Hi, Amanda,

The horse will respond to the bridle differently (better) but will
respond to your other aids quicker if you are using them correctly in
the first place. Please read my previous posts on using the aids. The
problem that most riders have is that they are under the illusion
that they are in control of the horses they are handling. Anyone who
has a burning need to be in complete control should take up riding
motorcycles.

Building a trusting relationship with your horse is the first step,
which you have already taken. Introduce new things slowly and in a
relatively quiet, safe environment until you and the horse are
completely comfortable and the new thing is "old hat." Most riders
get into trouble by proceeding too fast for the horse's ability to
cope. You know your horse best, so watch for signals that indicate
insecurity, fear or discomfort. You need to have your horse balanced
and confirmed in all the aids at walk, trot and canter in a fenced
area before you take her out on the trail. Then take her out with
old, wise trail buddies on quiet, not challenging trails, until she
trusts your judgment in the new situation. If it takes a year of
training in the arena before she is balanced, responsive and STRONG
enough to go on the trail, you must be patient enough to give her
that time.

A fatigued horse will rebel, so start with very short rides. Remember
that horses fatigue emotionally and mentally as well as physically.
Don't push her past her ability to cope. A young, not fit horse has
about 10- 15 minutes of good coping power. After that you must be
very vigilant to watch for signs of fatigue. Build up the time
gradually. ( i spend 10-15 minutes doing a warm up of walking and
trotting on a longe line, followed by 20 minutes of good dressage
exercises and then a 15-20 cool down of walking either in the arena,
or on the trail with a trained horse.) You should start out longeing
a young horse until it is "legged up" enough to support your weight
for an extended time comfortably. This way you will avoid having the
horse learn to buck when it is uncomfortable. You haven't said how
much instruction YOU have had in the correct methods of starting a
young horse so i don't know how detailed to be. If you have no
training or experience, you need some good eyes on the ground to keep
you safe and on the right track.

Always quit when things are going well during the first year of
training. You will both benefit greatly from this policy.

SueEllen
shedesigns@alltel. net

On Oct 7, 2007, at 11:08 PM, Amanda wrote:

>
> Hello all,
>
> I am new to the list (and new to bitless bridles too) and am
> looking for any information/ suggestions that I can get! My mare is
> an unbroke 5-year old, but I have had her all her life (yeah, I
> know, late starter, but no health/soundness issues) and she is a
> doll! I am considering starting her in a BB because the limited
> info I have gotten elsewhere has piqued my interest, in a good way.
> I was worried about riding dressage in the BB (and wondering how
> the horse might respond to the aids differently? ) since I am used
> to a bitted bridle, but SueEllen seems to be doing fine with it, so
> I will be especially interested in reading more posts from dressage
> riders using the BB!! I am also wondering about 'control' issues -
> ie. I'm on a trail and my horse decides to spook and bolt - I would
> feel a little insecure without a bit - but I am still thinking
> about giving it a try!
>
> I can't wait to read more posts and look forward to buying my first
> BB!!
>
> ~Amanda in KY
>
> Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not
> web links.
>
>