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Bob Cook's Crossover Bitless Bridle
Content and Material © Dr. Robert Cook, F.R.C.V.S., Ph.D.
The Bitless Bridle is a Humane Alternative to the Bit
Unlike metal in the mouth, the bitless bridle does not inflict pain
Your horse will breathe easier and move more freely
A metal bit is an invasive foreign body in a sensitive body cavity
It controls a horse through a mixture of pain, poll flexion and partial suffocation
It also causes a host of other problems
Reference Library
Articles by Dr. Cook
The bits influence on the head bob during a gallop:
http://merrillequinesolutions.com/EffectofBitonGallop.html
Why Go Bitless
http://merrillequinesolutions.com/LogoEncapsulates.html
This approach enables you to avoid many problems & is kinder to your horse
We understand that bits are required in many competitions.
But there's no reason why you can't train in our bitless bridle.
My horses learn fast because the bit is not causing
'static' in our lines of communication.
My horses respond faster, smarter & lighter & are happier.
With the bitless bridle I ride my horse from the tail forward
& 'not' the mouth backwards.
Improve your horse's welfare and its mental and physical balance
avoid confusing your horse with discomfort ...
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HOW TO CHOOSE THE CORRECT SIZE
In general, the medium size beta and nylon headstall will fit all horses except large warmbloods and ponies. In leather, average horses take a full size. Arabian sized horses would need a cob size. If you have a horse that you are not sure about, here is how to measure.
HOW TO MEASURE AND HEADSTALL SIZES
Measure 1 ½” to 2” up from the corner of the horses mouth. From that point, measure the circumference of the horses nose. From that same point (1 ½” – 2” up from the corner of the horses mouth). Run your tape measure up the side of the face, around the poll (behind the ears) to the same point on the other side of the face.
* * * If you find it too cumbersome to run your tape all the way around the head, measure to the very top of the poll (to the point right between the ears) and double that measurement) Use these two measurements to determine what size headstall your horse needs.
Beta Colors
Black & Brown
Merrill Equine Solutions now offers the matching Beta Reins for the Beta Headstalls
This is a flexible form of vinyl covering over a nylon foundation with the feel and softness of a synthetic rubber. It has a slightly grainy surface and low-sheen surface, which gives it a leather-look appearance. Beta is a little heavier than the other synthetic bridles. Some people like the extra weight in the reins, as it provides a constant but slight contact with the head. It is available in black, dark brown and chestnut brown. The Beta material is very easy to maintain and can be kept clean with bucket of water or machine-washing (cool cycle).
| Beta |
Headstall |
Noseband |
| Small |
29"-39" |
18"-22" |
| Medium |
35"-45" |
19"-24" |
| Large |
38"-48" |
22"-26" |
| Draft |
46"-57" |
24"-28" |
Leather Colors
Havana Brown, Black
About our Leather Bridles These bridles are made of English Bridle Leather. Havana brown, and black. The components of leather bridles are not stitched together. This design provides two advantages. First, it allows for more adjustment and therefore better fitting especially for wide jawed horses. Secondly, it allows for the leather crossover straps to be replaced when showing signs of wear. Inevitably, there is considerable friction where these straps run through the 'O' rings on the noseband. If they were not detachable, the whole headstall would have to be replaced when wear occurred.
English Leather
Hand made in England of genuine English Bridle Leather, they feature hand-rounded parts with the highest quality stainless steel hardware. The unsurpassed workmanship of these bridles will quietly reflect the pride you have in your horse and the attendant care that such pride deserves.
Premium English Leather
This is absolutely the finest bridle you can buy. Hand made in England of genuine English Bridle Leather, they feature hand-rounded parts with the highest quality stainless steel hardware. The noseband has additional foam padding and non-chaffing leather for ultimate comfort. The unsurpassed workmanship of these bridles will quietly reflect the pride you have in your horse and the attendant care that such pride deserves.
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| Leather |
Headstall |
Noseband |
| Pony |
29"-37" |
18"-20" |
| Cob |
33"-43" |
19"-22" |
| Full |
37"-46" |
21"-23" |
| XFull |
42"-50" |
22"-25" |
Western Style headstall comes in one size - Medium, which is the same size as the Medium Beta. However, there is room to add more holes to make it a little smaller or larger.
To Order using Paypal: info@merrillequinesolutions.com
Or use the convenient Paypal buttons below
For more information: whispurr@nbnet.nb.ca
Please note that sizes 'draft' and 'mini' are priced differently
Separate buttons have been created for those circumstances
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Beta Headstalls
Beta headstalls are made of a synthetic material that combines the strength of nylon with the easy care of vinyl. Beta is particularly popular with trail and endurance riders, since the material requires no maintenance and can be subjected to virtually any conditions without being affected.
Available in black, brown and chestnut.
However, the Draft size is available in Black Only. |
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Beta Headstall
92.38 CAD
13.50 Shipping
Plus Tax |
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English Leather Headstall (standard)
Our Standard English Leather headstalls are made in England from English bridle leather with top-quality workmanship.
Available in black, havana brown |
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English Leather
170.29 CAD
13.50 Shipping
Plus Tax |
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English Leather Headstall (padded)
Our top-of-the-line headstall, Padded English Leather, have a soft leather padding under the browband and noseband, which makes them softer on your horse's face. The noseband and browband on the padded headstalls are slighty wider than on the Standard English Leather headstalls. All of our English Leather bridles are made in England from English bridle leather and the finest workmanship we could find.
Available in black, havana brown |
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Premium Padded Leather
232.62 CAD
13.50 Shipping
Plus Tax |
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Our Driving Headstall is made of Beta, a leather-like synthetic that is extremely strong and durable while requiring no maintenance or care. It is identical to our regular (riding) Beta headstall, with the addition of a throatlatch and blinders.
Available in black only.
Different pricing for draft & mini sizes |
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Closed Driving
154.00 CAD
13.50 Shipping
Plus Tax |
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Western Leather Crossover Bitless Headstall
The Western style headstalls have more Western looking buckles, and have Conchos at the browband. They come in medium only, which will fit all horses except for a pony, large warmblood or draft.
Selling Brown Only / Email for custom request of Black |
| Western Bitless Headstall
127.00 CAD
13.50 Shipping
Plus Tax |
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| Western Leather Reins
63.00 CAD
13.50 Shipping
Plus Tax |
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MINI Closed Driving Beta
97.00 CAD
13.50 Shipping
Plus Tax |
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DRAFT Closed Driving Beta
164.00 CAD
13.50 Shipping
Plus Tax |
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DRAFT Size Riding Beta
124.00 CAD
13.50 Shipping
Plus Tax |
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