Which Bitless or Multi Bridle Is Right for Me? | LS Equestrian Guide

Choosing a bitless bridle is not simply a case of removing the bit. Sidepull, crossunder and hackamore systems all work differently, while multi bridles give you several setup options in one bridle. This guide helps you compare the LS Equestrian range and choose the design that best suits your horse, your riding and the type of rein feel you prefer.

Quick Bitless Bridle Chooser

  • Want simple, direct rein pressure to the nose? Choose a sidepull.
  • Want a crossunder action with straps passing beneath the jaw? Choose the LS Argo©️ Crossunder.
  • Already ride in a hackamore setup? Choose the LS Arco©️ Hackamore Bridle for compatible hackamore hardware.
  • Want one bridle that works as a halter, sidepull and bitted bridle? Choose a Multi Bridle.
  • Horse sensitive around the ears or poll? Look at the LS Tiffany©️ Sidepull, LS Oliana©️ Multi or LS Sophie©️ Multi.

Sidepull Bridles

A sidepull gives direct-action rein pressure to the nose. There are no crossing straps beneath the jaw, so the action is different from a crossunder or hackamore.

LS Cali©️ Side Pull - Option 1

A straightforward sidepull for riders wanting direct bitless rein action. The D-rings also allow conversion to a bitted setup with compatible bit hangers, making it a useful option if you occasionally switch between bitless and bitted riding.

LS Hugo©️ Side Pull - Option 2

A sidepull design featuring the distinctive triangle-pronged nosepiece. A good option for riders who want the simplicity of direct sidepull action with a different noseband design.

LS Tiffany©️ Sidepull - Option 3

A padded direct-action sidepull designed with lower bulk around the ears and poll. It includes anatomical poll padding, a removable snap-on browband, a single-strap headpiece and a jowl strap for extra stability. This is a particularly useful option for horses that are sensitive around the ears, poll or forelock.

Crossunder Bitless Bridle

LS Argo©️ Bitless Crossunder Bridle

The crossunder straps pass beneath the jaw and distribute rein pressure through the straps around the sides of the head. This creates a different rein feel and response from a direct-action sidepull, so it is worth choosing according to what your horse already understands and responds to well.

Hackamore Bridle

LS Arco©️ Hackamore BioThane® Bridle

Designed for use with compatible hackamore hardware. The action and pressure of a hackamore depend on the hardware fitted to it, so it should not be compared directly with a sidepull or crossunder simply because all three are bitless.

Multi Bridles

A multi bridle is ideal if you want one adaptable setup rather than separate halter, bitless and bitted bridles.

LS Bluebell©️ Multi Bridle - Option 1

The classic multi-function option. Use it as a halter, as a sidepull bitless bridle, or add removable bit hangers to ride bitted. A practical choice for distance riding, trail riding, pleasure riding and anyone who wants several setups in one bridle.

LS Oliana©️ Multi Bridle - Option 2

Offers the same halter, sidepull and bitted versatility with extra ear clearance. It has a single strap over the head, removable clip-on browband, adjustment on both sides and a jowl strap to help stabilise the bridle. A strong option for head-shy or sensitive horses.

LS Sophie©️ Multi Bridle - Option 3

Similar in versatility to the Oliana©️, but with a triangle-style noseband designed to add stability for bitless use and help reduce twisting. It can be used as a halter, sidepull or bitted bridle and can also include an optional D-ring on the nose for schooling or lunging.

Which Bitless Bridle Is Best?

There is no single bitless bridle that is best for every horse. Think about your horse's previous training, sensitivity, response to rein pressure, head and poll comfort, the type of riding you do and how quickly you release the rein aid. Bitless does not automatically mean gentler. Fit, design, pressure points and the rider's hands all matter.

Why Choose Beta® BioThane®?

LS Equestrian bridles are handmade in New Zealand from genuine Beta® BioThane®. They are waterproof, easy to clean and available in custom colour combinations, making them practical for everyday riding, training, trail, endurance and distance riding.

Shop Bitless & Multi / Combination Bridles