The bit is a traditional piece of equine equipment advocated by experts in nearly every discipline and used without question by millions of horsemen. Do we need it?
Since ancient times man has controlled and dominated horses by putting a steel bit in their mouths. In doing that man has caused the horse immense pain and suffering.
Is it really necessary to use a bit to control your horse? Not according to Dr. Robert Cook, DVM. Dr. Cook has done extensive research into the effects of the bit on the horse and has determined that, in fact, using a bit may be counterproductive as a method of communication with your horse. Couple this with all the medical information he provides that document the injuries and pain caused by the bit and you’ll wonder why you ever put one in your horse’s mouth.
There are several alternatives to riding with a bit - all of them effective for any discipline and any level of riding.
- Dr. Cook sells a specially designed bitless bridle which can be seen on his website at www.bitlessbridle.com.
- Pat Parelli sells rope hackamores for riding which can be purchased at his website at www.parelli.com. With a little effort you can make rope hackamores yourself.
- Of course there is always the traditional vaquero hackamore consisting of mecate reins and a leather bosal. With this setup, make sure you purchase a soft and flexible bosal. The rough and stiff rawhide ones can rub your horse’s nose raw.
- For the rider with a lot of courage, who has thoroughly done his homework with his horse there is always riding with nothing but a string around the horse's neck.
- Try searching the internet for bridleless riding, or to see photos of perfect collection without a bridle, google Alexander Nevzorov.
Happy Trails!
