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Bitless Bridle Comparison: The Callisto

The Callisto has not yet been officially released to the market. To find more about the Callisto Bridle, please email Corine Wilson here, until website is constructed.

Star Rating:

Please note rankings:
1= poor 2= satisfactory 3=good 4=excellent 5=outstanding

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Comments:

The Callisto is a gorgeous side pull bridle, with increased control over standard, readily available designs. Its noseband is firm for better control, but it is amply padded so that it does not cause discomfort. At the same time, it utilizes the added advantage of second ‘band’ which secures the nosepiece in place and prevents it from riding up the horse’s nose during use. The browband is a matching, rolled leather making the bridle very stylish.

We found it very easy to perform lateral work with the horses in relaxed, soft outlines. The Callisto is well-designed with good hardware and leather. It utilizes beta Biothane along the noseband for durability and prevent stretching, which proves highly effective and easy to keep clean. The stitching is good and even, and the bridle is well made and very adjustable.
Rein placement on the noseband rings can offer different a different feeling through the bridle. Placing the reins above the securing strap gives a softer action, while when it is fitted below the action is more dramatic.

When in first use, the reins can twist before they ‘mold’ to the shape of the noseband rings. This minor complaint quickly resolves, however, and should not pose an issue long-term. We found the Callisto to be more durable than many leather bridles (of any sort) typically found on the market.

In Use:

The Callisto was an especially effective bridle for flat work, and can be used efficiently over fences. The horses responded extremely well to the bridle, and we found it among the best cue-wise.

While the cues were well-received and it does provide very good control, it isn’t always the best option for horses who are hot and flighty at faster paces. With further education though, even these horses can respond beautifully to the bridle. Despite this, horses seemed to listen much better to the bridle than in a bit. Horses, who at times had issues with bolting, quickly settled down and listened to the Callisto’s cues.

An excerpt from one rider’s experience using the Callisto:

“Warming up in an enclosed arena, I noticed the added control immediately. In comparison to rides I’ve had in a bit, my horse listened better to my halt/reverse cues, did not rush ahead of me, or bolt at any point.

Feeling confident in the bridle, I moved my horse into an open field where knee high alfalfa begged to be grazed. My horse has an old habit of eating mid-stride and held true to that reputation here. While it usually takes five or so seconds of constant yanking to bring my horse’s head back, it took a quarter of that time to bring her back in the Callisto. Rarely did she even get a nip of grass before I had her head back.

Trotting, she kept a very even pace and never sped ahead. Even at the gallop we managed a relaxed, controlled pace. What impressed me most was the lack of fight from her when asked to move past, or in the opposite direction from the field exit (which leads home).

Even at the faster paces, she listened completely. I spent the entire ride in the [hunt seat] position, which worked well. By the end of the ride, my reins were much looser than when we’d started, with no loss of control. I felt comfortable and confident.

A very pleasing ride! Responses were at least three times quicker than in a bit, and I love the steady, no-fuss ride I get when I take my horse out in a bitless.”

Conclusion:

The Callisto is not only ideal for riders intending to school in it (either on the flat or over fences), but is a wonderful bridle for those intent on dressage riding. Collection and lateral work is easily achieved through the bridle, and the horses truly seemed to appreciate its feel.

We would not necessarily recommend it for road hacking, but it is a great addition to any serious riding barn nonetheless. It is attractive enough to fit in at show grounds where allowed as well. Especially for well-schooled horses, the design and transmission of cues on this bridle is hard to beat.

The Callisto Retails Between: $55-83 Canadian or 390-590 South African Rand