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

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. ​

I’m always working towards improving the LightRider products and a chinstrap cover is the latest update.
The new LightRider Chinstrap coveris made from soft neoprene.
This neoprene cover helps keep the buckle more secure, and your horse even more comfortable.
You can use it with the smooth or textured side facing out, and it’s weight assists the chinstrap to release and return to neutral (when light reins are also used).
Neoprene was chosen for it’s softness and is easy to clean and dry.

Extra Padding
It can also be used to pad another part of the bridle like the middle of the noseband, or over the noseband buckle.
They are just AUD$3.00 each with free shipping – get yours now and while you’re there, have a look at the lovely range of LightRider Bitless Bridles like the English Euro below.
​
Why a webbing chinstrap? The main reason is soft webbing bends around the noseband rings when pressure is applied to the reins, and this stops the strap from further tightening.
Most horses don’t appreciate pressure that keeps increasing, so its important to have a point where it stops.
When a horse doesn’t fight pressure they learn to ‘give’ to to the rein for a release of the chinstrap.
If the chinstrap is made of leather or rope, it doesn’t bend around the ring enough to lock, so keeps tightening down on the horse’s nose.
Imagine how that would feel?
It could turn a gentle piece of equipment into a severe one.
You could try it out – have someone put pressure on the reins of your LightRider bitless bridle with your finger under the noseband and another under the chinstrap. You’ll feel most of the pressure is on the top of the nose, with very little under the chin beyond being snug.
This makes the LightRider Bitless Bridles unique in their ability to offer a close, gentle connection that enhances signals for the horse, so you can be lighter with your rein aids.
See how well your horse responds by trying one yourself – you’ve got nothing to lose with a 30 day money back guarantee.
Read what others are saying in the product reviews listed with each bridle in the online store.

Soon LightRider bitless bridles will be available in the Netherlands and Europe. Sarah, (pictured below) will be stocking them and selling via her new website which is almost ready. In the meantime, she's using the bridles and bitless noseband on her beautiful Orient who is featuring in the 'Horses and Hunk' calendar she helps to produce.
​Keep an eye on your inbox for when the Netherlands store is open (make sure you have subscribed in the right column on this page), and in the meantime, if you want to check out the biggest range of LightRider Bridles visit our store that ships worldwide here.
Subscribers receive a 5% discount by using the coupon code LR5.

Horses that dive their heads into grass when you have other ideas, can be frustrating to say the least. 
Sandra Popemma is a positive trainer who has outlined key steps to train your horse to ignore grass, and only eat when you give permission. 
Of course, it pays to ensure your horse has had some food (lucerne/alfafa is good for its neutralising effect) before going out for a ride or training session as that will help stop acid from sloshing around in your horse's gut, causing pain and the need to eat! 
Even a good pick on some green grass beforehand will help, and so here's how to manage that in a positive and effective way. 
How To Teach Your Horse To Ignore Grass. 

"This photo is of our 'standie' mare wearing her new LightRider Performer bridle for the first time. I really wish I had made the investment months ago rather than wasting money on 'off the shelf' bitless bridles. This one is fantastic and to me (a non horsey person) and my eldest daughter it fits very well. The quality and feel of the bridle is fantastic, as was your service." Liz. 

There are three basic products that help to maintain leather tack in good order.   These are saddle soap, cream conditioner and oil.
I recommend Oakwood products because every saddler and leather worker I’ve asked, says they are the best. I’ve also used them personally and am very happy with the results.
The following leather care instructions are by Rick Allen – the Mobile Saddler

Regular Maintenance for Leather
The three main enemies of leather are Water, Heat and Neglect.
Water, particularly if it is hot, melts and removes the natural fats and waxes. Whilst heat dries it out. Neglect will cause a deterioration of leather and stitching which can lead to breakage under strain and a constant risk to the safety of the rider.
There is no set time period for cleaning a saddle, bridle or any other leather tack. It is simply a matter of learning to recognise the visual signs when treatment is needed by the feel of the leather, the conditions under which it has been used and how often.
There are however, a number of do’s and don’ts that must be understood if leather tack is to be maintained in a sound and safe condition.
These are:
• Avoid excessive oiling, particularly saddles. Too frequent oiling opens up the pores in the leather to the extent that the leather becomes dull, lifeless and unattractive in appearance. Over oiling girth points can cause serious stretching, weakness and breakage. An over oiled saddle may become uncomfortable because of stretching and excess oil will spoil the rider’s clothes.
• Never use mineral oils on leather.
• When a saddle or other leather tack has been cleaned, never force dry it in front of the radiator or other heat source. Force drying will make the leather fibres hard and brittle. Restoration to its original condition is almost impossible.
• Do not leave it out in the sun for prolonged periods.
• Regularly check all saddle stitching particularly where girth straps are attached to the saddle, buckles, point pockets and any other stitching that holds the saddle together. Examine the stirrup bars for movement caused by stretching.
• Never oil chrome leather girth points and avoid excessive oiling of vegetable tanned leather.

All other tack should be cleaned thoroughly with saddle soap first.
Bridles: As discussed earlier, take them apart and either cream the grain, oil the flesh or use a wax on both instead.
Reins: Lightly oil flesh side, and cream or wax the grain. Be aware they may become slippery when wet. Cotton or rubber gripped reins may be washed.
Halters/Nosebands: Use cream and oil. Be aware of chrome padding on nosebands – use cream or wax only on chrome leather.
Beta Biothane products: Wipe clean with a wet cloth, using dish detergent if really dirty. Polish lightly with a cloth on which Oakwood Leather Cream has been used. 
Rope Halters/bridles and  Rope reins: These can be placed inside a pillowcase and put in the washing machine. Be sure to remove the metal hardware before washing if you can. 
If you’d like to learn more about caring for tack and saddlery, Rick has a book on Saddlery Care & Maintenance you can download for under $9.
The Natural Horse World Store now stocks Oakwood leather care products – we recommend them for all leather LightRider Bitless bridles.
Come and grab our  special offer: Buy 2 Oakwood products and get a 30ml Oakwood Leather Conditioner as a bonus (while stocks last). Great to keep in your car for last minute boot polishing!