Bridleless riding continues to be in the news, and following the piece we ran on this emerging sport, we thought we should chat to someone with direct experience. And who better than Freddy Steele, longtime friend, speaker and Fall Clinic master at the National Equine Show. He’s also a horse trainer, equestrian performer… there’s not a lot Freddy doesn’t do!
What are your thoughts about bridleless riding?
Bridleless riding is an amazing way to test your communication with the horse. It helps you to think about all the other ways that you communicate with the horse other than through the reins. Our horses have more freedom, which helps them to think and understand what’s being asked rather than them being micromanaged.
Do you enjoy bridleless riding? What do you do with your horses?
Personally, I love bridleless riding and do dressage, working equitation and stunts all bridleless.
What advice would you give anyone interested in the idea of bridleless riding?
If you’re interested in starting bridleless riding with your horse, then it’s a good idea to get a neck rope. We always use Horse Education Company as we find them the most effective and best for our horses. Once you have a neck rope, put it on your horse and practice your aids with the bridle still on the horse to be safe. Start by teaching your horse to stop and back up so you have brakes before going faster!
Do you think bridleless riding is indicative of the changing views towards welfare and horsemanship we’re seeing across the industry?
The recent bridleless riding trend is a great thing for the equestrian industry. We hope it will help people to think differently about horse training and in particular how horses think. I can only see the level of bridleless riding improving and, in the end, we can hope that people will be able to work horses to the same level without a bridle as they can with a bridle.
Freddy Steele is one of the speakers confirmed for the National Equine Show 2027. Make sure you’re part of our community to get all the latest updates.