The leather sidepull, a gentle alternative to the bit
In recent years, equestrian practices have increasingly evolved towards a more horse-friendly approach. As part of this movement, the leather sidepull is becoming increasingly popular among riders looking for gentler, more natural communication.
Used for leisure riding, flatwork, trail riding and certain approaches to natural horsemanship, the sidepull allows riders to guide their horse without a bit while maintaining precision and comfort.
But what exactly is a sidepull? What are its advantages? And why choose a leather model?
What is a sidepull?
A sidepull is a bitless bridle that acts directly on the horse's nose.
Unlike a traditional bridle, there is no metal mouthpiece in the horse's mouth. The reins attach to either side of the nose, providing a simple and direct lateral action.
The horse receives the rider's aids through pressure applied to:
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the bridge of the nose;
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the sides of the nose;
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certain areas of the head depending on the model.
Its action is intuitive, which explains its popularity among many riders.
Why choose a leather sidepull?
Leather remains one of the preferred materials for high-quality equestrian equipment.
Superior comfort
Leather is naturally supple and gradually moulds to the horse's conformation.
It helps to reduce:
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rubbing;
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irritation;
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excessive pressure points.
A well-designed leather sidepull can therefore provide greater comfort during everyday work.
Greater durability
With regular care, a leather sidepull can last a rider for many years.
Leather offers:
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excellent durability;
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good long-term performance;
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an elegant appearance that develops a natural patina over time.
A more refined finish
Leather sidepulls are also valued for their elegant appearance.
They pair perfectly with both traditional and sport tack, retaining the elegance of a conventional bridle while offering the benefits of bitless riding.
What are the benefits of a sidepull for the horse?
The main advantage of a sidepull is that it eliminates the action of a bit inside the horse's mouth.
For many horses, this can encourage:
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greater relaxation;
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increased confidence;
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less tension;
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more fluid communication.
Some sensitive horses or horses experiencing oral discomfort particularly appreciate this type of equipment.
Which horses can be ridden in a sidepull?
A sidepull can suit many different types of horses.
Young horses
A sidepull offers a gentle way to approach the early stages of training.
The horse can learn the basics of steering and control without excessive pressure.
Sensitive horses
Horses that are sensitive in the mouth may find greater comfort in a sidepull.
Horses trained using natural horsemanship methods
The sidepull has become a popular piece of equipment in many approaches centred around lightness and communication.
Leisure and trail horses
Comfort is particularly important when trail riding or spending long hours in the saddle.
A sidepull can therefore be an excellent option.
Sidepull or hackamore: what are the differences?
Both pieces of equipment belong to the family of bitless bridles, but they work very differently.
The sidepull
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Direct action.
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Moderate pressure.
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Simple communication.
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Suitable for a wide range of riders and horses.
The hackamore
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Leverage action.
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Stronger action.
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More technical to use.
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Requires greater experience.
For riders looking to discover bitless riding, the sidepull is often the most accessible option.
How to choose a good leather sidepull
Not all sidepulls are created equal.
Here are the key features to look for.
A comfortable noseband
The noseband is the main component of a sidepull.
It should be:
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wide enough;
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supple;
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anatomically shaped where possible.
High-quality leather
Supple, durable leather improves both the horse's comfort and the lifespan of the equipment.
Precise adjustment
A good sidepull should offer several adjustment points to accommodate different head shapes and sizes.
An anatomical design
Anatomically designed models encourage better pressure distribution and improve overall comfort.
How to fit a sidepull
Correct fitting is essential to ensure effective action.
The noseband should sit high enough on the bridge of the nose to avoid putting pressure on the more sensitive structures of the horse's nose.
Positioning it too low can cause:
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discomfort;
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reduced precision;
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undesirable reactions.
As with a traditional bridle, the horse's comfort should always remain the priority.
The leather sidepull: a modern, horse-friendly choice
Far from being simply a trend, the sidepull reflects a genuine evolution in equestrian practices.
More and more riders are now looking for:
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greater lightness;
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more natural communication;
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equipment designed with the horse's biomechanics in mind.
The leather sidepull fits perfectly into this approach, combining elegance, comfort and effectiveness.
