Does your horse toss his head, lean on the bit, rear, gape his mouth, go above or below the bit, refuse to perform, bolt, rear, buck, refuse to be bridled, or switch from sweet on the ground to a monster once you are mounted? Have you resorted to stronger bits, flash nosebands, martingales, spurs, and whips to control his movements or behavior? Your horse may simply be reacting to his bit!
Recent studies indicate that bits can cause serious physical and behavioral problems in horses. Despite the harm they may cause, bits are commonly used to guide horses in terms of head placement, direction, gait, extension, collection, and halting. However, bits cannot stop or control a frightened or in-pain horse effectively; they might only pull the horse’s head around to throw him off balance.
Many riders are unaware that, like newborn infants, rabbits, and rodents, horses can only breathe through their noses. To breathe efficiently, horses must keep their mouths closed. Bits disrupt this natural seal, reducing airflow and potentially causing issues like bleeding lungs in racehorses due to burst capillaries. Bits can also lead to the inhalation of saliva and food particles into the airway, causing irritation and infections.
Bits often result in dental, gum, and tongue injuries, including throbbing, cracked, and chipped teeth, as well as mouth sores. Pressure from bits can create painful bone spurs in the mouth. Even bits designed to be relatively pain-free can be distracting, much like a stone in a human’s shoe.
Archaeological evidence shows that horses were domesticated around six thousand years ago. Initially used for herding, carrying, and plowing, these activities did not require bits. In many countries today, horses continue to work without bits.
The oldest evidence of bit use dates back about four thousand years, when bits made of leather and bone emerged in areas where horseback hunting became common. Metal bits gained popularity during the Bronze Age to control horses in battle by inducing pain if the horse tried to turn its head. Roman military expeditions unearthed bronze bits in Europe, Africa, and Asia that resemble modern bits. Some had beautifully cast check pieces depicting mythological creatures, while others had barbs to keep horses’ heads straight. Even in peacetime, noblemen used bits to train horses for acrobatic exercises used in warfare. These traditional movements are still performed to entertain horse enthusiasts worldwide.
Ironically, bits are so ingrained in our equestrian culture that their use often goes unquestioned. Yet, pleasure and competitive riding do not necessarily require painful control methods originally intended for hunting and war. In advanced dressage and Haute Ecole, bits are used only to position horses’ heads, not for controlling speed, direction, or gaits. Unfortunately, many riders are taught to pull on the bit to change direction or halt, rather than using their weight aids to achieve these goals.
Once riders learn to use their weight aids, they can ride comfortably without a bit. Many competitive disciplines now permit bitless riding. Bitless bridles and nosebands, such as jumping and mechanical hackamores, bosals, side-pulls, rope halters, and cross-under bridles, are available for both Western and English riding styles. Depending on the type, some of the bitless bridles cause discomfort by applying varying degrees of pressure to different parts of the horse’s head. Learning to use weight aids effectively can make bitless bridles that cause discomfort unnecessary.
If you’re considering going bitless, keep in mind that the feel through the reins will be different for both you and your horse. Be patient as you adjust. Before investing in a bitless bridle, try riding your horse in a halter. Ground-drive your horse in his bitless bridle to get a feel for it. In an enclosed area, practice transitioning from a walk or trot into a halt every third stride and from a canter to a trot every fifth stride before riding in the open. Be sure to half halt before every transition. Learn to use your weight aids rather than pulling your horse’s head. Riding bitless with half halts and effective weight aids will make your movements fluid, and your horse will appreciate it!
By Chris Forté
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