Bitless Debate
Here's an interesting article on British eventer Mark Smith challenging the requirement to use a bit in the dressage phase of eventing, or I should say, attach reins to the bit. I'm of the opinion people should ride with what makes the horse happiest.
I don't believe bitless is necessarily more comfortable for horses, or vice versa. A lot depends on the horse's needs, the rider, the style of bit, or style of bitless bridle. I'd like to see people be able ride bitless if they want to though, in any competition.
Fairly recently (two or three years ago?), Equine Canada updated rules to allow snaffle bridles all the way through to Grand Prix, unless competing for qualifying scores. Before that they were optional in Third Level and required from Fourth on. Perhaps bitless will follow.
Any thoughts on this? I'm curious as to what people think.
I don't believe bitless is necessarily more comfortable for horses, or vice versa. A lot depends on the horse's needs, the rider, the style of bit, or style of bitless bridle. I'd like to see people be able ride bitless if they want to though, in any competition.
Fairly recently (two or three years ago?), Equine Canada updated rules to allow snaffle bridles all the way through to Grand Prix, unless competing for qualifying scores. Before that they were optional in Third Level and required from Fourth on. Perhaps bitless will follow.
Any thoughts on this? I'm curious as to what people think.
Comments
A bitless option would show so many riders that flexion and frame do not come from the hand/bit connection. Too many times a bit is used as an abusive tool.
It is a constant hope for me, but I know change comes slowly.
Just have to say this - bitless can be abusive too - depends on the bridle style and the rider (noses are very sensitive, as much as mouths). I know the people commenting here know this, but I find sometimes in reading other blogs it seems to be assumed that bitless is always better, when this isn't always the case.
Good point re cranks. It's hard to find a dressage bridle without one. I had Rogo's bridle hand made, without a crank, and was able to find one for Savanah without one. Dan's bridle has one, but it's never tightened. They seem to be used sooo much, and I don't get it.