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

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

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

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

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

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Winning Competitive Trail in Oklahoma

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

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

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

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

Don't ever go out of business!!

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

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

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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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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.  

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!

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

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

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

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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