Tellington TTouch Training Canada

STarting a young horse with the Tellington TTouch Lindell Sidepull bit-less bridele.

The Lindell Sidepull

Do you ride your horse with or without a bit?  For many, this issue has become very polarizing and one about ethics, safety and/or classical ideals.  In our opinion there are many ways that work and what you choose should be about what works well for your and your horse physically, mentally and emotionally.

We have used bit less style bridles for decades.  We have found them to be very clear and straightforward for starting young horses as well as a non-habitual, positive exercise for high level performance horses looking to try new experiences.

The Lindell is a side-pull bridle, custom made for Tellington TTouch® Training and named after Linda Tellington-Jones.This bit-less bridle has a leather nosepiece and soft leather chin and jowl straps.  Unlike many other types of bit-less bridles, the Lindell does not add poll or chin pressure and gives the horse a clear release to the signal.

The Lindell is a key piece of equipment we use to start horses under saddle,  help re-train horses who are anxious in the bridle, sensitive in the mouth, tend to evade contact, or for riders who are in experienced or heavy handed. 

The action of the Lindell can allow clear, concise, signals – helping horses understand what the rider is asking and encouraging cooperation.

For young or stiff horses, the placement of the side rings helps allow freedom through the neck and encourage a soft bend through the neck, without tipping the nose.

Tellington TTouch Lindell sidepull on a horse.Many rushy or tense horses will find the bit-less experience to be relaxing and non-habitual.  The absence of a bit can encourage breathing, swallowing, and overall relaxation.

When riding with the Lindell on its own, it is important that you do not use a lot of steady contact. 

Riding the Lindell with a heavy hand can result in horses leaning against it and ignoring the signals, understandably.

The Lindell can be used on its own or with a snaffle bit. 

When transitioning to a snaffle you can experiment with how much you use the Lindell versus the snaffle and vary it as the horse becomes more comfortable with the bit. 

 Starting with the Lindell and then adding the snaffle bridle allows for an logical, gradual transition from bit-less to a bit.

When fitting the Lindell is it important to leave the noseband relatively loose so that the horse is free to chew and yawn.  The jowl strap is designed so that it can be fitted snugly to maintain laterally stability without inhibiting the horse. 

Ethically made in Canada, the Lindell comes in two colours, black and brown, and three sizes, small (pony), medium (average horse), and large (Warmblood/draft).  

The Lindell should fit around the nose so you can comfortably get two fingers between the chin strap and the jaw.  Initially the nose band is quite stiff.  As you oil it and break it in it will soften and shape to the curve of the nasal bone.

The Lindell is available through our shop.

Questions?  Please get in TTouch!


 

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