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"I have recently been given the opportunity to test a prototype of a Dr. Cooks bitless driving bridle. I believe, after speaking with a mutual acquaintance, he thought I might be open to testing it as I have been using a rope halter almost exclusively since 2001 for starting colts and retraining problem horses.

I'm happy to say that I was able to successfully hitch a new client's (now friend's) horse that was previously high headed with a habit of ignoring the bit. Not a horse I would trust to get in a cart with. He did have alot of  good qualities; he had no fear of the driving lines, a person walking behind him, sounds of rocks in a bucket, no fear of cars. He gave little reaction to the first pressure applied to the breast collar from pressure added to the traces, as I applied resistance manually via two lead ropes attached to them  (We did do this gradually, then worked up to him pulling a log.) After 5 one hour visits we went off down the road, hitched to a rubber tired, easy entry breaking cart. NO BIT! He was excellent! He stopped beautifully and he's even bringing his head down on his own, as he slowly realizes, he is not going to feel the pain of a bit. ( I chose to go with an open bitless driving bridle as I don't care for blinders/blinkers.)

Dr. Cook was kind enough to give me a bitless bridle for my time in testing the prototype. I have since used it on over 150 horses (updated 08). I believe that well trained respectful horses can make an immediate transition to the bitless with no special training; they absolutely love not having a bit. In working with many problem horses, that have absolutely no respect for their owners,  and have been driving through the bit, jig, buck, rear, etc. I prefer to transition with a hand-tied rope halter, with two clip on reins attached. This allows me to give a more serious correction than the bitless could do, as it is pretty hard to cause any pain with it.

It may sound severe, (not as severe as what they've have experienced with a bit in their mouth.) I am firm but fair when giving these corrections, with quick flick of my wrist to the reins, then an immediate release. Sometimes these bad behaviors; head shaking, refusing to stand to be mounted rearing etc. disappear immediately because many of them are caused by previous cruel treatment to the horses mouth. Even if your hands are soft, the previous riders hands may not have been so kind. Other times it may take two or three sessions for the horse to realize the extreme pain is not going to happen anymore, and will relax/perform better with every bitless ride.

I have thought of this analogy:

Let's say going to the dentist was completely pain free, even with today's technology, I would be a little skeptical, So I  make an appointment. I'd walk in a little stressed, anticipating the pain I have felt before, I sit in the chair and open wide, I am exposing a very sensitive area - my mouth - and see a needle coming to my mouth (bridle no bit).  The dentist (rider) is telling me it's not going to hurt, it's a painless shot. I really don't believe him even though we communicate in the same language! Then the drill starts up, I hang on to the chair tightly, and tense all my muscles, as I am told to relax. Wow, there is no pain, I can finally start to relax. Eventually since I don't experience any pain, I stop tensing, It's amazing how different my attitude will be in the future!

Give your horse a few sessions to realize things are going to be different. Work in a small arena until you are confident you have the same amount of control.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. I'll be happy to give you information over the phone or come out and help you transition to bitless". 

Cathie
(508) 529-4209