--- In bitlessbridle@yahoogroups.com, "Dawn" <4sweet.feet@...> wrote:
>
> Hi to all:
>
> I am a natural trimmer and recently have returned to padded boots for Welcome Aboard!
> riding only, based on some new research. My saddle of choice is a
> Balance which my horse actually chose! So now...what's left but to go
> bitless on my 8 year old OTTB whom I began riding in July, 2006. I
> trail ride over a gazillion acres of protected land, state parks and
> richie estates in Delaware...thus some interest in BRAKES!
>
> My first trial with the Dr. cook was not good...rearing, tantrums. I
> had been riding without any noseband previously and if I understood
> the directions correctly I have the noseband buckled lightly on the
> cartilage of the nose.
>
> So on the next try, I moved the Dr. Cook noseband higher so it was
> definitely on the bone and not cartilage. For my tastes it is too
> tight as I like to put two fingers in but its borrowed so I dare not
> add a hole. (Sunny actually has a smallish head so this tightness is
> curious) The buckle could have been rubbing and caused too much pain on his lower jaw, since it may have been overtightened as well.
>
> The second response wasn't as violent, but any amount of pressure
> (and trust me I default to riding on the buckle probably more than I
> should) lead to head tossing.
Some horse respond like yours as a result of pressure they are not accustom to, in a totally different area. When I get a response like this, ie rooting, head tossing, pulling on my hands, whatever you want to call it. I give a very sharp correction (quick half-halt, see saw on the reins) essentially- I jerk back.  I am saying to the horse, "Listen, I am not pulling on you, don't pull on me."

My own filly had that same reaction (head tossing) when I had first asked her to rein back, (she was only just started under saddle) she doesn't do it any more, only did it a couple of times then quit. (she had never been ridden in a bit) Our new Oldenburg (trained to second level dressage- not by me) went excellent in the bitless, except for backing up. Now he didn't back up with the bit mind you when I test rode him.  So when he rooted under saddle, and really flung his head up high when I tried it in the bitless, I did just as I desribed above, then waited for the slightest try, and rewarded with a immediate release
I also did this from the ground, held the reins of the bitless, maintained steady pressure, which he just pushed into - I am told by many of my dressage clients "Dressage horses, are not supposed to back up, till second or third level
So to help I also hold a rubber bat in front of his chest, and make a motion for him to back up, as I am holding steady pressure on reins, 1, 2,  if he hasn't moved one step by the count of 3 he gets nailed with the bat in his chest,(One tap) he then backs up, although he is a little indignant, offended, surprised, becuase he was going to sleep resting into the pressure I release! I did this several times, now he backs like a charm! Under saddle too!
>
> This afternoon I tried a relaxed bareback walk looking for a little
> grass and there was no resistance on the few times I had any contact.
>
> Up 'til now I have worked on the ground and mounted using the one
> rein riding techniques of John Lyons and Alex Kurland(clicker) using
> a Happy Mouth French link in the winter and a KK French Link in the
> warm weather.
>
> I have not yet tried the padded noseband that attaches to the check
> straps and has rings for reins which someone lent me.
>
> Kindly advise on options and alternatives. I do need to ride in a
> light frame from time to time for back development, but other than

I do have very light contact when I ride those few horses that take a few moments to "get it" I do many easy cirlcles, giving mini releases for bringing their head in the direction I am turning.

                           Good luck, I think youu will be fine
> that, I am happy for him to find his space. Except for the occasional
> leap/buck of joy, he is pretty calm leaving home and he knows that he
> must walk on the return...albeit pretty darn fast.
>
> Thanks in advance for any assistance, advise or insight. His teeth
> have been done by a traditional dentist but I hope to see Spencer
> LaFlure this spring if he comes to our area.
>