I used to ride a lot, now hardly ever (ever!), but I know how much happier my boys seemed in the bitless bridles. They responded very quick to my ques and seemed to really enjoy the riding way more than in bitted bridles. Before I tried them, I worried that they may not stop or may not turn, etc., but the responses from them were instant and I feel the bridle is just as Dr. Cook states -- humane and gentle, but you still have the control you need. I really wouldn't envision myself choosing to ride one of my own horses using a traditional bridle ever again.