Thanks for the input.  I wrote the folks at Bitless Bridle, too.  Carole wrote me back and said they have a prototype side check that attaches to the BB that they will send to me to try out if I can figure out how to attach it. I told her I will give it a good field test and take lots of pictures.  Sounds like a plan to me!  I'll keep the group posted. ( My poor ponies are dry-lotted due to a nearly fatal founder that wound the Shetland up in a local rescue shelter before I found him on Petfinder; thus. they feel seriously grass-deprived.  I refuse to tackle that issue with a tug-o-war with a chain under their chins). 

Jo in WA

Cathie Hatrick-Anderson <cathieanderson@verizon.net> wrote:

--- In bitlessbridle@yahoogroups.com, "jo_medema" <jo_medema@...> wrote:
>
> I'm in NW Washington State just now starting to ground drive my mini
> and Shetland. I use open Dr. Cook bridles that have no crownpiece
> rings to run side checks through, and I prefer not to use the
> blindered bridle. Does anyone else here drive with an open Dr. Cook
> BB that has figured out how to attach side checks? It is a huge issue
> when working the ponies on the grass. After rigging up an awkward
> sash cord version I was able to experience what great ponies they can
> be. Ideas?
> Jo
>Hi Jo, At first I used baling twine, for side checks, but that looks chessy, so I went to a harness maker, dropped off my bitless bridle and had him make me an overhead check rein. Alot easier than adding rings to make a side check.
It is pretty easy to slip in on, I used the beta bridle for my driving bridle but the check is made of leather to match the rest of the harness. You can see a pictue of it under photo's Bobcatfarm, the last photo in that album shows the check rein, it's hanging down, but at least when she is driven over grass she will be discouraged from taking a bite.

Good luck!

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