Freedom Riding Articles, a.k.a. F.R.A., takes you along for a relaxing ride. Respect, trust, listening and watching are the basis in every exercise with your horse. This week we will highlight category 3 of the F.R.A. bitless diagram.
F.R.A. has developed a bitless riding diagram to help you decide which type of riding suits you best. The diagram has 5 categories, the first category gives you the least possible influence on your horse and the fifth the most. When using tack labeled with category 3 this means you give your horse aids by use of pressure on the nose and cheeks as well as with direct rein contact.
Influence
There are two types of tack suitable for category 3: the sidepull, or rope halters.
It's all in the name: sidepull. When you open your hand and bring it away from the neck it will literally pull your horse sideways and thus force it to turn. When squeezing softly 3rd category bridles will put pressure on the nose resulting in change of pace or a complete halt.
Bridles with a sidepull system are also suitable for lunging. A lunging strap can be attached to the rein rings; when lunging with a double lunge line or pessoa the same rings should be used.
The bitless bridle F.R.A. Pardoesis a Category 3 bridle available at Epplejeck.. It is made from supple, black leather and has direct rein contact (sidepull). The bridle including reins costs €74,50.
Rope halters have a similar function. Low rein attachment improve the aids. Contrary to sidepull bridles, rope halters are not suitable for lunging.
Epplejeck offers two rope halters with a Category 3 label: Rope halter F.R.A. Babia and Rope halter F.R.A. Pablo Profi 7mm. Rope halter Babia is a ride and raining halter made from
8mm thick cotton. This halter puts pressure on nsoe and cheek for increased influence during groundwork. Rope halter Babia is available in red and green for €9,95. Deluxe rope halter Pablo is suitable for riding and training and has leather padding under noseband and head piece. This padding slightly reduces the pressure and thus the influence compared to rope halter Babia. Rope halter Pablo is available in two sizes: pony (black rope) and full (black/white rope) for €17,95.
Positioning
As with all bitless bridles, the nose band should be positioned on the nasal bone. The chin strap for the sidepull system can be attached to your liking as long as it is not too tight. This is to prevent twisting of the bridle.
Is Category 3 suitable for you?
The sidepull bridle and rope halters use direct rein contact and are thus relatively easy to use for beginners as well as advanced riders. The combination of light contact and its use is especially suited for sensitive horses, hot-blooded horses and younger horses. These bridles are great to use on long trail rides and treks.
Did we tickle your fancy and are you looking to try bitless riding? Check out these Category 3 bridles now:
Author: Wilde Äcker vof, Jan Edixhoven