The Mechanics of Bitless Bridles
If you’re considering making the switch to a bitless bridle for your horse, it is important to be well-informed about your options. Different styles offer vastly different functions, some of which might not work for you and your horse. Here we will explore the characteristics and mechanics of some of the most common bitless bridles.
Side Pull
Side pulls are one of the mildest bitless bridles since they do not employ leverage mechanisms. They consist of a continuous noseband to which the reins attach directly. When tension is applied, pressure is distributed across the nose. Unlike mechanical hackamores, there is no multiplying of pressure beyond the tension applied at the reins. Side pulls resemble a halter and due to their simple mechanical action they give the gentlest signaling among bit alternatives.
Cross-Under
The cross-under design is a variation of the side pull bridle. The difference is that instead of the reins connecting directly to the noseband, they connect to straps that start on either side of the face, like the throat latch on a standard bridle, cross underneath the chin to the opposite side, and pass through rings on the opposite sides of the noseband. When engaged, the crossing straps apply tension laterally through the noseband as well as downward pressure on the poll. The cross-under mechanism gives slight leverage that isn’t available with the side pull.
Bosal
The bosal is one of the original bitless designs, coming from the Spanish vaqueros tradition. It is a heavy, braided rawhide loop, shaped to fit the nose. The reins connect at a single point under the chin, at the bosal’s heel knot. Bosals are often used to start young horses as they teach them to move away from pressure to find comfort, due to their rigidity. It’s important to make sure a bosal is fitted and weighted correctly to ensure the heel knot is positioned properly. Otherwise, it will continue to apply pressure even when in the “neutral position”, making your horse uncomfortable and likely frustrated.
Mechanical Hackamore
Mechanical hackamores utilize leverage to apply pressure to the face and nose rather than in the mouth, as achieved with a bit. Hackamores come in multiple different styles with several key parts that contribute to their function. All hackamores have a noseband that, when engaged, applies pressure to the nasal bone. Hackamore nosebands can be made of different things including, leather, fleece, rope, rawhide, or even steel. Additionally, a curb strap circles under the chin. Like the noseband, materials can vary. They are typically leather or a chain. The tightness of the curb strap determines how much pressure is applied when a mechanical hackamore is engaged. The noseband, curb strap, and reins all have fixed connections on the metal cheek pieces. Therefore, when the reins are pulled, the noseband and curb strap clamp down on the upper and lower jaw.
Hackamore Styles
Of the mechanical hackamores, the mildest leverage can be achieved with a wheel hackamore, whose cheek pieces are rings divided into six sections. This offers different connection points to adjust how much leverage is used. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a shank hackamore has the reins connected several inches below where the noseband and curb strap connect. The longer the shanks, the more leverage they have, and straight shanks are more severe than curved ones. Between these two, flower shanks have six rings, arranged in a circle, to which the noseband and curb strap are attached, and an additional ring for the reins is on the outside of the circle . This provides more leverage than a wheel hackamore but much less than a shank.
I’m a huge fan of bit alternatives and think they are a great option for some horses, but while often considered “humane alternatives” to bitted bridles, bitless bridles can still be harsh in the wrong hands, as can any piece of equipment. The leverage from some mechanical hackamores apply on the jaw quadruple the pressure applied at the reins. Being knowledgeable about the mechanics of bitless bridles and having a qualified professional to instruct you on proper usage is incredibly important for ensuring the comfort and well being of your horse when trying any new equipment.