Moss Rock Endurance believes that it is important to have enough communication with your horse to handle typical, and sometimes atypical, situations. But using as little force and impedance upon the horse as possible is important to help your horse grow in sophistication of response and ability to function for many hours, wether it be on the trail, instructing new riders, or in a therapeautic riding situation. Going “bitless” can be very comfortable for some horses, but not all take to it and it is not magic, nor does it take the place of training. Distance riders will appreciate helping their horse be able to easily eat on the trail or at vet checks, where riding instructors will be grateful for the flexibility being 'bitless' offers to their horses mouths as students learn.
There are many bitless options and the Freedom Bridle is a way of offering several of them in one package for a reasonable cost. In essence, the Freedom Bridle is simply a lightweight halter with several ways to connect the reins to give different types of cues to your horse – or even a bit if needed. The halter option is one much requested by distance riders. It is nice to be able to tie your horse back at the trailer, on the trail, or hook on a lead rope at vet checks with no “extra” bridle bits flopping around. This is the ultimate halter bridle!
The Freedom Bridle comes with a set of long reins you can attach in a special bitless configuration (total length 11' 6", which is a 9' rein and two bitless setup pieces at either end of rein) that can apply pressure to the nose, cheek, jowl and poll areas. This configuration allows the rider to communicate very subtly with their horse while still direct reining. Closing the fingers of the right hand provides a slight pressure on the opposite cheek, encouraging the horse to turn to the right. Many horses take to this very quickly, others take a little bit of slow easy work. By starting slowly in the arena from the ground usually prevents any problems. A stronger pull on the rein provides a level of poll and noseband pressure. We have seen dressage horses work quite well bitless (during lessons!).
You can also use the bridle as a sidepull. A sidepull provides a direct action on the nose which most horses understand immediately. It is a very simple method of control and quite easy on a mindful trail horse. The Freedom Bridle noseband is very soft and flexible so will not abrade the nose in most cases. A bit or working on a bit-to-bitless transition plan is recommended for constant pullers.
The Freedom Bridle can also be used quite normally with a bit in the extended cheek pieces that form a loop at nose band (although it does work best with bits with a smaller ring or short purchase). The bit is easily removed – no need to deal with clumsy bit hangers. One of our favorite configurations is to use the long/bitless reins and instead of running them through the noseband rings, run through the bit rings. (I call this a combo configuration.) A small tug provides the overall head pressure, while stronger pulling adds a reduced bit action. This is a great method for training from a bit-to-bitless, and we have also used it to train a horse to a bit while determining what bit worked well for the horse. It also works well for the heavy handed rider who doesn’t want to jerk on the bit.
For a typical endurance ride, I put the Freedom Bridle on as halter to trailer to the ride and tie at Ridecamp. Snap a long lead or longe line onto the halter ring for the vet check. Then I may go out for a short warm up ride with the reins set up for the bitless to kind of see where my horse’s head is at and to familiarize her with the surroundings. The next morning I start with a bit in the `combo` configuration knowing that her competitiveness will be at its strongest at the start. By the first vet check I typically remove the bit.
So, the Freedom Bridle isn’t one type of bridle or to be used like any specific other type of bridle. It is what you need it to be! It also comes with a trifold showing various rein arrangements.
Additional notes: The Freedom Bridle has a balanced noseband and does not need to be cranked down as tightly as some other headstalls to keep it from twisting. This is much nicer for trail riding. Also, there is no heavy weight at the connection between rein/cheek straps and the reins, so many gaited horses who are frustrated by the swinging of these rings in other similar bridles are much happier in the Freedom Bridle. The Freedom Bridle is not recommended for horses that fight to run away with their riders – although we have found that some runaways are fighting tack issues such as an uncomfortable bit or a poor fitting saddle and surprisingly end up going very nicely bitless when those issues are addressed.
The included round rein is 9`when used in the bitless rein setup and 11`6" for sidepull or bit mode. (Additional rein length is charged at $2.00/foot.) I have found both of these lengths work well for me. If you don`t think these varying rein length will work for you, just call or e-mail me.
There are some equines that are uncomfortable with the bitless, which is why we provide a money back guarantee within two weeks of receipt. Product MUST be clean and in NEW condition! Original shipping charges are not refunded and a 10% retstocking fee will be applied. PLEASE NOTE: Special custom orders (special sizing, colored overlays, conchos or bling), the guarantee does not apply.
COLOR OPTIONS AND CUSTOM LOOKS!
The Freedom Bridle comes in black, brown, saddle brown, yellow, royal blue, red, hunter green, saddle brown (lighter, reddish brown), hunter orange, pastel green or purple, lime green or violet Beta Biothane. You can specify the width of the nose and brow bands (5/8" or 3/4").
An overlay color in shiny biothane may be selected to dress up the browband and noseband for $12.
Synthetic crystals (on a nickel plated rivet) are extremely popular. We`re offering a light amount of crystals on the brow band for this bridle. Quantity of seven crystals will be used on the brow, and I`ll spread them out evenly. Crystals come in clear, amber, purple, red, light blue, pink and green, turquoise, and a synthetic turquoise stone. Please note crystals cannot be used with an overlay as the stems are too short.
Please note there is a stainles steel charge of $6 due to the high cost of this premier metal.
