Discover how positive reinforcement and bit free riding can help you create a calm, willing and responsive horse using ethical, science-backed methods grounded in modern welfare research.
This is a welcoming community for horse owners who want to train with trust instead of force, understanding instead of pressure, and horse welfare at the heart of every decision.
Free to attend
Join us in person or live on Zoom. There is no charge either way.
Practical training
Exercises you can take to the yard and use the next morning.
Recording included
Cannot make it live? Book a place and we will send you the replay.
Booking now, third meeting
Calmer horses. Confident riders. Ethical training backed by science.
Wednesday 23rd September 2026, 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Beaufort Park Hotel, Mold, Flintshire, or live on Zoom. Free to attend.
until the next meeting
Run by Sarah Braithwaite, founder of Forageplus and an authority in whole horse health, working with the Five Domains Framework and reward-based training.
Why attend?
Horse welfare science is evolving, and so are the ways we train and ride.
Whether you’re curious about bitless, bit free riding, positive reinforcement or simply looking for a calmer, happier partnership with your horse, this group offers practical guidance, live demonstrations and supportive discussion based on modern learning theory and welfare science.
There is no judgement and no criticism, just an opportunity to explore another way of training and communicating with horses using bit free, bitless non aversive training approaches
The record so far
The first meeting sold out. The second was nearly twice the size.
425 places have been taken across the two evenings held so far. Both meetings were recorded and both recordings are still free. The third is open for booking now.
Imagine if your horse…
- Felt calm instead of tense
- Chose to stay connected with you
- Understood your aids without escalating pressure
- Became lighter because they understood, not because they were avoiding discomfort
- Enjoyed training because learning felt safe and rewarding
That’s what we’re working towards.
What makes this group different?
This isn’t another clinic where you’re simply told what to do.
Every meeting combines the science behind behaviour with practical exercises that you can immediately begin using with your own horse.
You’ll learn how to:
- Build calm, confident responses through positive reinforcement
- Improve communication on the ground and under saddle
- Ride bit free with greater understanding and confidence
- Develop lightness without relying on stronger equipment
- Create a partnership based on trust, clarity and choice
Meeting Three
Why does my horse feel different when I ride bit-free?
One of the biggest questions riders ask is:
“I’ve taken the bit away… so why does my horse feel heavier or less responsive?”
During this evening we’ll explore why horses transitioning away from bits may:
- Feel heavier and less sensitive in a bit-free bridle
- Toss their heads or seem less confident and happy
- Leave you wondering whether they actually need or want a bit
- Benefit from groundwork and ridden exercises that build confidence in the reins and light, responsive contact
You’ll discover exercises that help horses understand rein cues without mouth pressure, creating softer, calmer and more confident ridden communication.
Reserve your place
Free to attend, in the room at Beaufort Park Hotel, Mold, Flintshire, or live on Zoom. You need to book a place to receive the recording, so reserve one even if you cannot make the live evening.
Who is this horse training group for?
If you’re looking for practical horse training help, and to start or continue bit free horse riding, not just theory, this group is for you.
Whether you are:
- Curious about bitless, bit free riding
- Already using positive reinforcement horse training
- Questioning traditional training methods
- Wanting your horse’s welfare to guide every decision
…you’ll find a friendly community of like-minded horse owners who want to learn, share ideas and build better partnerships with their horses.
No previous experience is needed, only curiosity and an open mind.
Join the movement
Horse welfare has always moved forwards because people were willing to ask better questions.
This group isn’t about criticising riders.
It’s about exploring what modern welfare science, a bit free, bitless approach, learning theory and practical experience can teach us about creating calmer horses, more confident riders and happier partnerships.
If that sounds like the future you’d like to be part of, we’d love to welcome you.
Reserve your free place below and join us for Meeting Three.
The Launch Event
Why bits, whips and escalating pressure are being questioned across the horse world, and what reward-based training offers instead.
Watch the recordingPutting It Into Practice
Groundwork, clear communication and the first rides without a bit. Theory turned into things you can do the next morning.
Watch the recordingThe group is run by Sarah Braithwaite and the Forageplus team, who have been advising horse owners on forage analysis, feeding and whole horse health for over 20 years.
