{"id":5762,"date":"2015-04-11T10:23:38","date_gmt":"2015-04-11T00:23:38","guid":{"rendered":"\/?p=5762"},"modified":"2026-04-24T19:49:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T09:49:39","slug":"using-the-lightrider-bitless-bridle-with-or-without-chinstrap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturalhorseworld.com\/stage\/using-the-lightrider-bitless-bridle-with-or-without-chinstrap\/","title":{"rendered":"Using the LightRider Bitless Bridle with or without chinstrap"},"content":{"rendered":"

LightRider bridles<\/a>\u00a0are a sidepull style of bitless, either with chinstrap action or\u00a0no\u00a0chinstrap action.<\/p>\n

\"The
The LightRider Bitless Noseband with the chinstrap in action.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So what’s the difference and how do you use it either way?<\/p>\n

With the chinstrap in action<\/strong>, the reins are clipped\u00a0only onto the chinstrap rings so it moves through the noseband rings. This allows the noseband to be adjusted looser for more comfort. When the reins are used, the chinstrap takes up contact to stop the noseband and cheek pieces from moving, and to give a more refined signal, so you can use less rein pressure.<\/p>\n

\"The
The LightRider Rope Natural Bridle with rings clipped together reduces the feel of the\u00a0chinstrap.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The advantage of the unique design (locking effect) and material of the chinstrap stops it from going beyond snug, so there is no over-tightening or leverage at all. Continual tightening will occur with sliding\u00a0chinstraps made from\u00a0rope or leather (or any other stiff material), because they don’t bend enough around the noseband ring to ‘lock’ and stop the tightening.<\/p>\n

No Chinstrap action<\/strong> is useful for young horses being started, and horses who are not familiar with\u00a0the feel of a chinstrap, or are sensitive to close contact. By clipping the reins to both the chinstrap and noseband rings so they are held together, there is not as much contact under the jaw, but enough to get them used to it gradually.<\/p>\n

\"Stripped
Stripped down to the bare essentials – the LightRider Bitless Noseband can be used without the chinstrap or connector strap.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u00a0If you have the newer version<\/a> of the\u00a0traditional styles of LightRider bridle (the English<\/a>, Western<\/a>, Stockhorse<\/a> or Bitless Noseband<\/a>\u00a0– which\u00a0have slots in the noseband rather than being sewn on), or a biothane older version, you can remove the chinstrap and just clip the reins to the noseband rings. \u00a0However, you may need to have the noseband a little firmer (still be able to fit 2 fingers under it) so it doesn’t slide around and cause the cheek pieces to come too close to the eyes. The trade-off for doing this, is the noseband may not allow the jaw to open as widely for chewing or yawning, and some horses may find that firmness uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

Removing the chinstrap is not recommended<\/strong>\u00a0for the rope style bitless bridles (Natural<\/a> and Performer<\/a>) as their nosebands can’t be adjusted, and the chinstrap is still needed for noseband stability, and for keeping the cheek pieces away from the eye when using one rein.<\/p>\n

The versatility of the LightRider bitless bridle is loved by\u00a0many horses and people \u2013 it’s gentle, easily understood, effective, and a great place to start your bitless journey.<\/p>\n

See all the LightRider Bridle styles here:\u00a0www.naturalhorseworld.com\/categories\/bitless-bridles\/<\/a>\u00a0where you can also read customer’s reviews under the product description. Or visit www.lightriderbridle.com<\/a> for more articles, videos and photos.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The
The bitless noseband with chinstrap and connector strap (going back to the throatlatch) to assist with leading or lungeing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

LightRider bridles\u00a0are a sidepull style of bitless, either with chinstrap action or\u00a0no\u00a0chinstrap action. So what’s the difference and how do you use it either way? With the chinstrap in action, the reins are clipped\u00a0only onto the chinstrap rings so it moves through the noseband rings. This allows the noseband to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5774,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_thinkrank_schema_form_data":"","_thinkrank_selected_schema_type":"","_thinkrank_additional_schemas":"","_thinkrank_canonical_url":"","_thinkrank_og_title":"","_thinkrank_og_description":"","_thinkrank_og_image":"","_thinkrank_twitter_title":"","_thinkrank_twitter_description":"","_thinkrank_twitter_image":"","_thinkrank_imported_from":"yoast","_thinkrank_focus_keywords":["lightrider bitless bridle"],"_thinkrank_focus_keyword":"lightrider bitless 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