Photos and email from Susan:
These photos are of Sasha being ridden by Susan's sister Georgia.
"I got pictures of some of my other horses in the no bit bridle, and I thought you might like to see some of them.... Lilly is the bay standardbred, she is only 5 and only just broken in.... Tristieen is the grey arab, she is 19 years old. I have HEAPS mor pictures of us riding them in the no bit bridle as well..
I am currently saving up to get more no bit bridles, I think they are great!
Susan" 
Email and photo from Alix in VIC:
I loved the idea of a bridle with no bit but was frightened I wouldn't be able to control my older but young thinking, chestnut long-term friend. I have had the chance to work him in an arena, ride out on the road and in the open and if anything I'd say he's quieter than he was before.
The bridle takes longer to put on than the traditional one I had with a snaffle bit...but I'm getting faster with it.
And he and I are just delighted! Alix and Mikado
New email (and photos) from Linda in WA re Competition Weekend:
"Hi Nicole
Just a couple of pics from the one day event (for geriatrics) last Sunday. The first is my husband, Trevor, and Persia, but it's quite a good shot of the bridle, the second is us leaving the water jump on the cross country course, we jump a log to get in, then another to get out. Only had one refusal and that was because of an awkward approach. It was the best cross-country course I have done, we only do the smaller jumps, but never-the-less we did the whole course at a fairly fast pace, but Persia was extremely relaxed, no pulling or bolting. The change is remarkable.
Unfortunately my friends didn't get there on time to take photos of my dressage test, but I went in it in the bitless bridle and individually came second out of 20. The judge's comments were that we had very nice flexion and that we rode a beautiful test. The reason we didn't come first was that Persia resisted going into the canter and gave a little buck, but there was a lot going on around us. So, goes to prove that a horse can soften on the bridle, rather than the bit.
The barrel race was amazing, shaved 13 seconds off last year (which I did in a bit), we are still not the fastest, 30 seconds, but that's my nerves more than anything. Unfortunately we don't have photos of that.
So on the day we did dressage, cross-country, barrel race, ben-bar aft, American bending, cup race and three other fast games. All done extremely successfully in the bitless bridle. She pulled up easily, even though we were pretty flat out on our way home in the games and she was very excited.
I had a lot of interest in the bridle on the day and at least one person said she was definitely going to contact you. People were commenting on just how responsive and relaxed she was. I am just soooooooo happy with the bridle, Thanks once again. Our team on the day overall came second, so we were all very happy.
Talk to you soon, thanks again for the change you have brought about in my life.
Linda"
Email from Diane in QLD:
"Hi!
This is not actually direct feedback about your bridles; I have not bought one yet because I am still a couple of years away from returning to riding. During the years that I have unable to ride or have any personal contact with horses, I have satisfied my heart's yearnings by collecting and studying hundreds of pictures of horses, both with and without riding gear.When I found your website I was overjoyed that another product has been developed for horses which promotes a better form of horsemanship than what we have traditionally known and tolerated in this country. But that's a whole other story.
What I particularly wanted to comment on is this: in all the photos of their horses wearing your bridle that your clients have contributed, one universal aspect stands out to me in vivid exciting detail - one can actually see the full features of a horse's face. The softness and expressiveness of his or her mouth is completely exposed in a way that traditional bridles have always hidden or distorted. That one difference completely changes the image we get of the "dressed" horse - the natural beauty and character and vulnerability of these magnificent animals is revealed more clearly, and in a way which demands respect for the horse's mouth as an integral part of its whole anatomy, not just as a pathway for our domination. It is like comparing two photos of Superman, one with his mask on and one without. Or in the case of more brutal bits, Hannibal Lecter in his mask versus Anthony Hopkins' intriguing visage!! For me, this is really wonderful. I think it has some subtle but significant implications for the horse world that are as yet untapped. It is my hope that the more the public see of photos like these, the more people will realize not only the aesthetic advantages of a bitless bridle, but also the humane and pragmatic ones. Perhaps supporters of the bitless bridle could send their photos into those horsey magazines which solicit contributions from readers.
Anyway, keep up the excellent work and bottomless good luck for your business. See you in a year or two with my order.
Diane - Brisbane."
Email from Kellie in QLD:
I purchased a no bit bridle from you a couple of months ago. Wanted to try it on my horse that is renowned for pulling and pushing through the bit. Had a couple of goes around home - responded from the word go! Took him on a trail ride with at least 20 other riders. At one stage everyone was running past and he wanted to go. I thought this will really test the bridle.
He was not able to push through the bridle and I felt a lot nicer not swinging on his mouth. He does not resist putting on the bridle now as there is not bit to wedge between his teeth. Thanks for the bridle - I have never been game to try other bitless bridles as I have been worried that my horses would run through them. Thanks again. I have and will continue to share this success with others.
Kellie
Email from Angela:
I promised to let you know how my mare went after riding her in her no-bit bridle, but time has escaped me till now. She was always leaning on the bit and the children had a hard time stopping her. Everyone said just get a stronger bit, but I bought a no-bit bridle and it has been fantastic. Anyone can stop her now and she is going better than ever.
Thanks again. Angela
Follow up email received from Linda in WA:
Hi Nicole
As promised, here are a few photos, though I think I got a bit carried away. I was a bit disappointed because my husband didn't get a close-up of Persia's head with the bridle, these men never listen to instructions. It's a bit disconcerting when you look at yourself riding, my seat is way too forward, comes from riding racehorses for years. The horse certainly looks better than the rider!!! Hope I don't clog up your email.
We had a terrific lesson, Marian, my instructor, went from "hmmph, I suppose you have to try anything you can, and how do you control her?" to "Wow, she's a different horse, look at her. Where do you get these from? You've got amazing control. Look at how she stops and turns. She's so relaxed. Marian did think it hilarious because part of the way through the lesson Persia was trying to set her jaw against the bit as she usually would, and there was nothing there. Apparently she had a puzzled look on her face, I could feel her doing it, she kept trying and trying but eventually gave up and got on with the job.
She wasn't quite collecting as well as normal, but this is the first lesson we've had in the bridle and I wasn't really pushing the issue, just wanted her to be relaxed, which she was. The canter was superb, Marian was cheering, normally over the last few months Persia would grab the bit and pull like a train at the canter, in this lesson she did leap into it, but quickly relaxed and settled, it was amazing.
I have a group lesson this Saturday with some very advanced dressage riders, they go into shows and ride big warmbloods and some are at fairly high lessons. Marian has put me into this class over the last few months to push us on. A month ago we left the lesson in tears, this Saturday I just can't wait. And Marian is actually very keen for a couple of the riders there to see the bridle because she thinks it may help them with their schooling. How's that for a conversion.
We also went in a 20km navigational ride on Sunday, she went really, really well, there was some quite fast work involved against other horses, not once did she pull, jerk on the bridle or carry on. We had an absolute ball and our pair came fourth out of 18. It was a four hour ride and I came back without a sore chest. There were a number of riders there who noticed the bridle and were questioning me all about it. I explained how it worked and what a change it had wrought in Persia. I gave them your email address and one of the riders at least said she would definitely contact you, she was very keen, her horse really pulls. She and I talked for about 15 minutes about it, she was worried about the stopping, but I told her that it is easier to stop in this bridle than with a bit. She's been advised to put a bit that can cut the tongue on her horse, which she is horrified about, when I told her how this works she was amazed and said she would definitely get in contact with you. Hope she does.
Oh, I forgot to mention, we even did cross-country jumping on Sunday, she went like a dream and pulled up after the jumps instead of taking off as usual. I just love it.
Thanks so much for giving me back my wonderful friend Persia, our relationship is a happy one again. I didn't realise how much I was missing her until I got her back. We're no longer cross with one another, just having fun together. Now I'm not putting off my rides because it's cold, it's too warm, it's cloudy, no time or any other excuse I could think of, I'm racing out there saddling up and off we go. I will most definitely be ordering another one after Christmas for my boy Chester.
Have a great week.
Linda
Email received from Chris in Gladstone as a follow up to previous contact:
"Nicole
I was having a look at your website and looking at the pictures of my pretty pony. In my earlier feedback to you (at the very end of your webpage) where I said I tried it out on the open road, there is an error. I must have emailed you incorrectly and said he was still uncontrollable but it should actually read "he was not uncontrollable even when excited".
What I meant was I still had control of him with the bridle even though he gets excited when we are with a group of other riders.
I hope you can change this error.
Regards,
Chris"
*Poor Chris must have been extremely confused when we sent her an email saying to lower the noseband when she needed more stopping control - thanks Chris for clearing up our error.
Photo of "Mikado" received from Alix in Vic:
"I'm just so comfortable in my new bridle I'm having a nap"
Email (excerpt) from Linda in WA:
(Linda contacted us t see if our bridle would help her mare who over the past 3 or so months has started pulling and banging on the bit with such force that Linda now has inflammed bones and muscles in her chest and shoulders. Note - Teeth and physical pain had been examined and ruled out.)
"Hi Nicole
I took Persia out for a good long ride on Saturday morning. We stopped off at one of the areanas and did some dressage work (bearing in mind we are beginners) and she went marvellously. She was very excited, but settled nicely, she "got on the bit" and rounded up and was very soft. No jerking or head tossing, maybe a little rushed, but hey, it Spring.
We then went for a long ride along the river and bridle paths with the dogs and she was great. She was so happy and relaxed that she was foaming at the mouth, even without a bit, by the time we got home. I have never had her do such quick stops as she does with this bridle. The only problem I am having at the moment is that in her head, a bit in her mouth means no eating, no bit means try and eat everything that comes within each, but that's just a teaching thing for her and all animals will try you out.
Truely, Saturday was one of the most enjoyable rides I've had on her for a couple of months. I have a lesson this coming Monday, so will let you know how she goes and how my instructor reacts.
Anyway thanks again.
Linda"
Letter from Chris in Gladstone (following up to previous email of approx 3 months earlier)
"Nicole
Here are the last photos I have taken of the bridle I purchased.
I'm still quite happy with it. It is good for my trail riding and endurance.
Regards
Chris"
Email from Wendy in TAS:
"Nicole
Tried the bridle on the weekend, immediately noticed how my horse held his head up instead of the usual sulk position. He was so attentive listening to me immediately, he adapted straight away, probably because he was used to the pressure (he previously wore a gag on his bit). He stopped on command with minimal pressure on a walk and trot and a little more pressure in a canter. He neckreined exactly the same as he normally does. I haven't tried stopping him from a full gallop but feel he will be ok. I really noticed the difference in his attitude tough, he was much, much happier.
We also used it on my daughter's horse who normally wears a straight bit pelham with chain and he was the same. My daughter notcied the difference in her horse's gait in a canter as he normally puts his headf down and she is forever trying to keep it up so he is smoother to ride. he didn't have to do that with this bridle.
Once we have tried them both on trail rides I imagine you will get another order from us. Very happy with the bridle and so were Dusty and Spotty.
Thanks muchly,
Wendy"
Email (excerpt) and photos received from Donna in NSW:
"Hi Nicole
Many thanks for the email. I am more than happy for you to use the photos on your website and for the customer board at Equitana in November.
Iam biased but Buddy is such a beautiful horse, he follows me like a dog and I can do anythign with him! He's so responsove and a joy to ride (even more responsibe with my NoBit Bridle!).
I found your service absolutely fantastic. Nothing was too hard, you were always friendly and willing to help at any time.
Take care and thanks again for all your help.
Donna"
Email received from Claire in QLD:
"Hello Nicole, it's Claire.
My letter to you and your fellow friends who made it possible to let my horse Madam Yates, know life without a bit.
I had no second thoughts of putting a Nobit bridle on my girl (Madam) as I knew she could only prefer it to the other option, which is to have steel in her mouth and that would only really and truely make our communication and partnership that much harder.
I feel that for the past 5 years that Madam and I have been together, telling her how to do this and how to do that was not a problem since we would work through things new and old together and then becoming a team was a great sense of progress.
When time in the day to work together became shorter and shorter there were times when I would just put on the halter and being in between saddles also, would get on Madam and do our different manoeuvres. I realised that she was much more responsive than when the bridle and bit were in her mouth and as time went on I thought that there must be a system other than what was on offer, but still using points of pressure used one way or another.
After being able to get my hands on the Nobit Bridle thanks to you guys, its proven to me and my horse that take the bit out of the mouth and out of the worry of the horse, who not only feels the bit first before he hears you asking but all the long term dramas it brings, that....
My girl stops now and not 3 paces later, no matter what gait we are in.
She turns like a quarter horse on the spot, NOT BAD FOR A REGISTERED THOROUGHBRED!!!!
The sense of connection for partnership in work or play seems stronger than ever before.
Collection in the arena is better as the engine on Madam is happy to go weel forward since the bit is gone and the worries are no more of wondering when the next jab is going to come.
I could so talk about it to anyone who would want to always be able to look at themselves and think, "How can I improve my riding skills to better the relationship between my horse and myself" because I feel the Nobit bridle would make for better riders and out peoples riding back in the saddle and not in the hands!!
Many thanks,
Claire & Madame"
Email received from Ellen in NSW:
"Hi Nicole,
I just wanted to let you know that I have received the bridle, and tried it out on the weekend, and found that Jett was more relaxed and so was I. He was not playing with the bit (because there was none to play with).
I found he was not running out of the corners like he used to do.
I also did some jumps with him, which I did not dare to do with a normal snaffle bridle, and I had complete control of him.
I have shown a few people at the horse park the bitless bridle and no one has seen anything like it, and when I explained the concept of it, everyone can see how it works quite easily.
I will certainly pass on your contact info, if they ask where t get it from.
Thanks Ellen"
Email received from Chris in QLD:
"Nicole
It is Chris from Gladstone wiriting to give you feedback on the bridle I purchased.
I did in fact have the bridle by the weekend that I wanted it. My horse was good when I first put the bridle on, it took him a couple of rides to get used to it. He was not used to the noseband or the pressure on the head.
The weekend just gone I had one of my riding lessons with it and that went well. On Sunday (20.07.03) I rode him out on the open road with it with a group of riders. He is settling down nicely anyway but he was still oncontrollable when excited. So fare the bridle is working well. When I remember I will take a picture of it on him and send it to you!
Regards,
Chris"
* After reading this we have suggested that Chris move the noseband down a bit to help give her extra leverage when she needs it (during the times that her horse becomes excited) *
