Best bitless bridles to consider if you’re thinking of making the switch

The best bitless bridles are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional bridles. Most bitless bridles look very similar to traditional bridles – with the obvious exception of having a bit – and some styles are legal for use in competition, too.

Bitless bridles are viewed by some as a milder form of control, but they can become harsh in the wrong hands. Whether you’ve ridden bitless for a while or are thinking of making the switch to a bitless bridle it’s worth knowing what types are available and how they work.

Best bitless bridles for making the switch

It’s not the cheapest option, but for horses sensitive in the mouth, this bridle could be a bit of a game changer.

This bitless bridle from Horseware is designed to comfortably fit the shape of the horse’s skull, reducing pressure on sensitive areas. Made from premium leather, it combines comfort with a sophisticated, ergonomic style. It includes a durable, removable leather crossover strap attached to D-rings on the headpiece.

Another option in their range is the Micklem Multibridle, which can be used as a bridle with a bit, lunge cavesson or as a bitless bridle, and so is perfect if you are looking for an all-round bridle.

A good pick if you’re after a straightforward, good-value, multi-functional bitless bridle for everyday use.

It can be used as a sidepull, chin-cross and jaw-cross bridle, which is ideal if you’re trying to find out what type of bitless bridle is best for your horse or you like to use more than one type.

The clips on the strings and reins make it easy to adjust and the shaped headpiece relieves the pressure on the ear canal.

If you’re ready to move into the more premium options, and are looking for a bitless bridle design that can also be used with a bit if required, this is a strong pick.

Featuring the same iconic features as the other Schockemohle bridles in the Equitus range, it is shaped to avoid the facial nerve, spare key blood vessels, and reduce neck pressure.

It’s softly padded with an anatomical headpiece and curved browband to prevent pinching, and includes nylon-reinforced D-rings for reins. Additional cheek pieces are required like these ones to use with a bit.

If you want a leather bitless bridle that offers a refreshing alternative without the premium price tag, look no further than the Waldhausen Star.

This Scawbrig style bitless bridle has a softly padded noseband and is supplied with reins. It acts on the lower jaw and nose, and the chin strap passes through rings on both sides of the noseband to help prevent twisting.

The Dy’on range continues to deliver with this innovative option.

This bitless bridle features an innovative noseband which features two knots to further enhance precision.

It also has an anatomic headpiece and an extra-soft browband, this bridle prioritises the comfort of your horse’s maxillary passages.

If you want a no-fuss bitless bridle that won’t break the bank, this one ticks all the boxes.

It has a padded noseband and browband for comfort, and comes with ¾in leather reins.

If you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable alternative, without the premium price tag this is a strong pick.

This cross-under bridle has a soft padded browband and noseband for extra comfort and an extra-padded ergonomic headpiece that helps to minimise poll pressure. It comes with a pair of rubber sure grip reins.

If you want a bridle that goes beyond basic comfort and shaped by expert design, this one is for you.

It’s designed for maximum comfort and anatomical freedom. It ensures a full field of vision and zero pressure on sensitive neuralgic areas for a happier horse. The sidepull noseband provides gentle and direct communication. Also available with a crystal browband if you like a bit of sparkle.

How do bitless bridles work?

There are five main types of bitless bridle, all of which have a slightly different action:

• cross-under
• hackamore
• bosal
• halter
• side-pull

Instead of applying pressure to parts of the mouth like a traditional bridle, bitless bridles exert pressure on one of more areas of your horse’s head, including the nose, jaw, chin groove, cheek and poll.

Currently, the side-pull and cross-under types are most common. The side-pull is most similar to a bridle with bit – if you give an aid to the left rein, it will feel similar to the left bit ring being pulled.

The jaw-cross and chin-cross bridles work differently – the strings run under the jaw/chin, so your horse experiences a pushing movement against his right jaw/chin when the left rein is pulled.

If you’re looking for more advice, check out our guide to going bitless.

When fitting a bitless bridle, ensure the noseband sits high enough to clear the soft nasal cartilage. If in doubt, seek advice and help from an expert.

Benefits of bitless bridles

There are many reasons that riders try a bitless bridle. Some horses need can’t have a bit due to physical issues in the mouth – this could be anything from broken jaws and melanomas to tongue damage or a small sore.

Some riders explore the option of a bitless bridle when their horse exhibits negative behaviours when ridden, such as headshaking, spookiness, bucking, bolting, head nodding and excessive salivation.

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