Horse bits, do people really think the bit is the problem?

Question

I read these questions and wonder why anyone thinks a bit is what they need to get their horse to behave. If you can't get your horse to preform in a halter at all you want it to do, then you should fire your trainer. Horse move off seat and little let, why is it people use different and harsh bits, is it just stupidty?

Answer 1

A bit when the right one and correctly used is a great way to improve communication between horse and rider. When used properly a bit shouldn't hurt an equines mouth.

And I disagree with you- many horses can not perform in a halter because everyone rides differently and give different leg and body cues. So you asking for a lead change may be someones way of asking for a half pass.
Horseback riding is not natural which is why we must train equines anyways. And it is NOT up to the trainer to teach your horse how to behave- that is the owners own doing. Trainers only perform the task that is asked and are not responsible to teach your horse how to act. Maybe you should start blaming poor ownership skills rather than trainers.
I'm a trainer now for over 40 years- and while I work with horses of all ages am getting sick of people like you who think that it is up to the trainer to teach a horse how to respect and do simple tasks like standing on their lead, standing quietly tied, and standing to be bathed. It's like saying that its the farriers job to teach a horse how to lift his feet to be trimmed or the veterinarians job to teach your horse how to load to be carried to his clinic.

Answer 2

the type of bit depends on the discipline (and education) of the rider.

Yes, horses should be trained to move off the seat and leg, but not all horses are trained the same. Some are trained to move just according to the bit pressure. For example, some reining moves can only be done via the bit because that's what the horse is trained to listen to.

Also, I am a dressage rider. And while my lower level movements DO rely on my legs and seat, my upper level movements require consistent contact with the bit. When riding upper level movements, often a a double bridle is required which is a snaffle and a curb bit (sometimes other bits are used, but this is what my trainer and I use.) These two bits work together to provide ADDITIONAL directions to the horse. It is STILL listening to my seat and legs, but it is also now listening to the bit for cues it cannot recieve from my seat and legs. The horse also finds support and comfort in the consistency of the connection and often will 'lean in' (a bad habit) to the bit because they find its presence so comforting.

So those are reasons that the bit is a good thing.

HOWEVER the bit is OFTEN missused when riders are uneducated as to how to correctly use the bit. I've heard many times "That horse won't listen, you need a stronger bit." When infact that will just create more problems.

Sometimes a stronger or differently shaped bit is required when a horse's mouth or palate is particularly shapped. That's why they make both Oval and Hollow mouth snaffles. One for low palates and one for high pallates. So while the one is a bit more thin, thus more severe, it actually has a safe and acceptable purpose when used on the right horse with the right rider.

The "Bit issue" is not necessarily about the piece of metal in the horse's mouth. The problem with bits is that you have uneducated riders who think that 'quick breaks' makes for a safe horse and these riders don't realize that 'breaks' come from aids other than the bit (ie: Seat, legs, voice, hands, etc) And just because you have 'quick breaks' or a sharp/harsh bit, doesn't mean you have control over the horse. It just means you're punishing the horse for you being uneducated.

If your horse truly requires a harsh bit due to training issues, teeth/palate placement, etc, then work with a competant trainer to ensure the right bit is put in your horse's mouth.

Most horses can more safely and comfortably in a loose ring french link snaffle. This bit is approved in competition for almost all disciplines with the exception (last I checked) being the gaited breeds.

Not all halter-work translates to bit work and vice versa, this is a sales-pitch of the natural horsemanship movement. YES groundwork is very important and the trust you develop riding your horse in a halter is very important. But some disciplines require movements and figures that Simply CANNOT be executed in a halter alone.

So saying "If you can't get your horse to preform in a halter, then you should fire your trainer" isn't really fair to all riders or disciplines.

What you should say is "If you don't have a foundation of successful balanced riding in a gentle bit like a snaffle, you have no business graduating on to a higher bit."

Additionally, you are correct that there are other aids that play a key role in the training and riding of the horse and these should be monitored and ensured for accuracy before blaming the 'bit' for misscomunication between horse and rider.

Answer 3

Bits can be both used and abused. I agree that there are plenty of people out there riding in bits they shouldn't have picked up because they lack the soft hand and understanding necessary to properly use this piece of advanced equipment. I was trained classically, where if you can't get the results you're striving for, you first examine what YOU'RE doing wrong before laying blame on the horse or the bit.

At the same point, I disagree that all horses should be able to perform in a halter. This simply isn't the case. The bit is a tool we use to communicate with the horse. It shouldn't be the primary method of communication, it should only be used to direct the horse's forehand. The seat and leg control the horse's hindquarters, its engine. But the bit DOES serve a purpose. For a beginner rider, a loosering snaffle is best as it tends to do the least amount of damage. But as you grow in your experience and your horse increases in his own training, you can refine your methods of communication. For instance, I ride my hunter in a Pelham bit. It's sort of like the hunter's idea of the dressage ring's double bridle, featuring a snaffle rein and a curb rein attacked to a chain under the horse's chin. In the wrong hands, this type of bit can put too much strain on the horse's poll and create a hollow frame and an overbent horse. But if you've taken the time to learn how to use the bit properly, it can be a wonderful tool in encouraging proper collection and balance.

The bit is a tool for communication. In the wrong hands it can do serious damage, yes. But to blindly say that all advanced bits are too severe and harsh is just ignorance. The bit can be as mild as the rider makes it. I agree that heavy handed riders shouldn't ride in severe bits. But professionals can and so make the most out of more advanced bits that encourage horses to salivate, collect, and accept the contact. Advanced bits refine the lines of communication between horse and rider. The rider can give subtle cues with a wiggle of the finger and have their horse respond. That's not saying that legs and seat should be ignored; they're the driving force of all your cues. But you're whole body, hands included, must work as one to be truly connected with your horse.

Answer 4

I know of some horses that you cannot use any bits on them. This is because prior owners have abused the use of bits to control the horse. Myself, I try my best not to use a bit, but in some cases, it is necessary. Especially if the horse has been bit trained.

One of my minis became completely unruly with my horse walker and so he got a bit for a couple of walks and he is now back using just the halter. He has quit trying to be the boss.

Answer 5

Real horsemen solve the problem, everyone else gets a bigger bit.
Bits are usually the first thing someone blames. I have heard my horse will not stop, spin, collect up, flex, break at the poll, and anything else you want to put in that space. WHY? THEY ARE NOT TRAINED TO DO IT! And getting a bigger harsher bit and hauling on your horse is not going to make them do something that they are not trained for. Reining horse trainers do not go out and put heavy bits in their two year olds and expect them to win a reining futurity. THEY TRAIN THEM TO DO THIS. My best horse is one I got really cheap because he would not stop and slide and was heavy on the front end. And the owner was going broke buying bits. I got him and taught him how to neck rein, do a nice stop and to be light and supple. Showed him in one reining class and the previous owner wanted him back. A big harsh bit is not a substitute for training. It is our hurry up world that has caused a lot of quality to be scarificed. And quality horses are made like anything else. It takes time.

Answer 6

positioned the bit gently in the horses mouth and you may while in the superb suited place have a pair of thumb nuckle better on the two components. What i think of your horse is doing is commencing his mouth to withstand the bit or withstand turning and the best deal is sliding by way of. A dropped nostril band, a grackle, a flash nostril band are all used to maintain the jaw from commencing and crossing. additionally attempt a cheek pricker this is a leather-based or rubber disk that is going on the bit and has brush hairs on the interior closest to the cheek to inspire extra effectual turning.

Answer 7

A bit should enable a refinement of the aids, that's all. The same with spurs. They should enable the rider to use less pressure, instead of more, and should never be relied upon.

The only thing you should ever rely on, with a horse, is your bond of trust...

Answer 8

Stupidity and a history in most countries of "breaking" the horse rather than working with it.
Positive reinforcement techniques in training all animals is, if not a new concept, then just gaining more popularity than it had in the past.
I think some people are attracted to horses, not because they love them and want companionship and fun, but because they somehow want to dominate the animals.

Answer 9

I totally agree, the harsher the bit the harder the horses mouth will become. There are so many gadgets on the market that sadly anyone can get their hands on, because their pony magazine said it was good!!! I get fed up seeing young kids out on their ponies covered in all the latest crap because they think they look like cool clever riders

Answer 10

Definitely, honestly I've never had a sour horse... sure one of my mares does have an attitude problem, but that was because she was abused. People just don't like to blame themselves for their horses behavior.