by T90ValleyGirl on Thu Nov 13, 2008 4:23 pm
Hi there. Sorry for the very late reply post, but just wondering how it is going with Shakira. Have you ever thought of trying Dr. Cook's Bitless Bridle? My Arab gelding, Turk, (the spitting image of Shakira) was always fussy with a bit...lots of head shaking and tossing, antsy, wouldn't stand still when mounting, never really relaxed when riding, would ride through the bit, etc. So one day I ordered the bitless bridle. It actually took me a good six months to work up the courage to try the darn thing after I bought it. I figured it would either be the greatest thing in the world or I'd end up dead in my pasture after Turk figured out I had no way to control him and bolted. What a surprise it was when I climbed in the saddle. The difference was IMMEDIATE. Turk was calm and relaxed while I mounted, and then we started moving around. No head shaking or throwing, no jigging. Just a calm and happy horse. And I tell you, I have WAY more control over Turk now. He stops on a dime in the bitless bridle. No more evading the bit and refusing the stop. Now we've even just started doing some cow work, and everyone is amazed how well the bitless bridle works. In any case, just a suggestion.