How do you use a halter for a bridle?

Question

I'm currently training my morgan and she is nervous with bits, if I use a bit she would rear. I ordered a bitless bridle but it is not in yet. Is there a way to use a halter for a bridle?

Answer 1

You might try a twisted snaffle, my moody morgan actually did well with it but none others. To go without bridle, use any old halter with side clip areas. Buy a set of reins with clips on them and just attach them directly to the halter! It gives you very minimal control, so make sure you trust her before you try it, maybe on a lunge line first. Good luck!

Answer 2

I see wrecks waiting to happen all down this thread. :-( If she's rearing with a bit what are *YOU* doing? There is something happening to get her agitated. DO NOT USE A HALTER FOR A BRIDLE!!!!!! That is the fastest way - with her resisting and testing to get control - to get hurt. Get a large diameter preferably rubber snaffle. Learn to RELAX. Rearing is a sign of frustration and avoidance. Being told one way stop (reins) and the other way (legs/body) go will get most horses to rear. In those cases it's not the bit - it's the conflict aboard and she doesn't know what to do so tries to escape - rearing and/or running away is escape. With that in mind don't pull back - circle. Don't jerk, don't bang her sides. It sounds like she's lost trust and she's trying to find relief.

Like others here I *have* done the halter thing when I was young and stupid and bounced better - I've also had horses run away with it. Too many blame the horse when it's not the horse's fault - watch what you're asking (vs what you think you're asking).

Answer 3

Bitless bridles are very similiar to halters. Like others have said, get clip on reins and attach it to either side of the halter. If you have trouble getting your horse to listen without a bit...try a rope halter, they give a bit more "umph" to any command as they are skinnier and so a bit harsher, but not at all cruel.
If you;re interested in getting your horse to behave with a bit...try tying a bit to a halter and leaving it on your horse while it's in it's stall. This is a comfortable place for the horse where your horse is comfortable and doesn't have to be nervous about other things so can adjust to the bit in his mouth.
Good luck

Answer 4

My morgan is really mouthy and headstrong, I didn't have much luck riding him in a halter but try attaching the reins, leadlines, ropes or what ever you are using to the bottom ring, this way you can put pressure on the bridge of her nose and stop her. You can also use it as a side pull as well. It this works I'd recommend a parelli halter/bridle. basically it is just a halter but some horses love the "freedom" it gives them. The only bit I have found to work iwth my morgan was a roller tom thumb. He likes the roller and the side shanks give me some control. Good Luck and wear a helmet the first few times!

Answer 5

try a hackamore. I would also suggest a trainer. Rearing is not safe and it could hurt the horse,you,the horses around ur horse, and other people. (TRUST ME I KNOW!) But while you are waiting for ur bitless bridle get a halter that fits snug (not to tight but not to loose either) and attach clip on reins to the sides of the halter. (if you dont want to go out and buy reins twine will work just fine but it calls for more strength)

Answer 6

If your horse's halter has an adjustable noseband, make the halter snug around her nose. Attach your reins to the side rings of the halter; this effectively makes a side pull. Ride her as you normally would, giving her time to become accustom to the halter being used in this way, and just do slow work until she learns to give to the halter just as she would the bit. Use a vibrating rein to encourage her to give. I use the halter in this way for training young or green horses, and it works wonderfully!!!

I had a Morgan mare years ago, and she was amazing!!!!! I learned so much from her.

Good luck!!!

Answer 7

Many young horses are upset by bits.
We start our young oneis a bosal (no bit) and then move them into a french link snaffle.
I ride all the time in a halter so does my husband. We don't go far in just the halter but in our pasture.
It works but you will lack some stopping power.
Be careful.
Good luck with the bitless bridle I have several friends who use thm and love them. Their horses love them too.

Answer 8

Yes there is! It is not the best solution to your problem but it will make do. Either have one really long lead rope or two you can tie together. Now put on the halter and take the clip end of the lead rope and hook it to one side of the halter. (side being place where you would attach crossties) If you are using just one leadrope tie the end to the other side and there you go. If you are using two take the clippy sides of the lead ropes and hook one to each side. Bring them over the horse's neck (like reins) and tie together


I don't reccommend you doing serious riding with this. It is a great solution but I hope it Helps

Answer 9

...Not really. Well, I take that back. Find a pretty thin rope or peice of string. Tie each end to one side of the halter. Voila! Bitless bridle.

I'm not sure how you're going to control a green horse without a bit, though, that would be difficult.

Answer 10

you can take 2 lead lines and attach them to the sides of the halter. but if you are just training your horse that may not be a very good idea. it sounds like she either needs a vet to take a look at her mouth or she needs more time getting used to the bit without you riding her, like in her stall or in an arena/pen.