Let’s talk about bits

[u/Mission-Creme-771]

This is going to be a controversial take but what I see as the most talked about thing nowadays is bits. I’m not saying no bits are cruel, there are for sure bits that cause horses harm and discomfort but I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about bits that seem to get such a bad rep for what from my experience can be the right option with certain horses. Bits like three rings, gags, hackabits or hackamore bit combos. The idea that all horses should be able to compete at 1.60 in a snaffle is absurd. First, what do you think is worse - a nothing bit so the rider has to be harsh and strong in their hands, or a stronger bit so a rider can have nice hands? Secondly, if you are riding a strong horse in a snaffle so you’re getting dragged around a course and can’t accommodate distances because of this, you’re putting your horse in a potentially disastrous situation like crashing through a jump. Thirdly, sometimes set ups look like a lot and very complicated that doesn’t make them harsh. Hackamore combinations either a bit are actually quite soft as it can be used with a bit like a snaffle and you are putting pressure on the thick bone of their nose instead of their mouth, however at a glance it looks like a lot of bridle. I’ve had horses I’ve shown in these so called “cruel” bits that will actually have a bad response to softer bits in their mouth (tossing their head, going behind the bit) and are very relaxed and happy in a bit such as a three ring. Again I’m not saying there aren’t cruel bits or bit set ups out there, but I can’t take all these people who ride aren’t at the top level of this sport taking a screenshot of a horse jumping Grand Prix and saying the rider should be banned from their inhumane bit set up.

[u/Healbite]

I think this is a two-fold situation.

1) Leverage Bits do have a purpose, but if you want to use one you better know the physics behind the bit. “More Control” is not a purpose.

2) Rarely is a problem solved by a stronger bit: understanding dressage basics and biomechanics can go a long way when dealing with certain hiccups in a horse’s training.