F.R.A. Bit-less Bridle Abbey Black

The history of bitless bridles dates back centuries, long before bits became a standard. Riders used to simply place a halter made of rope around the horse's head. The idea was simple – keep connected with your horse’s head using gentle pressure on the nose, neck, and cheeks.

How Does It Work?
The F.R.A. Bit-less Bridle Abbey uses cross-over straps that apply pressure to different parts of the horse’s head. This system is sometimes called the Cook system. When you pull the reins, pressure is distributed on the nose, neck, and cheeks, guiding your horse without using a bit.

Build and Materials
This bridle features a leather noseband and two supple leather straps running crosswise over the chin and neck. Each side has a ring just behind the cheek pieces for the reins. Soft padding on the straps ensures comfort, preventing chafing on the neck area. The buckle for the cheekpiece adjustment and the connection for the cross-over straps are found on the left side.

Proper Positioning
For optimal use, the noseband should sit on the hard part of the nose where the bone begins. The chinstrap should be snug but not too tight to prevent the bridle from twisting. With bitless bridles, cheek pieces might bulge a bit, but that’s normal.

Using the Bridle
The cross rein action is simple: pulling the right rein puts pressure on the left side of the horse's jaw and vice versa. This mechanism helps in turning. Equal pressure on both reins affects the nose, neck, and jaws, allowing you to control speed or stop. The degree of pressure depends on your rein aids and additional signals from weight, legs, and feeling aids.

Proper maintenance of the cross straps ensures quick release, helping the horse respond smoothly. And remember, other aids like weight and leg signals are essential for a complete communication system.

Important features

• Pressure on nose, neck, and cheeks
• Comfortable leather noseband with soft padding
• Adjustable cheekpiece and cross-over straps
• Cross rein action for effective turns and stops
• Easy release with regular maintenance