My name is Barbara, and I live just outside of St. Louis, MO. I use
the Bitless Bridle on all my horses. I have a wide variety from an
OTQH to a Danish WB to a QH hunter to a MFT. I had a gorgeous Belgian
Draft that I had to euthanize on July 21. Mac did fine in the BB
unless it was a cold winter's day, and he was around other horses.
Then I had to go to a Kimberwicke. My OTQH goes bitless unless it's a
cold winter's day and we are doing a hunter pace. Then I use a French
Link. They would get too strong in the BB in those cases, and I had
to resort to a bit for control.

I recently got a 16 y/o Shire gelding, who is VERY green. I mean
GREEN. He's been a pasture pet for all his life, and now I'd like to
ride and possibly drive him. I've tried bits on him but it's just
such a struggle, so this morning I made up my mind to only use my
draft size BB on him. Why pick a fight before we start? He's clearly
telling me he doens't like the bit, so I must listen.

Since I've never started a green horse before, I'd appreciate any
advice. I'm comfortable and familiar with in hand work, and ground
driving. We did ride in the BB a few weeks ago, and when using an
opening rein, he'd turn his head yet still keep walking straight.
He's smart, sweet and eager to please. I don't want to mess him up.

Of course my classical dressage trainer is telling me that I can be
more precise with my aids if I use a bit, but I want to try it this
way. She's not opposed to the BB; just thinks that you can't get the
refinement that you can with a bit.

At this point I'd just be happy to get the feet connected to the head,
ya know?? Thanks for any suggestions.