What really happens when we put a bridle on a horse? Does “bitless” automatically mean kinder, or can it create just as much pressure in different places? And how much responsibility do riders carry when it comes to equipment choices?

In this episode, I sits down with researcher Tracy Bye toexplore a growing question in the equestrian world: was's the true impact of riding bitless. Together, we unravel the science behind pressure, movement, and horse welfare, challenging long-held assumptions and opening the door to moreindividualized approaches.

From the hidden dynamics of bridles to the role ofrider balance, this conversation reveals why equestrianpractice must go beyond tradition and start embracing research, responsibility, and the individuality of every horse.

And for those curious about alternatives,stay tuned until the end, Tracy and I dive deep into the physics of hackamores and their hardware, breaking down how these tools actually work, and what riders needto know before using them.