Bosals and Sidepulls

Riding bitless: bosals and sidepulls

Both work on the nose and jaw rather than in the mouth – but they are used for different things. We carry 15 items here: bosals and sidepulls from 59 to 129 euro, plus mecates, slobber bars and rein loops.

Sidepull

A sidepull has a noseband with rings at the sides, where the reins attach directly. The pressure acts laterally and is therefore very clear and easy for the horse to read – the right choice for young horses, for riders coming back after a break, and for anyone who wants to ride bitless without working with a signal bridle. We stock sidepulls with a leather noseband, with rawhide and in harness leather with rawhide; rawhide acts more distinctly than soft leather.

Bosal

The bosal is the classic bridle of the Californian vaquero tradition. The braided rawhide body sits on the bridge of the nose, the heel knot under the chin, and it is ridden with a mecate whose loose end serves as a lead rope. A bosal works through weight and balance rather than pull, which asks for a quiet hand and belongs with an experienced rider. We carry bosals in light rawhide and in various colours, plus complete bosal sets including headstall and mecate from 95 euro, or 129 euro with a horsehair mecate or silver conchos.

Mecates, slobber bars and loops

Our mecates come in horsehair (79 euro) and nylon (39 euro). Horsehair is traditional and grippy but a little prickly against the leg; nylon is easier to care for and cheaper. Slobber bars connect the mecate or reins to the bit and add weight to the rein, so the aid reaches the horse earlier – we stock them plain from 45 euro and with basket tooling, concho or Swarovski stones. Replacement rein loops start at 12 euro.

Is bitless right for my horse?

Bitless does not automatically mean gentler. Every bridle is only as fine as the hand guiding it. A sidepull is usually the easier place to start; the bosal is the next step, ideally with guidance. If you are unsure, make the change in familiar surroundings first and work with your trainer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a bosal and a sidepull?
On a sidepull the reins attach at the sides of the noseband and act directly. A bosal acts through weight and balance on the nose and jaw and is ridden with a mecate.

What is a mecate?
The long rein made of horsehair or nylon that is tied to the bosal. The surplus end serves as a lead rope.

Is bitless allowed at shows?
It depends on the association and the class – some western classes specifically provide for the bosal, others do not. The current rulebook is always decisive.

What is a slobber bar for?
It connects the mecate or reins to the bit and adds weight to the rein, so the horse reads the aid from the shift in weight.

Is bitless automatically gentler?
No. Bitless bridles also act on sensitive areas. What matters is the rider's hand, not the material.