Over the past couple decades, thanks to the efforts of a list of well known trainers and authors too long to mention, the majority of horse trainers and owners have turned to natural horsemanship". Millions of Americans have read the book or seen the movie, The Horse Whisperer," and were amazed at the connection between trainer and horse. This movie presented a fine example of Natural Horsemanship. If you are not familiar with this type of horse-rearing, it is based on understanding and applying the natural herd hierarchy or pecking order: how horses use body language to communicate and the understanding of horses' 'explosive flight' instincts that have helped protect them from natural predators. At a very grassroots level, the kindler gentler more basic concepts of natural horsemanship have ignited new ideas that are taking that movement to a higher level. A new culture is emerging whose mantra is Bitless, Treeless and Barefoot". They are avid natural horsemen or horsewomen who use bitless bridles, ride in treeless saddles, and use a barefoot natural trim on their horses' feet. They believe these things eliminate the discomfort, pain and injury that can be caused by bits, traditional treed saddles and horseshoes. Eliminating pain brings them closer to their horses so they can enjoy the magical relationship that so many horse lovers dream of. While they and their horses are enjoying the time they spend together more, they also claim that bitless bridles, treeless saddles, and barefoot trims help the pair perform better together. Perhaps the most dramatic change of this new subculture is that, from backyard hacks to endurance to competitive games to high level dressage, people are claiming that they perform better when they use a bitless bridle. Although bitless bridles have existed in many forms throughout the centuries, the use of bits is an important and established part of equestrian teaching and tradition. Equestrian competitions usually require that participants use bits in their horses, even if the horse and rider can complete the task bitless. Zoe Brooks, a quality management consultant, horse farm owner and designer of the latest model of bitless bridle, says: Attila the Hun succeeded by teaching his army to control their horses with metal bits. While today's bits aren't as primitive, the fact is that much of our modern equestrian practice evolved from military training. I think it's time we looked for some new role models!" Zoe admits her first foray into owning a horse didn't start with the mutual caring relationship of her dreams. Instead, her horse pushed her around, stepped on her, shoved her down and threw her off. It wasn't until Zoe 'took a step backwards' to learn the basics of natural horsemanship that a whole new world opened up. Then she could train her new big opinionated mare 'Hazel' and was thrilled to have the big horse follow her around like a puppy and even go on trail rides in a rope halter. As soon as Zoe tried riding her with a bit and bridle Hazel's personality changed and she became combative. That's what led Zoe to design the Nurtural No-Bit Bridle. Training and riding bitless took us to whole new level! It removed the fight and the mutual worry of impending pain form the bit. We worked better together and learned to trust." In fall of 2006, Zoe and her husband Gerry used their own methods of natural horsemanship to train 4 young horses in only 2 days. Using their bitless bridle, after only one hour of 'nurtural training' three people were able to ride a 2 year old stallion who had never seen a saddle before that day. The 3 year old gelding accepted his first rider in under an hour and hit the open fields on Day 2. The two young fillies had their first rides in their second lesson. Brooks believes: With a little nurturing, you don't need to spend a lifetime or a fortune to train a horse." Bitless bridles are gaining credibility among all sectors of the horse set; from the casual pleasure rider to the precision of Grand Prix Dressage riders, horse owners are discovering the difference 'going Nurtural' can make. They feel like their horses are calmer and happier to be with them. While many horse lovers see the value in the Natural Horsemanship movement, they may balk at bitless bridles, believing they all look like a standard hackamore. The often bulky or rudimentary appearance of hackamores doesn't seem to mesh too well with the grace and poise required when showing. But bitless bridles have become so refined and elegant in appearance, that at first glance, many riders don't even realize a horse isn't using a standard bitted bridle. Once they see the responsiveness and control that a bitless bridle can offer, and the smile it puts on their horse, most riders become convinced," says Brooks. After all, what horse owner wouldn't want to find a more nurturing and gentle way to work with the horse they love?" Visit www.nurturalhorse.com for more information about Zoe Brooks & the Nurtural No-Bit BridleTM .
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