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Bitless Bridle Comparison: The Light Rider

To find more about the Light Rider Bridle, please see website here.
Star Rating:

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

Base Price (not including shipping): 
Versatility (disciplines):                  
Quality of Materials:                       
Ease of Use (adjustments, riding):   
Durability:                                     
Cleaning:                                     

Comments:

The Light Rider is a unique bitless bridle design featuring a sliding chinstrap. Its composition focuses on being light on the horses head, but nonetheless offering clear, light signals. It is one of the best looking bridles of the batch, and is available in many designs so neither english nor western riders will feel left out.

The Light Rider cleans readily with soap and water and does not fade in the sun. It is the perfect all around bridle for use during trail rides, endurance or recreational pursuits. This bridle is not available in leather, which may be a downside for some, and may perhaps limit its popularity in a showing atmosphere (where bitless is allowed).

A nice advantage to the Light Rider is that it is abundant with versatility. It can not only be used for riding, but has a removable strap that converts the bridle into a lunging cavesson-type head gear and halter. This saves time and money long-term, and is convenient that you can easily tie the horse during a trail ride or for grooming and saddling.

It is especially nice in that the bridle is not fitted tightly- there is no need, as the reins do not attach directly to the noseband- and there is no displacement of the noseband during its use.

In Use:

Throughout hacks, jumping and schooling, the Light Rider never missed a beat. Horses responded well and rode confidently in through the bridle. Through work the horses responded lightly and effectively to cues. The only minor complaint being that from a standstill (using solely the bridle) a couple of the horses were able to resist the aid to turn- during faster work, this never proved an issue.

Individual rider stories to come.

Conclusion:

The Light Rider is a surprisingly effective bridle in an easy to clean, light weight package. It is one of the gentlest bitless bridle designs, but yields fantastic results. It may not be suitable for the show-ring because of its material, but it is well-adapted to schooling, hacking or endurance ventures.

A general observer would not notice that there is no bit in the mouth, except upon closer inspection. Some riders will especially appreciate that the Light Rider is very traditional in styling- it doesn’t compromise style or safety.

The Light Rider Bitless Bridle retails between: $90-185 AUD.
Please note: The Light Rider is expected to be available in leather by the end of 2009.

The Light Rider in use (below), more pictures and video to come:

More videos of the Light Rider in use will be available soon. Special thanks to our riders for volunteering their time to offer their insight and opinions.

NEW!

The Light Rider Bitless Bridle is now available for purchase of the noseband only, which can simply be attached to your existing bridle.