Western Dressage Bitless Options?
Title is self explanatory! I am traditionally an English rider - but exploring western dressage to mould to my OTTB mare’s needs. Every bit I’ve tried with her, she hates after a couple of weeks, so I’m considering bitless.
For reference, we’ve tried most dressage legal bits, so far her favorite has been the eggbutt with a double jointed lozenge. However, after a while she started to play with the bit, chomp, mouth gape, etc. just like all other bits we’ve tried. I will not put her in a flash or similar noseband. She’s UTD on her teeth, her mouth has been checked, I’ve had a fitter look at her, pain in other parts of the body ruled out, etc. - I think she just has a really sensitive mouth.
As a lot of us are aware, bitless is not legal in traditional dressage hence why I’ve been looking into western dressage (I want to do what’s best for my horse and if that means meeting her where she’s most comfortable, I’ll do it).
Thing is, I know that a lot of bitless options can be just as bad as certain bits. I have little to no experience with bitless options and want to be sure I’m going with the right equipment that is the most comfortable for my mare. Sidepulls sadly are not legal in western dressage, and I’m not interested in putting her in the cross under as I’ve heard some not so nice things about them.
Turning to Reddit since Google has popped up mixed results, and I know a lot of you guys here put the horse first above the equipment! Help a western-illiterate lady out!
Posted Jul 9, 2025, 5:59 PM UTC