This section is where we will present news items for those who would like to hear about recent developments.  Vistors are invited to submit items of news relevant to The Bitless Bridle for possible inclusion by writing to info@bitlessbridle.com  News events for the current calendar year are below; for archival news from previous years, click here.

May 2008

HOT PRESS:  Wonderful news from South Africa of a breakthrough in rule changes for dressage.  Congratulations and thanks to the Bitless Dressage Committee in South Africa.  Their press release is printed below:

Bitless dressage approved by South African National Equine Federation (SANEF)!

At the annual National Dressage Meeting in February, 2008, SANEF approved the introduction of bitless dressage classes (Novice and Pre-Novice initially) at graded dressage shows on a year trial basis starting later this year.

This followed extensive representations to SANEF by a Bitless Dressage Committee over a long period of time. All aspects of bitless riding and dressage competitions were discussed and a proposal was then put up to the National Dressage Committee where it was debated at the February meeting. Final details of the rules governing bitless dressage and classes will be announced in due course as well as the starting date.

South Africa should be proud that our Equestrian Federation has been so forward-looking as to be one of the first countries to give bitless dressage an official forum.

Over the years the art of horsemanship has developed and changed as new approaches to equipment and training have evolved. Recently these changes have become more profound as riders and owners of all sorts have embraced modern concepts of horsemanship less anchored in military roots. One of these new directions has resulted in many riders now riding bitless in all manner of 'bridles' ranging from neckstrings through rope head-collars to 'professional' bitless bridles. Riders riding bitless have ranged from novices and happy hackers through to 'serious' classical riders doing Haute Ecole dressage. This has opened up a whole new curiosity as to how well dressage tests can be done bitless.

Any riders who are inspired to do 'formal' bitless dressage, whether they currently ride bitted dressage or don't ride dressage but ride bitless and may be keen to enter dressage, are requested to express their interest by emailing their name, locality and experience to bitlessdressage@webafrica.org.za so that a register of bitless dressage riders can be compiled. Please also state what bitless bridle you are currently using.

Please pass this information onto anyone who may be interested. Let's make this a success for SANEF!  (The presentation to SANEF on bitless dressage can be seen by clicking here.) 

A child's among ye takin' notes,
And, faith, he'll print it
- Robert Burns

Two years ago ten BitlessBridles were given to senior administrators and instructors in the US Pony Club so that they could try the bridle for themselves and observe it being used by others.  Feedback is still awaited from this effort to introduce to bridle to young riders and thereby generate support for a rule change to permit the BB for PC competitions.  In the meantime, a nine-year-old rider who came to try the bridle because of this initiative is so enamored with what it does for her and her pony that she is preparing a poster for display at the National Convention of the Pony Club in January, 2009.

Bitless Show Jumper in Brazil

An owner/rider is setting an example in Brasilia, Brazil.  Thiago Rhavy (21) competed recently in a National Jumping Show that qualifies riders and horses for the South American Championships.  A DVD we have received captures his clear-round performance against the clock on an eight-year-old Brazilian sport horse, Adelia, jumping 14 demanding obstacles.

Questions are beginning to be asked in high places

At a recent meeting of the Companion Animal Welfare Council in the UK, the council considered the possibility of setting up a group to look into equine bits.  Similarly, the welfare aspect of the bit was discussed at the National Equine Forum, an annual meeting of equine industry representatives held at the Royal Society in London.  The Forum is run in conjunction with the British Equine Federation.  The same topic is currently under discussion by the FEV Animal Welfare Committee in the UK.  It seems possible that these groups may recommend and promote further education about what a bit does to a horse.  The question as to whether bitless bridles should be permitted for racing in the UK was an agenda item for the January meeting of the Veterinary Committee of the British Horseracing Authority.  The topic will be discussed again at a further meeting of this committee in May 2008 (see April News).  "Bitless bridles" was an agenda item at the annual meeting of the FEI Veterinary Committee in February. This same committee also discussed the question of hyperflexion - see the item below.

FEI Condemns HyperFlexion (a.k.a. Rollkur)

Two years after the FEI Workshop on Rollkur (also know as hyperflexion or over bending) the FEI Veterinary Committee issued the following statement at the FEI bureau meeting on April 10th 2008:
 
"There are no known clinical side effects specifically arising from the use of hyperflexion, however there are serious concerns for a horse's well-being if the technique is not practiced correctly. The FEI condemns hyperflexion in any equestrian sport as an example of mental abuse. The FEI states that it does not support the practice."

The above statement was published by Nadja King, editor of the online magazine "Horses For Life," in the April issue. To review the many contributions to her "Add Your Voice" invitation, go to www.horsesforlife.com.  Dr. Cook's comments are added below: 
 
"When it has been shown that use of a bit is the cause of over one hundred clinical side effects it is disingenuous of the FEI Veterinary Committee to hide behind the excuse that a specific survey of the bit's effect in hyperflexion has not been published. It is not uncommon for a randomly selected, bitted horse to exhibit 30 or 40 clinical side-effects. The practice of hyperflexion is a particularly abusive use of the bit. If a specific survey of horses subjected to hyperflexion were ever carried out, I would expect an even greater number of side effects to be documented in individual victims. Collectively, the hundred or more clinical side effects are signs of 40 different diseases. An abusive practice cannot be practiced correctly. After waiting two years, it is deeply disappointing that the committee have failed to provide the leadership required. Their statement is self-contradictory, devious and confusing."

"THE HORSE," American Museum of Natural History, New York.
May 17, 2008 - January 4, 2009  

  The poster for what sounds like a fascinating exhibition (see details at www.amnh.org) features a horse wearing a D-ring snaffle and flash noseband.

Pressure on the mouth is intense, as the reins are taut, the lips are stretched, the mouth is ajar (in spite of the flash noseband) and the horse is over bent (behind the vertical).  Salivation slobber is prominent, the ears are pinned and the expression is that of pain and worry.  The poster illustrates man's unconscious inhumanity to the horse.  The curator of the exhibition assures Dr. Cook that this was not the museum's intention.

Derby Day Disaster

Another "death in the afternoon" (the fatal injury to Eight Belles in the 2008 Kentucky Derby) prompted Dr. Cook to dig out and develop a couple of paragraphs from something he published nine years ago.  Some estimates indicate that two Thoroughbreds die on racetracks every day in the US.  The title of the abstract below is borrowed from Jonathan Swift's 1729 satire in which he proposed, with tongue in cheek, "a plan for preventing the children of the poor people in Ireland from being a burden to their parents or country."

A MODEST PROPOSAL

The Thoroughbred has had a closed stud book for over 200 years.  With less than a hundred foundation animals, 30 or more generations of inbreeding since 1791 have taken their toll.  In any closed population, inbreeding results in an increased frequency of recessive diseases, infertility and loss of stamina.  Thoroughbreds are becoming increasingly inbred (i.e. genetically 'delicate') with each succeeding generation.  Owners may in future conclude that Thoroughbreds are too fragile for everyday purposes.  Like precious porcelain, they break when thrown in the racetrack washing machine.  Those who can afford the replacement costs will continue to use porcelain but others may decide that a sturdier equine crockery is more practical for daily use.

In the 21st century, the racing world may come to recognize the virtue of the hybrid and switch to mule racing.  Hybrid vigor is, after all, the basis for success in most commercial animal and plant breeding ventures.  Mules, as a vehicle for gambling, would be just as suitable as Thoroughbreds and more reliable.  Being sounder in wind and limb, they would not suffer from the inherited weaknesses and diseases that make gambling on Thoroughbreds such a high-risk pastime.  Mules, the pioneer work-horses of the country, would have a wider appeal to the general public.  Because they are less expensive to maintain than a Thoroughbred, they could be allowed time to mature before they were put into training.  Mule athletes would survive many seasons and, as punters would get to know them better than the ephemeral Thoroughbred, they would foster a stronger following.  There would be no incentive to retire a mule prematurely to the breeding shed.  The monitoring of mule racing would be simple as each animal would be earmarked and, being infertile, there could be no cheating.  The sturdier mule would require less cosseting and there would be savings for the owner on veterinary fees and replacement costs.   A successful jack donkey might earn a premium in a long lifetime but the service fees of untested Thoroughbred stallions would be avoided.  The genetic purity of the Thoroughbred breed would be secured for those that feel this is important and Thoroughbreds would still be available for use in various disciplines and for cross-breeding.

A Bitless Thoroughbred Ambassador

After the sad story of Eight Belles it is good to hear of a Thoroughbred that enjoyed his last nine years being ridden bitless and barefoot on the beach.  Blue was a horse that had been successively retired as a racehorse, jumper, hunter and school horse before being adopted at 17 years of age by Gabriella Rodriguez.  She regularly paraded Blue and her other horse, Lexxie, at shopping malls, hotels, nursing homes and other places so that people could reach out and touch these large and loveable animals.  Blue died this month, aged 26.

Gabriella writes, "I began riding, as an adult, when I got Blue 9 years ago.  I managed to overcome my fears of riding bitless, despite traditional views, in an attempt to have a kinder relationship with my horse.  I think the bridle was one of the best things I did for him and it supported my thinking that controlling a horse by inflicting pain and discomfort was strange and unnecessary. I think almost everyone that has seen him in public has commented on the fact that there was no bit. It was hugely educational. With horse people, I think it made them question their own skills as equestrians."

April 2008

Veterinary Committee Considers Evidence for Bitless Racing

In January 2008, the Veterinary Committee of the British Horseracing Authority (UK)reviewed the reports they had received directly from the nine trainers who had used the bitless bridle for training purposes.  They also reviewed the report that Dr. Cook prepared from these same trainers. 

Annie Dodd, of the Equine Science and Welfare Executive of the BHA, told Dr. Cook that the Committee has not, at this stage, recommended any changes to the Rules of Racing.  Committee members wish to further consider the evidence already presented and perhaps obtain additional evidence.  No decisions will be made until the opinions of stakeholders have been obtained, by which it is assumed they mean the opinions of owners, trainers and jockeys. The Committee agreed that there might potentially be a welfare benefit from using the bitless bridle, but that additional research would be helpful.  The proposal is to be considered again when the committee reviews its research priorities in May 2008, at which time they make recommendations regarding the allocation of research funding from the Horserace Betting Board.  No mention has been made with regard to the early suggestion that, depending on the trainers' reports, a racing trial might be planned.

Equine Soundness Association

On April 22nd, Dr.Cook read a paper at the inaugural phone conference of the Equine Soundness Association (USA), an association formed by a group of Strasser Hoofcare Professionals to promote natural horsemanship.  The talk, related to the subtle science of persuasion and how to get new ideas accepted.  It subsequently grew into a two-part article and has been accepted for publication in the Veterinary Times (UK) under the title, "Shoeing your horse is like footbinding your daughter."

The Double Bridle Not Part of the Classical Tradition

Dr. Cook is indebted to Daniel Nahum MD of the University of Kentucky for drawing his attention to a book by Reis d'Eisenberg (1979), "The Classical Riding Master; The Wilton House Collection" with a commentary by Dorian Williams.  Daniel writes, "One painting shows a double bridle with one pair of reins attached to a cavesson and a second pair of reins connected with a curb. A second painting shows a cavesson/snaffle combination. Apparently in olden days they controlled horses with pressure on the bridle only, while getting them used to the bit. If horses were ridden this way for classical dressage, why are we not allowed to compete in dressage today with bitless bridles?  It is high time that we unite and insist that our voices should be heard."

            TITLE PAGE                                   cavesson & curb                           cavesson & snaffle

Thank you Daniel - we agree.  Currently, the main plank of the FEI's argument for retaining the status quo is that the present-day double bridle is part of the classical tradition and an indispensable part of dressage.  Reis d'Eisenberg shows that this incorrect.  Dr. Cook sent documentation in support of a rule change to permit the BB to the FEI Veterinary Committee for their meeting in February 2008 but has not yet received their response.  We urge all members of national federations to submit rule change proposals to their national federations in order to get the BB accepted for dressage.

March 2008

Joe Camp's book, "The Soul of a Horse, Life Lessons from the Herd" to be released April 29th.

The book is all about barefoot, natural care, and natural horsemanship. Dr. Cook's review:
"Joe Camp has to write another book - and soon! I finished The Soul of a Horse and I am already suffering withdrawal symptoms. Joe is a wonderful story-teller. The book is lively, stimulating, delightful, educational, amusing, entertaining, charming, a pleasure to read and totally lovable. Joe Camp I am in your debt. Thank you!"

Yvonne Weltz, editor of "The Horse's Hoof" writes:  "If you are a barefoot supporter and want to do something to help promote better horse care in this world, one thing you can do right away is to buy this book and help get it noticed! We need to get this book on the New York Times bestseller list!" 

You can pre-order the book for a big discount by visiting this page:  The Soul of a Horse

Bitless Dressage

A group of riders in Holland and Belgium (including Josepha Guillaume, BBAC)  have founded a website to promote the Art of Natural Dressage (AND) without any force, cruelty, punishment or dominance. (www.artofnaturaldressage.com )

On the afternoon of Friday October 31, Dr.Cook will be giving a demonstration in which four horses will be ridden, first in their standard bitted bridles and then in the BitlessBridle.The  demonstration will take place at the Certified Horsemanship Association Annual Conference,  Kentucky Horse Park, October/November 2008.

III World Barefoot Conference for Natural Hoofcare and Holistic Horse Treatment, Tuebingen, Germany, September 25-27, 2008

In addition to lectures and demonstrations on the hoof, the program this year will include presentations about the use of bitless bridles in a number of disciplines, including fox hunting, and draft work for farming and forestry.  For details contact Dr. Hiltrud Strasser. Phone/Fax:  +49 (0)7071 87572   Email: Hufklinik@t-online.de

The BitlessBridle goes mainstream

Two recent books (and perhaps more) contain numerous references to the BitlessBridle:

Dr. Jessica Jahiel's "The Horse Training Problem Solver." Storey Publishing, 2007

Sarah Blanchard's "The Power of Positive Horse Training: Say Yes to Your Horse" Howell Book House, 2005

February, 2008

Tarpan Association, Switzerland (www.tarpan.ch)

This iron-free horse association in the mountains of southern Switzerland has 21  horses that have been bitless and barefoot for the last two years.  They run a free riding program for the handicapped.  They are also preparing a petition to the Swiss national federation for a change in the rules for dressage and driving. From 1st to 3rd August, 2008, they will be holding an event to promote the "natural management of domestic horses." Shows and training demonstrations will include bitless driving and a bitless dressage clinic.  Unless Christine Stuckelberger is selected for the eighth time (which would be a record) to compete in the Olympics and will for this reason be in Pekin, she has volunteered to give a bitless clinic.

Bitless clinician and trainer continues to spread the word

Carlos Tabernaberri, an Argentinian horseman based in Australia, is someone who will not accept a horse for training unless the owner agrees to go bitless. He gives clinics across Australia and will be demonstrating at the Australian Equitana in November, after a USA tour in September.

BBAC News

The activities of our BBACs are getting more and more attention.  Sheila Lee Thompson in the UK and Alison Silveira in Canada have both had articles written about them, published in horsemen's journals and Josepha Guillaume, Belgium will soon join the ranks. Marko Honkanen is our most recent BBAC appointment in Sara, Finland

'ON-THE-BIT': A misleading and mischievous phrase

This article by Dr.Cook was published in the February issue of the online journal "Horses For Life." (www.horsesforlife.com)  This new article by Dr. Cook provides evidence in support of two propositions. First, the unfortunate phrase 'on the bit' has led to a widespread misunderstanding about the correct use of the rein-aid. Secondly, inappropriate as the phrase is, by itself it nevertheless represents no obstacle to acceptance by the FEI of a more humane and safer rein-aid.All that is needed is a more judicious interpretation of Article 401 (Object and General Principles of Dressage) and the addition of four words to Article 428 (Saddlery). The article is available online by clicking here.

Truth travels slowly and falsehood moves fast

In a letter to the editor of the New Scientist (22 March 2008) Carol Herzenberg used the above phrase in concluding that "in the world outside science, cold facts are not enough... additional techniques must be used by scientists struggling against propaganda, and I recommend ridicule... I suggest an immediate response of publicly ridiculing the most obvious lies and propaganda, followed promptly by a detailed response that is as thorough, thoughtful and accurate as possible."    That "truth travels slowly" was also observed by Mark Twain, who wrote, "A lie can get halfway around the world before the truth can even get its boots on."

 In the horse world, the problem is not so much propaganda, with two opposing ideas coming out of the starting gate at the same time, as the problem of old ideas (such as the bit) having a 5000 year jump start on any new idea based on science.  Nevertheless, similar tactics of ridicule might be employed to advantage to break Bronze Age mind sets. Accordingly, Dr.Cook has tried his hand at the ancient art of satire, based on a line from Article 401, Object and General Principles of Dressage, in the FEI's Rules for Dressage Events.  The line states:

The object of dressage is the development of the horse into a happy athlete through harmonious education.

The satire is entitled "See the Happy Athlete" and can be read by clicking here.

Bitless Bridles in Wikipedia

Users who enjoy editing might like to work on this article in the free online encyclopedia, Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitless_bridle).  The article contains some interesting information about bitless bridles in general and, in the early section on "style," the first bridle to be mentioned is the crossunder.

Rule Change Proposals

More and more members of national equine federations are submitting rule changes to their national federations proposing that the crossunder bridles be permitted for dressage.  To my knowledge, proposals have been submitted to national federations in South Africa, Switzerland and Holland but there may be many more.  Dr. Cook is interested in keeping a tally of these attempts and is always glad to help in any way he can.

Bitless Carriage Horses will tread the streets softly in Beaufort, SC

The City Council at Beaufort, South Carolina have passed an Ordnance permitting carriage company horses to go barefoot.  Peter and Rose White, owners of the Suthern Buggy Carriage Company proposed this change and plan to take full advantage of it in the next few months.  Their five horses will then be both bitless and barefoot.  [See the "Bitless Driving Success Story" in the January 2008 News]

The Dutch Organization of Bitless Riding

De Nederlandse Vereniging Bitloos Paardrijden (NVBP), The Dutch Organization of Bitless Riding, an association formed in August 2007 to promote bitless riding and driving is very active (see www.bitloos.nl)

US Pony Club

A number of senior officials of the US Pony Club were given the opportunity to "test drive" the BitlessBridle last year and feedback is awaited.

January, 2008

Filmmaker Speaks Out For The Bitless Bridle

Joe Camp, speaker, author, film producer, children’s advocate, voice for animals and creator of the canine superstar Benji films has become intensely interested in the horse. His new book, ‘The Soul of a Horse’ will be launched in April 2008. Joe has learned more about horses in two years than many of us learn in a lifetime. Visit www.nakedhorsemanship.com for an uplifting experience and don’t miss his ‘paddock paradise’ video in “Dancing Barefoot.”

This month, Joe ‘discovered’ the BitlessBridle.He challenged us to draft one sentence that encapsulates the essence of the bridle. We tried… but the one he subsequently came up with himself is the winner. "Forget the no-more-metal rhetoric, forget the pain, forget the cruelty – all of which are true – the darned thing just works better than a bit!"

UK Jockeys Consider The Bitless Bridle

At the instigation of the Veterinary Committee of the Jockey Club/ Horse Racing Authority in the UK, nine Thoroughbred trainers (flat and steeplechase) in the UK volunteered to take part, last year, in a trial of the BitlessBridle for training purposes.Their reports are under consideration this month by the Veterinary Committee.Here are quotes from a couple of the trainers who took part.

Richard Guest, who now trains steeplechasers but who, when he was a professional jockey, won the Grand National reported, ”I use it every day, on two-year-old chasers, hurdlers, everything. It’s fine. … Over the last six weeks I have used it on 30 horses. I use it as a rule (i.e., routinely) on every horse. I ride out four lots a day, eight horses every morning. I have two beta bridles and I love ‘em. … there is no horse that I would not race in the bitless bridle.

Roger Charlton, a trainer who has won both the English and the French Derby, said that he “is very satisfied with the Bitless Bridle we have been using” and would be “confident in both using it for working horses and on the racecourse.”

UK Animal Welfare Organizations To Examine The Use of Bits in Dressage

Emeritus Professor David Morton, a veterinarian who has devoted his career to a study of animal ethics and welfare, has asked three welfare organizations in the UK to review the welfare issues arising from the use of the bit in dressage. He has sent packages of scientific literature to the British Veterinary Association Ethics and Welfare Group, the Companion Animal Welfare Council, and the Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law Veterinary Association.

PAARD 2008 - 2nd Annual Bitless Exposition in Holland

Madeleine Calkoen, one of the organizers of PAARD 2008, the second annual bitless event that took place in Holland this month, kindly gave Dr. Cook a comprehensive report on a day that was clearly a great success. The program included a Pas de Deux demonstration of bitless ground driving with long reins; bitless dressage on a Connemara; bitless show jumping; a driving instructor introduced a horse to bitless driving that had never previously been driven bitless and, in so doing, convinced the public that this was safe; a baroque horse was ridden with a neck ring (cordeo); two stallions were ridden in bitless bridles in a Pas de Deux; a demonstration of ‘free style’ training with long reins and a crossunder bitless bridle; and finally, a bitless dressage demonstration proving that Grand Prix exercises were perfectly possible.

New Behavioral Profile Questionnaire

The Behavioral Profile Questionnaire has been updated to identify which of the hundred or more negative behavioral signs that can be caused by the bit are specific to the bit and are not caused by any other source of pain, for example pain from the back or feet.Anyone using the questionnaire is encouraged to use this updated version. The new version is available in PDF format and also as an Excel Spreadsheet.

Bitlessness Not Just For Horses Anymore

A retired doctor in Virginia is in the process of training a team of eight Bactrian camels to be driven in the BitlessBridle. Bactrian camels, with two humps, evolved in mountainous country, whereas the dromedary with one hump evolved on the plains. In this respect, the Bactrian is to the Dromedary what the donkey is to the horse. But talking of evolution and going back in time, camels originally evolved in North America. In those early days, they were rabbit-sized animals. They died out in North America but not before some had crossed the Bering Straits.

Economic Proof That Bitless is Safer.

Some insurance companies in Germany now offer a 10% discount on premiums to anyone who rides bitless.

NWHA To Allow Bitless Bridle in Competition

Congratulations and thanks to Gail Dockery (www.alwayswalkin.co) who has succeeded in persuading the National Walking Horse Association to permit the use of the crossunder bitless bridle for both English and Western classes. Gail has been invited to write an article about her bitless experience for her local association.

"Metal in the Mouth" Illustrations on the Lecture Circuit

A compact disc of Dr.Cook’s scientific illustrations from his book, “Metal in the Mouth…” is being made into a PowerPoint presentation by Inge van der Woude-Rindertsma, Bitless Bridle Associate Clinician (BBAC) in Holland, so that she and Madeleine Calkoen, also in Holland, can use these when giving lectures on bitless equitation.

Bitless Bridle Featured in "Horse and Rider"

An article was published recently in the journal “Horse and Rider” about a clinic that the well-known Australian behaviorist Dr. Andrew McClean gave in the UK. All the photographs in the article showed a horse being ridden by Dr. McClean in a crossunder bitless bridle.

SANEF To Consider The Bitless Bridle for Dressage Competition

The South African National Equine Federation (SANEF) will, it is hoped, consider a proposal at their AGM this month to permit the crossunder bitless bridle for dressage.

Bitless Driving Success Story

Congratulations to Peter and Rose White, owners of the Suthern Buggy Carriage Company, based in historic Beaufort, South Carolina. Thanks to their initiative and determination, the company has completed its first year with all five of their Belgian carriage horses being driven in the BitlessBridle.One of their horses, at 19 hands, is a contender for the Guinness Book of Records ‘tallest living horse’ category. Peter and Rose can proudly claim that their Carriage Company is the first to free their horses from bits. The year’s experience has been an unqualified success … no accident, emergency, scare or crisis of any sort and enthusiastic public acceptance of the enhanced equine welfare. In a recent email, Peter writes:“There is a great, warm feeling, that comes over us everyday when we harness up and see 'our boys' working so happily. We are very proud showing everyone the BitlessBridle. The best way to describe the warm feeling is that we work together with the horses rather than enslave them.” But they are not resting on their laurels, as they are now working towards getting all their horses barefoot as well.

Change of telephone number

Dr. Cook’s new business number is (443) 282-0472

Bitless, Shoeless and Free

The Jardin family from France, with their two children, are traveling through Europe with their Gypsy caravan. Their team of horses are getting a great deal of attention wherever they go, as both horses are bitless and shoeless.

Article by Dr. Cook Published

An invited article by Dr. Cook on the welfare issues of bits and horseshoes entitled, "Metal, Myth & Equine Misery" was published this month in the UK journal of Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law Veterinary Association.  The article is available online, click here.

Bitless Bridles Under Review in Holland

The President of the National Federation of Riding Schools (FNRS) in Holland, an organization that certifies riding schools for safety and other matters, has sanctioned a trial whereby a selected riding school will use four of their school horses to be ridden bitless during schooling lessons. Depending on results a decision will be made as to whether riding schools in Holland may use bitless bridles in the future.

"Iron-Free" Riding School opens in Wales

In November 2007 a riding school licence was granted to the Bitless Bridle Equestrian Centre in Wales, owned by Sheila Lee Thompson, BBAC in the UK.  Sheila believes this to be the first totally 'ironfree' riding school in Wales, and probably in the UK - all the horses have Dr Cook BitlessBridles, are barefoot and have treeless saddles.  In addition all the horses at the Centre are kept as naturally as possible and live out 24/7 on a very recently installed 'Paddock Paradise' system.  More information about Sheila is available via two articles published this month in "WelshRider," available online at www.welshrider.co.uk/.  Both are available here as well, with WelshRider's kind permission:  Natural Horse-Care and Going Iron Free.   Sheila's contact info for The BitlessBridle UK is available here.