Second Meeting: May 20th 2026
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 May 20th 2026, we invite you to join us for the second meeting of this new group with Sarah Braithwaite, IN PERSON or ON-LINE, hosted by Forageplus in Mold, 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.
Watch the launch event presentation, which took place in April 2026
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.
What the Second Meeting Will Continue
This event will continue the vision for the group and explore:
- What reward-based, positive reinforcement training looks like in real life
- How bit free ridden work can be introduced, developed safely and progressively
- The practical skills horse owners need to communicate without force
- Applying the 5 Domains model to everyday training decisions
- How we can collectively influence the wider welfare landscape
- Answer your questions about where and how to make bit-free riding and reward based riding a possibility
This will be an interactive evening. A chance to connect with other horse owners who are ready to question, learn and evolve and 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 other like-minded horse owners
- 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: Mold (further details on the event ticket)
When: May 20th 2026
Time: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Online Zoom or In Person
Cost: Free event
There are limited in-person spaces 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. If this aligns with your equestrian values then we would love you to be in the room, be part of the conversation, be part of shaping what comes next.
Because the future of horse welfare will be built by the people who choose to act, not the ones who watch from the sidelines.
