Freedom Riding Articles, a.k.a. F.R.A.® shows us a world of respect, trust, listening and watching. Four principles which are the key to understanding your horse. This time they´ll introduce the bitless riding system. The system is divided in 5 categories. Today´s blog is about category 5.
The bitless riding system is a system consisting of 5 categories. Items from category 1 extend the least influence whereas products from category 5 extend the most. Category 5 extends pressure on the nose, cheek and the neck and jaw by means of the crossed reins.
Design
The leather, cook noseband of these bridles has a ring on both sides through these rings runs a supple
leather strap via chin and jaws to the neck. The reins are attached on both sides of this strap. You can adjust the cheek straps and crossed reins on the left side of the bridle. The straps are softly padded to protect the neck area and they are easily adjusted by sliding them to ensure both sides are equal. A chin strap keeps the bridle in place.
Position
The noseband should be positioned on the nasal bone, as with all bitless bridles. The noseband should never put pressure on the soft part of the nose, best is to position it on the start of the nasal bone. The chinstrap can be tightened but should never constrain the horse. When tightened correctly it should prevent the bridle from twisting round. Due the bridle´s design the cheek straps of crossed rein bridles may round a little during use. Don´t worry, this is perfectly normal and does not have an impact on the effect of the bridle.
Aids
The crossed reins result in pressure on the left jaw when applying pressure on the right rein and vice versa. This is how you can perform turns. When putting pressure on both reins equally the horse feels pressure on the nose, jaw and neck: this allows for changes in pace. In order to guarantee a correct transference of aids it is vital the leather of the bridles is maintained properly. Read all about bridle maintenance right here.
Suitability
Bridles which fall in category 5 are suitable for sensitive and less sensitive horses in every discipline. The delicate influence of the bridle makes it very suitable for dressage and offers increased opportunities for horses that are less sensitive. The bridle can thus also be used for driving. It should not be used instead of a halter, however.
Epplejeck has several Category 5 bridles in their product range:
Author: Jan Edixhoven, Wilde Äcker vof