faith and ordered one! I have to admit, I was worried that Dakota would tuck his nose in (like he would with the bit) and have his way with me. I was so wrong! Dakota is FABULOUS in the bitless bridle! He is relaxed, responsive and just generally much happier! We went out on our first real ride of the year today- the same ride we did at the end of last year when he was so angry- and what a difference! He walked back to the property calmly (despite being happy to be out and about in the warm weather) and I was able to turn him, stop him and back him with absolutely no problem at all!!! When I take off the bridle, he still opens his mouth as if to drop the bit out- it cracks me up!! Thank you for creating such a wonderful product- I am so happy with it!!! I wish I would have known about these years ago for my retired trail horse, she would have loved it also!

Looking forward to many more fun and happy rides without a bit!!!

Thank you again!

Stef Costello and Dakota in New Hampshire, USA

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Hi Zoe,
Just wanted to let you know that I love the bridle! Val was a doll! The other girls at the barn even rode her in it! She framed up nicer than in the bit and had a much nicer trot! I will send you some pictures! No one even knew it was bitless!
Thanks

Ashley Schultz
Zoo Casuals Inc

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