After putting a lot of thought and research into riding without a bit, we have designed a bitless bridle that embraces the Relationship Riding© philosophy and method of riding horses.

Horses were ridden by man without the use of a bit for centuries. But because man is always on a quest to improve what he already has, bits were introduced into horse's mouths for more control and performance. Riding horses without a bit asks the human to invest time, trust, respect and love into a relationship with an equine. When time, trust, respect and love come in small doses … or run out! … humans need to find other ways of getting what they want. Because they request instant responsiveness and ask for it in a dominating fashion (predatory behaviour), this explains the creation and use of the bit: quick response through pain and fear.

Why ride without a bit? I think the question we should ask ourselves is “Why ride with one”!

Many people start using bits on their horses when they are not yet four years old. At that tender age, horses teeth are still growing and putting any kind of metal object in their mouth will make it very tender and may cause permanent damage.

There are many different types of bitless bridles on the market these days. Basically, these bridles put pressure on and around the horse’s head to “encourage” direction. One of the most important concepts in Relationship Riding© is to leave the horse’s head alone: they do not like to have anyone push, pull, yank or squeeze their heads. We automatically loose the horse’s trust and respect when we do this. Observe horses playing together, or even herding one another. They do not push or pull on each other’s heads. We need to be very aware of this whenever we pick up a lead rope or rein. It doesn't take much to be yanking or pulling the horse in the direction we want it to go in. This will do nothing to convince the horse to follow us and if they pull against it, they will create discomfort and sometimes even pain for themselves (a relationship between horse and human should not be built this way). Horses willingly follow their leader around when proper leadership is showing the way. With this in mind, a bitless bridle should offer the same type of “leading” approach, something that the horse understands and is comfortable with already. The Relationship Riding© Freedom bridle is a tool in the right direction to riding bitless.

KEEP IN MIND : Not all bitless bridels on the market are pain free just because they do not use a bit . Most will put pressure on the sentitive nerves around the horse's nose, especially under the chin. If the bridle you are considering puts pressure in these areas in order to get a response, even if it's a quick "bump and release", you are getting a response through pain and discomfort, not through trust and willingness.The choice is yours.

"BE AWARE" that not all horses are yet ready for a Relationship Riding© Freedom bridle. Some horses will need extra training in order to sensitize them to a gentle feel, especially if they have been pulled and yanked on for some time.

ALSO, this bridle was designed to be used in conjunction with the Relationship Riding© method, i.e. giving your horse direction through your body, not by pulling on reins.

Designed by Barbra-Ann King, EBW and Founder of the Relationship Riding© method. Created by Ed Reno from Ed’s Custom Tarps (Cochrane, Alberta).

Ed Reno brings 40 years of experience to his craft, making custom saddles, bridles, saddle bags, chaps, horse blankets, etc. There was no better person to entrust with this special project! Ed’s input in creating the Relationship Riding© Freedom bridle was priceless and his craftsmanship is well represented in every bridle he makes exclusively for Relationship Riding©.

" No matter how you look at it, bits create pain, or at the very least a great discomfort in a horse's mouth and that's why they respond so quickly to them. In my opinion, that is not a way to have a win-win relationship and friendship with our equine partners. I haven't yet met a horse that couldn't be ridden in a Relationship Riding© Bitless Bridle."

All bridles are made out of high quality leather for durability and beauty.

English style: Headstall only: $175.00 + gst

Western style: Headstall only: $150.00 + gst

Nylon-rope 9' single rein with clips: $35.00 + gst

9' long leather reins, 3/4" wide, with trigger snaps and centre buckle : $55.00

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing away of Ed Reno on Dec. 17, 2006. He was a dear friend and a very talented craftsman. He will be dearly missed."

Please note that the Relationship Riding© Bitless Bridle is now being custom made by Solaria Leather Work