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Being Bridled
by BridledDragon
Dragon discipline enthusiast
a year ago
Art by 
Aisa
Excerpt from the book
Civilized Beasts
"What do you think of bridles?"
"The bridle is a clever tool. I have worn them many times in the pulling of cart or cargo, or carrying man or woman as riders. I have worn many different types. Some simple, some fancy. With bits of all shapes and sizes placed within my mouth. I do not fear the bridle itself but I do fear those who fail at using it."
"Fail at using it?"
"Yes. A bridle bonds a beast to a biped. It is not as simple as yanking reins or ordering a command. Beast and man become a team. A driver, or rider, who skillfully uses reins and bridle to command is the best. For they understand their role as I understand mine. Those who are too harsh cause problems, slow work, and put themselves in danger. Those who are too soft or hesitant create a different problem. For a lack of direction can lead to confusion and with confusion can come danger."
"It sounds like you have experience with both."
"Very much so. I have suffered many fools holding my reins. I must admit if I had to choose I would prefer a rider who is strict rather than one who is soft. At least then I know what needs to be done rather than being lost as to what to do."
"Isn't there some discomfort?"
"There can be but all creatures bear discomfort for any number of reasons. I understand you bipeds will wear strange shoes or overly tight clothing to shape your bodies to be pleasing to potential mates, yes? We all have discomforts. That is my humble opinion."
I have often wondered what its like to be in this kind of position. A beast of burden. So I figured I would scratch that itch and get art related to it. I think it came out great! Hope its enjoyed!
As always feel free to leave questions or comments. Notes are open!
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I can see a place for such bridles. Perhaps some military branches use them wo their mounts have an easier time biting. Certainly hackamores for Landies exist in my little world.
I like the excerpt as well.
Though I have always wondered why a bit or bridle is even necessary on a sentient being. They'd understand words, and should be able to feel shifts in weight.
Still, looks pretty cool though.
So, the question would be whether a 'sapient' animal would accept human handling or not in a consensual manner.
Regards.
There is far to much variety to narrow it down to a simple answer. In some civilized areas Landies just view working in harness as a day on the job. "Wild" Landies may shun such work or only do so for very trusted friends. There are also countless herds of Landies. Each of whom are there own small microcultures. One herd might have incredibly strong ties to certain biped families and lend their youth to them for labor, or even as battle mounts. I prefer to keep the exact details open so people can have fun with their imaginations. :)
However, yeah, in general I would assume most Landies would prefer more comfortable gear when they wear it.
As for power? It handles that just fine. Bridles are very convincing things! If he were to truly become defiant he certainly could throw the rider but hes a good boy. That wont happen.