I begin all my donkeys with just the halter and leadrope, or with a bitless
sidepull. Once they are riding and driving confidently then I introduce
a
bit but don't fasten the reins to it at first. Dolly is wearing a
bit in
these photos but the reins are attached to the halter because Jessica's
hands are just learning to be light.
The "sidepull" with a bit is called a Halfbreed. What I prefer to
use is a
convertible english bridle. Dad converts them for me so I can use
it as a
sidepull or add a ring snaffle and use it as a halfbreed or as a bridle.
He
puts a spacer-adjustment in the browband so it can be adjusted larger for
donkey's ample forehead because horse bridles just do not have enough
length in the browbands to comfortably fit a donkey.
- Vicki/ladywife
Scott Weyhrich's donkey RobRoy with
his new sidepull, made by Vicki's dad.*
|