Several questions about side reins?

You have the lunge cavesson, that's what those two rings on the side of the cavesson are for for. Just attach the lunge line the ring on the top. This way you can still work work her without the pressure being directly on her mouth.

why are people so eager to ride without a bit? every horse except for a few exceptions should be able to be ridden in a snaffle, whether its an advanced level dressage horse, or a world champion cutting horse. even people who ride in shows without bridles do a good majority of their training with bridles. you want a real show horse? then ride in a real bridle. not an $120.00 gimick that PETA made because they didn't understand the art of bitting. the only damage you can do is by asking too many questions and not doing enough with her. when she refuses, push her into it. it's called training, and its not going to happen magically if you give up everytime something goes wrong. instead of getting on the computer, go buy a good training book and bitting book and read until your eyes fall out. that is going to help you much more then we can. you've hardly done any work with her. you've worked her in side reins twice. she's obviously a bit stubborn from the way you've been describing her, and doesn't care to work, so, clearly she is going to have problems with a bit of resistance on her face. and no horse is that sensitive in the mouth. but most horses are that stubborn. so get a lunge whip, stop being a push over, and get some work accomplished with her. she can be a good horse if you ask her to. but you need to start working hard. you are taking it too slow. you should be walking, trotting, and loping her on the lunge, as well as riding her. if she tosses her head, push her forward. she'll forget about her resistance business and start working. EDIT - i wrote you an email

it sounds like your mare has not being mouthed properly which is why she is super sensitive also maybe check her mouth for any cuts that might be annoying her and have a look if the bit is hitting her wolf teeth and if they need to be removed. it is normal for her to try to fight a little bit when more pressure is applied just keep doing what you are doing and keep shortening the reins up till you have them where you want them and she is comfortable working like that. it is just time and pratice on her part you are doing nothing worng. it is good for her to get used to the bit and it being in her mouth and the pressure that will be applied and if you are going to ride with a bit then i say keep going. if you dont mind riding with the dr cook then use that instead. it is all up to you. but if it where my horse i would work her and get her used to the bit as you never know when the circumstance will arise and you will be forced to sell her then at least the new ride can choose what they want to ride her in

How old is she? 4? She should be getting to use the bit a little. The lunging caveson attaches to the side reins. Also, I would start lunging her (sometimes not always) with the bridle (bit) but using the rope halter to control her. It will get her use to the bit so she can prepare for it when riding. The bitless bridle isn't bad... I've never used them to know what they're like. If she works good in it then that's great but I would get her trained in a bit just because. If she's trained with the bit it doesn't mean you can't ride her in the bitless bridle but if she is trained for the bit then you have options. Ya see what I'm saying? I feel like I'm talking in circles... :P I do that sometimes. But you get the point. But the lunging caveson is made for side reins too... Like Arburbula said. Hope this helps! =) -Fresh Paint-