Have any soft handed riders seen a side on photo of themselves riding when they are off balance or in a real stressful situation. Horses don't need bits nor riders that can ride, only riders that need a security blanket advocate them in the face of current proven scientific fact. There is no credible scientific evidence of the benefit of a bit to horses.
If bits(used properly) never hurt a horse, why is it necessary to put a piece of metal in their mouth, what's the point?? If foaming is 'natural' & shows 'softness' why don't we see bitless horses doing it?? What makes a 'gentle' bit??
If you use the bit correctly, it will not hurt the horse. And the horses that have foam around their mouths are showing softness. When they foam/salivate like that, that's a sign that they are softening up to the bit. Copper inlay bits will make them salivate too, making a softer mouth.
alot of people think it abuse an that horse should be free , but also think of the risks we are taking every time we put are foot in the iron alot of people have died horse back and having a bit in there horse mouth is nothing compared to what some horse go through or have been through x this is just my opinion don't take offence on it xx
Every equipment can be abusive in the wrong hands,and all of these picture show that but there are a lot of other picture that don't show that,some people designed this bit so you can control the horse,how do you expect to control a wild horse with only a halter?!
If you use the bridle gentle I don't see a problem,but i don't think the bridle is abusive??
And one question do you ride with bridle or with halter?
@HorseyLord I ride all my horses with a bit but one horse cause shes green and isn`t used to a bit! But all my other horses i have galloped with with just a halter and leadrope and the ystill stop just as a good as if there was a bit in their mounth! :) But then you get some horses that are not and people should continue to use the bit!
@TheMollydog400 I have riden with only a lead rope and halter,but sometimes your horse can get spooked and start riding,and how do you expect to stop him?!
@HorseyLord My horses are like Bomb proof i ride them along side the high way theve been around foru wheelers,dirtbikes,motorcyles jus tabout everything fire,megaphones alot of stuff like i went right by a running lawn mower and a kid on a fourwheeler they looked at it like it was nothing! I wasn`t trying to be mean but alot of horses are like that!
All equipment can be abusive if it is in the wrong hands. I believe that a horse can be ridden without bridles and saddles with the correct training, but I am also aware that not everyone that owns a horse has the time to train their horse to be ridden safely without equipment. It is a real shame that people call themselves horse lovers are capable of causing their horses pain, instructors and trainer should teach new riders there is a better way!
Also where the bit sits on the lower jaw. That part of the jaw is as sharp as a knifes edge, when ever the rider pulls back on the mouth it cuts the gum, & maybe the tongue as well.
I am going to make a neutral video soon about the good and bad points of horse bits and bitless bridles, will be up before end of the week, i suggest everyone (including the person who made this video) should watch it, bits and bitless bridles can be cruel in the wrong hands
If you have a good enough relationship with your horse you don't need a bridle let alone a bit. If you have to use a bit you should have a good look at the relationship you have with your horse. I am still learning so most of the time I get away with a bitless bridle or just a string.
I could one of the most agressive bits on my horse and it wouldnt hurt them at all, because I have extremely soft hands. I dont jerk and pull on their face. Horses mouths are as sensitive as a humans. Any bit can be harmful in the wrong hands.
Ofcoure, with a gentle and experience rider, a bit does not necessarily have to hurt the horse. But in my opinion, riding without a bit, even without a nose strap is the way to go. Only a loose rope round the neck and perhaps a saddle. That's the way to go. But ofcourse, it requires a special bond between rider and horse; the rider is not the master of the horse, but they are equals.
Most of the time its the riders and some of those bits should not be used i agree but my pony is allways happy in his bit its the riders they yank the horses in the mouth to hard and really are bad riders !
lookat the pic the ppl actually yankin/hangin on the horse mouth if ur soft with the horse and actually think about wat ur doin u will give em a lose rein not hang on their mouth. in the pic its the riders fault.plus horses have their moments throw their head round or open their mouth etc and make the pic look totally dif to what it actually is...a bit is horrible when not used correctly. sum ppl only relyin on their reins not their seat n leg aids i dont like the first pic either looks uncomfy
Thjer's nothing quite as dangerous as a finger....on a trigger. There's nothing quite as abusive as hands....connected to a piece of metal in the mouth of a horse. Trying to justify the use of such archaic methods and equipment that are designed to cause PAIN to the horse is not very smart, educated or empathetic. The excuses put forward are PATHETIC though.
Bits are fine. If you actually know two shits about horses and take a second to look at these pictures, you'll see that the bit isn't the cause of the horses head throwing, spooking, distress, or what not.
Bits and spurs are tools of the infliction of pain. Pain CAUSED by PEOPLE! By the same token bits and spur can be soft and a means of communication between horse and rider. Not every horse is for bitless. Not every riders is for spurs.
We as riders and horse lovers should work for harmony between horse and rider. A bit is a way of communicating. The way that an individual rider communicates with their horse, depends on them. You should remember that hackamores can be incredibly painful for a horse. They operate on the sensitive part of a horse's nose, and if used wrong, a hackamore can be much more painful than a bit. The only solution to the problem that is posed, is empathetic riding. This can be done with, or without a bit.
im sic of people saying bits are abusive. YEAH in this video i see terrible abuse. but you obivously have NO idea what your talking about. it depends on whose riding. im perfectly kind with my bit. maybe these guys are impatient cowards who dont understand their horses but you cannot say this is all bit riders in general and i dont at all appreciate the assumption.
Wonderful that you have made such a touching video. I have, in the past been somewhat blind to this issue. I tried to have soft hands... but the snaffle was still clearly uncomfortable. I ordered a cross under bitless bridle and was a little nervous at first about whether I would have control. To my huge suprise, I not only had complete control but she seemed to be EASIER to control... smoother, more able to focus on what I was asking rather than the discomfort of the bit.
I think it is a very good idea putting a message like this out on You Tube, it's just that it is not only the bit that is causing damage, it's the rider (witch you have clearly stated) but you make it seem like all bits are bad. Horses are (or should) be trained to respond to the bit even at a slight touch so that the rider does not have to cause them pain to make them go. Again, I very much think this a good video But it may give people the slightly wrong idea.
these are extreme cases... my horses love their bits and actually refuse to let go of them once they get their bridles off and open happily for them... ITS NOT THE BIT ITS THE RIDER... when a rider cant control a horse they think only a stronger bit will fix it insted of going back to basics... when the mouth is foaming it means the horse is suppleing and chewing on the bit... please people... blame the rider not the tack
i think this was a really good video! i don't have very much knowledge about horses but in some cases i believe that it can be the riders fault when they r pushin them into doin sumthin tht is painful. i think tht with certain bits they shudn't be allowed AT ALL. i think they shud design a different type of bit but tht brings them comfort not pain.
alot of these pictures are of horses throwing thier heads take away the bit and they will still throw thier heads some of the pictures is of someone useing hard hands the first one was of an over dramatized tuck and they wernt pulling on his mouth. please get your facts straight
Bits are not a bad thing, if used properly. Rough hands are the problem. With a bitless bridle, a heavy handed rider can actually fracture the fragile nasil bones. Its a lose-lose situation. Bits and bitless bridles can both inflict lasting damage. It just depends on how one uses whatever they choose to use. Thats the way I look at it.
@hiperanimallover your so right I know a family who are only in it to win, I have no idea why they even have horses, they were going to let one of their poinies die of colic because they wern't happy with how it was preforming! Luckily the horse recovered on it's own, I just nearly cried when I heard this, I know the pony, she's a beauty. A little angel
@FireFlyHorzey i alsow know some F****** who are only in it to win it.they have 3 horses,i sometiimes visit and feed the horses(since they normally dont feed them) and last time i viseted theire black friesian stallion was dying of dehidration.I gave her my water bottle and she got better but point is ppl r only in it to win it!
For every photo in this video that's showing an abusive rider, I can show you 100 more pictures of bitted horses that are perfectly content and healthy. To say that bits themselves are harmful is so far out in left field that I can barely take it seriously. A rope halter can turn into a torture device in the hands of a cruel human being. Instead of pointing the finger at a piece of steel, doesn't it make more sense to focus on the apes who CONTROL the bit?
@99Jessabel99 I completely agree with you. The reality is that bitless bridles work off the same principle, pressure, which can be harmful with either a bitted or a bitless. A bitless can actually be worse, in very hard hands it can kill a horse. People need to learn to control themselves, physically and emotionally.
@99Jessabel99 No, you said "For every photo in this video that's showing an abusive rider, I can show you 100 more pictures of bitted horses that are perfectly content and healthy". So show us don't just quote some vague reference. Put you pics where your claims are! Or provide some credible scientific evidence of the benefits of a lump of steel in the horses mouth.
My gelding I tried riding bitless and then in a light snaffle, but hes young and restless and ran right through them. So it comes down to, do I use a bit thats just strong enough he respects it (which is a small shank bit for him) or I get dragged around by a 16.2 h tall over half ton animal and probably get myself hurt or killed.I use what I need to keep him under control and nothing more. People can use them badly yes, but there is no reason for these videos. Make an informative video instead.
Since when does the bit hurt the horse? It's the rider who's at fault. Like guns don't kill people, bits dont abuse horses. My horses are fine bitted or not to be ridden, they dont throw their heads up, they dont have worried eyes, because I don't reef on their face.
You're generalizing all people who use bits, and also assuming bits are the only problem. Go read a book.
Seems mostly opinion here rather than fact. And it is a fact bits cause pain. If you want the facts just do some research of the facts of which there is plenty of scientific data, Dr Cook to begin with. If a horse feels pain in its mouth from the bit its because of the bit not the rider it is only the severity that differs. If you need a bit to ride you should think about taking up crochet.
direct quote "Bits control through pain". i am very sorry to inform you but that is not necessarily true. in fact it is rarely true. if a horse feels pain in its mouth from the bit its because of the rider, no other reason. there are many issues linked with inproper use of a bit BUT alternatively there are many issues, equally as severe, to do with the inproper use of bitless bridles. Therefore no-one has the right to say bits are bad for horses, it's bad riders who are bad for horses.
Ok I am just going to say this. I get the pressure part but if you think about it, horses have a lot of nerves in their mouths. Just a little pressure just could cause some uncomfort. Even vets agree that it does do some sort of damage to the mouth. I also get that these images are extreme. All I am saying is that the mouth is the sensitive part.
dont blame the bits blame the riders, most horses dont need such big harsh bits in there mouths, but every horse has a diffrent type of mouth and suit diffrent bits, my horse is fine with a simple snaffle, he doesent pull against it, he works on the bit, and my snaffle is not cold mettal it is a soft type which doesent cause any damage. so dont go saying all bits are harsh until you know the full story!
While i agree, most horses don't need quite huge contraptions that get put in their mouths, but , most common bits are not the problem. It's the people causing the problem. The bit, when handled correctly, is a good piece of equipment. My horse opens his mouth for the bit before it even gets to his mouth. He wouldn't do that if it hurt him.
why have u picked all the bad photos? there are alot of horses that are fine having a bit in there mouth! btw did u notice that some horses in your video have there ears forward and are listening to the rider?
@aussiebreyer Exactly what I thought! There's a picture of a darker horse with his eyes open and ears pricked forward. Not the look of pain or fear. It's mouth is not agape with crazy eyes and in an awkward position. If you're going to try and object against a method DON'T INCLUDE PICTURES WHERE THE HORSE LOOKS PERFECTLY HAPPY! Hahaha!
bit is bad if there is tounge pressure and horrible hands and some of those pics those riders are such snobs all she cares about is her self what horrible people
I ride with spurs, whips, and one of the harshest bits legal. My horse is perfectly fine, he responds great and WHEN USED CORRECTLY, THEY ARE GREAT. my barrel horse runs in a snaffle bit with spurs, and does she do any of this, no. She does just fine, and does it willingly. This is all opinion
i understand why u belive its abuse but these horses have riders that dont care i ride with a bit so what my pony she take the bit in her mouth if her bridles infront of her if it hurt her she wouldnt do that
I understand why you think a bit is abuse, but it depends on the horse and it depends on the rider. Some horses, like mine, love the bit because I let them play with it and they relax because I don't yank on their mouth. but if I did, they would throw their heads and try to get me off. I think horses should be taught to listen when riding with a halter in case their mouth is hurting them, but If your gentle and take it easy, the bit can be a great help.
bits are not abuse if you use the right ones and dont overuse your hands when you ride
and not all people ride like this. i for one use my legs (no spurs) for control more than anything and i do not use a crop. i understand where you're coming from in the situation but dont try to make all of us riders look bad.
bridles shouldent be used as weapons they should be used for reasons for riding not for abuse horses r dying every second thats why on thuresday the 3rd of march i am dressing up as a horse for WBD to stop horse abuse i dont have anyfrinds in my school just because i love horses i am sticking to my belif that horses should be treated vas humans not abused plz stop this imagen if it washappening to u just think it would hurt and thats aswell why they throuth its so horriable dont u think so xxxxx
I've rode a horse with a bit, I've rode a horse without anything, no bridle, no saddle, just his main and bare back. However the horse I rode was the same, he didn't mind a bit at all, I just used it right and didn't jerk and strangle him with it. It's not always the bit, it's sometimes the riders. Now don't get me wrong, like the horse in 5:23, now that bit is cruel. And the strap around their mouths, cruel. But it's not always the bit, it's the usually the rider.
if we could ride are horses like u did we would but if we did we would be planded in the ground:)i have a very high mad mara and my cosin has a horse that takes of and sits down could u ride a horae like them without a bit?good video but u just have to b sensible with the bits you rde in:)snaffle is the best:::::):):)
1:13 is bitless, it's a hackamore. Riding with a bit isn't abuse, bitless riding can be abuse to, as you see on that picture. It depends from how the rider uses the reins.
1:13 is bitless, it's a hackamore. Riding with a bit isn't abuse, bitless riding can be abuse to, as you see on that picture. It depends from how the rider uses the reins.
Being one of cowboy background I have rode in everything from a snaffle, curb to a hackamore. I have had horses with bits where all I had to do is lift my reins, where no pressure was put on their mouth. Notice the roper in the video his reins are loose not at all putting pressure on the mouth. Now bitless bridles and hackamores can be just as or worse than bits, then put pressure on the nerves on the nose that are as sensitive as the mouth. Both are only as dangerous as the person horseback
i do think that bits are too harsh in SOME cases. such as parrot mouth cases or older horses. but bits are NOT horse abuse. unless the person riding the horse doesn't know how to ride with a gentle hand. and as you said before hand it is the wrong hands that are the problem i think in most of the pictures on here the person shouldn't be on the horse no matter how 'good' they are at their discipline they shouldn't be allowed on a horse till they understand a horse and how to communicate w/o force
Bits aren't controlling through pain if they are in the right hands. Also, they don't shove a horse's tongue down it's throat because it goes over the tongue. bits pull backwards, not upwards toward the roof of the mouth. a lot of the pictures that show the horse being "pulled back by the bit" don't actually show that. the hoses could have been frightened, which they demonstrate by backing up. in dressage, horses are trained to have their heads down, it is not the bit pulling back their heads
are we not all aiming for the same thing? we all love our horses (im referring to the people posting on these sort of videos) otherwise we wouldnt take the time to watch them. rather than getting into arguments about whose opinion is correct should we not look for real proof? there has been much research (scientific not opinion based) been done into bitting and its effects and plenty of dissections have been done with bitting in mind. this is where we should be looking too.
@gibbygirl89 you should only feel sad and guilty if you are using a bit incorectly if you are using a bit correctly you have nothing to feel guitly about
A properly trained horse should not NEED a bit. A novice rider should be able to handle a horse without a bit. I started riding 1 year ago and have not used a bit one time. Even with the horses I bought who ONLY had bits. It is ignorance and laziness to say "Some horses need one so they listen" which is again control through pain. If a novice rider (ME) can do it without on an intermediate horse, but "you" (commentors) can't, then your not as skilled as you think. Good video!!
So in MY mind i think that a bit can be good or bad. . . what kind of horse are we dealing with??? one that is crazy and like to go his or her own way??! or one that is the " best horse in the world" thats where i think of a bit coming in.... if the horse is a good horse and you trust him or her with your life then go bitless but if you dont then go with the bit!! remember its YOUR horse and no ones elses and you know your horse better than ANYONE!!you should know what best for him or her!!!!!!!
That's why we are riding western. Yes, the bit is maybe a little more hard in the horse's mouth, but we almost never use it! Control a horse is not to pull in his mouth so hard that you'll sometime break his lips...In fact, you shouldn't even CONTROL your horse, you should be in harmony with him. Oh please stop saying that jumping and racing are ethologic ways to ride a horse, it is soooo not true! Look at this video, it's a proof!
No offence, but you're an idiot. Blaming ALL english riders in the world as "horse abusers" because we use bits. Wow. I own a 5 year old hot-headed Thoroughbred gelding called Crush. He bolts, a LOT. I would be dead if it were not for my bit. He has what is called a "Happy Mouth Bit" these bits are covered in soft rubber so that it does not hurt the horse. You know what? I'm riding tomarrow morning. I'll be sure to get a video of me riding him on a bit and post it. Lay off.
Bitless bridles can be horse abuse as well. You can flip a horse over if you use a hackamore incorrectly.
Basically your saying you abuse your horse if you use a bit and your horse can't be your "special friend" if you use a bit. I would like to tell you that is BS. I know many people who's horses LOVE them and they use a bit. I don't think 20 or so pictures of riders ABUSING THE BIT justify that a bit is horse abuse.
i take lessons and we have bits on the bridle but the nose bands are not that tight its the people in the video who put them that way and i think it would be good for some people to use no bit unless they can do it without causing the horse stress and pain.
i take lessons and we have bits on the bridle but the nose bands are not that tight its the people in the video who put them that way and i think it would be good for some people to use no bit unless they can do it without causing the horse stress and if you are not relaxed the horses will be jumpy
thank you for the video i have now learned how crule some people can be to anything even if they have a unique bond with it and i will try to get them to switch to no bits again thanks!!!
Of course you would take every photograph of the odd time a rider is having troubles with a horse. You would also take pictures of the one in a hundred rider who uses the bits very harshly.
My horse gets ridden in a snaffle, and I am very light with my hands. I do also have a crop, only to use as an aid if the need is there that day. Heck, I love my horse, and I would never hurt him. If the simple use of a bit is animal abuse, then good lord, we'd ll be in prison!
i use a sidepull on my arab, a shoulder holder on my QH, and a snaffle on my mustang ..... some horses cant ride without a bit some can.....bits arent abuse if you usse them right...you have to be soft with your hands and train your horse to break at the pole and the bit doesnt put any pressure on the moouth
When a horse does this, as well as foam at the mouth, it shows it is working, focused and comfortable. Finally, do you think these horses would continue accepting the bit if it were that painful? Hell no! I have so much more to say, but overall, you really weren't thinking straight when you made this video. Good intentions, good heart, no thought process. If you want to complain about horse abuse, look into the BLM Mustang round-ups or something that actually makes sense.
If they are holding the horse to much or hit the horse in the mouth or pull back too hard or too abruptly, the horses mouth will open and their head will go up. Riders can do just as much damage with their legs or seat. Sometimes it isn't even the rider. Sometimes a horse just has a habit of throwing their head, even if it hasn't been "abused" or mis-ridden. Also, half the pictures you show are of horses opening their mouth because they are ACCEPTING the bit and chewing on it.
Ok this is a ridiculous video. First of all, your comment about the riders faces is just ignorant. As FCFEventRider said, EVERYONE makes a face. And most of the time it isn't pretty. The riders are concentrated, and their face reflects that. Secondly, I have seen people do just as much damage with out a bit. There are some bit's that I admit are very harsh and should not be used, but ultimately, it is the rider.
a bit is NOT horse abuse. In the wrong hands it can cause pain, but the bit itself in the hands of a good rider who doesn't yank and pull doesn't cause pain. As in everything else, in the hands of some humans anything can cause pain.
First of all, everyone makes a face while riding! Half the time I make a disgruntled face and im not even touching my horses mouth!! Second, riding bitless doesnt mean that your horse loves you more than any horse loves their human. My horse is a TB and has to be ridden a certain way. If he has a bit in he listens because i use soft hands. My horse opens his mouth readily for the bit and quite literally shoves himself into it ready to work and then when i go to take it out, he wont let go.THINK!
Even bitless, a horse can get as badly hurt. I ride in both. Bit and Bitless. I use a straight non broken bit, or a simple D with rollers. I also ride in nothing, no bridle, halter, or saddle. The horses mouth is mainly at risk of the riders hands. There are some very harsh bits that should be illegalized. The bits I use work on the bars of the horse's mouth, so that basically, my fingertips are holding the horse's mouth.
i dont agree,some horses work better with bits,most people ar`nt like this,only bad riders.some horses work better with bits,some work better without.
really? i swear people don't know anything these days if bits were "abuse" we wouldn't be able to use them and yes in some cases the RIDER uses the bit wrong in two of my horses they got what we call " soft mouth" soft mouth is when the bit teeth get very sensitive and it hurts to wear a bit so you must get them removed in some cases the horse can no longer wear a bit but really its NOT ABUSE
Just accidentally came across case law while researching equine abuse, which gives a national definition to abuse of the horse.
2004 Washington State Supreme Court held in 118 Wn. App. 730, State v. Zawistowski, that Webster's Third New International Dictionary 1621 (1969) definition of "pain" as "a state of physical or mental lack of well-being or physical or mental uneasiness that ranges from mild discomfort or dull distress to acute often unbearable agony."
i ride my horse in a bit. he is not uncumfortable in it, he does not avoid it, he has a lovely sof mouth and all he needs is a little squeeze, hackamores cause pain too, you may not see that, but when I see someone in a bitless, all I see is force being moved from the mouth, to the nose. Bits are only cruelty in the wrong hands. if someone chooses to "saw" and "jab" at their horse's mouth, that is their choice and it is the wrong choice but many people out there don't, me included in that few.
While I can appreciate your love and concern for the horse as evidenced by your choice of words, music and presentation in this beautifully done video, it also reveals a clearly ignorant display of your education of such matters. As others have commented, it is NOT the bit that is the villain here. In the hands of humans, anything can be misused, send too strong a message or a completely wrong message as is the case with this video, in your hands. Lack of knowledge is the culprit in both!
@Ronniefordtraining thats a very patronising opener, ahh but I see where your coming from your a "Professional Trainer" , you think you know better than I, thats fine your entitled to your own opinion, but! telling me I'am clearly ignorant and lack education doesn't make a very convincing argument on the behalf of what you trying to state dose it! ,guns don't kill either in the right hands sadly in the wrong hands they do!, but thats the problem "The wrong hands" or dont you agree?
@streetraceruk But if that's your point then I still don't get it. Are we supposed to stop riding horses altogether? After all bitless bridles can be worse in 'The wrong hands'. I don't agree with the idiots shown using bits abusively, however much they claim to be professional as a trainer/dressage or any other category. What needs to be done more is education on what is right and wrong as many I've met don't know how to spot a stressed out pained horse being ridden in dressage etc.
@streetraceruk You just contradicted yourself. Yes! The problem is the rider. Like you just said.
So why "dose" your video state something completely different? All this talk about bits being the instruments of the devil and never calling the idiot riders out on their terrible horsemanship.
If you're so passionate about this topic, try to keep your argument consistent. It really does speak to your knowledge, or lack thereof.
ust accidentally came across case law while researching equine abuse, which gives a national definition to abuse of the horse.
2004 Washington State Supreme Court held in 118 Wn. App. 730, State v. Zawistowski, that Webster's Third New International Dictionary 1621 (1969) definition of "pain" as "a state of physical or mental lack of well-being or physical or mental uneasiness that ranges from mild discomfort or dull distress to acute often unbearable agony."
@Ronniefordtraining of course, but horses are extremly sencitive! why juse bits, when you can try bridless? (all horses could be traind to do it.. it's just a matter of who many's willing to try it out
It is not the bit, it is the rider! If your horse listens without a bit great! Some horses do need a little extra pressure though, but no one should abuse it. Some people really should not ride... Go to a horse event, you will see all these things happen. I ride my horse with a hackamore and she listens BETTER with it. She hated a bit. she was abused
@2phg2 think about this for just 1 min, if "you" can have full control with out a bit rather than with one you would still rather have control of the horse via a bit,.........you say, some horse's need a little more pressure... what dose pressure make!!! discomfort or pain, you would rather have control of your horse through discomfort or pain, with the greatest respect I'm crediting you with some intelligence, so think before you answer . regards Tim
@streetraceruk i know its none of my business, but pressure is not pain. its like squezzing there tummy to go faster. its pressure. its not pain. and it most certainly is not abuse. if the riders that dont use bits and only use LEG PRESSURE still use pressure. but when your kicking the horses ribs till they are broken, then there is a problem. it depends on the rider.... you have to use some pressure to control your horse. when you are holding someones hand, its pressure, not breaking the bones
@streetraceruk your much better bit-less bridle can inflict on the nasals passage if not used correctly. dont blame the tack blame the rider any bit or tack could be considered cruel if not used correctly so if you really want less cruelty we should stop riding horses all together!
@streetraceruk so you think you would have control if a big gorilla jumped up from behind the fence. your sure you could stop your horse before it gets to the next town. well i am absolutely sure i could stop my horse within 10 meters, could you ? i use a bit,and i have good hands. and i am also a trainer with more then 10,000 horses being trained by myself........ yes i do know more then you. as would any professional trainer
Think about it... If somebody has killed someone its the person that killed them not the gun the gun was just misused and its the same with riders and bits.
and no offence, but the rider at the end looks to be far to over weight for that horse. Isn't that cruel? A horse thast size and build "should" carry up to 15 st, but research shows that many horses struggle (spesh big cobby things up to 17hh) carry a rider more than 12st. Their backs give out and like us, they get a sore back. Maybe (if it is you) you should look at your weight compared to your horses and his height then do something about it.
1.13 - thats a bitless bridles ;), and i know this as i have one the exact same!
100% agree that its the rider that makes the bits harsh, not the bit itself. Maybe next time slag of those who yank their horses heads about instead of an object.
well if a horse is bolting off and could put you and your horse in danger, how do you think you are going to stop it? by just hoping and trusting your horse will stop. i dont think so. it has nothing to do with the bit. its how the rider uses it. k thanks bye.
@AmmyBabes I agree with you, but you dont use the bit to stop a horse thats bolting you use your seat and your hands or in an extreme case just sit it...
Bits are not abusive to horses. If used the wrong way, yes they can cause great pain, but what I see is shit ass riders who need to be retrained in the use of a bit. Does anyone else here notice that there is only English riding going on here? Not any Western? Not to take any digs at English riders, but this is why I don't like the English riding discipline.
@birdiechief67 I dont think its got anything to do with english riders, but its easier to find pictures of english riders than it is of western riders...
Bits are not cruelty, but they are if they are used to "saw" the horses mouth or incorrectley. I understand (especially riding school ponies) that having a piece of metal in your mouth all day isn't very nice, and lets face it, i don't think any human would like it either, so i would prefer it if ponies with all day jobs should wear bit - less bridles. Whenever i ride i use a bit, but i make sure that im gentle with my riding school pony, Ellie. :)
I use a roller bit on my horse and he is happy as a clam to play with the roller or just stick his tongue out and suck on the bit. and if your hurting your horse YOUR USING THE BIT WRONG. If your using it right you should feel what hes doing with it and its easy to fix you just have loose reins.
when a horse thows it's head up and opens its mouth thats not always a pain signal. he could be acting like a brat and trying to feel the bit. bits are not abuse its the people that use them incorrectly.
I honestly think its fine to use a bit. Its not the bit, its the people on the end of the reins. If you pull with all your might, that bits gonna hurt like heck. If you just barely pull, the bit just barely gonna pull and add a little pressure on their mouth. No probelms riding with a bit, its the person using it.
do you ride horses????? bits are important some horses are uncontrollable without one and people are gentle geez you sound llike PETA we take great care of are horeses we vaccinate and blanket them and give them exersize bits arent cruel sure if you look on google you will find alot of pics people who are hard on there horses mouths or young horse learning to aceept the bit and some horses cant be riden with a rope or halter they are to highstrung
@AppaLoosa25 I agree with you. Some horses you just cant use a halter on them when u ride. They are to high strung and just want to run full out. My horse is like that. I know for a fact if my horse took off with me and had just a halter on, i couldnt stop her no matter what i do. I can barely stop her just by troting in a halter.
Guns don't kill people, people kill people. Bits don't abuse horses, people abuse horses. Some of the people in these clips need to control their tempers. Trying to say all people who show horses are like this is absurd. What I see is a few people who need to learn how to use their aids correctly again.
But not everyone is like this. The maker of this video is trying to take exceptions and portray them as the norm.
Guns don't kill people, people kill people. Bits don't abuse horses, people abuse horses. Some of the people in these clips need to control their tempers. Trying to say all people who show horses are like this is absurd. What I see is a few people who need to learn how to use their aids correctly again.
But not everyone is like this. The maker of this video is trying to take exceptions and portray them as the norm.
Guns don't kill people, people kill people. Bits don't abuse horses, people abuse horses. Some of the people in these clips need to control their tempers. Trying to say all people who show horses are like this is absurd. What I see is a few people who need to learn how to use their aids correctly again.
But not everyone is like this. The maker of this video is trying to take exceptions and portray them as the norm.
You should use pit the people that r in ur pics they are abusing the bit!People who care Don't pull and yank they use comunication with out yanking and pulling.
I don't get it, are you blaming the bit or the people? In your video and such you state that it's the bit and say not to use it, but in comments you say it's the people. Witch one? You can't be on both sides here. It's not the bit, it's the people, the people control the bit, so if it's in the hands of a fair rider then the bit is fair, if it's in a bad rider's hands then they should not use a bit till they contol themselves.
ok what u have is pictures of riders using the bit incorrectly - instead of keep a soft, closed contact around the reins they are pulling back/sawing/socking the horse in the mouth. its the rider's hands and their hands only that can make ANY bit comfortable/uncomfortable for the horse. do not blame the bit but the self centered riders who do it to the horses
Heres my thing, yes I use a bit, a simple full check snaffle as Im training my 5 year old and he's very naughty sometimes and likes to bolt, buck, spook etc, do I need a bit UH HELL YA! At this point of training he needs a bit anywhere but in the round pen in the round pen I can ride him in a halter just fine, but he's not controlled enough to go bitless and Im a light handed person, he doesnt feel the bit like most any of the time, for me its simply a security measure, I use my seat and legscon
certain bits can be painful if u sue them wrong. if u yank and pull and pull yes horses can feel the pain but if their used correctly their fine. a horse will let u know
Have any soft handed riders seen a side on photo of themselves riding when they are off balance or in a real stressful situation. Horses don't need bits nor riders that can ride, only riders that need a security blanket advocate them in the face of current proven scientific fact. There is no credible scientific evidence of the benefit of a bit to horses.
Horsingabout1 1 week ago
If bits(used properly) never hurt a horse, why is it necessary to put a piece of metal in their mouth, what's the point?? If foaming is 'natural' & shows 'softness' why don't we see bitless horses doing it?? What makes a 'gentle' bit??
wundahoss 2 weeks ago
Once again, If the bit is used correctly and if the rider knows what they are doing. Its not the bit.
ShockingHannaH 3 weeks ago
thats why i ride my horse wthout the bit, just the bridle (western rding) he does very good with it:)
Elliehorselover100 1 month ago
if the bit is used correctly it will not hurt and many rider use the softest bit possable
horselover1721 1 month ago
If you use the bit correctly, it will not hurt the horse. And the horses that have foam around their mouths are showing softness. When they foam/salivate like that, that's a sign that they are softening up to the bit. Copper inlay bits will make them salivate too, making a softer mouth.
Horsegrl4820 1 month ago
alot of people think it abuse an that horse should be free , but also think of the risks we are taking every time we put are foot in the iron alot of people have died horse back and having a bit in there horse mouth is nothing compared to what some horse go through or have been through x this is just my opinion don't take offence on it xx
TheHorseyymad 2 months ago
Every equipment can be abusive in the wrong hands,and all of these picture show that but there are a lot of other picture that don't show that,some people designed this bit so you can control the horse,how do you expect to control a wild horse with only a halter?!
If you use the bridle gentle I don't see a problem,but i don't think the bridle is abusive??
And one question do you ride with bridle or with halter?
HorseyLord 2 months ago
@HorseyLord I ride all my horses with a bit but one horse cause shes green and isn`t used to a bit! But all my other horses i have galloped with with just a halter and leadrope and the ystill stop just as a good as if there was a bit in their mounth! :) But then you get some horses that are not and people should continue to use the bit!
TheMollydog400 2 months ago
@TheMollydog400 I have riden with only a lead rope and halter,but sometimes your horse can get spooked and start riding,and how do you expect to stop him?!
HorseyLord 2 months ago
@HorseyLord My horses are like Bomb proof i ride them along side the high way theve been around foru wheelers,dirtbikes,motorcyles jus tabout everything fire,megaphones alot of stuff like i went right by a running lawn mower and a kid on a fourwheeler they looked at it like it was nothing! I wasn`t trying to be mean but alot of horses are like that!
TheMollydog400 2 months ago
@TheMollydog400 Well some horses can get spooked very easily
HorseyLord 2 months ago
All equipment can be abusive if it is in the wrong hands. I believe that a horse can be ridden without bridles and saddles with the correct training, but I am also aware that not everyone that owns a horse has the time to train their horse to be ridden safely without equipment. It is a real shame that people call themselves horse lovers are capable of causing their horses pain, instructors and trainer should teach new riders there is a better way!
horselover1159 2 months ago
Also where the bit sits on the lower jaw. That part of the jaw is as sharp as a knifes edge, when ever the rider pulls back on the mouth it cuts the gum, & maybe the tongue as well.
horse14t 2 months ago
I am going to make a neutral video soon about the good and bad points of horse bits and bitless bridles, will be up before end of the week, i suggest everyone (including the person who made this video) should watch it, bits and bitless bridles can be cruel in the wrong hands
DeathKitty123456 3 months ago
If you have a good enough relationship with your horse you don't need a bridle let alone a bit. If you have to use a bit you should have a good look at the relationship you have with your horse. I am still learning so most of the time I get away with a bitless bridle or just a string.
Horsingabout1 3 months ago
I could one of the most agressive bits on my horse and it wouldnt hurt them at all, because I have extremely soft hands. I dont jerk and pull on their face. Horses mouths are as sensitive as a humans. Any bit can be harmful in the wrong hands.
BarrelRacingLuver 3 months ago
Ofcoure, with a gentle and experience rider, a bit does not necessarily have to hurt the horse. But in my opinion, riding without a bit, even without a nose strap is the way to go. Only a loose rope round the neck and perhaps a saddle. That's the way to go. But ofcourse, it requires a special bond between rider and horse; the rider is not the master of the horse, but they are equals.
BakjeLeip 4 months ago
Most of the time its the riders and some of those bits should not be used i agree but my pony is allways happy in his bit its the riders they yank the horses in the mouth to hard and really are bad riders !
luvhorses71 4 months ago
I see hyperflexion, overbending, and jigsawing. ALL caused by the RIDER, not the bit.
BrightLights741 5 months ago
also ppl grab their rein (some ppl) when a horse rear n pull on their mouth making the horse loosing its balance and fallin bak /over
XxmikeymyhorsexX 7 months ago
Comment removed
XxmikeymyhorsexX 7 months ago
lookat the pic the ppl actually yankin/hangin on the horse mouth if ur soft with the horse and actually think about wat ur doin u will give em a lose rein not hang on their mouth. in the pic its the riders fault.plus horses have their moments throw their head round or open their mouth etc and make the pic look totally dif to what it actually is...a bit is horrible when not used correctly. sum ppl only relyin on their reins not their seat n leg aids i dont like the first pic either looks uncomfy
XxmikeymyhorsexX 7 months ago
Thjer's nothing quite as dangerous as a finger....on a trigger. There's nothing quite as abusive as hands....connected to a piece of metal in the mouth of a horse. Trying to justify the use of such archaic methods and equipment that are designed to cause PAIN to the horse is not very smart, educated or empathetic. The excuses put forward are PATHETIC though.
Hoovesnaturally 7 months ago
Bits are fine. If you actually know two shits about horses and take a second to look at these pictures, you'll see that the bit isn't the cause of the horses head throwing, spooking, distress, or what not.
TheOrangeOstrich 7 months ago
Bits and spurs are tools of the infliction of pain. Pain CAUSED by PEOPLE! By the same token bits and spur can be soft and a means of communication between horse and rider. Not every horse is for bitless. Not every riders is for spurs.
Harkamgirl 7 months ago
We as riders and horse lovers should work for harmony between horse and rider. A bit is a way of communicating. The way that an individual rider communicates with their horse, depends on them. You should remember that hackamores can be incredibly painful for a horse. They operate on the sensitive part of a horse's nose, and if used wrong, a hackamore can be much more painful than a bit. The only solution to the problem that is posed, is empathetic riding. This can be done with, or without a bit.
fg45k8 8 months ago
You should not forget that many people has a brain.
And when they have, they do not ride the horse like that.
If you use your bit careful it won't hurt anyone.
tatchiet 8 months ago
im sic of people saying bits are abusive. YEAH in this video i see terrible abuse. but you obivously have NO idea what your talking about. it depends on whose riding. im perfectly kind with my bit. maybe these guys are impatient cowards who dont understand their horses but you cannot say this is all bit riders in general and i dont at all appreciate the assumption.
rosy48842 8 months ago
Wonderful that you have made such a touching video. I have, in the past been somewhat blind to this issue. I tried to have soft hands... but the snaffle was still clearly uncomfortable. I ordered a cross under bitless bridle and was a little nervous at first about whether I would have control. To my huge suprise, I not only had complete control but she seemed to be EASIER to control... smoother, more able to focus on what I was asking rather than the discomfort of the bit.
pepperz2009 8 months ago
I think it is a very good idea putting a message like this out on You Tube, it's just that it is not only the bit that is causing damage, it's the rider (witch you have clearly stated) but you make it seem like all bits are bad. Horses are (or should) be trained to respond to the bit even at a slight touch so that the rider does not have to cause them pain to make them go. Again, I very much think this a good video But it may give people the slightly wrong idea.
BreyerBug 8 months ago
Its often not the bit that makes the damege , its the humans hands. And the things you are showing here is extreme cases
whydieinlove 8 months ago
these are extreme cases... my horses love their bits and actually refuse to let go of them once they get their bridles off and open happily for them... ITS NOT THE BIT ITS THE RIDER... when a rider cant control a horse they think only a stronger bit will fix it insted of going back to basics... when the mouth is foaming it means the horse is suppleing and chewing on the bit... please people... blame the rider not the tack
RobsAvatarNerd 8 months ago
i think this was a really good video! i don't have very much knowledge about horses but in some cases i believe that it can be the riders fault when they r pushin them into doin sumthin tht is painful. i think tht with certain bits they shudn't be allowed AT ALL. i think they shud design a different type of bit but tht brings them comfort not pain.
littlekaty199 8 months ago
alot of these pictures are of horses throwing thier heads take away the bit and they will still throw thier heads some of the pictures is of someone useing hard hands the first one was of an over dramatized tuck and they wernt pulling on his mouth. please get your facts straight
kibaslover1 8 months ago
Bits are not a bad thing, if used properly. Rough hands are the problem. With a bitless bridle, a heavy handed rider can actually fracture the fragile nasil bones. Its a lose-lose situation. Bits and bitless bridles can both inflict lasting damage. It just depends on how one uses whatever they choose to use. Thats the way I look at it.
Chut619 8 months ago
This is just extreme, we can use bits, if we know how to handle a horse with peace.
xEliessss 9 months ago
most riders only care about winning!
there are only some normal ppl who believe in natural horsemanship
hiperanimallover 9 months ago
@hiperanimallover your so right I know a family who are only in it to win, I have no idea why they even have horses, they were going to let one of their poinies die of colic because they wern't happy with how it was preforming! Luckily the horse recovered on it's own, I just nearly cried when I heard this, I know the pony, she's a beauty. A little angel
FireFlyHorzey 9 months ago
@FireFlyHorzey i alsow know some F****** who are only in it to win it.they have 3 horses,i sometiimes visit and feed the horses(since they normally dont feed them) and last time i viseted theire black friesian stallion was dying of dehidration.I gave her my water bottle and she got better but point is ppl r only in it to win it!
hiperanimallover 9 months ago
For every photo in this video that's showing an abusive rider, I can show you 100 more pictures of bitted horses that are perfectly content and healthy. To say that bits themselves are harmful is so far out in left field that I can barely take it seriously. A rope halter can turn into a torture device in the hands of a cruel human being. Instead of pointing the finger at a piece of steel, doesn't it make more sense to focus on the apes who CONTROL the bit?
99Jessabel99 9 months ago 6
@99Jessabel99 I completely agree with you. The reality is that bitless bridles work off the same principle, pressure, which can be harmful with either a bitted or a bitless. A bitless can actually be worse, in very hard hands it can kill a horse. People need to learn to control themselves, physically and emotionally.
Glykyrrhiza 9 months ago
@99Jessabel99 Agree with this in its entirety. Any piece of equipment is only as harsh as the hands that use it.
joosiej85 2 months ago
@99Jessabel99 i couldn't agree more with you!!!! its not the bit its the rider!!!!
cowgirlwithgreyarab 3 weeks ago
@99Jessabel99 Ok show us!
Horsingabout1 1 week ago
@Horsingabout1 All you have to do is Bing "horseback riding". Images de jour.
99Jessabel99 1 week ago
@99Jessabel99 No, you said "For every photo in this video that's showing an abusive rider, I can show you 100 more pictures of bitted horses that are perfectly content and healthy". So show us don't just quote some vague reference. Put you pics where your claims are! Or provide some credible scientific evidence of the benefits of a lump of steel in the horses mouth.
Horsingabout1 1 week ago in playlist paarden
@Horsingabout1 I stand corrected & eat humble pie which you can do without a bit.
Horsingabout1 1 week ago in playlist paarden
@99Jessabel99 ex-ray your favorite riding horse's head and jaw.
chrisvpena 1 day ago
My gelding I tried riding bitless and then in a light snaffle, but hes young and restless and ran right through them. So it comes down to, do I use a bit thats just strong enough he respects it (which is a small shank bit for him) or I get dragged around by a 16.2 h tall over half ton animal and probably get myself hurt or killed.I use what I need to keep him under control and nothing more. People can use them badly yes, but there is no reason for these videos. Make an informative video instead.
SnowFire337 10 months ago
anger hate pain i see
and bits if you dont use then nicely they can hurt who ever says they dont can get fucked
GotToLoveHorses1 10 months ago
Since when does the bit hurt the horse? It's the rider who's at fault. Like guns don't kill people, bits dont abuse horses. My horses are fine bitted or not to be ridden, they dont throw their heads up, they dont have worried eyes, because I don't reef on their face.
You're generalizing all people who use bits, and also assuming bits are the only problem. Go read a book.
xXGlamRiderXx 10 months ago
Seems mostly opinion here rather than fact. And it is a fact bits cause pain. If you want the facts just do some research of the facts of which there is plenty of scientific data, Dr Cook to begin with. If a horse feels pain in its mouth from the bit its because of the bit not the rider it is only the severity that differs. If you need a bit to ride you should think about taking up crochet.
Horsingabout1 10 months ago
direct quote "Bits control through pain". i am very sorry to inform you but that is not necessarily true. in fact it is rarely true. if a horse feels pain in its mouth from the bit its because of the rider, no other reason. there are many issues linked with inproper use of a bit BUT alternatively there are many issues, equally as severe, to do with the inproper use of bitless bridles. Therefore no-one has the right to say bits are bad for horses, it's bad riders who are bad for horses.
CaridubahZ 10 months ago
Ok I am just going to say this. I get the pressure part but if you think about it, horses have a lot of nerves in their mouths. Just a little pressure just could cause some uncomfort. Even vets agree that it does do some sort of damage to the mouth. I also get that these images are extreme. All I am saying is that the mouth is the sensitive part.
YankeeBizz 10 months ago
@TheBessierocks
I know! I find it unfair that all these sort of videos are saying that english riding is soooo bad but western worse!
ilovesmidgee 10 months ago
dont blame the bits blame the riders, most horses dont need such big harsh bits in there mouths, but every horse has a diffrent type of mouth and suit diffrent bits, my horse is fine with a simple snaffle, he doesent pull against it, he works on the bit, and my snaffle is not cold mettal it is a soft type which doesent cause any damage. so dont go saying all bits are harsh until you know the full story!
stardustmypony 11 months ago
Don't blame the bits, blame the riders.
hbLove14 11 months ago
While i agree, most horses don't need quite huge contraptions that get put in their mouths, but , most common bits are not the problem. It's the people causing the problem. The bit, when handled correctly, is a good piece of equipment. My horse opens his mouth for the bit before it even gets to his mouth. He wouldn't do that if it hurt him.
NaturalJumper1032 11 months ago 2
why have u picked all the bad photos? there are alot of horses that are fine having a bit in there mouth! btw did u notice that some horses in your video have there ears forward and are listening to the rider?
aussiebreyer 11 months ago 2
@aussiebreyer Exactly what I thought! There's a picture of a darker horse with his eyes open and ears pricked forward. Not the look of pain or fear. It's mouth is not agape with crazy eyes and in an awkward position. If you're going to try and object against a method DON'T INCLUDE PICTURES WHERE THE HORSE LOOKS PERFECTLY HAPPY! Hahaha!
devinbriann12 10 months ago
Why are all these pictures of english riding? Western uses bits too!
ilovesmidgee 11 months ago
@ilovesmidgee and western does more damage. i.e barrel racing
TheBessierocks 10 months ago
bit is bad if there is tounge pressure and horrible hands and some of those pics those riders are such snobs all she cares about is her self what horrible people
dappledbaybeauty 11 months ago
bit is bad if there is tounge pressure and horrible hands
dappledbaybeauty 11 months ago
I ride with spurs, whips, and one of the harshest bits legal. My horse is perfectly fine, he responds great and WHEN USED CORRECTLY, THEY ARE GREAT. my barrel horse runs in a snaffle bit with spurs, and does she do any of this, no. She does just fine, and does it willingly. This is all opinion
1JonasLoveForever1 11 months ago
i understand why u belive its abuse but these horses have riders that dont care i ride with a bit so what my pony she take the bit in her mouth if her bridles infront of her if it hurt her she wouldnt do that
BoofleBabe1000 11 months ago
I understand why you think a bit is abuse, but it depends on the horse and it depends on the rider. Some horses, like mine, love the bit because I let them play with it and they relax because I don't yank on their mouth. but if I did, they would throw their heads and try to get me off. I think horses should be taught to listen when riding with a halter in case their mouth is hurting them, but If your gentle and take it easy, the bit can be a great help.
snick650 11 months ago 17
bits are not abuse if you use the right ones and dont overuse your hands when you ride
and not all people ride like this. i for one use my legs (no spurs) for control more than anything and i do not use a crop. i understand where you're coming from in the situation but dont try to make all of us riders look bad.
boogsnriles606 1 year ago
its the people that are the problem
ataglen 1 year ago
bridles shouldent be used as weapons they should be used for reasons for riding not for abuse horses r dying every second thats why on thuresday the 3rd of march i am dressing up as a horse for WBD to stop horse abuse i dont have anyfrinds in my school just because i love horses i am sticking to my belif that horses should be treated vas humans not abused plz stop this imagen if it washappening to u just think it would hurt and thats aswell why they throuth its so horriable dont u think so xxxxx
oliviaaelliott 1 year ago
I've rode a horse with a bit, I've rode a horse without anything, no bridle, no saddle, just his main and bare back. However the horse I rode was the same, he didn't mind a bit at all, I just used it right and didn't jerk and strangle him with it. It's not always the bit, it's sometimes the riders. Now don't get me wrong, like the horse in 5:23, now that bit is cruel. And the strap around their mouths, cruel. But it's not always the bit, it's the usually the rider.
SweeneyTodd4435 1 year ago
if we could ride are horses like u did we would but if we did we would be planded in the ground:)i have a very high mad mara and my cosin has a horse that takes of and sits down could u ride a horae like them without a bit?good video but u just have to b sensible with the bits you rde in:)snaffle is the best:::::):):)
XxcaraxX010 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
1:13 is bitless, it's a hackamore. Riding with a bit isn't abuse, bitless riding can be abuse to, as you see on that picture. It depends from how the rider uses the reins.
MsPonyLuv 1 year ago
1:13 is bitless, it's a hackamore. Riding with a bit isn't abuse, bitless riding can be abuse to, as you see on that picture. It depends from how the rider uses the reins.
MsPonyLuv 1 year ago
Being one of cowboy background I have rode in everything from a snaffle, curb to a hackamore. I have had horses with bits where all I had to do is lift my reins, where no pressure was put on their mouth. Notice the roper in the video his reins are loose not at all putting pressure on the mouth. Now bitless bridles and hackamores can be just as or worse than bits, then put pressure on the nerves on the nose that are as sensitive as the mouth. Both are only as dangerous as the person horseback
DrunkenCowboy88 1 year ago
i do think that bits are too harsh in SOME cases. such as parrot mouth cases or older horses. but bits are NOT horse abuse. unless the person riding the horse doesn't know how to ride with a gentle hand. and as you said before hand it is the wrong hands that are the problem i think in most of the pictures on here the person shouldn't be on the horse no matter how 'good' they are at their discipline they shouldn't be allowed on a horse till they understand a horse and how to communicate w/o force
LittleMustangMare 1 year ago
Bits aren't controlling through pain if they are in the right hands. Also, they don't shove a horse's tongue down it's throat because it goes over the tongue. bits pull backwards, not upwards toward the roof of the mouth. a lot of the pictures that show the horse being "pulled back by the bit" don't actually show that. the hoses could have been frightened, which they demonstrate by backing up. in dressage, horses are trained to have their heads down, it is not the bit pulling back their heads
srp201 1 year ago
are we not all aiming for the same thing? we all love our horses (im referring to the people posting on these sort of videos) otherwise we wouldnt take the time to watch them. rather than getting into arguments about whose opinion is correct should we not look for real proof? there has been much research (scientific not opinion based) been done into bitting and its effects and plenty of dissections have been done with bitting in mind. this is where we should be looking too.
romeodisn 1 year ago
@gibbygirl89 you should only feel sad and guilty if you are using a bit incorectly if you are using a bit correctly you have nothing to feel guitly about
starzindaeyes 1 year ago
A properly trained horse should not NEED a bit. A novice rider should be able to handle a horse without a bit. I started riding 1 year ago and have not used a bit one time. Even with the horses I bought who ONLY had bits. It is ignorance and laziness to say "Some horses need one so they listen" which is again control through pain. If a novice rider (ME) can do it without on an intermediate horse, but "you" (commentors) can't, then your not as skilled as you think. Good video!!
babyhorsey6 1 year ago
So in MY mind i think that a bit can be good or bad. . . what kind of horse are we dealing with??? one that is crazy and like to go his or her own way??! or one that is the " best horse in the world" thats where i think of a bit coming in.... if the horse is a good horse and you trust him or her with your life then go bitless but if you dont then go with the bit!! remember its YOUR horse and no ones elses and you know your horse better than ANYONE!!you should know what best for him or her!!!!!!!
horseluver343 1 year ago
That's why we are riding western. Yes, the bit is maybe a little more hard in the horse's mouth, but we almost never use it! Control a horse is not to pull in his mouth so hard that you'll sometime break his lips...In fact, you shouldn't even CONTROL your horse, you should be in harmony with him. Oh please stop saying that jumping and racing are ethologic ways to ride a horse, it is soooo not true! Look at this video, it's a proof!
missdom33 1 year ago
@streetraceruk
No offence, but you're an idiot. Blaming ALL english riders in the world as "horse abusers" because we use bits. Wow. I own a 5 year old hot-headed Thoroughbred gelding called Crush. He bolts, a LOT. I would be dead if it were not for my bit. He has what is called a "Happy Mouth Bit" these bits are covered in soft rubber so that it does not hurt the horse. You know what? I'm riding tomarrow morning. I'll be sure to get a video of me riding him on a bit and post it. Lay off.
HunterJumper175 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
im bitless lol
Breyergirls345 1 year ago
im bitless lol
Breyergirls345 1 year ago
:O God, how can you fit 2 bits in a horses mouth?? Why ?
Seriously its stupid ! Natural horsemanship is so much better and fun !!
luvgirl98 1 year ago
Bitless bridles can be horse abuse as well. You can flip a horse over if you use a hackamore incorrectly.
Basically your saying you abuse your horse if you use a bit and your horse can't be your "special friend" if you use a bit. I would like to tell you that is BS. I know many people who's horses LOVE them and they use a bit. I don't think 20 or so pictures of riders ABUSING THE BIT justify that a bit is horse abuse.
SuperponySkippy936 1 year ago
i take lessons and we have bits on the bridle but the nose bands are not that tight its the people in the video who put them that way and i think it would be good for some people to use no bit unless they can do it without causing the horse stress and pain.
horsegirl502 1 year ago
i take lessons and we have bits on the bridle but the nose bands are not that tight its the people in the video who put them that way and i think it would be good for some people to use no bit unless they can do it without causing the horse stress and if you are not relaxed the horses will be jumpy
thank you for the video i have now learned how crule some people can be to anything even if they have a unique bond with it and i will try to get them to switch to no bits again thanks!!!
horsegirl502 1 year ago
Of course you would take every photograph of the odd time a rider is having troubles with a horse. You would also take pictures of the one in a hundred rider who uses the bits very harshly.
My horse gets ridden in a snaffle, and I am very light with my hands. I do also have a crop, only to use as an aid if the need is there that day. Heck, I love my horse, and I would never hurt him. If the simple use of a bit is animal abuse, then good lord, we'd ll be in prison!
Tart990 1 year ago
i use a sidepull on my arab, a shoulder holder on my QH, and a snaffle on my mustang ..... some horses cant ride without a bit some can.....bits arent abuse if you usse them right...you have to be soft with your hands and train your horse to break at the pole and the bit doesnt put any pressure on the moouth
barrelracer401 1 year ago
I think you would much prefer using a bit if you tried to ride some of these horses without one. GTFO.
sundevil0289 1 year ago
When a horse does this, as well as foam at the mouth, it shows it is working, focused and comfortable. Finally, do you think these horses would continue accepting the bit if it were that painful? Hell no! I have so much more to say, but overall, you really weren't thinking straight when you made this video. Good intentions, good heart, no thought process. If you want to complain about horse abuse, look into the BLM Mustang round-ups or something that actually makes sense.
sundevil0289 1 year ago
If they are holding the horse to much or hit the horse in the mouth or pull back too hard or too abruptly, the horses mouth will open and their head will go up. Riders can do just as much damage with their legs or seat. Sometimes it isn't even the rider. Sometimes a horse just has a habit of throwing their head, even if it hasn't been "abused" or mis-ridden. Also, half the pictures you show are of horses opening their mouth because they are ACCEPTING the bit and chewing on it.
sundevil0289 1 year ago
Ok this is a ridiculous video. First of all, your comment about the riders faces is just ignorant. As FCFEventRider said, EVERYONE makes a face. And most of the time it isn't pretty. The riders are concentrated, and their face reflects that. Secondly, I have seen people do just as much damage with out a bit. There are some bit's that I admit are very harsh and should not be used, but ultimately, it is the rider.
sundevil0289 1 year ago
a bit is NOT horse abuse. In the wrong hands it can cause pain, but the bit itself in the hands of a good rider who doesn't yank and pull doesn't cause pain. As in everything else, in the hands of some humans anything can cause pain.
NaturalJumper1032 1 year ago
First of all, everyone makes a face while riding! Half the time I make a disgruntled face and im not even touching my horses mouth!! Second, riding bitless doesnt mean that your horse loves you more than any horse loves their human. My horse is a TB and has to be ridden a certain way. If he has a bit in he listens because i use soft hands. My horse opens his mouth readily for the bit and quite literally shoves himself into it ready to work and then when i go to take it out, he wont let go.THINK!
FCFEventRider 1 year ago 8
:'(
namiel1 1 year ago
Even bitless, a horse can get as badly hurt. I ride in both. Bit and Bitless. I use a straight non broken bit, or a simple D with rollers. I also ride in nothing, no bridle, halter, or saddle. The horses mouth is mainly at risk of the riders hands. There are some very harsh bits that should be illegalized. The bits I use work on the bars of the horse's mouth, so that basically, my fingertips are holding the horse's mouth.
HeartsNHooves 1 year ago
i dont agree,some horses work better with bits,most people ar`nt like this,only bad riders.some horses work better with bits,some work better without.
getmeaponynow 1 year ago
really? i swear people don't know anything these days if bits were "abuse" we wouldn't be able to use them and yes in some cases the RIDER uses the bit wrong in two of my horses they got what we call " soft mouth" soft mouth is when the bit teeth get very sensitive and it hurts to wear a bit so you must get them removed in some cases the horse can no longer wear a bit but really its NOT ABUSE
350fordchick 1 year ago
Just accidentally came across case law while researching equine abuse, which gives a national definition to abuse of the horse.
2004 Washington State Supreme Court held in 118 Wn. App. 730, State v. Zawistowski, that Webster's Third New International Dictionary 1621 (1969) definition of "pain" as "a state of physical or mental lack of well-being or physical or mental uneasiness that ranges from mild discomfort or dull distress to acute often unbearable agony."
dragonharte8 1 year ago
i ride my horse in a bit. he is not uncumfortable in it, he does not avoid it, he has a lovely sof mouth and all he needs is a little squeeze, hackamores cause pain too, you may not see that, but when I see someone in a bitless, all I see is force being moved from the mouth, to the nose. Bits are only cruelty in the wrong hands. if someone chooses to "saw" and "jab" at their horse's mouth, that is their choice and it is the wrong choice but many people out there don't, me included in that few.
rubbishrider861 1 year ago
While I can appreciate your love and concern for the horse as evidenced by your choice of words, music and presentation in this beautifully done video, it also reveals a clearly ignorant display of your education of such matters. As others have commented, it is NOT the bit that is the villain here. In the hands of humans, anything can be misused, send too strong a message or a completely wrong message as is the case with this video, in your hands. Lack of knowledge is the culprit in both!
Ronniefordtraining 1 year ago 35
@Ronniefordtraining thats a very patronising opener, ahh but I see where your coming from your a "Professional Trainer" , you think you know better than I, thats fine your entitled to your own opinion, but! telling me I'am clearly ignorant and lack education doesn't make a very convincing argument on the behalf of what you trying to state dose it! ,guns don't kill either in the right hands sadly in the wrong hands they do!, but thats the problem "The wrong hands" or dont you agree?
streetraceruk 1 year ago
@streetraceruk ronniefordtraining is actully very very much right, you could actully have a wonderful ride that both of you enjoy with a bit
MegaApples1000 1 year ago
@streetraceruk just by calling yourself a trainer doesnt make anyone believe you! your probably just a scammer that ruins horses
MsKenzie999 1 year ago
@streetraceruk
Guns dont kill people.
Laneismynickname 1 year ago
@streetraceruk But if that's your point then I still don't get it. Are we supposed to stop riding horses altogether? After all bitless bridles can be worse in 'The wrong hands'. I don't agree with the idiots shown using bits abusively, however much they claim to be professional as a trainer/dressage or any other category. What needs to be done more is education on what is right and wrong as many I've met don't know how to spot a stressed out pained horse being ridden in dressage etc.
GeordieTerrier 7 months ago
@streetraceruk You just contradicted yourself. Yes! The problem is the rider. Like you just said.
So why "dose" your video state something completely different? All this talk about bits being the instruments of the devil and never calling the idiot riders out on their terrible horsemanship.
If you're so passionate about this topic, try to keep your argument consistent. It really does speak to your knowledge, or lack thereof.
99Jessabel99 7 months ago
@Ronniefordtraining ----FYI
ust accidentally came across case law while researching equine abuse, which gives a national definition to abuse of the horse.
2004 Washington State Supreme Court held in 118 Wn. App. 730, State v. Zawistowski, that Webster's Third New International Dictionary 1621 (1969) definition of "pain" as "a state of physical or mental lack of well-being or physical or mental uneasiness that ranges from mild discomfort or dull distress to acute often unbearable agony."
dragonharte8 1 year ago
@Ronniefordtraining of course, but horses are extremly sencitive! why juse bits, when you can try bridless? (all horses could be traind to do it.. it's just a matter of who many's willing to try it out
Marixxen2 1 year ago
horses were once wild until we dominated them. they let us ride them. we should be grateful not ruin their lives!!!!
horseluvaXxX 1 year ago
This video is all wrong although I care about animals a lot this is not crulty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
eringailfarms 1 year ago
It is not the bit, it is the rider! If your horse listens without a bit great! Some horses do need a little extra pressure though, but no one should abuse it. Some people really should not ride... Go to a horse event, you will see all these things happen. I ride my horse with a hackamore and she listens BETTER with it. She hated a bit. she was abused
2phg2 1 year ago 19
@2phg2 think about this for just 1 min, if "you" can have full control with out a bit rather than with one you would still rather have control of the horse via a bit,.........you say, some horse's need a little more pressure... what dose pressure make!!! discomfort or pain, you would rather have control of your horse through discomfort or pain, with the greatest respect I'm crediting you with some intelligence, so think before you answer . regards Tim
streetraceruk 1 year ago
@streetraceruk you have to put pressure on a horse to learn!
MsKenzie999 1 year ago
tim, this sounds great. will you be instructing us then?
leighfers 1 year ago
@streetraceruk i know its none of my business, but pressure is not pain. its like squezzing there tummy to go faster. its pressure. its not pain. and it most certainly is not abuse. if the riders that dont use bits and only use LEG PRESSURE still use pressure. but when your kicking the horses ribs till they are broken, then there is a problem. it depends on the rider.... you have to use some pressure to control your horse. when you are holding someones hand, its pressure, not breaking the bones
hunterjumper9799 11 months ago
@streetraceruk im sorry i think it puts more strain on the nose therefore that makes it painful to, so either way it causes pain
TheBessierocks 10 months ago
@streetraceruk your much better bit-less bridle can inflict on the nasals passage if not used correctly. dont blame the tack blame the rider any bit or tack could be considered cruel if not used correctly so if you really want less cruelty we should stop riding horses all together!
kibaslover1 8 months ago
@streetraceruk so you think you would have control if a big gorilla jumped up from behind the fence. your sure you could stop your horse before it gets to the next town. well i am absolutely sure i could stop my horse within 10 meters, could you ? i use a bit,and i have good hands. and i am also a trainer with more then 10,000 horses being trained by myself........ yes i do know more then you. as would any professional trainer
saddlenup 7 months ago
i see people who cant ride....and using the bits wrong and asking a horse to do something they dont understand...
volleyballjunkie00 1 year ago
I say this upfront. I use a low port Pelham. BUT i ride on a very lose rein and im almost always outta her mouth.
Bits are only as bad as their rider
HunterJumper158 1 year ago
Think about it... If somebody has killed someone its the person that killed them not the gun the gun was just misused and its the same with riders and bits.
cassiemyclyde 1 year ago
and no offence, but the rider at the end looks to be far to over weight for that horse. Isn't that cruel? A horse thast size and build "should" carry up to 15 st, but research shows that many horses struggle (spesh big cobby things up to 17hh) carry a rider more than 12st. Their backs give out and like us, they get a sore back. Maybe (if it is you) you should look at your weight compared to your horses and his height then do something about it.
sk3lt0n 1 year ago
1.13 - thats a bitless bridles ;), and i know this as i have one the exact same!
100% agree that its the rider that makes the bits harsh, not the bit itself. Maybe next time slag of those who yank their horses heads about instead of an object.
sk3lt0n 1 year ago
well if a horse is bolting off and could put you and your horse in danger, how do you think you are going to stop it? by just hoping and trusting your horse will stop. i dont think so. it has nothing to do with the bit. its how the rider uses it. k thanks bye.
AmmyBabes 1 year ago
@AmmyBabes I agree with you, but you dont use the bit to stop a horse thats bolting you use your seat and your hands or in an extreme case just sit it...
cassiemyclyde 1 year ago
Bits are not abusive to horses. If used the wrong way, yes they can cause great pain, but what I see is shit ass riders who need to be retrained in the use of a bit. Does anyone else here notice that there is only English riding going on here? Not any Western? Not to take any digs at English riders, but this is why I don't like the English riding discipline.
birdiechief67 1 year ago
@birdiechief67 I dont think its got anything to do with english riders, but its easier to find pictures of english riders than it is of western riders...
cassiemyclyde 1 year ago
I believe if you cant use the bit the right way you shouldn't be on the back of the horse. the best thing on this earth.
mollysdeath 1 year ago
bits aren't horse abuse it only hurts the horse but it is abuse if ur using the bit wrong some horses are fine with the bits and some aren't
Lyricssify 1 year ago
bits arent horse abuse it only hurts the horse but it is abuse if ur using the bit wrong
Lyricssify 1 year ago
THIS IS COMPLETELY WRONG. bits are perfectly safe and comfortable if fitted right. it is the riders fault if they are being hurt.
do you even ride horses?
TayHayUnite 1 year ago
Comment removed
nashryab05 1 year ago
Should be titled: "This is why people with bad hands and less than ordinary riding skills SHOULD NOT use a bit"
Get educated, people. Don't get angry at the 'bit' - it's WHO is swinging off the end of the bit that brings out its worst affects on the horse.
nashryab05 1 year ago
Bits are not cruelty, but they are if they are used to "saw" the horses mouth or incorrectley. I understand (especially riding school ponies) that having a piece of metal in your mouth all day isn't very nice, and lets face it, i don't think any human would like it either, so i would prefer it if ponies with all day jobs should wear bit - less bridles. Whenever i ride i use a bit, but i make sure that im gentle with my riding school pony, Ellie. :)
TheFreakFromNextdoor 1 year ago 2
A basic bit is great! IF it's in the right hands.
sofiazz09 1 year ago
I use a roller bit on my horse and he is happy as a clam to play with the roller or just stick his tongue out and suck on the bit. and if your hurting your horse YOUR USING THE BIT WRONG. If your using it right you should feel what hes doing with it and its easy to fix you just have loose reins.
buddysforever23 1 year ago
when a horse thows it's head up and opens its mouth thats not always a pain signal. he could be acting like a brat and trying to feel the bit. bits are not abuse its the people that use them incorrectly.
Horses4ever8 1 year ago
I honestly think its fine to use a bit. Its not the bit, its the people on the end of the reins. If you pull with all your might, that bits gonna hurt like heck. If you just barely pull, the bit just barely gonna pull and add a little pressure on their mouth. No probelms riding with a bit, its the person using it.
BarrelRacer955 1 year ago
the bit is not the problem, the people holding the reins are.
Lonaart 1 year ago
do you ride horses????? bits are important some horses are uncontrollable without one and people are gentle geez you sound llike PETA we take great care of are horeses we vaccinate and blanket them and give them exersize bits arent cruel sure if you look on google you will find alot of pics people who are hard on there horses mouths or young horse learning to aceept the bit and some horses cant be riden with a rope or halter they are to highstrung
AppaLoosa25 1 year ago
@AppaLoosa25 I agree with you. Some horses you just cant use a halter on them when u ride. They are to high strung and just want to run full out. My horse is like that. I know for a fact if my horse took off with me and had just a halter on, i couldnt stop her no matter what i do. I can barely stop her just by troting in a halter.
BarrelRacer955 1 year ago
@BarrelRacer955 ya my horse is exaclty like that and it would end badly if we didnt have a bit more horse caused injuries thats for sure
AppaLoosa25 1 year ago
@AppaLoosa25 I know eh? lol :)
BarrelRacer955 1 year ago
If you dont pull or saw back and forth then maby this will not be going on nices bit i think is the gummy ones
sabbuddy1 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Guns don't kill people, people kill people. Bits don't abuse horses, people abuse horses. Some of the people in these clips need to control their tempers. Trying to say all people who show horses are like this is absurd. What I see is a few people who need to learn how to use their aids correctly again.
But not everyone is like this. The maker of this video is trying to take exceptions and portray them as the norm.
havilla1 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Guns don't kill people, people kill people. Bits don't abuse horses, people abuse horses. Some of the people in these clips need to control their tempers. Trying to say all people who show horses are like this is absurd. What I see is a few people who need to learn how to use their aids correctly again.
But not everyone is like this. The maker of this video is trying to take exceptions and portray them as the norm.
havilla1 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Guns don't kill people, people kill people. Bits don't abuse horses, people abuse horses. Some of the people in these clips need to control their tempers. Trying to say all people who show horses are like this is absurd. What I see is a few people who need to learn how to use their aids correctly again.
But not everyone is like this. The maker of this video is trying to take exceptions and portray them as the norm.
havilla1 1 year ago
Comment removed
havilla1 1 year ago
Comment removed
havilla1 1 year ago
You should use pit the people that r in ur pics they are abusing the bit!People who care Don't pull and yank they use comunication with out yanking and pulling.
BreyerLovinPeep 1 year ago
I don't get it, are you blaming the bit or the people? In your video and such you state that it's the bit and say not to use it, but in comments you say it's the people. Witch one? You can't be on both sides here. It's not the bit, it's the people, the people control the bit, so if it's in the hands of a fair rider then the bit is fair, if it's in a bad rider's hands then they should not use a bit till they contol themselves.
ilovemyhorse123 1 year ago 2
ok what u have is pictures of riders using the bit incorrectly - instead of keep a soft, closed contact around the reins they are pulling back/sawing/socking the horse in the mouth. its the rider's hands and their hands only that can make ANY bit comfortable/uncomfortable for the horse. do not blame the bit but the self centered riders who do it to the horses
sk3lt0n 1 year ago
many dressage riders u see ride with very very heavy hands...its sad :(
ACSshowjumping1 1 year ago
@ACSshowjumping1 im a dressage rider and i ride with very light hands. so do alot of others i know, and their horses keep a light, elastic contact
sk3lt0n 1 year ago
The bit is the last thing that should be applied as an aid.
ReinaEquina 1 year ago
Heres my thing, yes I use a bit, a simple full check snaffle as Im training my 5 year old and he's very naughty sometimes and likes to bolt, buck, spook etc, do I need a bit UH HELL YA! At this point of training he needs a bit anywhere but in the round pen in the round pen I can ride him in a halter just fine, but he's not controlled enough to go bitless and Im a light handed person, he doesnt feel the bit like most any of the time, for me its simply a security measure, I use my seat and legscon
ReinaEquina 1 year ago
en zo hoort het dus niet he !
bitloos rijden met een touwhalster zo hoort he !!!
TheRianne1 1 year ago
its not the bit its the rider!!!!!!!!!
MsKenzie999 1 year ago
certain bits can be painful if u sue them wrong. if u yank and pull and pull yes horses can feel the pain but if their used correctly their fine. a horse will let u know
Horses4ever8 1 year ago