How to Turn a Halter Bridle Into a Bitless Bridle

Horse halters are similar in function to a dog̵7;s collar. They give the owner control over the animal and allow them to be handled easily. They generally differ from a bridle in that they lack a bit, however, certain bridles are made without bits. These bridles are called bitless bridles. A halter can be turned into a bitless bridle by simply attaching lead ropes to a few strategic points to create nose pressure.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Lead Rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the halter onto the horse̵7;s head. To start, approach the horse slowly and on the left side. You should be holding the halter at the ready in your left hand. The lead rope should already be attached to the halter at the lower ring. Gently run your hand up the horse̵7;s neck until you reach the top of his head. Push down slightly while slipping the halter over his nose. Push the halter up the horse̵7;s face smoothly and gently until you can slide the ears behind the band. Thread the throatlatch through the buckle and fasten it snugly under the horse̵7;s throat.

    • 2

      Attach the lead rope. Unsnap the lead rope from the metal halter ring under the horse̵7;s chin and re-snap it on the metal ring on the left side of the halter. Throw the loose end of the lead rope over the horse̵7;s withers and tie the other end to the metal halter ring on the right side of the halter. What you should have now is a lead rope that makes a semicircle with both ends connected to the halter. This will mimic a side pull bitless bridle model.

    • 3

      Mount up. You can now mount your horse and use the semicircle lead rope as your reins. Hopefully your lead rope is relatively long so that you have decently sized reins, but if not, take care to keep your hands high up on the horse̵7;s neck so that you do not pull unnecessarily against the noseband of the halter as you ride.