Dr. Cook's Bridle, Part 2 - the Arrival...

     So, I thought and thought. And I went to Dr. Cook's website - and I read and read. And those words kept echoing through my head. I did have a good horse! I knew I did!! Finally, I got bold and tried riding him in his halter...and, what do you know, he didn't kill me! In fact, he did a little better. Stopping was still less than perfect, but it was improvement for the first time in 2.5 years! Yay! So, after trying a few different kinds of halters, I took the plunge and ordered myself a Dr. Cook's black beta bridle. It was sent out very quickly in the mail, and I waited impatiently. I was trying NOT to imagine a miracle, but, it kinda happened anyway. And then...it arrived!! It was enclosed in thick plastic and wrapped in green tissue paper like a present, and knew immediately it was high-quality. The beta material was butter-soft and yet felt strong and durable, and the fastenings were tough. I played with it at home, then raced to the barn the next day to try it out.
     Before I placed it on Dakota's head, I looked him squarely in the eye and promised him that if he was indeed a good boy in this new bridle, I would never make him wear a bit again. Then, I slid it on and fiddled a little, and went to the arena. After a 5 minute "lesson" on steering and stopping, I hopped on and away we went! First ride, he was calmer, but I won't lie, we spent the first 20 minutes cantering. I really didn't have...brakes. Like, at all. But he wasn't really "running away" with me, so I let him go. Initially, the pressure from the bridle would cause a grand bit of head-tossing and irritated snorting and general discontent, like he was waiting for it to get worse. I learned very quickly that one needed an even lighter touch with this than the bit for compliance. So, many tight circles later, he figured out that it wasn't going to get worse, and that the light even pressure meant "slow down" or "stop." And the stopping was quieter and calmer than ever. Oh boy!!

    Please note- the bit does not stop your horse. It took me a month to convince myself and trust the bridle. Your horse's training is what stops your horse. His compliance is what stops him. A stronger bit is like a band-aid over an infected wound. It will probably stop your horse most of the time, but when you really need it, that bit is scaring your horse and he is going to run through it. A really good horse trainer often teaches first bitless, and uses a snaffle bit for "finishing." This is a wonderful concept, if you still want to use a bit, and it can work on ANY horse.

     So, three rides later and I couldn't believe the miraculous change. My mustang was quiet, soft, his head lowered, he quit running away and he actually had a slow-medium-fast speed within each gait!!! He spooked less, quieted faster, began to think about collection, and just generally became the wonderful horse I KNEW was in there somewhere. He was FUN to ride, and responded with super-light aids. And, he tried much harder. It was like the bit previously was "white noise" and now he could really concentrate on his work. Over a year later, and we have done trails away and even a parade bitless, and he has kept his cool under some crazy conditions (including walking past 20 backfiring tractors at the parade...not my idea of a good time). He will never wear a bit again, nor will any other horse I ride. The bitless bridle gives me just as much "finesse" and a happy, calm boy. Oh, and the beta material is awesome, just hose it and it looks brand new. The bridle is $85, will last you forever (mine has been stepped on several times, and came out without a scratch) and comes with a 14 day satisfaction guarantee. You have NOTHING to lose, but a whole lot to gain if you try it :) So take the plunge! You really do have a better horse than you think!!

Go to :  http://www.bitlessbridle.com/   for more information!!

Don't we look good, before the parade!!

Kat on Vral, Me on Dakota, and Dave on Sonny