The next step in horseback riding: to concentrate on communication with and comfort for the horse while attaining highest movements. Bitless bridles take the pain out of the horse's mouth and replace it with discomfort around the head. They can be painful for horses too if not handled correctly, so please make sure you know what you are doing. For the horse's wellfare and for your own sake.
This website wants to raise awareness about scientific studies on bits and introduce bitless bridles that are available. It also wants to encourage discussion about a more natural approach to riding, eventually getting away from the 'kick and pull' that is still taught in many places and doesn't take the horse enough into consideration.
Elsa Sinclair with Myrna, a mustang mare completely trained without tools for one year: http://equineclarity.wordpress.com/
A gentler solution to a bit is a bitless bridle. There are many different solutions on the market today, from hackamores to the sidepull to the more modern Dr. Cook Bitless Bridle or Monika Lehmenkühler's LG bridle.