Rodney loves his new tack. He is wearing a side-pull hackamore noseband, a headpiece, & reins. That’s it. No saddle. No bit.
I have been reluctantly edging toward this all month [Headgear]. I knew Rodney would prefer the bit to stay in the barn. I knew a happier horse would be less inclined to do something appalling. I knew I could slide off at the first hint of adversity.
He was a star. Stood like a rock. Played couch like a narcoleptic school pony. We’ve done it three times now. We usually give him at least a week to grasp new ideas. He’s been thrilled during each ride, and pleased with himself afterwards. Me, I’m taking longer to swim alongside.
Lotta horse, not lotta tack.
Virtual Brush Box 
Quiet, tiny little Wheeee!
I hear ya… I still have internal arguments about whether I’ll ‘bit’ Aero or not. Pretty much each and every ride. The result of a lifetime of viewing a bit as ‘brakes’ I guess.
I wouldn’t have said that I viewed bits as brakes, but yeah, it seems that I do.
Wheee. But not too much. See above.