Bitless?

We shall see!

I've got the vet coming out on Monday afternoon to look at Stella's teeth. She's been doing a lot of head tossing and a little tipping when under saddle, especially tracking right, so I think she may have one of the last molar caps or possibly a hook or two bugging her. In the mean time, since I still want to give her something to do (no grass makes for cranky ponies) I put her in a lunge cavesson today instead of the bit and stuck her on the long lines. Oddly enough, no more head tossing. Hmm....

In fact, her canter was just plain lovely. Beautifully cadenced, uphill, balanced...she wasn't totally on the bit but I overlooked that completely because she wasn't gaping her mouth or grunting with every stride. It just worked. Still had trouble getting even bend to the left but overall it was a really nice effort from her.

This made me consider training her bitless. The USDF and any rated show doesn't allow for bitless bridles in the dressage ring, which is really too bad. Why should I be penalized for having a horse who is happier without a bit? It doesn't give me an advantage if anyone can do it. I've noticed each time of the several times I've worked Stella bitless that she seems happier and less mouthy without one. Now, it's not like the bit is a foreign concept to her, she's worn one for over a year now. Perhaps I'll play with different ones to see if she has a preference, but I'm seriously considering a bitless bridle for everyday work. I think it'll be kinder for her while she's continuing to learn to balance and while I get my act together during our rides.

I may not post for a couple days: end-of-semester work has me a little bogged, but I've found time to trudge out to the barn and pat my pony. Sometimes you just have to keep on keepin' on.