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Bitless Bridles are moving on up!

30/7/2018

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LightRider Bitless bridles approved for dressage competition in the Netherlands

PictureSarah Joosten riding Orient in the LightRider Bitless Bridle.
Official news - Sarah Joosten reports: the KNHS (Dutch Sports Federation) approved the bitless LightRider Bridle so it can be used as a bitless bridle at competitions in the Netherlands!
Bitless Bridles have been accepted for official dressage at the lower levels in the Netherlands since April 2014.
If you're in Europe and want to try a LightRider Bitless bridle, check out Sarah's websites: www.Equi-Focus.nl or www.Equi-Focus.com

Bitless Ambassadors Rewarded

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A new initiative to reward bitless riders for competing successfully has just been launched.  'Why Not Bitless: Rosettes for Bitless Ambassadors" is being sponsored by 4 of the major bitless bridle companies (LightRider, Transcend, Circle X and Orbitless) to raise awareness of the achievements of bitless riders worldwide.
Bitless Riders who compete using genuine modern bitless bridles (that blend in with regular bitted bridles) are eligible for an Ambassador rosette when they win or place in approved mainstream equestrian events such as dressage, eventing, jumping, endurance, showing, working equitation, driving, western reining etc. (no rodeo or racing for eg.).
A list of acceptable events is being drawn up and will be published on the website www.whynotbitless.org as soon as it goes live.
This international campaign will raise awareness, be good PR with the equestrian associations and bitted riders, support the bitless riders and allow optimum media opportunities in individual countries as rosettes are rewarded.
It may also encourage other clubs, shows and organisations to allow bitless bridles when they see entries from bitless riders could boost their event numbers.
Here's how to enter: 
From 1st June to 31st December 2018 Rosettes will be awarded to any bitless competitor for a win or a placing in a genuine modern bitless bridle* - one rosette per person per show.
Post your best picture from the event, with your rosette or certificate, with details of the event, date, and organiser, on the FaceBook page “Why Not Bitless: Rosettes for Bitless Ambassadors” 
Please supply your address by Private Message to Sue Thomas until the website goes live for a formal entry. 
A beautiful Rosette will be sent to you, then you need to take a picture with your horse wearing the new Bitless Ambassador rosette.
WNB Rosettes will not be awarded & pictures will not be accepted if the horse is BTV (behind the vertical) or if the horse is in clear distress, or if the tack is causing discomfort.
Each bridle manufacturer sponsoring this initiative will also award a year-end prize for the best win in their bridle so let's see your entries posted soon!
*no rope, shanked hackamores, copies or other harsh bridles.

Your Bitless Story competition

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What’s YOUR Bitless story? Have you gone bitless with your horse? What were the challenges, and what have you accomplished? We’d LOVE to hear! Send in your story for a chance to win YOUR CHOICE* of these great prizes:
- 40” Equi-Spirit™ Ultimate Cordura Ball from Equi-Spirit Toys.
- Missy Wryn All-In-One Bitless Bridle and DVD set.
- Star Wheel Hackamore from The Horse's Hoof.
- LightRider Bitless Noseband in Leather.
​

*Prizes: 1st Place will receive their choice of 2 prizes from above! 2nd Place will receive their choice of the 2 remaining prizes, and 3rd place receives the final prize.
All 3 receive a 2-year subscription to The Horse’s Hoof Magazine, and their story published in next issue!
Suggested story length: between 600-2000 words, and include at least 2 photos. The story can be text or a doc file. Save photos as jpeg and email all to editor@thehorseshoof.com - include your full name, contact info, and your horse’s name. By entering this contest, you agree to give permission to The Horse’s Hoof to publish your material. Thank you for supporting bitless horses!
Hurry, the deadline for Contest submissions is August 31, 2018!
All winners will be announced in our next issue, Fall #72.
Click here for PDF flyer with instructions: http://thehorseshoof.com/pix2/BitlessContest.pdf

We get so many testimonials like this - Go Bitless! 

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"I just wanted to let you know that I received the bridle and love it! My horse Blue also loved it. We went out on a big bush trek (after test driving the bridle in the round pen of course). I could feel he was much happier in himself and so responsive to the feel and listening to my seat and legs.
I'd been having trouble with him resisting the bit and not listening to other aids so the bridle went down a treat."
Hallie in New Zealand.

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Pony Club Australia to allow Bitless Bridles

7/3/2018

6 Comments

 
PictureYoung 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

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

How to Clean Rope Halters and Bitless Bridles

3/11/2017

1 Comment

 
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The best way to clean your rope bitless bridles or rope halters is actually in the washing machine!
You can also use this method to clean most other types of synthetic tack such as biothane or nylon halters, girths, reins and breastplates.
All you need are some pillowcases with string ties or mesh bags that you generally use for washing delicates in, along with biodegradable washing powder.
To remove serious stains,  give them a light rub down with a mix of 4 parts warm water and 1 part eucalyptus oil.
You could also put a few drops of eucalyptus oil into the machine before filling if you have a horse with infectious skin problems, or use the gear on a range of horses. This natural oil has an anti-bacterial and cleansing action.
  1. Remove the clips and put the reins in a mesh bag or pillowcase tied at the top.
  2. For a rope halter that doesn’t have a stitched Fiador knot (large one under the chin), place a rubber band above and below the knot so it doesn’t come undone with the washing machine action, and put them in another mesh bag or pillowcase. The LightRider Rope Bridles have their fiador knot stitched through so you won’t need to worry about securing them.
  3. Put the bags in your top or front load machine and wash on a warm/cold cycle (never hot) using a biodegradable washing powder. The delicates cycle is best. Never use bleach! And there’s no need to use a fabric conditioner – it will make the rope too soft and floppy.
  4. Hang out to dry on a line – do not dry in a tumble dryer!
  5. The noseband padding on the Performer bridle is made from a synthetic anti gall material so there’s no need to treat it with anything. It’s a good idea to wipe the sweat off this regularly so it stays in good condition.
If you’d rather not to use a washing machine, you can simply hand wash the bridle or halter without the need to use mesh bags. Soak in cold or warm water for at least an hour then use a small scrubbing brush or a nail brush to clean off the sweat and dirt.
Regular cleaning will keep your rope tack looking great, smelling sweet and make it last a whole lot longer!
For instructions on how to clean your leather horse tack click here. ​
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    Hi, I'm Cynthia Cooper - inventor of the LightRider Bitless Bridle.
    My other website is www.naturalhorseworld.com where I have hundreds of articles on Natural Horse Care, Hoofcare and Horsemanship, along with  my monthly News Blog. 

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