Horse & Human

Why Bitless...

Bitless riding is a strange concept for a lot of people. Some feel that without a bit, the horse is unsafe, however nothing could be further from the truth. In fact the only safer way to ride and interact with any horse - young or old, big or small and no matter what breed or personality, is absolutely without a bit. Unfortunately it is tradition alone, rather than scientific or behavioral evidence which has dictated that horses wear them. Apart from the interference with anatomical and physiological functions, the excruciating pain and the psychological torment associated with use of a bit - it is simply an extremely ineffective and inhumane way of communicating with any horse.

When a human anticipates pain [fear] or feels actual pain there are various verbal and non verbal ways we express such feelings - by crying, shouting, running away, fighting, disconnecting or retreating within oneself or by showing our turmoil in various other ways. A horse however, being virtually a silent creature does not exhibit vocal distress. Instead it is designed to react - so when it anticipates pain [fear] it runs. And when it feels actual pain it fights and|or runs. When exposed to a stressful situation for long periods of time a horse can also become despondent, numb and disconnected from any interaction with humans. By simply removing the bit, and learning more effective ways of communicating, one removes the cause of fear and pain and the associated flight, fight reflex and the tendency to disconnect.

Horses, very much like humans have different personalities and different ways of exhibiting fear and pain. Some horses may have a very sensitive nature compared to others and therefore won't be able to cope with the stress that a far less sensitive natured horse would be able to cope with. So depending on it's individual personality [and life experiences] it will utilise one, some or all of the three responses to manifest it's stress - to a small or large degree and everything in between. This is why some horses seem to 'accept' bits, kicking, spurs, yanking, tight reins etc. And why others don't.

However 'acceptance' is an erroneous term, because unfortunately humans aren't actually educated to observe the subtle [and not so subtle] ways a horse expresses it's stress. Strong flight and fight behaviour is recognised easily, but lesser flight and fight responses as well as disconnection is not. Furthermore, if these behaviors are actually observed, then human ways of controlling or winning over the 'naughty' behaviour by punishments are utilised.

As a simple example - if a horse fusses when being led, instead of walking respectfully and calmly on a loose lead, observing and altering it's steps in tune with the handler, this manifestation of stress and|or disrespectful behaviour is either not observed or is ignored by the handler. If on the other hand the handler actually does observe the behaviour - it's interpreted as the horse being 'naughty' which prompts a human punishment of nagging, shouting, smacking, physically shoving the horse or yanking the lead rope.

This type of communication and punishment is ineffective, confusing and causes escalating levels of anxiety for the horse, who relies on a totally different way of interaction. Such a simple example is a sign of a potentially dangerous situation, as it is a very clear signal from the horse that it is stressed or that it doesn't recognise the handler as being more dominant, and therefore will not interact with any degree of respect.

Horse & Human Bitless Training is a method whereby you and your horse are taught to understand and communicate clearly and respectfully with each other without ever using a bit, tight reins, kicking or squeezing, spurs, whips or any other method which seeks to control a horse by using force or pain. It teaches observation and correct interpretation of horse behaviour. By learning how to create trust from consistent kindness and clear communication, interaction with any horse is respectful and peaceful. By applying these simple and easy to learn methods, the horse becomes responsive, willing and comprehends requests effortlessly.

During lessons, each person and each horse are viewed as individuals and also as a partnership together, which is an important focus of the work. Training sessions are adapted to suit each situation based on the horse and handler's past experiences, abilities, individual sensitivities and current emotional and physical states. The training methods are also not affiliated and do not emulate any other 'natural horsemanship' groups but are simply based on the way horses naturally interact with one another.

Learning new ways of communicating with a horse is often very challenging and therefore an open mind and a commitment to embrace these new ways is essential. A positive learning environment is achieved by creating training sessions which contain well organised theory and practical components.

Lessons are on an individual basis to start, and are approximately forty five minutes to one hour. Often once the basic philosophy and practical application is achieved, lessons may be shared between several people, although the maximum is around four people. Usually two or three lessons per week for at least three weeks is ideal, however all lesson plans are flexible according to budget, time availability or sensitivities.

Lessons must be completed wearing a NZ safety approved helmet, long trousers and heeled boots. A halter, lead rope, bitless bridle, saddle blanket and treeless saddle are supplied, although it is helpful if these are purchased by the handler, so that practice between sessions can be completed. Sessions with the horse and trainer may be observed by handlers only, unless prior arrangements are made. Cell phones and other distractions are not permitted during any session.

Lessons consist of one or a combination of the following :

explanation and demonstration of training philosophies by trainer

ground work by trainer - to teach the handler new methods of communication, how to deal with different situations taking into consideration the individuality of their horse, as well as communicating to the horse what is expected of them

ground work by handler - to apply and practice ground work skills with the horse

mounted work by trainer - to teach the handler how to integrate and apply ground work techniques, as well as communicating to the horse what is expected of them

mounted work by handler - to apply and practice mounted work skills with the horse

mounted work by trainer or handler - refining techniques, expanding knowledge and gaining experience

Whatever your desire - if you simply wish to learn how to ride, or if you wish to attain a more responsive and respectful relationship with your horse, you wish to embrace a new humane and safer way of riding, or if you require a solution for a problem - this can be accomplished very easily.

Horses are naturally obliging and very peaceful animals and comply without fear, confusion or resistance when we 'talk' their language. By learning and applying the few simple principles of horse language, interaction with any horse can not only be respectful and responsive, but much safer and on a deep level never before experienced. The results are quite truly... amazing!

LESSON OPTIONS

At your property with your horse :

$35 - per lesson

A dry, flat area which is able to sustain groundwork and riding is required. Please note an extra mileage charge may be applied if lesson location is further than fifteen minutes drive from Albany, North Shore, Auckland

At Horse & Human training facility with your horse :

$80 - per week agistment if required [not including hard feed or hay]
$30 - per lesson

The Horse & Human training facility is located close to Albany, on the North Shore of Auckland, New Zealand. It comprises ten acres which contains plentiful grazing, an enclosed grass arena, show jumping|cross country course and small obstacle course area. The paddocks are flat with some gentle slopes and have secure fencing, an abundance of natural shade and shelter, self filling water troughs and there is also an open barn and storage area. There is off street parking available and floats are able to be parked or left at the facility by prior arrangement and at the owners own risk.

Further information about bitless training or barefoot trimming may be viewed on the 'profile', 'photos', 'articles + movies' or 'testimonial' sections of the website or by contacting Horse & Human by email, phone or text.