Pony Club Australia to allow Bitless Bridles

Young riders at a New Zealand Pony Club event with their pony wearing the LightRider English Bitless bridle.

Pony Club Australia (PCA) are FINALLY starting to move with the times in allowing bitless bridles on a case by case basis for their rallies. 

Only certain types of bridles may be used and it looks like the LightRider Bitless Bridle may be accepted as its very similar to the two bridles approved already  - a crossunder bridle with sliding straps, and a sidepull. 

I'd say the more traditional bridle styles such as the LightRider English, Euro, Dressage, Stockhorse and bitless noseband would be the most likely to be considered acceptable going by the styles not permitted eg. bosals, rope bridles, hackamores and crossunder bridles with no release (Nurtural). 

I hope lots of Pony Club members apply and it becomes an option that is not even blinked at in the future!
I know I've had many queries about whether bitless bridles can be or ever will be used in Pony Clubs, and frustration from many who found that until now, they weren't allowed.  

From the feedback I've received from parents with children riding bitless, its been the best thing for them and their ponies/horses as they learn the riding skills and gain an independent seat. 

​This is the news that appeared in the PCA February 2018 Newsletter: 

The National Coaching Committee (NCC) has considered the use of bitless bridles over the past 12 months.
There is sufficient evidence that bitless bridles work very well and the PCA Board believes it is important that Pony Club policies keep pace with evidence.
In some cases there are veterinary grounds for their use.
Pony Club members are under supervision at rallies which gives the rider a good opportunity to evaluate the suitability of the bridle.
In consultation with the NCC, the PCA board has decided that approval for use of bitless bridles should be granted on a case-by-case basis for the member and the specified horse for use at rallies.
The approval form can be found on the website, with final approval given by the Zone Chief Coach or equivalent. PCA will monitor take-up of this option by riders, however states should welcome these applications and assess them on their merits. B

Here is the link to apply to use a Bitless Bridle if you are a PCA Member. 
http://www.ponyclubaustralia.com.au/Resources/BitlessBridles.aspx

---

A young Australian rider who would be very happy to be able to attend pony club in their LightRider Bitless bridle.