People will continue to justify all of these reasons....blah, blah, blah,,,why a horse needs metal in their mouth. WATCH RICK GORE's VIDEOS. If you need to be in a SHOW and that is more important than your HORSE, then you are not caring for your horse, but the JUDGES. We have modern research now that shows you exactly what is going on. Knowledge is power!!! Read...examine....Your horse cannot talk but others are now talking for them. LISTEN. AND...GET RID OF YOUR EGO.
That's why it's good we set the bit at a certain way, so it's not facing up like a triangle, but a laying down triangle. Does that make sense? So it's not pressing/injuring the roof of it's moth, but laying on it's tongue.
And in response to the person who said its bias because he sells bitless bridals. If i knew this info and was promoting it and wanted to create a change i would want to be a resource for providing people with an alternative also. The truth still stands whether he sell a product alternative or not.
when the bit applies pressure to the top of themouth its like pushing a metal objects to the top of your mouth also you have the applied pressure of the riders hands thats what i hate about traditional riding people that go hard on the reins that have all the head pulling bridle stuff like that awful bearing rein??? if only young horses could be trained with bitless bridles if you look up more videos then it is mostly exactly the same as riding normally but without the pain...
A tool is only as dangerus as it's user. I could easly ruin my horse if i wanted to be sawing his mouth with his jr reiners bit and applying constant pressure...But when i touch my horse's mouth i want him to respond by listening to me. By putting constant pressure on the mouth your horse learns to ignore suttle commands. Load hands make loud horses. You don't have to go bitless, but the snaffle is not a kind bit, it is not a license for you to rip at the mouth. Don't use constant pressure.
when im to buy myself a horse in a few years, im going to buy a horse that is trained to work with me bitless and in natural horsemanship . bits are horrible
I'd be interested to see how a mullen mouth type snaffle would affect the mouth when fitted and used appropriately with soft hands. This is the type I use with my mare because she dislikes french link type bits (put her tongue over right away, I listened) and I don't like single jointed bits for because of the nutcracker. I have tried bitless type bridles with her and she simply doesn't listen to them at all. I think a lot of it comes down to the hands at the end of the reins
bear in mind Dr Cook MAKES AND SELLS bitless bridles... so this is not an unbiased video. The tongue-port illustration also has the rubber port on the wrong way round. And the video doesn't address the use of less aggressive bits such as the solid mouths (eg the mullen mouth).
@SueMillard Dr.Cook studied the effects of bits on horses and designed his bitless in response to his findings. Cadaver studies show damage to bone on young as well as old horses. The Classical school masters trained bitless and in hand for years before introducing a rider, the reins were used only in battle situations and paintings depict horrid bits but loops of rein with no contact, bit and reins were for show, the horse trained to light seat and leg. Just an opinion.
@TheThomasvarley .... a competitive rider friend of mine found a way around that problem, she rides in a multi bridle where she has a bit, but then has the reins attached to the side-pull ... so while the horse 'carries' a bit in its mouth there is no pressure and she can ride more naturally with either the side-pull or the bosal part of it ... multi-bridles give you the choices for beating that competitive rule
A poorly fitted bitless bridle can be damaging if incorrectly fitted at the poll etc-for some horses & riders just inappropriate. The key is not the equipment but to train riders how to correctly ride and use their aids and horses head equipment bitless or bit. Too many riders, trainers & instructors "easy out" using harsh equipment & not training or correctly teaching use of body, seat, bridle & reins. Use of a rider’s body & balance is harder to teach than tearing a horse’s face off.
This is why anyone who uses snaffles should have a 'PZ BIT'!! They are so kind with no pinching or breaking down on the bars, and they are legal for all competition.. The difference in the horses with one of these bits is amazing!! :))
THANK YOU for such a great video! I used to have fights with our horses all the time and had no "control" when I used bits. Now I've switched to bitless cross-under bridles and my horses are more responsive and I actually have "control". The key is learning how the bitless bridle works, just as a rider should learn how to use a bit. But I've learned no bit is necessary. I've seen horses turn from nervous, unhappy animals to quiet and content after 20 minutes in a bitless. Bitless works!
This is the kind of one sided video that really annoys me, the bits are ill fitting and a very limited example of the many bits that are widely used. My horse wears a bit and has regular dental checks, if she had and sores in her mouth y very experienced equine dentist would alert me to these, of which he never has, so can we all remember that any bit or bit less method people use will cause harm if used incorrectly.
i know for sure that if i rode my horse bitlss id have no controle at all. i can barely handle him with a bit. hes currently in a simple, rubber snaffle. he is very strong and because of the snaffle i cant stop him when he bolts. ive put off upgrading his bit to a stronger one because i know they are not comfortable or the horse but sometimes its not possible to ride a hrose bitless
@tattooedjudge Maybe take a few steps back in your training and try a different approach. The problem with using extra pressure to train is that you eventually have to use more and more. If what you've been using isn't quite working, doing it harder or stronger is usually not the answer.
No bits, no spurs no shoes. No Iron or Steel. We dn't live in the Broze age anymore. Examples of success have been shown today. It takes time for people to give up traditions. Some may never...
Ya know... Bitless can do damage too. They use pressure points on the nerves. If you're too harsh with that you could give the horse nerve damage. Any harshness on the reins, bitless or not, could do damage. A bit is only as harsh as the rider's hands. I rarely use rein pressure on my gelding. I probably would go bitless if it were legal for shows just cause I don't need the bit with him.
@xXGlamRiderXx Agreed, but there is more chance of causing pain with a piece of metal in a horse's mouth. When we use a bit, we trigger the pain response, which is usually related to the flight response of a horse. When we use a bitless bridle, the horse is more apt to think about what's going on rather than react to the pain.
@xXGlamRiderXx But it takes VERY little pressure to cause pressure in a horse's mouth, especially with a shanked bit. And many, MANY riders jerk their horses around by the mouth.
@katphoti Sure, and that's why I simply have contact in a loose ring double break snaffle. When I ride in a double bridle, the "curb" has little to no pressure. Yes, many riders are heavy handed and it's unfortunate but not all are that way for sure.
I take it you have never ridden *bridleless*?? if that is the case you might join us who ride with nothing or just a neck strap?? could possibly suit you or why not buy the *Micklem Bridle* nowadays ok from the FEI
@xXGlamRiderXx Did you even watch the video?? Just having a bit on the bars of your horses mouth cause discomfort at best, and a lot of pain at worst. Bitless can possibly cause damage as well, but the damage is far less severe going bitless, than with a bit. I used to use a bit, too. But after seeing and realizing the pain that bits can cause, I never put a bit in her mouth again, nor will I.
@Thereisonlythetruth Of course I did, but I don't think you realize that the bits shown in the model are about 1 inch too big, which puts excess pressure on the roof of the mouth, the bars and the tongue. A properly fitted bit with a well adjusted noseband won't cause the horse discomfort. Extremists like whoever made this... well, they are a tad biased and need a reality check.
@xXGlamRiderXx They are shown oversize for effect, I believe. And how would you know that a properly fitted bit with a well adjusted noseband does not cause discomfort? Are you a horse? I have never seen injuries with bitless apparatus, save for mechanical hackamores, that cause the kind of injuries that bits do. Soft hands or not, bitless doesn't break teeth, cut the tongue,bars, or lips. And I have yet to see bitless, with the exception of mechanical hacks, break a horses jaw.
@Thereisonlythetruth No duh bitless won't break the teeth or jaw, but because they use pressure points it can be damaging in that sense. No hun I'm not a horse, but judging by the fact that my horse opens his mouth for the bit before I ask and doesn't show any form of discomfort under saddle, I can assume that he's a happy boy and I'm not hurting him. & look at all the fucks I give if I "Lost the argument", it's a pointless ramble on youtube.
@xXGlamRiderXx Oh, you mean like Trigeminal nerve pain, or Facial Neuralgia. Two thing that have been attributed directly to the use of a bit, so keep using one, by all means. While you're at it, make sure he is shod as well. That way he won't only hurt at his mouth, but at his feet as well.
@Thereisonlythetruth There's no talking to people like you who are so closed minded that they believe they're the only right ones in the world. It's rather interesting that you think shoes hurt a horse (my horses ARE barefoot, but..) since it's been proven that they actually don't... This will be my last reply to your extremist and crazy responses, but this has been fun. Thanks for the humorous arguments.
@xXGlamRiderXx Thanks for proving my point. I'm only "crazy" and "extremist" because you can't defend yourself intellectually. Who said shoes don't hurt? Where has this been proven? Since they do not allow the hoof to flex as it would under natural conditions, they cause discomfort and pain. And offer little (if any) protection to the sole. Kudos to having barefoot horses, though. That is at least a good move on your part.
I'm not trying to sound harsh or anything, but all of my horses when they have the bits in theirs mouths still eat and everything. I've never once had my horse open it's mouth like that. I'm not saying I am a great rider, but if the bit was hurting them would they still be eating grass like they do? I love my horses and I do both Nh and show, trust me when I say this, I would NEVER do anything to hurt my horse if I could help it.
this is true... it is a bit better using strait bits, but the best would be lether bits... im not saing bittles bridle or hackmoore or that kind becuse if you are to inexsperienst you can put too much pressure on the nosebone...
I'm not saying that this is right or wrong. I hate when people use bits in the wrong ways and don't even have a thought about what the horse must feel.
But I have thought about something. You know that there are bits thats "whole" ( Bits that niether two or three-pieced ) What do they do to the horses mouth? And now I don't meen steel , i mean rubber .
A bit is only as harsh as the hands that use them...
I do not object to bits- I object to the use of harsh(er) bits being used on a horse instead of schooling their way though the problem.
My pony is in a basic snaffle- the weakest bit. He can be strong, and is very hard to control at times- but simply through schooling, repetition and work- he has steadied up and now slows with just a tweak of the rein. So I dont think its the use of bits thats the problem- its the way they are used :)
@hoofbeatLiquid Maybe you should LEARN about horses? The bit dosen't do any harm, and he puts his tongue over it because he's bored. So, in that case, I use a tongue tie.
@GreenBayBreyerFarm I think a roller bit it a bit better to use in that case it gives them something to play with, I have a roller for my horse and her goes nuts with it if we are just standing around and that's better then letting them stand around bored
I agree and disagree with this video. I ride my horse 60% of the time with a bitless bridle but there are horses that need a bit for your safety. I train horses mostly drafts and my method is always in the seat and legs. But when you have a 1900 pound horse the bitless bridles don't even phase them. There are also a lot of shows that don't let you use bitless. With more leg and less hands you can have a happy horse. Always make sure that your bit actually fits. Thank you for posting though =)
I agree and disagree with this video. I ride my horse 60% of the time with a bitless bridle but there are horses that need a bit for your safety. I train horses mostly drafts and my method is always in the seat and legs. But when you have a 1900 pound horse the bitless bridles don't even phase them.
There is a lot o wrong information in this vid. It only uses one example of a bit. A jointed snaffle, wow. I really HATE this vid, it urks me, if you have gentle hands -like any rider should- and use a proper-fitting bit, this won't be a problem. So before you go all anti-bit think for a moment and look up some other videos of horses looking perfectly calm with a bit.
When I am about to ride with my horse, she always puts her mouth down to the bit and pretty much puts it on herself. So I don't think the bit bothers her
The bit is a shortcut to obedience. The horse very quickly figures out how it can avoid pain by obeying. Some of them choose to fight it, but the result is stronger bits and the owner tying the horses head closer to its chest.
Riding bitless may require a lot more work, but you end up with a horse that is far more healtier and happier. We keep the horses in captivity, so we owe that much if we really love them like we say we do.
Basically ride with consideration with no more than 4 ounces of weight in your hands at any time, fingers are sensitive, mouths are sensitive, there's no excuse for putting a horse in pain with any bit.
I think that I agree with everything in the video, but it is hard to go bitless if you are a competitive rider as you can't compete in many events in a hackamore or a bitless bridle which makes it hard for many riders (like myself) to make the change they want to.
@TheThomasvarley What sort of competition do you do? In the sound gaited horse world, bitless is allowed. In endurance, I find that it's about 50% bitless and 50% with bits. And if you "aren't allowed" to go bitless, then it's time to start petitioning. The key is to get people to understand that it's all about the training, not the piece of metal that's in the horse's mouth, that makes a good rider/horse combination.
@annieokl Agreed. I think that the people who compete or attend shows, should stop competing or entering shows as long as the use of the bit is required. When the organizers no longer have anybody in their shows or competitions, they will soon change their tune, if out of nothing else, necessity.
Ok really you guys are generalizing all riders who use a bit. I do not yank on my horse's face. With or without a flash, none of my horses open their mouths. And bits don't even sit like that in the mouth. Way to stretch the truth.
I respect your choice to use a bitless bridle, I think it's great but I simply disagree and hate the way anyone who uses bits is ridiculed and generalized as "abusers" or "heartless"
This video is fuckin stupid! The bit doesn't sit like that in the horse's mouth and when you pull on it either straight back or one side at a time it doesn't move like the simulation in this video.
I've been trying to tell people this for years! I hate flash nosebands/grackles- when a horse opens his mouth it is for a reason! Likewise I hate regular jointed bits, and have always preferred John Patterson French link snaffles- not only do they have a central link to eliminate the nutcracker action on the palate, but the arms of the bit are also anatomically curved to reduce pressure on the bars. None of my horses have attempted to evade the bit by opening their mouth or any other means.
And btw him talking about riding a very forward horse, you don't use the bit to control that, you use your seat at a slower tempo and light bit pressure to show the horse the pace they need to travel. You have to meet them half way though, if she has a big working trot deal with it! Ride with her, don't tense up and pull back. If his instructor put him on a horse that forward and he wasn't experienced enough to ride it, shame on them. It's great to inform, but we have to be practical in argument
I find this a little amusing to be honest. Not that you're uninformed but you demonstrate one type of bit, fitted incorrectly, with a hard handed rider. If you ride off you're hands that much yeah, I feel really sorry for that horse, but I'd feel the same way if it were in a rope halter (that is a shit load of pressure on the poll) side pull, ect.The bit is an aid like anything else, if used wrongly the horse will fight. A strong seat makes a good rider, not floppy hands, or hard kicking legs.
Can't you guys see that the bit he uses in this video is WAY to big?! Ofc that helps him to show how much it hurts on the horses, cuz a bit that's too big DOES hurt since it doesn't fit.
Can't you guys see that the bit he uses in this video is WAY to big?! Ofc that helps him to show how much it hurts on the horses, cuz a bit that's too big DOES hurt since it doesn't fit.
@spidermonki14 I wouldn't use a snaffle,anything at all can hurt the horse if you don't use it right. I prefer Myler bits. It frees up the head of the horse and puts less pressure on the tongue, so it's more comfortable. I use the three ring combination bit on my horses and it works wonders, three different settings and you can make the "chin strap" snug and mostly work off of the horse's face not his mouth! (But don't strap his mouth shut ever!!!) Or loosen it and work off the bit.
@spidermonki14 Theres quite a few options for horses like what you described- I am a fan of loose ring bits, they soften my horse's mouth better (theres technical stuff about them) and for a light mouthed horse, a straight bit with no joints or a double jointed (french link) bit would be great. Material is another story- There's rubber (great but the horses chew them up), copper, german metals (love them!), and so on.
thats why you have rubber bits and such that dont have two parts linked together just one smooth piece and its soft, not metal, but with no bit you have virtually no controll over the horse
Wow. Really opens my eyes. I never knew horses did those things for a reason. REALLY WILL TRY TO KEEP MY HANDS QUIET FORM NOW ON. Thank you for posting this video.
I hack my mare everyday, and she constantly pulls and pulls to get her head. Now i dont hold her with a tight grip, i just make sure i have some contact in case of a stumble or spook etc.. but i dont know if i should let her have her head, because it is preventing her any discomfort when she pulls, but it allows her to think shes boss. Or should i hold the reins, and let her pull away ? I cant get her a bitless bridle as shes strong and frisky and hasnt been used to one in the past10yrsofherlife
i ride my horse in a flash and he often pulls down on my hands trying to slacken my not too tight grip on the reins so i have just ordered a bitless bridle after a year of denial, videos like this changed my mind so thank you :)
I dont know, i may be wrong but surely if using a bit hurt the horse that badly, they wouldnt let you put it in their mouth, i have never had any trouble getting a snaffle bit into any horses mouth....
A bitless bridle can be every bit as harsh in the wrong hands. Bit doesn't automatically mean 'bad' just as bitless isn't necessarily 'good'. It's all in the hands. If we focussed more on good hands there would be less problems no matter what you ride in!
I ride with a D-ring snaffle.... I have been training my mare and now she is 6 1/2. My new project this winter is to go bridless. I have tried bitless bridles... she hates the pressure on her face. My first ride (with just a rope on her neck in a small pen) went beautifully. I was impressed with her turning... and she transitions from trot to walk easily (laziness I guess)... can't wait to try her in the big pen come spring! Stopping needs work, but that will come... :D
I never liked the idea of bits, but after watching this I am convinced that people use bits horribly. If I ever get a horse, I don't think I will ever use a bit :)
Great video, I started riding some of my horses in a bitless bridle or rope halter and the amount of displeasure that is not longer there is obvious. I do believe that it has more to do with the riders hands than anything else though, even snaffles can become harmful. The big bits don't get your horse to respect you, they simply respect the bit, so next time you go to ride ask yourself, is he respecting me or the bit??
I use a simple snaffle and my horse isn't in any pain. If he was, he wouldn't open his mouth and stick his nose in the bridle every time i go to ride. Heavy hands and bits that don't fit right will cause pain, but the bit itself usually won't.
bitless bridles aren't a universally kind and painless option, either. every bridle is designed to control the horse through pressure. snaffle bits apply pressure inside the mouth. leverage bits apply pressure inside the mouth, on the chin and/or poll. bitless bridles apply pressure on the nose, chin, poll, and/or cheeks. they can all be harsh, they all have the same amount of potential to cause pain and injuries.
this is pure BS. a horse isnt in pain just because a bit is in his mouth. i use a full cheek snaffle bit with my horse and shes perfectly fine with it. if a horse is in pain b/c of the bit, its the riders fault for having heavy hands or for not finding the correct fitting bit. it doesnt cause any pain or discomfort to the horse whatsoever unless its super tight or if the rider is constatly jerking on it or has heavy hands
I hate seeing horses like that, when I ride I use a bit, but I cant change that as it is not my horse, we use the straight bits (rubber i think) to make sure it doesn't hurt the roof of there mouths...i dont pull back on the rains either, i mosty use my legs and my voice
For my horse she works well in a straight rubber mouth bit which eliminates the hard metal on her bars, and the joint pushing into the roof of her mouth...however Im also making a transition to a bitless bridle, which is similar to the dr cook style...I think the transition is easier since my horse responds to voice commands aswell. One problem is at shows in australia its required that the horse be bitted. :(
This is extremely close to what we have learned about bits in our equitation science unit at university. Thank you for making it and also helping me to prepare for my exam.
Regardless of how a bit fits, regardless of how a rider uses their hands, it is only logical that it is painful to have metal in your mouth, pressing against your gums, tongue and roof of your mouth with anyone at all holding the ends of that metal piece with straps. even with no one holding it the horse's movement alone must make it uncomfortable. Heck, haven't you ever just eaten a piece of hard candy that hurt the roof or your mouth?
If it is in question at all it should be addressed
Holy Crap.... Im here to set YOU straight! Holy crap, not all bits hurt the frickin horses mouth!! Seriously bits ARE NOT bad with a good rider! Seriously people these days >:(
it really depends on what bit u use and how you use it. my horse is happy and fat with a baby i have always ridden her with every thing exept scary bit.
I'm quite confused. Your video does make sense, but according to my experience it's just not so simple. I'm riding a horse of my friend's for some time now, using a double broken snaffle and I'm not using a noseband. I've never noticed the horse opening his mouth, and as a matter of fact we're starting to develop a great relationship with the horse, she seems to be happy to see me, when I come over and she enjoys the riding. I don't think she'd be acting that way if I was hurting her.
I am an english rider and i totally agree with you !! Alot of riders are to strong on the bit... I use the little and soft Hackamore and i have a soft contact on his and it works perfectly with my horse and everybody is happy :)
so... should i stop riding with a bit? i really don't want to hurt the horse... but at the same time i'm really gentle in my hands and i never pull the rains... Does it hurt the horse anyways? xD sorry.. i'm a little confused ^^
Problem - After studies using IR and sensors (on horses backs, legs etc) & illustrations of the pain we inflict, and people are fined, based on this proof, It may have the unintended consequence of people 'getting out of horses' because of inability to adapt or lack or Real Skills. Most people want a horse 'to ride it' not just have an 'expensive pasture pet'. in other words, many more horses may be sent to slaughter. Maybe Nezvorov , KFH & Resnick etc. can do Free WorldWide clinics ?
@JumperHunterLover why dont you ask the question - if your horse is strong when jumping - there is a problem - your horse doesnt HAVE to jump, you choose to and when you jump he wears a bridle with a bit. the horse doesnt have to be ridden. that is the solution.
I know the bits are damaging - but the horse i ride is in a school and i am forbidden to ride him in a rope halter - would a straight bar happy mouth be a kinder bit for him?
just one question, is it better to ride in a hackmore bridle? or is it just as bad? Beacuse you can not compete with sidepull or any other bitless....
Very informative video. Thank you so much for posting this. I dislike seeing riders with tight grip on the reins and horses' heads pulled right in because they have no choice. This truly is an excellent video!
I'd have to argue that when a bit is used properly (meaning, when it isn't pulled on so much) it isn't detrimental at all. In fact, 3 of my 6 really enjoy having the bit in their mouth (I'll post a vid sometime, it's a riot!) but the difference is that we don't use our bits as a steering wheel, we use them to give very gentle cues. A bit can be okay in the right circumstances. The problem is, the right circumstances rarely occur. And to enter many shows, a bit is a requirement.
To be honest... whichever bit you use.... even a simple snaffle... it can be horrific with the wrong rider. however, it applies to the oppisite... where a kind, light handed rider who doesnt want to hurt yet stop their horse.... i agree with what your saying in thw video but im just saying, alot of the problem in thw bitting world is how the rider reacts to a stronger bit. Being honest, i have a tom thumb bit in my horse. I do not have hard hands and he isnt in pain. I know you wont agree.
I partly agree with you. I believe the riders hands can make a big difference. I even believe that people with perfectly trained hands don't cause direct pain (as long as they aren't falling of their horse while holding the reins for example).
However, the bit also effects horses in an indirect way, on which I hope to elaborate in a future video. Also: it takes years of practice for a rider to get the right feel in his hands, and during those years the horse suffers.
@arno8 thankyou for agreeing to an extent. and i hope to see that video as it should be very interesting. Im not being arragant but i have ridden all of my life, i have ridden at top level for many people in the showing curcuit and the first thing they say to my mum is "hasnt she got lovely soft hands".... and to be honest, i can tell when my horse is in pain.... and as long as he's happy and comfortable in his tack and self, im happy too. Thankyou.
@nonomaok hahah thats ironic you said that..... anyway. youre obviously an incompetant horse person if you don't even know how to fit a bit. I feel sorry for whatever horse you ride. If you even ride horses.
hahahaha these are completely inaccurate. I could understand how this may be acurate if riders use bits that long, but most people know how to buy a bit that fits their horses mouth. Unlike your animations, the bit is in the horses mouth. There isnt an extra inch hanging out of each side of the mouth. Better luck next time.
@katchkittie i believe you are mistaken. Every point he made is completely irrelevent. If the bit fits, none of the problems he is showing would be accurate. Nice try though.
@LovinChance Don't you just love how when you call people out on something they can't come up with anything better but to call you a moron? LOL. I've never had a problem with the bits I've used. In fact the right snaffle bit is the softest thing to use on a young horse in my opinion. I must be so evil. :-)
I'm a bit of a loony so i decided to see what a bit does...by using one (two dog leashes connected) on myself..I can easily see (and feel) the problem..So.. next time i ride, i'll try to go bitless.
Excellent information on a very sad and disturbing topic/tool. I hope this video helps open more eyes and minds, and results in the increased use of compassionate, positive reinforcement tools and methods.
@ponymad1123 I partially agree with you, it's the rider. But when taking riding lessons, beginners always use the bit. I am one who didn't really know what the bit was for and kept pulling because I was scared. The instructor would tell me to stop pulling but how many children did this before me. We should start w/o using the bit (and spurs of course) . But why use them at all. When you have a horse who collaborates, don't really need them.
This isin't acurate, its showing that when riders pull on thier reins it pulls the bit down, which would make it bend. which doesn't happen, it pulls back against there mouths, and that way there are no pressure points in the mouth. Not saying that bits are wonderful, but there fine when used correctly. this video is showing an example of someone who clearly does not know how to ride a horse.
@colourinBW You are mistaken. In the animation, the horses head is horizontal. Most riders ride with the horses head in a vertical position. Therefore, the reins in the animation move in the right direction. If you don't understand, put your computerscreen on its left side and watch again.
It's a different story if the horses head is ridden in a horizontal position, with the nostrils as high as the eyes, but horses walking like that most often have problems in their backs.
People will continue to justify all of these reasons....blah, blah, blah,,,why a horse needs metal in their mouth. WATCH RICK GORE's VIDEOS. If you need to be in a SHOW and that is more important than your HORSE, then you are not caring for your horse, but the JUDGES. We have modern research now that shows you exactly what is going on. Knowledge is power!!! Read...examine....Your horse cannot talk but others are now talking for them. LISTEN. AND...GET RID OF YOUR EGO.
bucksomemare 1 week ago
That's why it's good we set the bit at a certain way, so it's not facing up like a triangle, but a laying down triangle. Does that make sense? So it's not pressing/injuring the roof of it's moth, but laying on it's tongue.
xoDarcyTheMarexo 3 weeks ago
And in response to the person who said its bias because he sells bitless bridals. If i knew this info and was promoting it and wanted to create a change i would want to be a resource for providing people with an alternative also. The truth still stands whether he sell a product alternative or not.
Naturesmelodies 1 month ago
Thx great video, everyone needs to know this!
Naturesmelodies 1 month ago
when the bit applies pressure to the top of themouth its like pushing a metal objects to the top of your mouth also you have the applied pressure of the riders hands thats what i hate about traditional riding people that go hard on the reins that have all the head pulling bridle stuff like that awful bearing rein??? if only young horses could be trained with bitless bridles if you look up more videos then it is mostly exactly the same as riding normally but without the pain...
StrangeSmarties 1 month ago
because i ride they should use bitless bridles more often!!!
StrangeSmarties 1 month ago
A tool is only as dangerus as it's user. I could easly ruin my horse if i wanted to be sawing his mouth with his jr reiners bit and applying constant pressure...But when i touch my horse's mouth i want him to respond by listening to me. By putting constant pressure on the mouth your horse learns to ignore suttle commands. Load hands make loud horses. You don't have to go bitless, but the snaffle is not a kind bit, it is not a license for you to rip at the mouth. Don't use constant pressure.
JasperIsaLittleHorse 1 month ago
when im to buy myself a horse in a few years, im going to buy a horse that is trained to work with me bitless and in natural horsemanship . bits are horrible
JonetteTV 1 month ago
I'd be interested to see how a mullen mouth type snaffle would affect the mouth when fitted and used appropriately with soft hands. This is the type I use with my mare because she dislikes french link type bits (put her tongue over right away, I listened) and I don't like single jointed bits for because of the nutcracker. I have tried bitless type bridles with her and she simply doesn't listen to them at all. I think a lot of it comes down to the hands at the end of the reins
MyNutmeg09 1 month ago
Comment removed
horseshoes1997 1 month ago
I love every human being who loves animals.These humans are in fact the pride of the
earth!
bamokhail 2 months ago
I Agree With xXGlamRiderXx ....... A bit is only as harsh as the rider's hands.
Redneckgal920 2 months ago 3
bear in mind Dr Cook MAKES AND SELLS bitless bridles... so this is not an unbiased video. The tongue-port illustration also has the rubber port on the wrong way round. And the video doesn't address the use of less aggressive bits such as the solid mouths (eg the mullen mouth).
SueMillard 2 months ago
@SueMillard Dr.Cook studied the effects of bits on horses and designed his bitless in response to his findings. Cadaver studies show damage to bone on young as well as old horses. The Classical school masters trained bitless and in hand for years before introducing a rider, the reins were used only in battle situations and paintings depict horrid bits but loops of rein with no contact, bit and reins were for show, the horse trained to light seat and leg. Just an opinion.
SusiePiePony 2 months ago
@TheThomasvarley ... and if you have to use a bit for competition maybe look into something like this the Rambo Micklem Multibridle maybe
SoldByBrock 2 months ago
@TheThomasvarley .... a competitive rider friend of mine found a way around that problem, she rides in a multi bridle where she has a bit, but then has the reins attached to the side-pull ... so while the horse 'carries' a bit in its mouth there is no pressure and she can ride more naturally with either the side-pull or the bosal part of it ... multi-bridles give you the choices for beating that competitive rule
SoldByBrock 2 months ago
I ride western so we dont use snaffle bits
gymnast17able 2 months ago
can someone tell me the name of the song in the background?
NeonBreyerHorse101 3 months ago
@NeonBreyerHorse101 it says at the end, Dax Johnson- Child's Garden part1 and part2
gymnast17able 2 months ago
i havent herd any solutions?
2014466 3 months ago
Very interesting and food for thought.
WhitmoreLusitanos 3 months ago
It's not the bit that hurts the horse, it's the jerk on the reins.
DamienHotham 3 months ago 2
Are you going to up load more?
horse14t 3 months ago
A poorly fitted bitless bridle can be damaging if incorrectly fitted at the poll etc-for some horses & riders just inappropriate. The key is not the equipment but to train riders how to correctly ride and use their aids and horses head equipment bitless or bit. Too many riders, trainers & instructors "easy out" using harsh equipment & not training or correctly teaching use of body, seat, bridle & reins. Use of a rider’s body & balance is harder to teach than tearing a horse’s face off.
QuintindeVerneuilBWP 3 months ago 2
aww the poor horses i dont use this bit anyway m glad!
bethanyluvshorses 3 months ago
Thank you for this video.. I'm totally amazed and going for bitless bridles asap ! on behalf of my horses.. thank you.. Rick Meijer, South Africa !
Rickcpt 3 months ago in playlist More videos from arno8
Then you are putting YOUR needs above that of your horse. Your need to compete makes it ok to cause him pain
lrmickam 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
It should be forbidden!
thepankin 3 months ago
Against bits. Period.
AdirondackHorse 3 months ago
This is why anyone who uses snaffles should have a 'PZ BIT'!! They are so kind with no pinching or breaking down on the bars, and they are legal for all competition.. The difference in the horses with one of these bits is amazing!! :))
cowgirlzo 4 months ago
THANK YOU for such a great video! I used to have fights with our horses all the time and had no "control" when I used bits. Now I've switched to bitless cross-under bridles and my horses are more responsive and I actually have "control". The key is learning how the bitless bridle works, just as a rider should learn how to use a bit. But I've learned no bit is necessary. I've seen horses turn from nervous, unhappy animals to quiet and content after 20 minutes in a bitless. Bitless works!
katphoti 4 months ago
Look at .. Hippus bits made in Switzerland all the answers are there " your horse will thank you"
hippusch 4 months ago
This is the kind of one sided video that really annoys me, the bits are ill fitting and a very limited example of the many bits that are widely used. My horse wears a bit and has regular dental checks, if she had and sores in her mouth y very experienced equine dentist would alert me to these, of which he never has, so can we all remember that any bit or bit less method people use will cause harm if used incorrectly.
josilksmith 4 months ago 11
stuff this i am buying a bitless bridle TODAY!!!
erinjane91 5 months ago in playlist More videos from arno8
thank you!!!! this is so sad... why all the pain...
yojolin 5 months ago
i know for sure that if i rode my horse bitlss id have no controle at all. i can barely handle him with a bit. hes currently in a simple, rubber snaffle. he is very strong and because of the snaffle i cant stop him when he bolts. ive put off upgrading his bit to a stronger one because i know they are not comfortable or the horse but sometimes its not possible to ride a hrose bitless
tattooedjudge 5 months ago
@tattooedjudge Maybe take a few steps back in your training and try a different approach. The problem with using extra pressure to train is that you eventually have to use more and more. If what you've been using isn't quite working, doing it harder or stronger is usually not the answer.
TheDollyMommaClicks 5 months ago
Comment removed
prostitusbenedict 4 months ago in playlist More videos from arno8
No bits, no spurs no shoes. No Iron or Steel. We dn't live in the Broze age anymore. Examples of success have been shown today. It takes time for people to give up traditions. Some may never...
WendyLynnClark 5 months ago
@WendyLynnClark how do shoes hurt a horse?
IRaceBarrels 4 months ago
Lots of pro riders use bits
breyercowgirl64 6 months ago
Ya know... Bitless can do damage too. They use pressure points on the nerves. If you're too harsh with that you could give the horse nerve damage. Any harshness on the reins, bitless or not, could do damage. A bit is only as harsh as the rider's hands. I rarely use rein pressure on my gelding. I probably would go bitless if it were legal for shows just cause I don't need the bit with him.
xXGlamRiderXx 6 months ago 47
@xXGlamRiderXx Agreed, but there is more chance of causing pain with a piece of metal in a horse's mouth. When we use a bit, we trigger the pain response, which is usually related to the flight response of a horse. When we use a bitless bridle, the horse is more apt to think about what's going on rather than react to the pain.
katphoti 4 months ago
@katphoti Of course it's more likely, but it's not as if every time we touch the reins we're ripping our horses faces off.
xXGlamRiderXx 4 months ago
@xXGlamRiderXx But it takes VERY little pressure to cause pressure in a horse's mouth, especially with a shanked bit. And many, MANY riders jerk their horses around by the mouth.
katphoti 4 months ago
@katphoti Sure, and that's why I simply have contact in a loose ring double break snaffle. When I ride in a double bridle, the "curb" has little to no pressure. Yes, many riders are heavy handed and it's unfortunate but not all are that way for sure.
xXGlamRiderXx 3 months ago
@xXGlamRiderXx
I take it you have never ridden *bridleless*?? if that is the case you might join us who ride with nothing or just a neck strap?? could possibly suit you or why not buy the *Micklem Bridle* nowadays ok from the FEI
tessaneric 3 months ago
@xXGlamRiderXx Did you even watch the video?? Just having a bit on the bars of your horses mouth cause discomfort at best, and a lot of pain at worst. Bitless can possibly cause damage as well, but the damage is far less severe going bitless, than with a bit. I used to use a bit, too. But after seeing and realizing the pain that bits can cause, I never put a bit in her mouth again, nor will I.
Thereisonlythetruth 1 month ago
@Thereisonlythetruth Of course I did, but I don't think you realize that the bits shown in the model are about 1 inch too big, which puts excess pressure on the roof of the mouth, the bars and the tongue. A properly fitted bit with a well adjusted noseband won't cause the horse discomfort. Extremists like whoever made this... well, they are a tad biased and need a reality check.
xXGlamRiderXx 1 month ago
@xXGlamRiderXx They are shown oversize for effect, I believe. And how would you know that a properly fitted bit with a well adjusted noseband does not cause discomfort? Are you a horse? I have never seen injuries with bitless apparatus, save for mechanical hackamores, that cause the kind of injuries that bits do. Soft hands or not, bitless doesn't break teeth, cut the tongue,bars, or lips. And I have yet to see bitless, with the exception of mechanical hacks, break a horses jaw.
Thereisonlythetruth 1 month ago
@Thereisonlythetruth No duh bitless won't break the teeth or jaw, but because they use pressure points it can be damaging in that sense. No hun I'm not a horse, but judging by the fact that my horse opens his mouth for the bit before I ask and doesn't show any form of discomfort under saddle, I can assume that he's a happy boy and I'm not hurting him. & look at all the fucks I give if I "Lost the argument", it's a pointless ramble on youtube.
xXGlamRiderXx 1 month ago
@xXGlamRiderXx Oh, you mean like Trigeminal nerve pain, or Facial Neuralgia. Two thing that have been attributed directly to the use of a bit, so keep using one, by all means. While you're at it, make sure he is shod as well. That way he won't only hurt at his mouth, but at his feet as well.
Thereisonlythetruth 1 month ago
@Thereisonlythetruth There's no talking to people like you who are so closed minded that they believe they're the only right ones in the world. It's rather interesting that you think shoes hurt a horse (my horses ARE barefoot, but..) since it's been proven that they actually don't... This will be my last reply to your extremist and crazy responses, but this has been fun. Thanks for the humorous arguments.
xXGlamRiderXx 1 month ago
@xXGlamRiderXx Thanks for proving my point. I'm only "crazy" and "extremist" because you can't defend yourself intellectually. Who said shoes don't hurt? Where has this been proven? Since they do not allow the hoof to flex as it would under natural conditions, they cause discomfort and pain. And offer little (if any) protection to the sole. Kudos to having barefoot horses, though. That is at least a good move on your part.
Thereisonlythetruth 1 month ago
@xXGlamRiderXx Also, calling someone an "extremist" is a personal attack, and he who strikes first admits he has lost the argument.
Thereisonlythetruth 1 month ago
@xXGlamRiderXx It's all about savvy ;)
86Horsechick 3 days ago
I'm not trying to sound harsh or anything, but all of my horses when they have the bits in theirs mouths still eat and everything. I've never once had my horse open it's mouth like that. I'm not saying I am a great rider, but if the bit was hurting them would they still be eating grass like they do? I love my horses and I do both Nh and show, trust me when I say this, I would NEVER do anything to hurt my horse if I could help it.
LittlemissLacey16 7 months ago
this is true... it is a bit better using strait bits, but the best would be lether bits... im not saing bittles bridle or hackmoore or that kind becuse if you are to inexsperienst you can put too much pressure on the nosebone...
tantejohan 7 months ago
I'm not saying that this is right or wrong. I hate when people use bits in the wrong ways and don't even have a thought about what the horse must feel.
But I have thought about something. You know that there are bits thats "whole" ( Bits that niether two or three-pieced ) What do they do to the horses mouth? And now I don't meen steel , i mean rubber .
Just a question :)
whydieinlove 8 months ago
A bit is only as harsh as the hands that use them...
I do not object to bits- I object to the use of harsh(er) bits being used on a horse instead of schooling their way though the problem.
My pony is in a basic snaffle- the weakest bit. He can be strong, and is very hard to control at times- but simply through schooling, repetition and work- he has steadied up and now slows with just a tweak of the rein. So I dont think its the use of bits thats the problem- its the way they are used :)
NewForest2105 8 months ago
@hoofbeatLiquid Maybe you should LEARN about horses? The bit dosen't do any harm, and he puts his tongue over it because he's bored. So, in that case, I use a tongue tie.
GreenBayBreyerFarm 8 months ago
@GreenBayBreyerFarm I think a roller bit it a bit better to use in that case it gives them something to play with, I have a roller for my horse and her goes nuts with it if we are just standing around and that's better then letting them stand around bored
buddysforever23 8 months ago
I agree and disagree with this video. I ride my horse 60% of the time with a bitless bridle but there are horses that need a bit for your safety. I train horses mostly drafts and my method is always in the seat and legs. But when you have a 1900 pound horse the bitless bridles don't even phase them. There are also a lot of shows that don't let you use bitless. With more leg and less hands you can have a happy horse. Always make sure that your bit actually fits. Thank you for posting though =)
Bernios 9 months ago
I agree and disagree with this video. I ride my horse 60% of the time with a bitless bridle but there are horses that need a bit for your safety. I train horses mostly drafts and my method is always in the seat and legs. But when you have a 1900 pound horse the bitless bridles don't even phase them.
Bernios 9 months ago
There is a lot o wrong information in this vid. It only uses one example of a bit. A jointed snaffle, wow. I really HATE this vid, it urks me, if you have gentle hands -like any rider should- and use a proper-fitting bit, this won't be a problem. So before you go all anti-bit think for a moment and look up some other videos of horses looking perfectly calm with a bit.
ArabianHorseGirl26 9 months ago
The bits used in this demo don't fit the horse's mouth properly.. Way to fail.
xXGlamRiderXx 9 months ago 2
I also ride western and use more of my legs than the reigns
siarrahbabey14 9 months ago
When I am about to ride with my horse, she always puts her mouth down to the bit and pretty much puts it on herself. So I don't think the bit bothers her
siarrahbabey14 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
those are the kinda of reins i'm talking about.. in the first part of the video i hate bits! :(
RoseBudpony1 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
those are the kinda of reins i'm talking about.. in the first part of the video hate bits! :(
RoseBudpony1 9 months ago
these are the kinda of reins i'm talking about.. in the first part of the video hate bits! :(
RoseBudpony1 9 months ago
these are the kinda of reins i'm talking about.. i hate bits! :(
RoseBudpony1 9 months ago
The bit is a shortcut to obedience. The horse very quickly figures out how it can avoid pain by obeying. Some of them choose to fight it, but the result is stronger bits and the owner tying the horses head closer to its chest.
Riding bitless may require a lot more work, but you end up with a horse that is far more healtier and happier. We keep the horses in captivity, so we owe that much if we really love them like we say we do.
amerryamerry 9 months ago
@hoofbeatLiquid
Source?
amerryamerry 9 months ago
I sometimes use a tongue tie. It prevents the horse from getting the tongue over the bit.
GreenBayBreyerFarm 10 months ago
Basically ride with consideration with no more than 4 ounces of weight in your hands at any time, fingers are sensitive, mouths are sensitive, there's no excuse for putting a horse in pain with any bit.
Milkinson08 11 months ago
I think that I agree with everything in the video, but it is hard to go bitless if you are a competitive rider as you can't compete in many events in a hackamore or a bitless bridle which makes it hard for many riders (like myself) to make the change they want to.
TheThomasvarley 1 year ago 18
@TheThomasvarley agreed!!
Jumping4Fun54 10 months ago
@TheThomasvarley no one should f.king care about stupid competitions. the important thing is that animal's health not competing in "many events"
prostitusbenedict 4 months ago in playlist More videos from arno8
@TheThomasvarley What sort of competition do you do? In the sound gaited horse world, bitless is allowed. In endurance, I find that it's about 50% bitless and 50% with bits. And if you "aren't allowed" to go bitless, then it's time to start petitioning. The key is to get people to understand that it's all about the training, not the piece of metal that's in the horse's mouth, that makes a good rider/horse combination.
katphoti 4 months ago
@TheThomasvarley
try the bridle which has been okeyed by FEI , the micklem bridle
tessaneric 3 months ago
@TheThomasvarley we SO need the rules to change with the times, and the knowledge that bits are not the be-all end-all!
annieokl 2 months ago
@annieokl Agreed. I think that the people who compete or attend shows, should stop competing or entering shows as long as the use of the bit is required. When the organizers no longer have anybody in their shows or competitions, they will soon change their tune, if out of nothing else, necessity.
Thereisonlythetruth 1 month ago
i dont use a bit but the videos is good.
KAITLINLIKEYOU 1 year ago
Ok really you guys are generalizing all riders who use a bit. I do not yank on my horse's face. With or without a flash, none of my horses open their mouths. And bits don't even sit like that in the mouth. Way to stretch the truth.
I respect your choice to use a bitless bridle, I think it's great but I simply disagree and hate the way anyone who uses bits is ridiculed and generalized as "abusers" or "heartless"
Glambliff 1 year ago
This video is fuckin stupid! The bit doesn't sit like that in the horse's mouth and when you pull on it either straight back or one side at a time it doesn't move like the simulation in this video.
jpegeron06 1 year ago
So true, and so sad...
Liaram66 1 year ago
The problem is is that in shows you have to have a bit. And I believe if the rider is smart enough and has soft hands the horse will be fine.
lakotasGirl829072 1 year ago
I've been trying to tell people this for years! I hate flash nosebands/grackles- when a horse opens his mouth it is for a reason! Likewise I hate regular jointed bits, and have always preferred John Patterson French link snaffles- not only do they have a central link to eliminate the nutcracker action on the palate, but the arms of the bit are also anatomically curved to reduce pressure on the bars. None of my horses have attempted to evade the bit by opening their mouth or any other means.
scrapheapchallenge1 1 year ago
And btw him talking about riding a very forward horse, you don't use the bit to control that, you use your seat at a slower tempo and light bit pressure to show the horse the pace they need to travel. You have to meet them half way though, if she has a big working trot deal with it! Ride with her, don't tense up and pull back. If his instructor put him on a horse that forward and he wasn't experienced enough to ride it, shame on them. It's great to inform, but we have to be practical in argument
BlazingAva 1 year ago
I find this a little amusing to be honest. Not that you're uninformed but you demonstrate one type of bit, fitted incorrectly, with a hard handed rider. If you ride off you're hands that much yeah, I feel really sorry for that horse, but I'd feel the same way if it were in a rope halter (that is a shit load of pressure on the poll) side pull, ect.The bit is an aid like anything else, if used wrongly the horse will fight. A strong seat makes a good rider, not floppy hands, or hard kicking legs.
BlazingAva 1 year ago
Can't you guys see that the bit he uses in this video is WAY to big?! Ofc that helps him to show how much it hurts on the horses, cuz a bit that's too big DOES hurt since it doesn't fit.
Plur1mar1s 1 year ago
@Plur1mar1s um... its a simulation. the bit isn't "to size" in the video. Its to illustrate to the unsuspecting horse rider the damage bits cause.
I'll never ride in a bit again. 2 years bitless and never a bad horse day.
parellichick 1 year ago
Can't you guys see that the bit he uses in this video is WAY to big?! Ofc that helps him to show how much it hurts on the horses, cuz a bit that's too big DOES hurt since it doesn't fit.
Plur1mar1s 1 year ago
in shows you have to use a bit, which one would you recommend on a very light mouthed horse that wouldn't hurt her?
spidermonki14 1 year ago
Comment removed
zrx110099 1 year ago
@spidermonki14 I wouldn't use a snaffle,anything at all can hurt the horse if you don't use it right. I prefer Myler bits. It frees up the head of the horse and puts less pressure on the tongue, so it's more comfortable. I use the three ring combination bit on my horses and it works wonders, three different settings and you can make the "chin strap" snug and mostly work off of the horse's face not his mouth! (But don't strap his mouth shut ever!!!) Or loosen it and work off the bit.
BlazingAva 1 year ago
@spidermonki14 Theres quite a few options for horses like what you described- I am a fan of loose ring bits, they soften my horse's mouth better (theres technical stuff about them) and for a light mouthed horse, a straight bit with no joints or a double jointed (french link) bit would be great. Material is another story- There's rubber (great but the horses chew them up), copper, german metals (love them!), and so on.
Never get a twisted bit! Those are harsh.
Glambliff 1 year ago
thats why you have rubber bits and such that dont have two parts linked together just one smooth piece and its soft, not metal, but with no bit you have virtually no controll over the horse
ArabianHorseGirl26 1 year ago 2
@ArabianHorseGirl26 The Bit isn't all that controls the horse! Legs! Voice! Seat! Many things besides the bit!
StyleMisser 1 year ago
Wow. Really opens my eyes. I never knew horses did those things for a reason. REALLY WILL TRY TO KEEP MY HANDS QUIET FORM NOW ON. Thank you for posting this video.
RexRubyAce821 1 year ago
what if its a rubber bit would that make a diff
cornflakes103 1 year ago
sooo happy i use a hackamore :D
izzy3503 1 year ago
this is so sad :(
if only people would see that horses go through pain just like humans
just because they are big animals doesn't mean they don't feel as much pain.
i am glad i have a bitless bridle and rope halter instead of these painful weapons
rihannafan2323 1 year ago
what about a rubber bit does that help?
supermissdeedee 1 year ago
What About Keniwick Bits?
animalejover 1 year ago
I hack my mare everyday, and she constantly pulls and pulls to get her head. Now i dont hold her with a tight grip, i just make sure i have some contact in case of a stumble or spook etc.. but i dont know if i should let her have her head, because it is preventing her any discomfort when she pulls, but it allows her to think shes boss. Or should i hold the reins, and let her pull away ? I cant get her a bitless bridle as shes strong and frisky and hasnt been used to one in the past10yrsofherlife
xMeerkatsxHorses 1 year ago
i ride my horse in a flash and he often pulls down on my hands trying to slacken my not too tight grip on the reins so i have just ordered a bitless bridle after a year of denial, videos like this changed my mind so thank you :)
DeathKitty123456 1 year ago
I dont know, i may be wrong but surely if using a bit hurt the horse that badly, they wouldnt let you put it in their mouth, i have never had any trouble getting a snaffle bit into any horses mouth....
pwnzXXmegz 1 year ago
A bitless bridle can be every bit as harsh in the wrong hands. Bit doesn't automatically mean 'bad' just as bitless isn't necessarily 'good'. It's all in the hands. If we focussed more on good hands there would be less problems no matter what you ride in!
Tashakat 1 year ago
Dr Cook is hardly impartial!
Tashakat 1 year ago
I ride with a D-ring snaffle.... I have been training my mare and now she is 6 1/2. My new project this winter is to go bridless. I have tried bitless bridles... she hates the pressure on her face. My first ride (with just a rope on her neck in a small pen) went beautifully. I was impressed with her turning... and she transitions from trot to walk easily (laziness I guess)... can't wait to try her in the big pen come spring! Stopping needs work, but that will come... :D
617Tora 1 year ago
I never liked the idea of bits, but after watching this I am convinced that people use bits horribly. If I ever get a horse, I don't think I will ever use a bit :)
chiliandcandy 1 year ago
Great video, I started riding some of my horses in a bitless bridle or rope halter and the amount of displeasure that is not longer there is obvious. I do believe that it has more to do with the riders hands than anything else though, even snaffles can become harmful. The big bits don't get your horse to respect you, they simply respect the bit, so next time you go to ride ask yourself, is he respecting me or the bit??
nico4887 1 year ago
I use a simple snaffle and my horse isn't in any pain. If he was, he wouldn't open his mouth and stick his nose in the bridle every time i go to ride. Heavy hands and bits that don't fit right will cause pain, but the bit itself usually won't.
NaturalJumper1032 1 year ago
bitless bridles aren't a universally kind and painless option, either. every bridle is designed to control the horse through pressure. snaffle bits apply pressure inside the mouth. leverage bits apply pressure inside the mouth, on the chin and/or poll. bitless bridles apply pressure on the nose, chin, poll, and/or cheeks. they can all be harsh, they all have the same amount of potential to cause pain and injuries.
stagingatrafficjam 1 year ago
this is pure BS. a horse isnt in pain just because a bit is in his mouth. i use a full cheek snaffle bit with my horse and shes perfectly fine with it. if a horse is in pain b/c of the bit, its the riders fault for having heavy hands or for not finding the correct fitting bit. it doesnt cause any pain or discomfort to the horse whatsoever unless its super tight or if the rider is constatly jerking on it or has heavy hands
kikiza123 1 year ago
I hate seeing horses like that, when I ride I use a bit, but I cant change that as it is not my horse, we use the straight bits (rubber i think) to make sure it doesn't hurt the roof of there mouths...i dont pull back on the rains either, i mosty use my legs and my voice
SwiftDusty1 1 year ago
@Elleloveshorses1 Ya know theres a reason a horse sticks their tongue out...
AphroditeAllure 1 year ago
ugh,it looks really painfull,im gonna cringe whenever i see a horse with a bit!!!
getmeaponynow 1 year ago
For my horse she works well in a straight rubber mouth bit which eliminates the hard metal on her bars, and the joint pushing into the roof of her mouth...however Im also making a transition to a bitless bridle, which is similar to the dr cook style...I think the transition is easier since my horse responds to voice commands aswell. One problem is at shows in australia its required that the horse be bitted. :(
cowgirl7894 1 year ago
@Elleloveshorses1 You honestly consider that a solution? Please watch the video again and try to think up WHY the horse wants to move his tongue.
arno8 1 year ago 37
This is extremely close to what we have learned about bits in our equitation science unit at university. Thank you for making it and also helping me to prepare for my exam.
eh2910 1 year ago
Regardless of how a bit fits, regardless of how a rider uses their hands, it is only logical that it is painful to have metal in your mouth, pressing against your gums, tongue and roof of your mouth with anyone at all holding the ends of that metal piece with straps. even with no one holding it the horse's movement alone must make it uncomfortable. Heck, haven't you ever just eaten a piece of hard candy that hurt the roof or your mouth?
If it is in question at all it should be addressed
KaliMa117 1 year ago
Does the bit hurt on every horse? Because my horse do not show anything about that she hates the bit, just that she dosen't like it that much.
SweSaraa 1 year ago
Oh and by the way I cant just take a bit less bridle and stick it on my horse ! He would just take off??
Crazycpfanzy 1 year ago
Holy Crap.... Im here to set YOU straight! Holy crap, not all bits hurt the frickin horses mouth!! Seriously bits ARE NOT bad with a good rider! Seriously people these days >:(
Crazycpfanzy 1 year ago
Are there any types of bit which don't hurt the horse?
ThePlantDogs 1 year ago
it really depends on what bit u use and how you use it. my horse is happy and fat with a baby i have always ridden her with every thing exept scary bit.
crazyformisty123 1 year ago
I'm quite confused. Your video does make sense, but according to my experience it's just not so simple. I'm riding a horse of my friend's for some time now, using a double broken snaffle and I'm not using a noseband. I've never noticed the horse opening his mouth, and as a matter of fact we're starting to develop a great relationship with the horse, she seems to be happy to see me, when I come over and she enjoys the riding. I don't think she'd be acting that way if I was hurting her.
CemberB 1 year ago 2
Comment removed
CemberB 1 year ago
I am an english rider and i totally agree with you !! Alot of riders are to strong on the bit... I use the little and soft Hackamore and i have a soft contact on his and it works perfectly with my horse and everybody is happy :)
PocoZeph 1 year ago 2
@PocoZeph - good for you!
its so nice to see at least some english riders with a bit of sense!!
shermanandlula 1 year ago
I didn't have a clue the lower jaw was that sharp... 0.0 am going to take my gelding's noseband off 2morow, see if he's a bit softer to round up.
xXxCherilynxXx 1 year ago
so... should i stop riding with a bit? i really don't want to hurt the horse... but at the same time i'm really gentle in my hands and i never pull the rains... Does it hurt the horse anyways? xD sorry.. i'm a little confused ^^
sofiazz09 1 year ago
Problem - After studies using IR and sensors (on horses backs, legs etc) & illustrations of the pain we inflict, and people are fined, based on this proof, It may have the unintended consequence of people 'getting out of horses' because of inability to adapt or lack or Real Skills. Most people want a horse 'to ride it' not just have an 'expensive pasture pet'. in other words, many more horses may be sent to slaughter. Maybe Nezvorov , KFH & Resnick etc. can do Free WorldWide clinics ?
nakedgallop 1 year ago
@JumperHunterLover why dont you ask the question - if your horse is strong when jumping - there is a problem - your horse doesnt HAVE to jump, you choose to and when you jump he wears a bridle with a bit. the horse doesnt have to be ridden. that is the solution.
rosierocksurworld 1 year ago
I know the bits are damaging - but the horse i ride is in a school and i am forbidden to ride him in a rope halter - would a straight bar happy mouth be a kinder bit for him?
rosierocksurworld 1 year ago
Love this video! I myself is bridless, and rides with a Bosal. I would never use a bit! Its just to horrible!
CamillaStormont 1 year ago
hartstikke duidelijk hopelijk laat het veel mensen nadenken over wat ze aanrichten
trunfoII 1 year ago
if you use a so called "nova" bit, then it doesnt hurt that much, am I right? (because its in like a gel-type thing instead of iron) Just thinking!
thepinkfluffboll 1 year ago
That's a ill fitting bit in the animation if your bits doing that its to big.
buddysforever23 1 year ago
just one question, is it better to ride in a hackmore bridle? or is it just as bad? Beacuse you can not compete with sidepull or any other bitless....
Sorry if my english is not so good!
Happy for answers! :)
TheSockerpaj 1 year ago
After seeing this video the first time I stopt riding whit bits.
My horses and me just want to say thank you, we are so much happier now :D
cocketts 1 year ago
wow it really shows that bits really hurts horses now i now that bits are hurting horses when u can't ride right with them !
Very good video!
TheMammuks 1 year ago
Very informative video. Thank you so much for posting this. I dislike seeing riders with tight grip on the reins and horses' heads pulled right in because they have no choice. This truly is an excellent video!
biiigmomma 1 year ago 17
@biiigmomma
Thank you for your kind words!
arno8 1 year ago
id love to go bitless :///
aimeesummer8 1 year ago
I'd have to argue that when a bit is used properly (meaning, when it isn't pulled on so much) it isn't detrimental at all. In fact, 3 of my 6 really enjoy having the bit in their mouth (I'll post a vid sometime, it's a riot!) but the difference is that we don't use our bits as a steering wheel, we use them to give very gentle cues. A bit can be okay in the right circumstances. The problem is, the right circumstances rarely occur. And to enter many shows, a bit is a requirement.
Sootbind 1 year ago
To be honest... whichever bit you use.... even a simple snaffle... it can be horrific with the wrong rider. however, it applies to the oppisite... where a kind, light handed rider who doesnt want to hurt yet stop their horse.... i agree with what your saying in thw video but im just saying, alot of the problem in thw bitting world is how the rider reacts to a stronger bit. Being honest, i have a tom thumb bit in my horse. I do not have hard hands and he isnt in pain. I know you wont agree.
myponiesrule123 1 year ago 6
@myponiesrule123
I partly agree with you. I believe the riders hands can make a big difference. I even believe that people with perfectly trained hands don't cause direct pain (as long as they aren't falling of their horse while holding the reins for example).
However, the bit also effects horses in an indirect way, on which I hope to elaborate in a future video. Also: it takes years of practice for a rider to get the right feel in his hands, and during those years the horse suffers.
arno8 1 year ago 3
@arno8 thankyou for agreeing to an extent. and i hope to see that video as it should be very interesting. Im not being arragant but i have ridden all of my life, i have ridden at top level for many people in the showing curcuit and the first thing they say to my mum is "hasnt she got lovely soft hands".... and to be honest, i can tell when my horse is in pain.... and as long as he's happy and comfortable in his tack and self, im happy too. Thankyou.
myponiesrule123 1 year ago
Comment removed
zrx110099 1 year ago
Comment removed
zrx110099 1 year ago
@LovinChance
Your comment is ridiculous and lack of any argument against the video. Better luck next time.
nonomaok 1 year ago
@nonomaok hahah thats ironic you said that..... anyway. youre obviously an incompetant horse person if you don't even know how to fit a bit. I feel sorry for whatever horse you ride. If you even ride horses.
LovinChance 1 year ago
hahahaha these are completely inaccurate. I could understand how this may be acurate if riders use bits that long, but most people know how to buy a bit that fits their horses mouth. Unlike your animations, the bit is in the horses mouth. There isnt an extra inch hanging out of each side of the mouth. Better luck next time.
LovinChance 1 year ago 10
@LovinChance you missed the whole point....moron lol
katchkittie 1 year ago
@katchkittie i believe you are mistaken. Every point he made is completely irrelevent. If the bit fits, none of the problems he is showing would be accurate. Nice try though.
LovinChance 1 year ago
@LovinChance Don't you just love how when you call people out on something they can't come up with anything better but to call you a moron? LOL. I've never had a problem with the bits I've used. In fact the right snaffle bit is the softest thing to use on a young horse in my opinion. I must be so evil. :-)
Cassolelvr 1 year ago
@Cassolelvr lol. i must be too. Im training my horse in a D ring snaffle. LOL!
LovinChance 1 year ago
I'm a bit of a loony so i decided to see what a bit does...by using one (two dog leashes connected) on myself..I can easily see (and feel) the problem..So.. next time i ride, i'll try to go bitless.
kainouthehedgehog566 1 year ago
Excellent information on a very sad and disturbing topic/tool. I hope this video helps open more eyes and minds, and results in the increased use of compassionate, positive reinforcement tools and methods.
plumwoodposse 1 year ago
@ponymad1123 I partially agree with you, it's the rider. But when taking riding lessons, beginners always use the bit. I am one who didn't really know what the bit was for and kept pulling because I was scared. The instructor would tell me to stop pulling but how many children did this before me. We should start w/o using the bit (and spurs of course) . But why use them at all. When you have a horse who collaborates, don't really need them.
horsefever0558 1 year ago
This isin't acurate, its showing that when riders pull on thier reins it pulls the bit down, which would make it bend. which doesn't happen, it pulls back against there mouths, and that way there are no pressure points in the mouth. Not saying that bits are wonderful, but there fine when used correctly. this video is showing an example of someone who clearly does not know how to ride a horse.
colourinBW 1 year ago 2
@colourinBW You are mistaken. In the animation, the horses head is horizontal. Most riders ride with the horses head in a vertical position. Therefore, the reins in the animation move in the right direction. If you don't understand, put your computerscreen on its left side and watch again.
It's a different story if the horses head is ridden in a horizontal position, with the nostrils as high as the eyes, but horses walking like that most often have problems in their backs.
arno8 1 year ago