When I come to visit you I bring my selection of bitless bridles. The main thing that I need to know in advance is the size of the horses head. Yeah sometimes this is a challenge if the horse is quite large but so far between myself and the owner we have done well and found the right set up.
When I arrive I ask about you and your horse, why you want to try bitless or why you arent happy with the current bitless. Heres where my experience comes in to see what might work. I do initially start with all horses in a headcollar which I then will attach my clip reins to at the sides of the nose. I like to see how the horse responds to light pressure on each rein.
With all the info from the owner and what Im observing, I will choose a type of bridle to try. Sometimes we can see straight away that the horse really likes this one and is responding well. Sometimes we try another. I like to walk the horse round using the reins (from the ground) and note the response, I like the owner to tell me what is usual and unusual reactions from the horse. Next the owner then does this and if they are happy I get them onboard. Most times the horse is in the best type for them but sometimes its not quite right so we can easily try another. Of course not all horses are ridden but that doesnt mean we cant have a little inhand session to see how they are. This can be very useful for young horses.
Once the owner is happy, I can recommend bridles or websites to visit, I can discuss the materials available, pros and cons, depending what they are preferring. Some people like a more traditional looking bridle and others love some colour and easy maintenance. You can order the bridles yourself or if you want me to you can pay me and Ill order them for you, some people prefer this if they arent confident.
So far these sessions are lasting about 1 1/2 hours but I dont put a time limit on them. Of course Im quite happy to visit again once a new bridle has been purchased, most people are happy and confident to carry on but if not we can organise a back up session or just a bit of online support.
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Through this past year home visits havent really been an option for me. I have however had a couple of online bitless support customers, it takes longer, with a bit of to and fro with emails but can still be effective if you are quite happy and confident to try what I ask and report to me with your findings. Sadly I cant email over the different types to try! Im quite happy to set up a support package though if you are needing help.
The pic above was on delivery of an orbitless noseband where I went to give a back up session and check fit etc. Sometimes we find with the beta noses like this one that as they warm up they sit looser so a person on the ground can be very helpful. This horse was very happy with this set up and the colour gorgeous for him. there is room for maneuvre though and the beauty of an orbitless is that nose chin and reins can be altered to find the best option. The owner also has the option of taking photos and sending them to me for advice.