Last Updated on June 5, 2023 by Georgie Smith
Did you know the mouth of a horse is one of the most sensitive parts of the animal’s anatomy? That means even the least amount of pressure on the jawbone area will create intense pain for the horse.
As the bit relays pressure to the top edges of the horse’s lower jaw, (“the bars”) the curb chain puts pressure to the edge around the bottom. The soft tissue and bone of the lower jaw region clamp down between two pieces of steel.
The mouth bars resemble two-sharp knife edges that have a covering of thin layer gums and a lining film of its mouth. A massive debate began when horse doctors began to examine the mouth and jaws to gain a better understanding of their pain level.
See Also:
- The 5 Best Roping Saddles for The Real Cowboy: 2023 Reviews & Guide
- The 6 Best Jumping Saddles for Control & Agility: 2023 Reviews & Guide
- The 5 Best Barrel Saddles For The Competitor In Your Life [2023]
People with dentures know this type of pain due to how unbearable it can be when applying pressure to the gums. The mouth of a horse is no different. The sensitivity is painful and causes the gums to remain sore for days.
This issue is the instant effect of the musculoskeletal system and the bit-induced level of pain. The following are responses horses show evidence of why they suffer as much as they do in the mouth region:
- Rearing
- Bucking
- Bolting
- Balking
- Headshaking
- Various Behavioral Problems
Striding and breathing should be in harmony. Therefore, anything that affects the breathing will also affect the stride. The purpose of this article is to provide a guide and review of the best bitless bridles available on the market.
Keep in mind, the products listed in this guide are the best-sellers on Amazon. We do not personally endorse one or the other. After the products will be a section of educational information that hopefully answers some of your questions.
The 5 Best Bitless Bridles on the Market:
Justin Side Pull Bitless Horse Bridle With Padded Non-slip Noseband
If you are curious about trying a side pull with your horse but may not be as eager to commit to investing in an expensive leather bridle, keep reading. This Justin Side Pull Bitless Horse Bridle is the answer to training your younger horses.
You can also watch exactly how your horse responds to side-pull action. The Bitless Bridle functions like how riding in a halter would. However, this option is more secure due to the close-fitting style that’s steadied to prevent injury.
If the Bridle becomes twisted around the horse’s nose or tugged in contact with the horse’s eye, your horse could be injured. Here are some of the features that placed this bridle on the list:
- Cushioned Non-Slip Backing Lined
- Brown Soft Justin Webbing
- Stainless Steel Hardware
- Waffle Weave Fabric
- Soft and Comfortable Grip
To learn more features of this product and see it up close, click here. You will also have the option to order yours today:
Buy from Amazon
ProRider ENGLISH WESTERN HORSE LEATHER BITLESS BRIDLE SIDEPULL
This ProRider Eastern Horse Bitless Bridle is classy, affordable, and provides high-quality performance. The purpose of a Bitless Bridle is for the rider to see the same results as they would with a bit.
This beautiful brown leather Bridle is durable and classy at the same time. It has heavily reinforced stitching that adds to the perfection and attention to detail. These feature the ProRider manufacturer demands are what adds to its perfection.
Get a closer look at the details and the product by clicking here:
Buy from Amazon
Weaver Horse Western BETA BIOTHANE BITLESS Bridle SIDEPULL REINS Teal Headstall
The next ProRider Western Bitless Bridle is a sidepull bridle and the perfect choice for training a rider. This classic item design is from biothane materials that allow the harness to be durable, easy to clean, and extra flexible.
Check out these features that add to this item:
- Wide Padded Noseband and Browband for Ultra Comfort
- Stainless Steel Hardware
- Split Reins that are 5/8 inches wide and 7 ½ inches in length
- Full and is a Stunning Teal Color
While the descriptions are simple and straightforward, the performance is everything a rider could look for in a Bridle. Learn more, see photos, and order you one today by clicking here:
Buy from Amazon
Royal King Leather Flat Nose Side Pull
Royal King Leather is a leader in all Bitless Bridles. That means this item is a best-seller and got the title for consistency, durability, and endurance. This particular Royal King Leather Flat Nose Side Pull Bridle has a 5/8-inch leather headstall as well as a flat leather nose.
Choosing the best bitless bridle must fit comfortably on your horse so that it does not cause pain, discomfort, or miscommunication. This Bitless Bridle does all that and more.
Features:
- Light Oil
- Measurements are 15 ½ inch Browband, 17 inch Ring to Ring that is Adjustable from 29 inches to 33 inches.
- Durable leather
- Provides Consistency, Durability, and Endurance
This Bitless Bridle is everything and more of what you would expect from the Royal Kingmaker. Take a more in-depth look and this item as well as order yours safely and securely by clicking here:
Buy from Amazon
English Leather Crossover/Crossunder Bitless Bridle Headstall with Reins
This English Leather Crossover Bitless Bridle Headstall and Reins is at the top of the league. The action you will have with this Bridle is fundamentally different from other Bitless Bridles. This item is subtle but straightforward with two loops. One is over the poll and the other over the nose.
This particular Bridle is the star of the show as it embraces the entire head. You can consider it as giving the rider a generous headlock with the horse. Unlike the method of control and the bit, this Bridle works well with the functional needs of your horse at exercise time.
The best part is it does not frighten or scare the horse which is a big deal. It also does not interfere with your horse like the bit. Plus, your horse can stride and breathe freely.
One other perk to this item is it does not injure or frighten the horse. It does not interfere, as does the bit, with the horse’s ability to breathe and stride freely. Check out these features:
- Best Quality Leather Bitless Bridle with Leather Rein
- Soft Leather padded Brow and Nose Band
- The Materials are High-Quality Stainless-Steel Hardware and Leather
- Top-Quality Artistry
- Available in Black, Tan, and Brown
Get to know this product a bit better (pun intended) by clicking here:
Buy from Amazon
There you have the five top Bitless Bridles available to buy today. Hopefully, you were successful in finding the right Bridle for yourself and your horse.
How is Riding With a Bitless Bridle Different?
Most people when they hear about a Bitless Bridle wonder what the secret is that makes the horse respond. Their second question is, how is it possible to ride a horse without the control of a bit in the horse’s mouth?
Riding your horse with a bit seems typical to most folks, and the history behind bits go back many years. While most find it baffling how a horse can go from a bit to a Bitless Bridle successfully, more and more are making the change.
Horses train easily for a rider without the use of a bit whatsoever or a headstall either. The main downside to this is the horse having limits to the things it can do, such as a trail ride. If you have a horse and your goal is to be a show ring horse, the Bridle matters.
The horse will need to train heavily to respond and carry the proper bit. At first, a bit can cause problems with the horses’ teeth that lead to further issues. Many riders prefer for their horse to use a bit for several reasons.
However, thanks to modern equipment and advanced education, many are making the switch to Bitless.
*Writer’s Note*
If you just ride your horse around the farm or out on trails, there are no rules and regulations about the bit. Most riders feel safer when using the Bitless Bridle for the sake of the horse itself.
The main reason riders are switching to Bitless is to give the horse the freedom it needs to drink and eat grass without the need to remove the Bridle. That makes the horse feel more at ease whether It is on a trail or a ride through the fields.
It is vital that the horse has access to water at all times to prevent dehydration.
FAQs:
Q: Is it easier to train the horse with a Bitless Bridle first or a bit until the horse is older?
A: That depends heavily on the horse and the purpose. If you are in the rodeo circuit and plan to use your horse, you may want to train with the equipment you plan to use in competitions.
Q: It seems an item such as a big bit would hurt the horse, is this true?
A: Modern science and technology say, yes. While a horse is a large animals, they have sensitivities to pain. Use common sense when it comes to how well your horse takes to having a heavy bit pressuring its teeth.
Conclusion
Science and technology have introduced so many new facts about horses that reveal the many changes to enhance a horse’s health. Using a Bitless Bridle is just the beginning. Knowing what sport you do with your horse will help determine what equipment is necessary.
If you do choose to use a Bitless Bridle, one of the items in this review will meet your needs. Whichever you prefer, be sure to always think of both your and your horse’s safety at all times.
How did we do? Do you like this guide and review? Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts. While you are here, do us a favor and “like and share” our work to help us continue to grow. We thank you for your time.
