ABOUT OUR BRIDLES

FITTING & FIRST USE

Check out this video to how to fit our bitless bridle to your horse!

Instructions for fitting Nurtural Bitless Bridle

When properly fitted:

1. The noseband sits loosely on the hard part of the nose - above the nasal passages.
2. The reinstrap rings extend just 2 to 4 inches past the noseband rings(they just touch under the jaw).
3. The reinstraps cross the fat part of the cheek - with no pressure where they cross under to the Circle-X. IMPORTANT - Check the "wiggle room here!
4. The Circle-X is centered under the jaw, usually with 1.5 to 2 inches between the Circle & the noseband.

When fitting the Nurtural Bitless for first use, you may need to lengthen or shorten reinstraps to get the correct length, fit and position on the cheek.

Adjust reinstrap length through the Nutural Bridle's Circle-X Remove the keepers* & slide the reinstrap to the front or back.

To lengthen or shorten reinstraps remove the keepers* & slide the reinstrap to the front or back.

Move the Circle-X forward or back so the reinstraps cross the fattest part of the cheek.

The Circle-X usually sits close to the noseband

The Circle-X usually sits close to the noseband.

As with any new equipment, it's best to take some time for both of you to become accustomed to this bridle in a safe familiar environment. Show your horse how it works on the ground. Stop and turn a few times at each gait.

Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any problems or questions.

MORE INFORMATION:

Want more detailed advice on going bitless or how to prepare for your first bitless ride? You'll enjoy this 2-page article from Equine Wellness Magazine (posted here with permission.)

Kelly Howling, author of Go Bitless! Go bitless!

Want to ride without a bit? Follow these tips to help your horse make the transition successfully and safely.

"Riding bitless rather than in a traditional bitted bridle is becoming more and more popular. Through the process of helping riders make the transition, I have discovered the importance of several basic groundwork exercises to help ensure your first rides will be successful, and assist in more advanced under saddle work later on." more...

By Kelly Howling

Pressure and Release

The Nurtural Bridle works on unique signals of pressure and release - like Natural Horsemanship applied to the horse's head.

Our patented Circle-X holds the Nurtural Bitless in the perfect position for your horse - with no pressure until you apply rein pressure.

When you apply rein pressure, the bridle transfers that pressure to consistently convey your signals to the horse's head.

When the horse responds you release the rein pressure and the bridle releases - if it is properly fitted. (You can ride with a loose rein or maintain contact for English riding.)

Proper Fit is Key!

The most common problem with performance is lack of proper fit. To release, you must have slack. Nothing is tight!

Wiggle your fingers between every strap and the horse. Double-check that you have slack where the reinstraps cross under the jaw to the Circle-X.

What NOT to do:
The tight reinstraps in the picture below will not release. The longer reinstraps give poorer lateral turning.

Too tight at the back; Reinstraps too long.

Solve both these problems by pulling more reinstrap to the back so they extend only 2-4 inches beyond the noseband rings.

Leave more room behind the Circle-X. Be sure you can wiggle your fingers where it crosses the jaw. Buckle the reinstraps up higher.

What NOT to do:
In the photo below, the reinstraps are too short and they cross the cheek too far back.

The reinstraps are too short and too far back

Reinstraps this short will not release well.
When they cross so far back, almost like a throatlatch, the reinstraps are not on the fattest part of the cheek and they cannot give a clear consistent signal for turning or lateral flexion.

Solve this fitting problem by pulling more of the reinstraps to the front, bucking them down lower. This will let you lengthen the straps so they extend 2-4 inches beyond the noseband rings and will release.

Move the Circle-X forward under the jaw so it is about 2 inches from the noseband. This will make the reinstraps cross the fat part of the cheek to give you optimal turning and lateral flexion.