Bitless in Competition

Well, I have taken the first step in seeing if I can help the cause of allowing bitless in competition. I am going to start by asking our provinicial horse federation to listen to our request of a rule change. I have posted my arguement on a local forum that I am on, so I will see what kind of support I get. I am also in the process of creating a draft presentation to take to my riding club to see if they would support me as well. I figure if I could get the local clubs to help/support, I am sure that the provincial club has to at least listen to us and provide us some feedback.

Keep your fingers crossed!

All the best!!

Good luck. I contacted our provincial horse federation(OEF), the Canadian and FEI and all talked to each other and came up with the statement against the few thousand who had signed the petition started by dr.cook and the other just said no it's dangerous. No exceptions, nothing.

Well, I have gotten a little resistance to my plight for bitless - which was to be expected, but I do have a few in my province going to help me out.

Slowly, but surely, the bitless riders are starting to come out of the woodwork in my area...much to the surprise of the dedicated conventional owner/breeders. They sure didn't have real nice things to say...

Knowing that I opened the door for fellow bitless riders in my area to come forward and admit to riding bitless is a huge step for me.

Way to go! I wish you all the best in your quest!!

I have a rule change before USEF for all bitless bridles in dressage, predicated upon the infliction of tetanic contractions riders are currently inflicting upon their horses.

Good luck, i really think it's silly not allowing bitless in competitions.. the little arab i'm training isn't mine, and his owner wants me to show him in ridden classes next year, but that would mean having to use a bit.

Fingers crossed for you Horsehippie!

I haven't gotten much progress with this as I missed the boat for proposals for my provincial horse federation.

I recently received a survey from the Canadien Horse Breeders Association as they are looking for feedback and ideas for the upcoming AGM in September. As soon as I get the results of the survey, I may approach them as well.

Spirithorse8, please keep us posted!

Good luck and fingers crossed.

Well I have to say I have shown my mare and a few young horses only ever ridden bitless in shows. My mare Indigo and I made it to a few shows, though not recognized it was a start. All the judges were wonderfully positive and we placed in every single class we were in this year, taking in a few hundred in prize money. I also had a young girl riding her in all sorts of classes and driving her too, no complaints but LOTS of interest and compliments on how well my horse was behaving and standing in line compared to the others fidgeting with their overchecks and bits.

I would enter show more often if they allowed Bitless! I would go in Jumping. Over here, you'd be lucky to sneak in Bitless just at a Local Ag. Show!! So ennoying! :/
And I would much prefer to ride Bareback!!
When I'm much older, I want to hold my own BITLESS Show!!


Better canter, Grace