The decision to take off the bridle with a bit and switch to “bitless” riding is only the beginning of the journey. The market offers plenty of solutions that differ from each other as much as an egg-butt bit differs from a curb bit. Choosing the wrong model can end in a lack of control, the horse’s frustration or a dangerous situation.
In the Balotade range you will find three main systems: Sidepull, Cross-under and Hackamore. How do they differ and which will be best for your horse?
1. Sidepull – simplicity and directness
This is the most popular and most intuitive type of bitless bridle. As the name suggests (side and pull), it works through side rings at the noseband.
- How does it work? The reins are attached directly to the rings on the sides of the mouth (similar to a stable halter, but much more stably).
- Mechanics: The action is direct (1:1). When you pull the right rein, the horse feels pressure on the left side of the nose and turns right. There is no leverage or “squeezing” of the head here.
- For whom? This is the best choice to start with. Ideal for young horses (it teaches turning from an opening rein), for hacking and for riders who want to feel similar to riding on an ordinary bit.
2. The Cross-under system – a “hug” of the head
Cross-under bridles (often associated with the Dr. Cook system) look more complicated. The cheekpieces do not end at the mouth, but cross under the horse’s jaw and pass to the opposite side of the poll.
- How does it work? Pulling the rein does not only cause pressure on the nose. The straps gently tighten around the horse’s whole head (nose, jaw, poll).
- Mechanics: The horse is steered more by “pushing” the head in the desired direction than by pulling.
- For whom? For sensitive horses that like a signal distributed over a large area.
- Disadvantage: This system has a slower “release” time – the straps have to loosen, which with poorly maintained leather can take a fraction of a second longer.
3. Hackamore – the power of leverage
We have already written more extensively about the hackamore, but in this comparison one thing must ring out clearly: this is not a bridle for learning to turn. The hackamore is a tool based on leverage (shanks).
- How does it work? The metal shanks amplify the force of the rider’s hand. The pressure focuses on the nasal bone, the chin and the poll.
- Mechanics: It works great in the vertical plane (stopping, collection, “flexion at the poll”), but poorly in the lateral one (turning).
- For whom? For experienced riders and strong horses (e.g. jumpers) that do not tolerate a bit but require a precise brake.
A comparison in a nutshell
| Feature | Sidepull | Cross-under | Hackamore |
| Main point of pressure | Nose (laterally) | Whole head (encircling) | Nose / Jaw / Poll |
| Leverage | None (1:1) | None (but acts on the poll) | Very strong |
| Steering (turning) | Very good | Medium | Poor (mainly a brake) |
| Difficulty level | Easy (like a halter) | Medium | Hard (requires skill) |
What to choose at the start of the bitless adventure?
If you are just starting out and do not know how your horse will react to the lack of metal in the mouth, the Sidepull will be the safest choice. It is gentle, understandable for the horse and forgiving of hand errors.
If you have a very strong horse that “pulls” the reins out in the open – consider the Hackamore (with short shanks to start), but remember to use it with feel.
📦 Choose your Balotade bitless bridle
At Balotade we offer 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 bridles that allow you to change the way the rein is attached (e.g. from a Sidepull to a Cross-under) within one piece of equipment. It is a great option for testing!
