Side Pulls are really exactly what the name says, and for all intents and purposes they are exactly like riding in a halter – rope or otherwise – with the reins attached on each side … except that they look like a lovely English Style Bridle sans bit.
For this test I again used my gelding Cub. Simply because he is my most predictable and trust worthy horse. For starters I do occasionally ride him in a halter. So this bridle is not a huge adjustment.
We immediately achieve a nice light “reverse”. For our next move however, and completely on a whim, I ask for a side-pass, far more complex, but he executes it perfectly (I knew he would! I say smugly). Fore quarter turns, left circle, right circle, halt, another half pass, lighter again reverse.
In terms of control, with a schooled horse, the side pull makes for enjoyable, bit free riding.
Unlike the cross-under bitless bridles side-pulls don’t exert pressure on a horse – other than a little nose pressure – as for stop or back up – and a little side pressure (tugging) for turning.
In theory most ridden horses will “get” it first time. Would I jump on a horse and ride him down the road or out in an open paddock without some schooling first? No.
Would I consider having a youngster started in a side pull? Absolutely. Achieve softness and submission in one of these things before anything else and you will have one of the lightest horses on the planet.
For the rest of us (and our horses) … the side pull is for those that already ride thier horses in halters and want a bridle that looks a little more “formal”.
Kiayranda stock a whole range of bitless bridles including side pull and cross-unders and they come in both black and brown leather, plain, or with gold or silver fittings. There are also Bit Adapters available which allow you to transition your horse from Bit to No Bit. (They also stock a range of treeless saddles and accessories).
Prices for Side Pulls start from $39 and Cross Unders $59. Sale of the bridles help support Kiayranda’s Horse Rescue.
Visit Kiayranda to view their full range of stock.