Spunky and I soloed today in the brake (a vehicle designed especially
for breaking/training horses), with her wearing the "real deal" bitless
bridle.

She was particularly mellow today and there is really nothing to
comment on except for two things. A couple of miles into the drive,
the "bobbing for apples" habit reappeared. This was the very thing
I had hoped would be relieved by going bitless. However, when I got
out and went to her head to loosen the noseband a hole (In case it was
too tight), she begged relief from a ferocious itch!! I stuck my
fingernails into her forehead and she raked her head against them
good and hard. After that, the bobbing seemed to stop. She was pretty
sweaty under the bridle. I really do need to remember to carry a
rough, damp rag for that itchy face.

We descended "Cardiac Hill" and when it flattens out, we are a mile
from home. Generally I allow a trot for the length of the gravel
(about 1/2 mile), and going home, it is always a fresh, forward
trot. That is what I got, and when I asked for a little slower speed,
the
response to the bridle was quite flaccid. This didn't impress me a
lot. However there is a lot of lateral control with the bridle, and
the one-rein slow down did the trick. I just didn't like having to
use it. There is little "excitement" along this stretch. I am
wondering - really - what would happen if something were to "bring
up the life" a bit.

However she slowed normally to a walk when requested (verbal cue
more than anything), and made a light stop and a relaxed stand at the
stopsign.

I turned her onto the pavement, now about a half mile from home, and
went ahead and asked for a trot to the top of a little rise. No
worries. She freely dropped to a walk for the rest of the way home
and was quite happy to maintain it with no further input from me.

Been reading my John Lyons ground control manual, and he emphasizes
the need for practice on the basics, citing professional athletes
who must continually drill on the BASICS to keep their game improving.
Reading some good old solid philosophy has been motivating. I am
looking forward to adding to Spunky's and my base of knowledge.

Going bitless has been one of the biggest "motivators for change" as
Lyons would put it, that I have had in years. Toss in a really
fine, intelligent and communicative mare (whom I hope never EVER has to
wear a bit again!), and it really refreshes the stale old paradigm and
makes a person want to expand and grow.

Regards,
Barb L.