No Bits. No Whips. No Escalation. Just Skill, Clarity and Welfare First.
Are you truly happy with your current training methods?
Are you getting the results you hoped for, without compromise? Without tension? Without that uncomfortable feeling that something isn’t quite aligned?
Many horse owners are quietly asking these questions and considering riding bitless and training with reward-based techniques that do not rely on the release of pressure.
On Wednesday 23rd September 2026, we invite you to join us for the third meeting of this group with Sarah Braithwaite, IN PERSON or ONLINE, hosted by Forageplus at the Beaufort Park Hotel, New Brighton, Flintshire, United Kingdom.
The Positive & Bit Free Horse Group has been created for those who want to learn about or already believe there is a different and ethical way to train horses and ponies. This is a movement for those who want a different conversation and a supportive community to explore the latest in learning theory and how this translates to horse training.
Catch Up on Our Previous Meetings
We’ve held two meetings so far, and each one has built on the last.
The Launch Event
Meeting two, June 2026: putting it into practice.
Putting It Into Practice
Why This Positive & Bit Free Group Exists
Across the horse world, many owners are re-evaluating what training should look like. Many riders have discovered the benefits of riding bitless and bit free, using positive reinforcement, reward based horse training. We now understand more about equine cognition, stress responses, pain, and emotional well-being than ever before.
Yet much of traditional training still relies on escalating pressure and equipment that suppresses and controls behaviour rather than teaching willing and choice-based responses.
The Positive & Bit Free Horse Group is a space to explore what becomes possible when we:
- Remove bits from the equation and ride in modern, kind bit-free, bitless bridles
- Put down whips
- Step away from pressure escalation
- Build communication through reward-based, +R training
- Use the 5 Domains welfare framework to guide welfare decisions
This is about skill development, not shortcuts. It is about learning how to shape behaviour ethically, clearly and confidently, both on the ground and ridden.
It is about learning how to shape behaviour ethically, clearly and confidently, both on the ground and ridden.
What the Third Meeting Will Cover
- Why a bit-free horse can feel heavier, or less sensitive to the rein, at first
- Why some horses toss their heads or seem less confident during the transition
- Whether this means a horse actually needs a bit, or is simply adjusting
- Practical exercises, on the ground and in hand, to build trust and rein contact
- How to progress the transition safely and confidently, step by step
This will be an interactive evening. A chance to connect with other horse owners who are ready to question, learn and evolve, and who, like you, want to ride bit free and train using modern horse welfare knowledge and science.
Who This Horse Event Is For
This group is for horse owners who:
- Feel uncomfortable with escalating pressure
- Want to ride and train with confidence and clarity
- Are curious about bit-free and positive reinforcement methods
- Already use ethical training and want to connect with others
- Believe horse welfare should lead the way
- Are open to developing new skills
You do not need to already be “expert” in positive reinforcement or riding bitless and bit-free with your horse. You simply need to be open to exploring what is possible.
Event Details
Where
Beaufort Park Hotel, New Brighton, Flintshire
When
Wednesday 23rd September 2026
Time
7:00pm to 9:00pm
Cost
Free · online or in person
Joining virtually? Your Zoom link will be sent 48 hours beforehand, and a recording will be sent afterwards if you can’t make it live. Limited in-person spaces are available to keep the evening focused and conversational.
This Is Where Horse Training Change Begins
Movements do not start with everyone. They start with the people willing to step forward first.
If you have been questioning. If you have been reflecting. If you know there must be a better way, this is your invitation.
