The rules stating what gear is acceptable for use in horse competitions internationally is the Federation Equestrian International (FEI), in Australia it is decided by Equestrian Australia (EA) and at Pony Club it is set by Pony Club Australia.

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In Australia bitless bridles are permitted at endurance events, cowboy dressage, extreme cowgirl racing and trail-riding clubs, and in reining bosals are permitted.

 

Equestrian Australia

Currently at competitions in Australia the EA rules state that it is acceptable to use bitless bridles when showjumping and at eventing competitions in the showjumping and cross-country sections (a bit is still required for the dressage component). Bitless bridles are not permitted for dressage, show horses, driving or vaulting.

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​Pony Club Australia  

In February 2018 PCA decided to allow bitless bridles at rally days. 

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'The National Coaching Committee (NCC) has considered the use of bitless bridles over the past 12 months. There is sufficient evidence that bitless bridles work very well and the PCA board believes it is important that Pony Club Policies keep pace with evidence. In some cases there are veterinary grounds for their use. Pony Club members are under supervision at rallies which gives the rider a good opportunity to evaluate the suitability of the bridle. In consultation with the NCC, the PCA Board has decided that approval for use of bitless bridles should be granted on a case-by-case basis for the member and the specified horse at rallies. Final approval is given by the zone chief or equivalent.'

 

In 2024 the rules were updated to include bosals, alongside the cross-under and side-pull. Another change made was to allow bitless bridles to not only be used at rally days, but also at Pony Club competitions. The updated rules can be here HERE

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The form to apply to ride bitless at Pony Club Australia can be found HERE 

This form needs to be completed by all people wanting to ride bitless at Pony Club Australia. The form has an incorrect description, it says the cross-under has a sliding chin strap, just ignore this wording, no doubt they will update it at some point. 

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International

In 2008 the Dutch changed their rules to allow a variety of bitless bridles in competition and now there is a motion in front of the USEF. In South Africa you can currently compete in showjumping and equitation bitless and adults riding mares and geldings can compete bitless in certain showing classes. Bitless bridles are also allowed in the showjumping part of eventing. Slowly but surely movement to allow bitless bridles is happening worldwide, it is a global trend.

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United States Equestrian Federation

Below is a link for a letter written by Dr Robert Cook to the USEF (the main equine body in the USA) which includes some brilliant letters by prominent equine scientists of our day. Dr Dwight Bennett (US equine bitting expert) who wrote a scientific book about bits, now endorses bitless bridles! And a fantastic letter written by the Presidential Council of the International Society of Equitation Science (ISES) fully requesting that the USEF endorse cross-under bitless bridles. This letter is signed by Dr Andrew McLean (Australian Institute of Equine Behaviour), Prof. Natalie Waran and Prof. Paul McGreevy (author of numerous books on equine behaviour)! This is ground-breaking stuff, check it out here....    http://www.bitlessbridle.com/RuleChangeProposal092313.pdf

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Dressage

World renowned dressage riders such as Uta Graf and Alizee Froment have been doing bitless Grand Prix demonstrations. Our Australian Grand Prix rider, Sally Evans, has been seen riding her stallion A’ Seduction' in a bitless bridle.

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For frustrated bitless dressage riders you have 2 options. One is to enter online dressage competitions and compete against riders from around the world, where you can still win ribbons/rosettes and prize money. Just upload a video of yourself doing the test (bitless of course) and send it in.  A great online dressage site is: http://www.interdressage.com/

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The other option is to compete Hors Concurs. Riding hors concours at a dressage competition means you are not actually competing. You will still pay an entry fee, receive a number and be judged by the judge (so you get your feedback), however you will not be considered for placings. This is a great way to get out there and enjoy yourself and your horse and to show the judges and other riders how well horses can go in a bitless bridle. Some clubs will require you to ask permission to ride bitless first, so it is always polite to check on this first.

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Change comes slowly but it does come. By moving steadily toward a kinder world we not only benefit our horses but ourselves as well. Every time a horse transitions into a bitless bridle people see it and talk about it and a seed is sown. So go out there and proudly ride your bitless horse and enjoy the wonderful relationship you have due to your compassionate choice. 

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The below video was presented to the FEI from a group of experts about the welfare impact of bits on dressage horses. I highly recommend watching it.

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