Frequently Asked Questions


What is the main difference between the Light Rider and other bitless bridles?
The Light Rider Bitless is closer in design to a side-pull bitless than the cross-under style bitless bridles. Its unique sliding chinstrap provides the control and most importantly the release from pressure when you loosen the rein.
The Light Rider is also more comfortable than many bitless bridles as is has no tight straps, allowing the horse freedom to eat, drink and yawn without you having to undo anything. It also converts quickly and easily to a halter for leading, lungeing, tailing and ground play.

What is the difference between the Stockhorse and English styles?
The stockhorse style has a ring head so the browband and headpiece rotate to find the most comfortable postion for each horse. It also has extra padding under the headpiece.
The Stockhorse style has brass fittings while the English style has stainless steel generally (The Standard English has brass fittings while the Deluxe English has stainless steel), although either can be made to order with different fittings.
The English style bridle allows the browband to be removed for changing to a different size (helpful if your horse has a broad or particularly narrow forehead) or for using your own fancy browband.

How does the chinstrap release work?
The chinstrap is not fixed solid to any part of the bridle. It is kept in place by the noseband rings not allowing the chinstrap rings to fit through them.
It is adjustable via a small buckle underneath that when fitted correctly, allows only 2cm of chinstrap either side to be pulled through the noseband rings when pressure is applied to the reins.

The release works by the chinstrap sliding back through the noseband rings. This happens when the horse moves it's jaw (chewing or yawning), and when the rein is relaxed.
The amount of release can be small but still provides the horse with relief from pressure. Due to the nature of the nylon material the chinstrap is made from, it gets to a point where it won’t over-tighten, and slides readily over the smooth noseband rings.

It is important to use light reins and clips so there is no heavy weight keeping the tension on the chinstrap. I sell those to match the bridles, although many people choose to use their own too.

The chinstrap’s main purpose is to keep the noseband from sliding around the head when you activate the reins. It also provides a small amount of leverage that assists in the control of the horse should it push against the pressure.

Can I use this bridle like a side-pull?
Yes you can. All you need to do is adjust the noseband and chinstrap a little firmer so it doesn’t twist or bulge when you use the reins. If you use it like this be aware that eating or yawning with the bridle on will be restricted or not as comfortable as when the chinstrap is used and the noseband can fit 2 fingers underneath.
Some horses may transition better with it used as a side-pull first for short periods then the reins can be re-connected to the chinstrap when they are used to the feel of the chinstrap.

Will the Bitless Noseband fit on my Parelli Bridle?
Yes, the noseband will fit onto most bridles provided the cheekstraps (where the bit attaches) can fit through a 2cm (1") slot. Keep in mind that the cheekstraps may need to be adjusted up a hole or two from where you would have them for a bit.

Can I use my own reins with this bridle?
Yes, you can use any lightweight rein. Heavy rope reins will keep some pressure on the chinstrap so for good release, the reins should be lightweight like thin leather, cotton webbing, biothane or 10mm rope like the Light Rider reins.
I recommend you attach the reins to rein clips so they can be easily unclipped from the chinstrap rings to then lead/tail your horse.

Do the reins come in different lengths?
Yes they do - the length matches the size of the bridle chosen but if you would like to choose a different size, please add this to the comments when purchasing.
The lengths are: Mini - 1.9m, Small pony - 2.2m, Pony - 2.4m, Cob/medium - 2.5m, Full/Large - 3.0m, Warmblood/X-large - 3.5m.

Will my reins fit onto the rein clips?
Yes, the rein clips you buy from me have a wide enough loop for most reins - but not rein leathers (slobber straps). These would add too much weight to the chinstrap, keeping it from releasing correctly.

Will the rein clips come undone in the bush or if the horse rubs?
It is unlikely that the standard ‘trigger’ or ‘scissor’ type rein clips will come undone while you are riding, especially if the trigger is faced inwards.
You would have to be pushing through some very think scrub for this to happen, and then it would be very unlikely for both clips to come undone at the same time. While you have one rein attached to the bridle, you can always stop your horse buy turning, bending to a stop or disengaging the hindquarters. There is a small possibility the clip could open when the horse rubs it’s head on something but unlikely if there was no pressure on the rein at the time. You can always change the style of clip if you are concerned about the reins clips accidentally opening.

How long will it take for my horse to transition to bitless if I have not used a bitless bridle before?
It depends on each individual horse and the amount of education they have had.
Most horses with a good solid foundation of being able to turn, stop and back up from all paces willingly, will take one or two sessions to get used to the different pressure.
A horse that has been ridden in a bit with a chinstrap previously, will understand the pressure quickly and knows to ‘give’ in response to chinstrap pressure so will transition very easily.
A horse that has been ridden in a rope halter or hackamore will transition quite quickly unless they are so sensitive to pressure that the chinstrap bothers them.
If you prepare your horse well (see the article I’ve written on How To Transition To a Bitless Bridle) then the transition time will be smooth and minimal. Often its more about the confidence you need to gain as you let go of the fear that it takes a piece of metal in the mouth to control a horse.
Sometimes, if a horse has had problems with the bit, the horse will respond so well that those problems disappear and the transition will be almost instant.
As with anything new, please proceed with small steps and check that you have control/obedience on the ground and then at all paces while riding and in different situations before going with others or out on the open trail.

Does the bitless bridle offer as much control as a bridle with a bit would?
From my experience, bitless bridles offer just as much control as a bit, and this is backed up by the feedback I'm getting from other riders that you can read on the Testimonials page. There is also a lot of feedback for better control bitless on other websites such as www.bitlessbridle.com.

However, any piece of equipment is no substitute for good education so keep on learning and stay safe by testing out the bitless bridle with simulated 'surprises' in an enclosed area before venturing out on trail rides.

Personally, I think horses are easier to control when they don't have pain (from a bit) distracting them from what you're asking them to do.
I've ridden plenty of horses who have been out of control in a bridle so I believe it's not the equipment you use but the education and relationship you have with your horse that will give you control.

Photo: (by Matt Bennett) - "I felt that I had good control with Roy at the beach as naturally being very fit at this stage he was in a hurry on the ride back and I was able to keep him at a reasonable speed easily."
Pauline Goodwin, Tasmania.

"I was having real trouble with my 20yr old mare, Chloe accepting any bit whatsoever. She absolutely hated being ridden with a bit, tossing her head, not listening to the rein aids etc. We tried just a halter but there was no one rein stop and she just pulled through your hands and left me with not much control at all.

After chiro and dentist visits, Merry suggested we try your bitless bridle and after one session in the round yard to get used to it the difference is amazing! No tossing the head, she listens to the lightest of aids, she is easier to handle, has emergency brakes and most of all she is happy. She enjoys being out on the trail. She even cantered for the first time for me the other day and loved it.

Thankyou for designing this product. I can't believe the control and how much better I feel riding her now that she is happy. Personally I have ridden horses that accept the bit happily but still didn't feel as in control as I do riding with the bitless bridle. Thankyou again," Jenny Keenan. Tasmania.

Can I retro-fit my own rope bridle with a chinstrap & do you sell those separately?
Unfortunately, no. Most ‘riding halters’ that have rings on the noseband don’t have rings large enough to allow the chinstrap to slide through properly for the release. So no, we don’t sell the chinstrap separately unless you need a replacement for a worn one.

How much pressure is there on the nose and the chin?
When you tighten the reins, the majority of the pressure is on the nose. The chinstrap tightens to a point that keeps the noseband firmly in place. The particular webbing and the design used in the chinstrap stops it from over-tightening.

Can the chinstrap and amount of pressure be adjusted?
Yes the chinstrap can be adjusted and should be to where you can fit two fingers underneath so that it doesn’t slip through the rings by more than an inch or 2cm either side. The amount of pressure is adjusted by the amount you put on the reins. The nice part is whenever that pressure is released or relaxed, the chinstrap corresponds.

Is this style of bridle more suited to any particular use or horse?
The rope range of Light Rider Bridles are suited to ‘heavier’ or ‘pushier’ horses and the Biothane range is suited to more sensitive, responsive horses.
The more comfortable a horse is and the more release they get (so it also depends on how much the rider 'hangs' onto the reins) the more sensitive they become.
The feedback I’ve had from many Light Rider users is that horses who don’t respond to the cross-under style bitless bridles, seem to like the release and comfort offered by the Light Rider Bitless bridle.
The Biothane English, Western and Stockhorse style bridles are more suited to events such as Adult riding groups, pony club (if allowed), showjumping/cross country, dressage (where allowed), show classes and endurance.

The rope Light Rider Bridles (Natural and Performer) are more suited to pleasure, starting young horses, trail riding, endurance (eager horses), kid’s ponies and working horses (can be tied securely with the bridle on.)

Can the bridle be used for dressage, and riding with constant contact?
Yes the Light Rider Bridle will allow you to use contact, just as you do with the bit - which is one of the main reasons I designed it.

It’s the same as with a bit though - you need to 'give' a little in your contact as soon as the horse gives, otherwise, as with a bit, your horse will learn to lean and resist.
In the beginning, I would give by releasing the contact altogether (open your whole hand and release some rein).

It’s best to start the same way as if you were using a bit - only having contact/collection for very short periods and gradually building it up.
Collection is not about achieving a 'headset' so when your horse is ready and balanced, this will come from self carriage.

Sometimes, a sensitive horse will ‘overbend’ when contact is held, both in a bit and a bitless bridle so be sure to take up the contact softly and give release frequently.

Do you sell the Light Rider Bridle outside of Australia?
Yes we certainly do. The bridles can be shipped all over the world from Australia at present if purchased from my online shop. There is an extra postage charge.
In the near future, there will be saddlery stores and other online shops stocking the Light Rider Bridles worldwide and these stockists will be listed on this website when available.
If you would like to stock the Light Rider range please enquire about my trade prices.

What is the purpose of the keeper from the noseband to the throatlatch?
The 'Connector Strap' enables a lead rope or rein to be attached for leading, lungeing or groundwork. It goes back to the throatlatch to share the pressure between the noseband and transfer some to the poll, like a halter. It can be removed if you wish, but you never know when you may have to lead your horse with the bridle on. It works better to lead from the ring on the connector strap, than while the reins are attached to the chinstrap which would put conflicting pressure under the chin (that indicates stop!).

What is biothane synthetic leather?
Hi-tech polymers are laminated around nylon for a leather look but many more advantages:
It is stronger than leather, lightweight, easy to clean and comfortable on the horse.

What is the difference between the Regular and Deluxe Beta Biothane bridles?
They work exactly the same and look similar, the only difference being the Deluxe bridles have extra stitching on the headpiece to match the cheekpieces and are hand made by a professional saddler in Tasmania, Australia.

The Regular Biothane bridles are made from the same quality Beta Biothane manufactured in the USA, but the bridles are made in India by one of the best quality controlled manufacturers. India and China make 90% of the horse tack now sold around the world.
Both Deluxe and Regular bridles have quality stainless steel (English style) or brass (Stockhorse style) hardware.

The Regular Biothane bridle received 5 stars for quality in a test by Cinch Magazine - see the "LightRider Bridle passes tests with exellence' report here.

What are the reasons to have a rope bridle versus leather/biothane bridle?
The main benefits of a rope bridle versus the leather/tradtional style is that it's probably more comfortable for the horse (lighter and less restrictive around the nose) and you can tie solid with it like a regular rope halter.
They also come with reins included in the price that are lightweight and can be used as a leadrope too (not for tying though as the clip will break under pressure) - although it you remove the clips then you can tie solid with the rein.

So if you do a lot of trail or endurance riding I'd reccommend the rope Natural or Performer for versatility and comfort.

Will a sensitive horse flip or raise it's head in reaction to the pressure under the chin?
T he chinstrap actually doesn't put a lot of pressure under the chin at all - in fact it just 'snugs' up against the jaw and doesn't continue to tighten when you apply more rein pressure - it just puts more pressure onto the nose.

The soft nylon webbing used for the chinstrap bends tightly around the noseband ring and therefore transfer the pressure to the nose rather than the chinstrap.
I have tested this numerous times and you can even feel this when you have the bridle on the horse if you put your fingers under the chinstrap and pull on both reins.

However, a sensitive horse may react to the chinstrap initially if it isn't used to the feel of something under the jaw so if your horse hasn't been ridden in a bit with a curb chain then this could be the case.

What I've found, is they generally accept the feel if you start off using the bridle as a straight sidepull by clipping the reins to both chinstrap and noseband rings.
That way, there is a little bit of feel there when you use the rein and they get used to that fairly quickly - then you can clip the reins just onto the chinstrap rings so that you get the best stability and communication from the bridle.

The chinstrap is not designed to be a leverage device - it simply provides a way of keeping the noseband from sliding around, and engages the contact more evenly around the nose so a lighter signal can be used that is ultimately clearer to the horse.

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