Thank you for making this video. I'm sick of people denying the fact that barbaric bits don't hurt horses. Some people just want to do it the easy way instead of putting more time in to develop good horsemanship skills and training their horse. None of these horses in the video look like they enjoying life. Some people don't have common sense and need to get a clue!
I started using a bitless bridle because my horse became unresponsive to the bit and would fight against me. I was worried about hurting his mouth so I switched to bitless and it was like he became a different horse. He relaxed more, he listened, better, and was all around a more well behaved horse. When I see beginner riders jerking around the reins I wince for the poor horses who are trained and so used to it they just put up with it.
I think all people with horses should do the same as you. Just to try it, cause if the horse "became a different horse", and get more relaxed, there's no need to use a bit!
***** Right. I've had so many people say "oh well my horse doesn't work in this style of bitless so I can't ride him/her bitless." I mean there are so many different styles. I've ridden my horse with a halter, a cross-under, and now a bosal. He's done well in a halter, better with the cross-under, and best in the bosal. It's ridiculous because most of those people go through so many different types of bits but they refuse to try a different style of bitless.
***** I know. Not only are you collecting something that causes a horse so much pain but it also just seems ridiculous to have a bunch of metal bits laying around. It is really weird because a lot of people do have flighty or spooky horses or "rogue" horses and then they switch to a harsher bit! That's what I was told to do with my horse by a lot of people including my riding instructor and I decided to go the other way and I'm so glad I did because Rebel is so much happier for it.
***** It is shocking how most people do consider riding to be a team effort yet they don't think about how the horse feels. If the horse is acting up they assume it's just the horse misbehaving and put a harsher bit in the poor thing's mouth! Then when anyone tries to show them they're wrong they throw a fit. I feel like if people would actually look at it from the horse's perspective they would be much better horsemen. They allow us to ride them when they could easily throw us off or just not let us on at all! Yet instead of realizing that and trying to make it easier on the horse most people act as though the horse is their property and they can do whatever they want to it as long as it doesn't involve beating the horse or starving it. Horses are so accommodating to us. The least we can do is be as kind and understanding to them as we can.
This abuse is so normal to equestrians that they fail to see it. Some of them have been trained to be this way since they are little kids, it's hard wired. It takes a strong person to step away, open their eyes, admit they done wrong and move on. For people ready to do this, feel free to visit my channel. We will get you the support you need.
So true! I'm currently doing my internship at a riding school and all the kids get told: "hold your reins tight, you need to have contact with his mouth at all times" "whip him, more, harder, again" "a bit doesn't hurt" "pull pull pull". These sayings make me sick. I have to help the kids tack up their horses and put the bits in their mouths. I hate it and can't wait to have my own riding school where I can teach a whole other side of horsemanship.
I'm still young but when I was smaller I never even thought once about using a bit. It was just so normal to me and I always thought that a bit was used to "steer" a horse. Now I practice something I like to call Spirit Horsemanship and I realized that I could get even better results after you listen and bond with a horse and reward them for even the small things. My horse made major improvements after I trained her on the ground and in the saddle bitless and 100% without pain. She is now experienced in reining, barrel racing, pole bending and all of that stuff! I just wish that more people could open their eyes and see that what they do in this video is not good and how much hatred their horse probably has towards them!
Fair Horsemanship This video makes it all so clear and some people won't ever allow themselves to see their mistake. I was doing wrong since I was 11 because the ponies I cared for were owned by a normal equestrian (western spurs, long shank bits). I had to ride the 4 yo gelding in a bit, with spurs and whip, had to beat him harder, reigns shorter, circle after circle after circle. Because his bones weren't fully developed at this time, he got a blockade in his sarcoic joint, so he couldn't gallop normally and his back legs would hit together with every step he took. I had to hit him so hard to make him gallop and all got worse. For 6 years I only took care of them, 5 years riding that gelding, several injuries like bruised spine, broken finger (got caught in the buckle of the reigns), bruised rip... But my heart always knew it should work a whole other way. Bought him a year ago, luckily just then I came across Think Like A Horse by Rick Gore, had some struggle with convincing my horse we wanna have fun together, but he soon understood. Since then he never tried to throw me, I even was able to cure his back problems, so now we can run over the fields. So I can tell this story over and over again, but many people still say "Bits are ok to use, its my way of riding and you should leave me alone" without ever seing the PAIN.
Thea Löber my story is almost the same... now I'm trying to spread something I cal spirit horsemanship but it's probably cheesy to a lot of people and I'm a little young sooooo 😂
Vanessa Nightbear Well the age doesn't matter, if you are able to see where you've been wrong and try to get better with all your heart, you're smarter and more mature than 99% of the adult equestrians, who don't want to open their eyes at all. It's enough that you understood what you are doing, and maybe some will see your success and try another way to communicate. You'll get older anyways, rock on!
My horse has always been super strong and I’ve tried him in many bits and have refused to go strong or doubled but I tried him bitless and he’s never been happier
I say “Why do you ride in a bit! Its cruel!” They say “Well i have soft hands” Me “IF YOU HAVE SOFT HANDS WHATS THE PURPOSE OF HAVING A BIT?!” Them “halkamores are cruel” me “IF YOU THINK THEY ARE SO “CRUEL” GET A BITLESS BRIDLE!!!!!”
I ride in a bit, I have soft hands. My horse doesn't like the pressure on simply her noseband. She was fussy and threw me when I rode in a hackamore. I changed to a D-ring 3-break. No, I don't use spurs, yes I use a crop. She was a western pleasure horse, used to long spurs. I converted her into a jumper, she had a good confirmation and she was a solid horse. She responds well off legs, she just doesn't speed up well. I gently tap her with a crop on her flank and we get it perfect. I stay out of her mouth, relying on legs and weight. We make I look like we only use the bit, we use our hips, thighs and many more. Learn the story before you judge, because I've seen hackamores break horses nasal bones.
@@jaila5751 actually i ride her in a halter a lot lol and she does really well she just doesn’t lower her head is all. gotten whacked in the face a few times because of her canter takeoff. i did also try a bit less side pull and she didn’t seem to mind it did some schooling in it and she seemed to ride the exact same. i often switch between the two because i can’t show in a bit less and just like humans she finds a way around the bit or even bit less. she is semi retired now, a kids horse for little lessons. she seems much less happier but i often grab her halter a lead rope and just walk her out in the field bareback. thanks for telling me but that was nearly a year ago. i worked around that problem. :))
I hope all metal will be abolished from riding. No bits, no spurs, boots instead of shoes. We have been torturing our beloved horses for centuries, now it's time to acknowledge their generosity and allow them to ENJOY being ridden. Without pain.
Ok if that is said why does my horse not go without bit. I play polocrosse and do dressage I Need bits for that line of work real spurs are just a tiny nub of metal that is tapped against to horses stomach with whips are not called that they are crops (unless in the driving world) and they are a leg aid to a lazy horse. Imagine 1,20lbs not moving what you gonna do get off and sweet talk them as you take off your little bareback pad and remove your hackomore? Ahhh how sweet giving your horse there way💛💛💛🥰😱😱. No you man up as for shoes they actually protect your horses feet prevent them from chipping and allow them to walk on hard surfaces much easier!!! Oh yeah and boots protect the legs not feet little snowflake ❄️
very sad and hard to watch. most of the horses are behind the verticle. and their mouths are held closed with a flash noseband being spurred. not one of these riders can seem to even get their heels down and use their legs properly. and not great leg position so no sympathetic and effective use of leg. spurs are cruel - try them on yourself if you don't think they are. i feel very sorry for these horses. all that harsh equipment taking the place of gentle and effecive riding. and yes i have seen this scenario played out in real life. the horse just puts up with it as he's resigned to having an incompetent rider on his back. please consider your horses and treat them kindly they will repay you.
Although I ride tackless most of the time, when I do ride in tack I use a hackamore. After a months of using a bit and my horse acting up and not collecting I switched to a hackamore and my horse is almost always on the bit and collecting. My bond with my horse is better than ever. And to the people that doubt it, give it a try, your horse will thank you. And by the way, I ride a five year old thoroughbred.
The bit squashes the tongue, the horse responds by opening the mouth to try to release the pressure. And rather than looking for the cause of the issue, the rider puts a nose band on the horse to force the mouth closed, I cannot imagine the pain.
No saddle does not always mean better, because a well fitted saddle protects their withers and spine in you are doing medium to heavy work. That’s why bareback pads exist to not hurt our horses back.
And these riders are the "trained" professionals who are oblivious to the pain that they are causing. Nothing matters as long as the horse performs. This cruelty is horrible! Ah, but they look so regal all suited up...
thank you for making this video it was amezing to see how people care i allways try to get people to anderstend how bad bits are and they allways say it controls the horse thoes people say they love thier horses but they can't see the pain the fear of the horse i just hate bits my moto- no bits no tie downs no spurs no pain just horsemanship
it's Eden I ride a horse, we’ve tried him in a hackamore and he hated it. He was in pain the whole time, and very anxious. I ride him in a D ring and he’s always very happy and relaxed. I also rode a horse that hated the bit and found himself much happier in a hackamore. It just depends on the horse and the rider.
And horses don't stop because they are willing to listen to us. its because they are afraid of being spurred, whipped, and pulled in the mouth. They are trying to find relese.
This is why I went bitless. My mare is so much happier with no bit. She listens, understands, and trains easier. I love how you can feel more contact in your hands on how the horses feel with no bit. Because you feel their face and not their mouth. If I show I have to use bits. Of course with comfortable reins. I love her so much ans to see her now since when I was blind to the pain is just tremendous
Love horse ever since I can remember.it makes a lot of sense now as an adult why bites are bad for horse/pony etc. saddles are good =protects horses spine. But the bite=chokes the horse people open ur eyes horses are not machines they are living creatures and bites need to go.
Yes, Finally Somebody Who Gets It, Also, When She Was Talking About Getting Behind The Bit That Noseband Is Way To Far Down, That Could Be Yet Another Reason, So Really These People Are Worse
I don't use bits on my horse because he is too sensitive. He is that kind of horse who is always willing to go the fastest he can and unfortunately many people with a horse like that don't dare to try and ride their horses bitless. My horse is so much happier now and so am I. If ever I have another horse I will definetly continue the more natural way, it's so much fun!
I think curb bits, especially in the western look, are very pretty and appealing bits. HOWEVER, unless the rider knows how to use one, please don't use a curb.
I have a 4yr old Quarter horse gelding. I bought a Bitless Norfolk bridle (it has crossovers underneath) to see what would happen. Ive never used one before and i was skeptic too. I paid around $80 for a full bridle and honestly I was amazed!!! My horse hasnt got a cruel bone in his body but he responded so well to the pressure and stopped on the 'spot' when i said whoa!! I used the bridle with two completely different saddles, an English Wintec Dressage saddle and a swinging fender stock saddle with a western saddle base.
People defend bits like crazy because it is a practice that has been passed down for centuries. Just try going bitless and try new training styles and see how it works out. This may or may not take longer depending on your horse and what has been trained to do beforehand. Just at least try to keep and open mind and entertain the possibility that bitless MIGHT be a better fit for your HORSE (not just make it more convenient for you). Our first reaction is to get defensive when someone calls us out that we might be hurting someone we love. We want to make ourselves believe it is not possible.
I agree that some riders need to loosen up on their reins and allow the horse to flex at the poll naturally. This is why I ride western. It's a loose rein and the horse responds from legs, seat, and his neck. Natural vertical and lateral flexing of the neck and poll...learn it, live it, love it.
I was taught to ride bit-less. I ride at horse rescue and we use dually halters or a type of bitless bridle and the horses are much happier. I was not at the ranch when they made the switch from bits to bitless but I am told that there is a big difference in the horses. They are happier and it causes much less pain and damage in long run.
I ride bitted, bitless, Bridleless, and tackless. Hear my argument please. My horse has a very sensitive mouth and quite the attitude, so I always know if I have too much contact. I've looked for so many bits because I wanted her to be comfortable, but because I compete, I need a bit. I have also trained myself for years to go with the horse's mouth more than anything. If you have a rock hard hand, It's going to push them behind the vertical, you need to move with the horse's head. Another thing I have learned is the bit doesn't need to be nearly as high in the mouth as most people think. It doesn't need to be a big wrinkle and a small wrinkle. My horses don't have wrinkles in their mouth when I ride, I put the bit where they say it needs to go. It can take a year to get the tack right, and a few years more to have your hands be fluid. It is possible to have a bit that doesn't hurt. The contact you need is only really the weight of the reins. If your horse is leaning on the bit, it doesn't fit, if your horse has no contact, teach them that it is ok to feel, don't keep getting tighter on the reigns. And for those with warmbloods, try a smaller bit if you have any issue. Warmbloods have notoriously small mouths. Like a 17.2hh warmblood I know wears a 4.5'' double jointed snaffle bit. My pony wo is 12hh wears a single joint 5'' comfortably for scale. Double joints are usually kinder than single, as the nutcracker effect is much lessened, and if it fits perfectly, negated. Also, tying any horse's mouth shut is not the way. Imagine not being able to open your mouth to rearrange your tongue, or get that piece of whatever that is stabbing your gums out. You would panic. They are prey, they panic quicker. If you think you NEED a bit, please work with your horse until you can do at least without a bridle, then go back to the bit, and see the difference. You don't NEED a bit to stop a horse, you don't NEED spurs to urge them forwards. Watch horse herds, see what they do. Don't just listen to one person. Learn from many. Go out there with all of the horses and watch their subtle language. It is so much more complicated than even horsemanship people think.
This goes both ways. The appliance is only as abusive as the rider. A bit less bridle can cause AS MUCH damage as a bit if not more. With a bitless bridle puts pressure on the nose bone where a substantial amount of important nerves are. A bit can cause pain in the mouth and bleeding. What we need to do is not say one is better than the other. We need to be saying that the riding is causing this pain and discomfort. We need to be teaching proper riding and proper fit of equipment.
The comments on this video are absolutely ridiculous! I've never read so many rude comments on one video in my life! I ride dressage, there fore I ride with a bit. However I use my seat and legs to control the movement of my ottb, the bit is just there to remind him he is working. It does not cause him pain, no he doesn't hate me because I use a bit and for christ sakes he is not afraid of me! He is a huge animal, if I was truly pissing him off with this bit, he would get rid of me. Like give it a break saying they listen because they are afraid of the bit. My point is, everyone's experience with the horse world is different, opinions are different. That does not mean you are allowed to be rude to someone who uses a bit. Just like I'm not going to be rude to someone who uses a bitless bridle. Grow up people and learn to be nice to others in the equestrian community.
This video needs to be shown across the world, especially to westerners who love accusing others of 'animal cruelty'. They start petitions trying to ban domestication of elephants in asia, but say nothing about this in their own backyard.
My barn doesn’t allow strong bits unless proven necessary. Sometimes we put strong horses bitless and they are so much better. Any horse displaying a sign of pain is immediately checked out, and all bits and reins are approved by vets.
Stopped riding with a bit right when I got my first horse because the horse I was leasing actually was bleeding from the top of their mouth because if the bit. I have soft hands but most of the riders that rode him before me would yank the reins. I use my legs a lot more then I do with the reins, even with the horse I have now.
I was trying horses and his owner had him rigged up with two bits and double reins, a whip, and strong spurs. I immediately removed his bridle and replaced it with my bitless and when I rode him I didn’t use spurs or a whip or crop and he was so happy
Control is an illusion, any horse can throw you and take off. You will never control a 1200 pound animal. But you can shove a piece of metal in it's mouth, cause it pain so they're in fear and will listen to you. This disgusts me. If you have the time to ride, you have the time to train your horse to go bitless. I will never put a bit inside my horses mouth again. Open your eyes and stop defending your sweet harsh tools. The saying "I have soft hands" doesn't mean shit. Research and educate yourself on bits. Every single bit applies pain to the mouth with out any pressure at all. Until events allow bitless I will never step foot into another show.
You are amazing! I totally agree with you! I am currently persuading my parents that bitless is a good idea! I currently ride in a head collar, and a borrowed Dr Cooks x
First I don't say its abuse unless it's not used right. Lots of english, (and western but mostly english) people have a grip on the reins but not enough to cause pain (Again if it's used right) and lots of the foam means the horse is sucking on the bit *Enjoying* the bit. But yes lots of these videos are pointed to abuse such as the horse's mouth is open and no foam is there with a horse in a 'frame' Second of all the 'whips' that are called crops should be used right. A few times people at my barn will be whipping the horses in the face which they called 'bonding' is wrong but a *EXPERIENCED* rider who is soft with their hands and is tapping the horse on the arse is fine. A horse can feel a fly land on them in a matter of seconds so there is no need to whip hard. The same goes to spurs. The frame to a horse is completely abuse though. The idea of there head having to be like that all the time disgusts me. Lots of the videos are abuse but there are good equestrians out there. Take Alycia Burton for example!
I ride western and use an o-ring snaffle bit. However I don’t pull hard on the rains or keep the rains tight I am vary gentle and giving to my horses mouth. She has never thrown her head or acted like the bit was hurting her. So please don’t say all bits are bad it’s mostly the person using them that causes the pain. If we were more soft on the bits this would not happen and the horse wouldn’t be in pain.
I have to admit that the natural canter position for horses is white their heads down. But in one of Raleigh Reacts video, she shows a video of someone saying “people say ‘oh, me riding in a bit is all right because I have a rubber one so it’s the lightest’.” She agreed with that but if u describe the bit being soft as it is RUBBER then the bullets in the “gun” would have RUBBER bullets.
I’m at a riding school with bits right now and I’m very scared of hurting the horses but I sometimes get in trouble when my instructor tells me to shorten the reigns and I don’t make them short enough. As soon as I get the opportunity I will try going bitless.
Fe4thered what else are we supposed to use? The mane? A halter? I ride and it does NOT keep their mouth shut in any way. They can open it. It does not pin their mouths shut. Smh these non-riders...
lol its called a flash. i do dressage which is mainly the discipline showed here and none of these riders are abusing their horses. they can open their mouths just fine, they just choose not to :)
My gaited horse was ridden pretty badly by previous owners with correction shanks and heavy hands, and when I got him he would just run right through any cue because I guess he figured it was going to hurt no matter what he did, so he might as well do what he wanted. He relaxed substantially when I switched him to a comfort snaffle and was able to focus enough for me to be able to find that he's actually a very willing partner who is grateful to be given the opportunity to move out on a loose rein and respond to seat and leg cues so you never have a reason to touch his mouth, and my reins became an emergency brake I rarely have to use. Still, I kept him in the snaffle because I worry about traditional hackamores, bosals and other bitless options hurting his face, while his snaffle is very gentle. I recently decided to give the Dr. Cook sidepull a try, since it's pretty mild, and so far so good. I just got to a point where I could no longer justify making him carry a bit when he so rarely gives me a reason to use it. There's no one size fits all answer to equipment, but in this particular case my horse has gone from miserable and stressed in the shank his previous owner insisted I would need to be able to control him to relaxed but still on pretty high alert in a snaffle to happy, chill and responsive in the sidepull. He's absolutely relieved to be free of the bit, even if all it was doing was just sitting there, and after everything he's been through I can't really say I blame him.
i own a 16.3 black warm blood and i got him when he was 1 year old, i started to get him used to a saddle, when he was about 3 i trained him to get used to the bridle and i used a french link bit and he freaked out. he bucked and reared and galloped around the paddock for a solid 2 minutes straight, so i used a stronger bit on him, so i used a 4 ring gag bit. at this time he turned 4 and a half so i did my final lunges with him before i would mount him. he was very strong having the new bit in his mouth and when i asked him to trot on the lunge line he galloped full speed and pulled the line so hard i fell forwards. after a while he would get used to the lunging but he would still fight against his bit, so i got one of the strongest bits out there, a double pelham dressage bit. once i got the bit i mounted him for the first time, in my first lesson he bolted off because he saw a funny colored pole. i pulled the reins as hard as i could but this caused him to go faster. i had no other choice but to jump off him as he would not stop, then all of a sudden the worst thing happened, he had jumped the fence into the paddock and his reins which were dangling caught the fence, his bit was sticking out and it ripped out of his mouth, and then, just that moment all my memories flooded back previously,, i then realized, he hated wearing a bit! i quickly ran to catch him and took the bridle off his head and put a head collar to replace it, i patted him and said ''good boy for showing me signs for all these years'' i gently lead him in my stable and i didn't ride him for a week. after i gained my confidence i lead him out of the stable, this time i didn't use a saddle or a bit, instead i used a bit less bridle, i mounted him and we walked around the paddock, and he was like a different horse! he was more responsive to my aids and didn't spook at the same pole! i'm so proud of him! after that i encouraged myself to do tackless on him and so i now ride him with a neck rope! we are starting to do trotting and cantering poles and a tiny little jump at the end now with nothing more then a neck rope! i still question my stupidity back when i used a bit on him. he is now 12 years old :)
My pony Toffee is ridden with a bit because once I got on her with a saddle headcollar with reins attached and she bolted. If I pulled on the headcollar she goes faster. This was a normal thing. She bucked me off once and broke my wrist when riding bitless and my dad wanted her put down. I refused and stood in front of her to stop her from being shot. It was then that I started riding with a bit. At first I just had them laying on her neck. Then I started using them to turn. Normally I just do activities without reins but when I jump I have to use them because she nearly broke her leg because she went to fast into a jump and wouldn't listen to me. A slight tug slowed her right down and she hasn't tripped since. I never used a whip or spurs because she listens to my voice and seat when going up paces or turning
I used to think that my horse was stuborne and needed a stronger bit, but i watched a movie about barreling tips and she told us to use our feet and body language and once I tried that he responded A LOT better! he was still grumpy because we were riding in the snow (the ground was safe, we checked) but i didn't need. to tug in his mouth almost ever! Now I asked my sister and dad cash I wasn't there when they bought the horse, but they told me that night that the owner never used hard reins on him and always used feet pressure. I never heard them say that. I ASKED my sister what was wrong with him and why he was acting bad but they never told me that he was trained to be soft. if I would've knew it would've cause us both less pain. so try being soft in the reins and let they loose when they are doing what you want. horse learn from pressure and release not by treats every time they do something right. try sitting on yoyr pockets and back in the saddle to make them stop. try to communicate with them! try it. I did and it saved me from the ments pain and torture I was in to thinking my horse hated me. Just try it for yourself
All these horses ears are forward. It just depends on your horse. Don’t shame other people just because it’s not what your used to. Respect bits as we respect bitless, as simple as that
I don't ride with spurs, and I don't intend to in my life. What's the point of jabbing a horse in the sides? Most horses will listen to you if you encourage them, not force them.
violet king you don’t jab them I use spurs they are tiny nubs of metal that are rubbed against the horse the common misconception is that we kick the horse with them and we dont
They aren’t bad I own a pair and just squeeze with them to my horse but anyway there is no difference in him with or with them so I don’t where them alo
I personally think every piece of tack can be harmful if used incorrectly! But not all riders are harsh on their horses mouth and the bit is not abuse to the horse, hackamores can also result in serious injuries if not used properly. People just need to learn to ride and use this tack correctly.
First of all sorry for my bad english... You're right that bits can hurt the horse, and you're also right that most riders have way too hard hands. But this doesn't mean that bitless bridles are soft! I know enough people riding their horses bitless and pull on the rains so hard that I'm afraid they brake the horse's nose. If you doesn't know how to use ist correctly, you hurt the horse, no matter if you use a bit or a bitless bridle.
lol. this came up on my recommenced today and i laughed. these jumper use a lot of metal sometimes, but but less bridles aren’t gonna solve everything.
My horse did fine with a bit. Certain ones he disliked more than others. I've always prided myself on soft hands. Usually I'll only use my pinkies to steer and stop unless it's a big turn(i usually reach down and rarely have to put any pressure on the bridle because my horse knows it means to turn)but sometimes my horse would still react poorly from pain. We especially had problems whenever he'd spook. I was a little afraid to switch him to a bitless bridle. He was reactive, my mum was totally against it, and he wasn't horrible with a bit so why fix what's not broken. However I still gave him a week of simple exercises in a bitless bridle to try one out. At first he was confused and a little resistant. I was surprised to notice that he braced himself whenever my hands moved. In a week however he no longer braced himself. He was more willing to listen to direction, more willing to face his fears, and much less reactive when being spooked. I hadn't been able to tell when he was in a bit but he was definitely unhappy. Having him in a bitless bridle now shows me just how much happier and willing he is. For those who are scared or nervous or just don't see a reason to try bitless please, just give your horse one week and see what happens. You can even use a halter and just put your reins on. They usually start out a little agitated and definitely confused. They expect the pain and they're nervous when it doesn't come. When they realize there wont be pain is when they start getting comfortable and confident and they really start showing you just how happy they are and how much personality they have.
There are a lot of riders out there who can't handle a bit or a bitless bridle. And thats the reason why some horses a re suffering. But the bit itself, is not torture or dangerious. As long as the bit is the correct size, is confirtable in the horses mouth and the riders kno what they are doing, then the horse is happy :) A bittless bridle can also do a lot of damage in the wrong riders hands. Bits are not awful, it's the riders that don't know how to use them.
I see where you are comeing from. But my pony opens his mouth for the bit without me fourceing it at all if he was in so much pain he wouldn't.I dont think bits are the problem i think riders pulling too hard on it is.
English riders think it's cool the way their horse looks over flexed on necks. This is just the horse trying to relieve the pain of the riders constant pulling. I have never had a horse actually froth at the mouth. Then they tie it shut so it will hurt more and they can't open it to relieve the pain from the constant pulling. All these people are worried about is how they look while they pull and gauge these thin skinned super sensitive thoroughbreds. You can see the pain but how pretty with the arched neck cutting off the airway to get away from bit pain. It is plain to see but they won't get it or care. Thank you for posting this for the horses.
not all english riders are like that. but sadly, on most events here in germany you have the same footage as in this video right here...horses behind the bit, even horses with bloody bellies because their riders spur them heavily. mainly it's people and little / teenage girls in events who make me angry, tying their horses up so hard that they have problems opening their mouths or even breathe, spurring them and zig-zawing with their hands to force them to come on the bit, instead of focusing on the horse's hind-end working. theyre so busy with the head that they forget the hind-end. of course this has also happened to me, i admit it. but i didn't know better back then. i am trying to be as gentle with my horse as possible. no yanking: even on the halter, no whipping: only tapping him gently to "remind" him that he also has a rear-end to push forward with (he's a little lazy), or for correction if he ignores my leg-aid. me and my horse make a good team, and why is that? i am always kind to him. and in return, he is kind to me. i can see it in his face that he is a happy horse and he can't wait to be all tacked up for work when i arrive at the stable. unlike these poor horses in the video. even non-horse people can see their sad, stressed expression.
I ride my horse both bitted and bitless. He likes both for different things, he like the snaffle for schooling and off road hacking and the bitless for jumping, XC and road work. My instructor once had.spurs on from riding other horses that day but I.never.use them and.she got on my horse and he had her off in less than a minute... Spurs are a no go, either are leverage bits. I like simple bridles :)
I agree that in many circumstances bits are not the best option. And I can’t even imagine what it must feel like to have a rider with heavy hands, jerking a piece of medal in your mouth. But it really depends on the rider. This video IS a compilation of bad riding and far too heavy hands. But there are many riders that can ride with extremely quiet hands, so that the bit is not painful for the horse. Generalizing all equestrian who use bits as “abusers” is very harsh, and toxic to say. So I do agree that in many cases bits are bad for the horse, but not all of us are cruel.
Bits are only as dangerous as the hands holding them. I spent hundreds of dollars on bits to find the right on for my mare. She doesn’t chew or throw her head with the current one. I also spent hundreds of dollars in lessons to learn how to properly sit on her. Sitting on the horse correctly means your upper body is not pulling on the reins. People who don’t know how to ride will put extra pressure on the mouth to “control”. Also, if you need more control once on the horse, go back to groundwork.
And why should the horse look so "pretty", in first hand? I don't quite catch these endless shows and shows and shows! Start thinking, what is it that makes you to go into that hype! How about putting end to that will to show, and start thinking horse?! Start thinking of his/her feelings about all those thousends and thousends of nerve cracking minutes the he/she will have to put up for your damned SHOW ups! For an old man, many of the opinions in these comments look more like insane. You are after a prestige and social status with your "shows", but, try to think, for what price?! I feel pitty for those millions of poor horses that will have to put up with you; with your endless need to show yourselves up. Sorry, if I will have to hurt so many of you, now. But, I think, this sould be said more often today. - And tomorrow!
i have to say, im not on any sides, i use a bit, simply because my horse does not like hackamores, i do however ride in a halter and lead some days, both are desinged to applt pressure, and hackamores can be painful too, its not a permanent solution, if tack is used properly, the horse will listen without suffering, or experiancing pain, you can achieve several different things without pulling. you can tuck there nose in by keeping contact, and wiggling the reins in the mouth, and putting the head down with certain signals from the legs, ect.
I don't agree that we shouldn't blame the riders. Even if they were taught that way, anyone with a shred of horse knowledge should be able to recognize when their horse is in pain, and knowing they're putting their horse in pain but continuing because a trainer told them just makes them ignorant.
If your watching this but don't know how to even start riding bitless or learn more about the horse then go and watch think like a horse rick gore, he's helped thousands of horses and is kind and fair to the horse he rides in only a rope halter, he's the only horseman I 100% agree with. (he might sound sexist at first but he identifies the problems in the horse world and woman take up 90% so they have a lot of problems)
If you're doing it correctly a frame is not achieved with the reins/hands. Its achieved with your legs. Forcing the head into a position is a false frame, you wont do to well in the shows if your horse is heavy on their forehand. When a horse engages his hind and raises his back (which helps the horse support your weight) the head will naturally drop. Yes, some bits are sketchy, not all are.
I don't think riding with or without bit is the problem here. The problem is the pressure the hands of the rider puts on the rein, imagine if instead of the mouth that same pressure was applied to the nose of the horse, that could also cause extreme pain if it happens for years it might as well break it. What I'm saying is that both bit and bitless can be hurtful for a horse if you put that much pressure on the reins, so just be mindful of your hands
I think it depends on the situation. Obviously bitless is better but not always. All of the bits in this video are very strong so you shouldn’t generalise xx obviously it would be better without but I think this is an exaggeration in most cases
I use a bit, but I use a straight apple bit, high and loose noseband so that my horse can open his mount if he wants to, and I also don't wear spurs. (I also ride a lot bitless). But on this horse, my reins needs to be loose, and by loose I mean hanging. I can almost not touch the bit, because his previous owner made him terrified of the bit. My hands needs to be so soft that I have to use every singe brain cell to focus on having soft hands, and almost not touching the bit. He is so hard to ride because the second I touch that bit, he will throw his head up. He was a cross country horse before, and now I'm turning him into a dressage horse. Jumping a horse with a bit should be illegal. I don't hate bits, I hate the people using bits. You should need a license to be allowed to ride a horse with a bit.
this was posted such a long time ago but i use bits. my horse doesn’t show any signs of pain. he walks, trots, and canters as if he was in his pasture with nothing on him. is it still bad that i using a bit??
What I have learned and this doesn't make it the end all truth is that it is not as simple as bits bad bitless good or vise versa, I'm only sixteen so obviously my knowledge is not all comprehending however what I have learned from my trainer is this, If a person is connected in their seat then halting and slowing down(correctly) should be preformed by squeezing the stomach, butt, and hand muscles (not pulling back). She is always adamant that if my horse is gaping its mouth then I am stopping incorrectly. To me this says it is not the bit that hurts the horse but the human.
a bit less bridle can actually cause a lot of damage if not used properly. It all depends on how you use the tools. If a horse is in pain they will not perform their jobs properly. A horse has a sore back? They sure as hell will be throwing you in the dirt. Yes some people literally break the animal's spirit with abuse and fear. That's a small percentage. You can spot those riders quickly and trust me, no real equestrian will put up with it. A bit isn't bad unless you make it bad. Same goes for saddles, whips, and your own damn legs and hands. Use your aids properly and the horse will be happy and fine ;)
Животные
Thank you for making this video. I'm sick of people denying the fact that barbaric bits don't hurt horses. Some people just want to do it the easy way instead of putting more time in to develop good horsemanship skills and training their horse. None of these horses in the video look like they enjoying life. Some people don't have common sense and need to get a clue!
I started using a bitless bridle because my horse became unresponsive to the bit and would fight against me. I was worried about hurting his mouth so I switched to bitless and it was like he became a different horse. He relaxed more, he listened, better, and was all around a more well behaved horse.
When I see beginner riders jerking around the reins I wince for the poor horses who are trained and so used to it they just put up with it.
I think all people with horses should do the same as you. Just to try it, cause if the horse "became a different horse", and get more relaxed, there's no need to use a bit!
***** Right. I've had so many people say "oh well my horse doesn't work in this style of bitless so I can't ride him/her bitless."
I mean there are so many different styles. I've ridden my horse with a halter, a cross-under, and now a bosal. He's done well in a halter, better with the cross-under, and best in the bosal.
It's ridiculous because most of those people go through so many different types of bits but they refuse to try a different style of bitless.
***** I actually talked to someone and when I brought up that the average rider has about a dozen bits they said "oh I collect bits." Ridiculous.
***** I know. Not only are you collecting something that causes a horse so much pain but it also just seems ridiculous to have a bunch of metal bits laying around.
It is really weird because a lot of people do have flighty or spooky horses or "rogue" horses and then they switch to a harsher bit! That's what I was told to do with my horse by a lot of people including my riding instructor and I decided to go the other way and I'm so glad I did because Rebel is so much happier for it.
***** It is shocking how most people do consider riding to be a team effort yet they don't think about how the horse feels. If the horse is acting up they assume it's just the horse misbehaving and put a harsher bit in the poor thing's mouth! Then when anyone tries to show them they're wrong they throw a fit.
I feel like if people would actually look at it from the horse's perspective they would be much better horsemen. They allow us to ride them when they could easily throw us off or just not let us on at all!
Yet instead of realizing that and trying to make it easier on the horse most people act as though the horse is their property and they can do whatever they want to it as long as it doesn't involve beating the horse or starving it. Horses are so accommodating to us. The least we can do is be as kind and understanding to them as we can.
This abuse is so normal to equestrians that they fail to see it. Some of them have been trained to be this way since they are little kids, it's hard wired. It takes a strong person to step away, open their eyes, admit they done wrong and move on. For people ready to do this, feel free to visit my channel. We will get you the support you need.
So true! I'm currently doing my internship at a riding school and all the kids get told: "hold your reins tight, you need to have contact with his mouth at all times" "whip him, more, harder, again" "a bit doesn't hurt" "pull pull pull". These sayings make me sick. I have to help the kids tack up their horses and put the bits in their mouths. I hate it and can't wait to have my own riding school where I can teach a whole other side of horsemanship.
I'm still young but when I was smaller I never even thought once about using a bit. It was just so normal to me and I always thought that a bit was used to "steer" a horse. Now I practice something I like to call Spirit Horsemanship and I realized that I could get even better results after you listen and bond with a horse and reward them for even the small things. My horse made major improvements after I trained her on the ground and in the saddle bitless and 100% without pain. She is now experienced in reining, barrel racing, pole bending and all of that stuff! I just wish that more people could open their eyes and see that what they do in this video is not good and how much hatred their horse probably has towards them!
Fair Horsemanship
This video makes it all so clear and some people won't ever allow themselves to see their mistake.
I was doing wrong since I was 11 because the ponies I cared for were owned by a normal equestrian (western spurs, long shank bits).
I had to ride the 4 yo gelding in a bit, with spurs and whip, had to beat him harder, reigns shorter, circle after circle after circle.
Because his bones weren't fully developed at this time, he got a blockade in his sarcoic joint, so he couldn't gallop normally and his back legs would hit together with every step he took.
I had to hit him so hard to make him gallop and all got worse.
For 6 years I only took care of them, 5 years riding that gelding, several injuries like bruised spine, broken finger (got caught in the buckle of the reigns), bruised rip...
But my heart always knew it should work a whole other way.
Bought him a year ago, luckily just then I came across Think Like A Horse by Rick Gore, had some struggle with convincing my horse we wanna have fun together, but he soon understood.
Since then he never tried to throw me, I even was able to cure his back problems, so now we can run over the fields.
So I can tell this story over and over again, but many people still say "Bits are ok to use, its my way of riding and you should leave me alone" without ever seing the PAIN.
Thea Löber my story is almost the same... now I'm trying to spread something I cal spirit horsemanship but it's probably cheesy to a lot of people and I'm a little young sooooo 😂
Vanessa Nightbear Well the age doesn't matter, if you are able to see where you've been wrong and try to get better with all your heart, you're smarter and more mature than 99% of the adult equestrians, who don't want to open their eyes at all.
It's enough that you understood what you are doing, and maybe some will see your success and try another way to communicate.
You'll get older anyways, rock on!
this is exactly the reason i ride bitless! only ever bitless!!!
My horse has always been super strong and I’ve tried him in many bits and have refused to go strong or doubled but I tried him bitless and he’s never been happier
I say “Why do you ride in a bit! Its cruel!” They say “Well i have soft hands” Me “IF YOU HAVE SOFT HANDS WHATS THE PURPOSE OF HAVING A BIT?!” Them “halkamores are cruel” me “IF YOU THINK THEY ARE SO “CRUEL” GET A BITLESS BRIDLE!!!!!”
I ride in a bit, I have soft hands. My horse doesn't like the pressure on simply her noseband. She was fussy and threw me when I rode in a hackamore. I changed to a D-ring 3-break. No, I don't use spurs, yes I use a crop. She was a western pleasure horse, used to long spurs. I converted her into a jumper, she had a good confirmation and she was a solid horse. She responds well off legs, she just doesn't speed up well. I gently tap her with a crop on her flank and we get it perfect. I stay out of her mouth, relying on legs and weight. We make I look like we only use the bit, we use our hips, thighs and many more. Learn the story before you judge, because I've seen hackamores break horses nasal bones.
@@haddleyjordan3609 not all bitless bridles are hackamores .. and it makes sense that you think using a bit is okay when you’re a “showjumper.”
@@jaila5751 actually i ride her in a halter a lot lol and she does really well she just doesn’t lower her head is all. gotten whacked in the face a few times because of her canter takeoff. i did also try a bit less side pull and she didn’t seem to mind it did some schooling in it and she seemed to ride the exact same. i often switch between the two because i can’t show in a bit less and just like humans she finds a way around the bit or even bit less. she is semi retired now, a kids horse for little lessons. she seems much less happier but i often grab her halter a lead rope and just walk her out in the field bareback. thanks for telling me but that was nearly a year ago. i worked around that problem. :))
I hope all metal will be abolished from riding. No bits, no spurs, boots instead of shoes. We have been torturing our beloved horses for centuries, now it's time to acknowledge their generosity and allow them to ENJOY being ridden. Without pain.
👌👌❤️❤️❤️❤️ I am with you on that one
This is what I'm always saying. Only, enjoy being ridden but also give them time to do what they want by themselves.
Spurs are so bad
💖
Ok if that is said why does my horse not go without bit. I play polocrosse and do dressage I Need bits for that line of work real spurs are just a tiny nub of metal that is tapped against to horses stomach with whips are not called that they are crops (unless in the driving world) and they are a leg aid to a lazy horse. Imagine 1,20lbs not moving what you gonna do get off and sweet talk them as you take off your little bareback pad and remove your hackomore? Ahhh how sweet giving your horse there way💛💛💛🥰😱😱. No you man up as for shoes they actually protect your horses feet prevent them from chipping and allow them to walk on hard surfaces much easier!!! Oh yeah and boots protect the legs not feet little snowflake ❄️
my dream is in a few years to open a bit less riding school
That sounds like a wonderful idea! ^_^
I would Support That
Yeeesss
Louise Rose omg this is my dream as well 🙂
Ugh same here
Bits won't stop horses unless you'll tie them around their feet. A horse stops because its willing to listen to you.
No, a horse in a bit stops because it hopes that it will be given a release from the constant pressure.
***** the horse stops because it is trusting and listening to u not because it the horse will be given less presure
Monet Hostutler Keep telling yourself that.
ps horses dont even need bits
I think it's more of both, really. They want to make you happy and they hate the pressure on their mouth.
very sad and hard to watch. most of the horses are behind the verticle. and their mouths are held closed with a flash noseband being spurred. not one of these riders can seem to even get their heels down and use their legs properly. and not great leg position so no sympathetic and effective use of leg. spurs are cruel - try them on yourself if you don't think they are. i feel very sorry for these horses. all that harsh equipment taking the place of gentle and effecive riding. and yes i have seen this scenario played out in real life. the horse just puts up with it as he's resigned to having an incompetent rider on his back. please consider your horses and treat them kindly they will repay you.
This breaks my heart
Although I ride tackless most of the time, when I do ride in tack I use a hackamore. After a months of using a bit and my horse acting up and not collecting I switched to a hackamore and my horse is almost always on the bit and collecting. My bond with my horse is better than ever. And to the people that doubt it, give it a try, your horse will thank you. And by the way, I ride a five year old thoroughbred.
The bit squashes the tongue, the horse responds by opening the mouth to try to release the pressure. And rather than looking for the cause of the issue, the rider puts a nose band on the horse to force the mouth closed, I cannot imagine the pain.
It's true I ride my ottb with just a halter or side pull. No saddle either. And I have to say it really builds trust and relationship!
No saddle does not always mean better, because a well fitted saddle protects their withers and spine in you are doing medium to heavy work. That’s why bareback pads exist to not hurt our horses back.
And these riders are the "trained" professionals who are oblivious to the pain that they are causing.
Nothing matters as long as the horse performs.
This cruelty is horrible! Ah, but they look so regal all suited up...
thank you for making this video it was amezing to see how people care i allways try to get people to anderstend how bad bits are and they allways say it controls the horse thoes people say they love thier horses but they can't see the pain the fear of the horse i just hate bits my moto- no bits no tie downs no spurs no pain just horsemanship
it's Eden I ride a horse, we’ve tried him in a hackamore and he hated it. He was in pain the whole time, and very anxious. I ride him in a D ring and he’s always very happy and relaxed. I also rode a horse that hated the bit and found himself much happier in a hackamore. It just depends on the horse and the rider.
So cruel I have always rode brittles and I'm crying :,(
This is why I use a bitless bridle
And horses don't stop because they are willing to listen to us. its because they are afraid of being spurred, whipped, and pulled in the mouth. They are trying to find relese.
Exactly. The fear of the torture experienced before is there at every step.
AND...how do you explain bridleless riding then?
I went bitless yesterday and I will never go back
A good workman never blames his tools.
This is why I went bitless. My mare is so much happier with no bit. She listens, understands, and trains easier. I love how you can feel more contact in your hands on how the horses feel with no bit. Because you feel their face and not their mouth. If I show I have to use bits. Of course with comfortable reins. I love her so much ans to see her now since when I was blind to the pain is just tremendous
Love horse ever since I can remember.it makes a lot of sense now as an adult why bites are bad for horse/pony etc. saddles are good =protects horses spine. But the bite=chokes the horse people open ur eyes horses are not machines they are living creatures and bites need to go.
I've never ride with a bit , i learned it without from a young age : )
you can see the pain in their eyes..sad
Yes, Finally Somebody Who Gets It, Also, When She Was Talking About Getting Behind The Bit That Noseband Is Way To Far Down, That Could Be Yet Another Reason, So Really These People Are Worse
I cant believe the people who disliked this video , you can kill a horse I have been riding bitless my whole life and I don't even own a bit or wipe
You can’t kill a horse by pulling on his mouth.
This is the best video showing this cruelty on RUclips.
I don't use bits on my horse because he is too sensitive. He is that kind of horse who is always willing to go the fastest he can and unfortunately many people with a horse like that don't dare to try and ride their horses bitless. My horse is so much happier now and so am I. If ever I have another horse I will definetly continue the more natural way, it's so much fun!
I never use spurs, when my boy is in discomfort, I listen
I think curb bits, especially in the western look, are very pretty and appealing bits. HOWEVER, unless the rider knows how to use one, please don't use a curb.
RICK GORE IS AWESOME!!! BUDDY, MR. T, MOKEY, YER GOOD BOYS!!!!! ❤❤❤❤
for those who believe the hardness of the bit is in the hands of the rider: Pressure for the horse - bit and bitless
I have a 4yr old Quarter horse gelding. I bought a Bitless Norfolk bridle (it has crossovers underneath) to see what would happen. Ive never used one before and i was skeptic too. I paid around $80 for a full bridle and honestly I was amazed!!! My horse hasnt got a cruel bone in his body but he responded so well to the pressure and stopped on the 'spot' when i said whoa!! I used the bridle with two completely different saddles, an English Wintec Dressage saddle and a swinging fender stock saddle with a western saddle base.
People defend bits like crazy because it is a practice that has been passed down for centuries. Just try going bitless and try new training styles and see how it works out. This may or may not take longer depending on your horse and what has been trained to do beforehand. Just at least try to keep and open mind and entertain the possibility that bitless MIGHT be a better fit for your HORSE (not just make it more convenient for you).
Our first reaction is to get defensive when someone calls us out that we might be hurting someone we love. We want to make ourselves believe it is not possible.
I agree that some riders need to loosen up on their reins and allow the horse to flex at the poll naturally. This is why I ride western. It's a loose rein and the horse responds from legs, seat, and his neck. Natural vertical and lateral flexing of the neck and poll...learn it, live it, love it.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS FILM.
bitless all the way its far better any of my horses will always be rode bitless
I was taught to ride bit-less. I ride at horse rescue and we use dually halters or a type of bitless bridle and the horses are much happier. I was not at the ranch when they made the switch from bits to bitless but I am told that there is a big difference in the horses. They are happier and it causes much less pain and damage in long run.
I ride bitted, bitless, Bridleless, and tackless. Hear my argument please. My horse has a very sensitive mouth and quite the attitude, so I always know if I have too much contact. I've looked for so many bits because I wanted her to be comfortable, but because I compete, I need a bit. I have also trained myself for years to go with the horse's mouth more than anything. If you have a rock hard hand, It's going to push them behind the vertical, you need to move with the horse's head. Another thing I have learned is the bit doesn't need to be nearly as high in the mouth as most people think. It doesn't need to be a big wrinkle and a small wrinkle. My horses don't have wrinkles in their mouth when I ride, I put the bit where they say it needs to go. It can take a year to get the tack right, and a few years more to have your hands be fluid. It is possible to have a bit that doesn't hurt. The contact you need is only really the weight of the reins. If your horse is leaning on the bit, it doesn't fit, if your horse has no contact, teach them that it is ok to feel, don't keep getting tighter on the reigns. And for those with warmbloods, try a smaller bit if you have any issue. Warmbloods have notoriously small mouths. Like a 17.2hh warmblood I know wears a 4.5'' double jointed snaffle bit. My pony wo is 12hh wears a single joint 5'' comfortably for scale. Double joints are usually kinder than single, as the nutcracker effect is much lessened, and if it fits perfectly, negated. Also, tying any horse's mouth shut is not the way. Imagine not being able to open your mouth to rearrange your tongue, or get that piece of whatever that is stabbing your gums out. You would panic. They are prey, they panic quicker. If you think you NEED a bit, please work with your horse until you can do at least without a bridle, then go back to the bit, and see the difference. You don't NEED a bit to stop a horse, you don't NEED spurs to urge them forwards. Watch horse herds, see what they do. Don't just listen to one person. Learn from many. Go out there with all of the horses and watch their subtle language. It is so much more complicated than even horsemanship people think.
This goes both ways. The appliance is only as abusive as the rider. A bit less bridle can cause AS MUCH damage as a bit if not more. With a bitless bridle puts pressure on the nose bone where a substantial amount of important nerves are. A bit can cause pain in the mouth and bleeding. What we need to do is not say one is better than the other. We need to be saying that the riding is causing this pain and discomfort. We need to be teaching proper riding and proper fit of equipment.
Bitless 4 life
Thank you for making this video! We need to stop treating animals this way!
The comments on this video are absolutely ridiculous! I've never read so many rude comments on one video in my life! I ride dressage, there fore I ride with a bit. However I use my seat and legs to control the movement of my ottb, the bit is just there to remind him he is working. It does not cause him pain, no he doesn't hate me because I use a bit and for christ sakes he is not afraid of me! He is a huge animal, if I was truly pissing him off with this bit, he would get rid of me. Like give it a break saying they listen because they are afraid of the bit. My point is, everyone's experience with the horse world is different, opinions are different. That does not mean you are allowed to be rude to someone who uses a bit. Just like I'm not going to be rude to someone who uses a bitless bridle. Grow up people and learn to be nice to others in the equestrian community.
This video needs to be shown across the world, especially to westerners who love accusing others of 'animal cruelty'. They start petitions trying to ban domestication of elephants in asia, but say nothing about this in their own backyard.
My barn doesn’t allow strong bits unless proven necessary. Sometimes we put strong horses bitless and they are so much better. Any horse displaying a sign of pain is immediately checked out, and all bits and reins are approved by vets.
Stopped riding with a bit right when I got my first horse because the horse I was leasing actually was bleeding from the top of their mouth because if the bit. I have soft hands but most of the riders that rode him before me would yank the reins. I use my legs a lot more then I do with the reins, even with the horse I have now.
I was trying horses and his owner had him rigged up with two bits and double reins, a whip, and strong spurs. I immediately removed his bridle and replaced it with my bitless and when I rode him I didn’t use spurs or a whip or crop and he was so happy
After a lot of study I learned that bits cause the suffocating, nose bleeding breakdowns in racing. They need to ban horse racing.
Arabeskhorse , what bitless bridle do you recommend?
a dr cook or look al like, sidepull or hackemore, even a hackemore is better than a bit
Control is an illusion, any horse can throw you and take off. You will never control a 1200 pound animal. But you can shove a piece of metal in it's mouth, cause it pain so they're in fear and will listen to you. This disgusts me. If you have the time to ride, you have the time to train your horse to go bitless. I will never put a bit inside my horses mouth again. Open your eyes and stop defending your sweet harsh tools. The saying "I have soft hands" doesn't mean shit. Research and educate yourself on bits. Every single bit applies pain to the mouth with out any pressure at all. Until events allow bitless I will never step foot into another show.
You are amazing! I totally agree with you! I am currently persuading my parents that bitless is a good idea! I currently ride in a head collar, and a borrowed Dr Cooks x
First I don't say its abuse unless it's not used right. Lots of english, (and western but mostly english) people have a grip on the reins but not enough to cause pain (Again if it's used right) and lots of the foam means the horse is sucking on the bit *Enjoying* the bit. But yes lots of these videos are pointed to abuse such as the horse's mouth is open and no foam is there with a horse in a 'frame' Second of all the 'whips' that are called crops should be used right. A few times people at my barn will be whipping the horses in the face which they called 'bonding' is wrong but a *EXPERIENCED* rider who is soft with their hands and is tapping the horse on the arse is fine. A horse can feel a fly land on them in a matter of seconds so there is no need to whip hard. The same goes to spurs. The frame to a horse is completely abuse though. The idea of there head having to be like that all the time disgusts me.
Lots of the videos are abuse but there are good equestrians out there. Take Alycia Burton for example!
Bit less bridles WILL reign someday!
I ride western and use an o-ring snaffle bit. However I don’t pull hard on the rains or keep the rains tight I am vary gentle and giving to my horses mouth. She has never thrown her head or acted like the bit was hurting her. So please don’t say all bits are bad it’s mostly the person using them that causes the pain. If we were more soft on the bits this would not happen and the horse wouldn’t be in pain.
horse-riding is not about pure control, but based on trust!
I personally feel that less is more when it comes to riding, in my opinion these horses don't look that happy :(
I have to admit that the natural canter position for horses is white their heads down. But in one of Raleigh Reacts video, she shows a video of someone saying “people say ‘oh, me riding in a bit is all right because I have a rubber one so it’s the lightest’.” She agreed with that but if u describe the bit being soft as it is RUBBER then the bullets in the “gun” would have RUBBER bullets.
There is no reason to put metal in a horse's mouth.
I’m at a riding school with bits right now and I’m very scared of hurting the horses but I sometimes get in trouble when my instructor tells me to shorten the reigns and I don’t make them short enough. As soon as I get the opportunity I will try going bitless.
Majority of these riders are using a bridle which the horse cant even open it's mouth to relieve the pain. It's sickening and not ok.
Fe4thered what else are we supposed to use? The mane? A halter? I ride and it does NOT keep their mouth shut in any way. They can open it. It does not pin their mouths shut. Smh these non-riders...
lol its called a flash. i do dressage which is mainly the discipline showed here and none of these riders are abusing their horses. they can open their mouths just fine, they just choose not to :)
My gaited horse was ridden pretty badly by previous owners with correction shanks and heavy hands, and when I got him he would just run right through any cue because I guess he figured it was going to hurt no matter what he did, so he might as well do what he wanted. He relaxed substantially when I switched him to a comfort snaffle and was able to focus enough for me to be able to find that he's actually a very willing partner who is grateful to be given the opportunity to move out on a loose rein and respond to seat and leg cues so you never have a reason to touch his mouth, and my reins became an emergency brake I rarely have to use. Still, I kept him in the snaffle because I worry about traditional hackamores, bosals and other bitless options hurting his face, while his snaffle is very gentle. I recently decided to give the Dr. Cook sidepull a try, since it's pretty mild, and so far so good. I just got to a point where I could no longer justify making him carry a bit when he so rarely gives me a reason to use it. There's no one size fits all answer to equipment, but in this particular case my horse has gone from miserable and stressed in the shank his previous owner insisted I would need to be able to control him to relaxed but still on pretty high alert in a snaffle to happy, chill and responsive in the sidepull. He's absolutely relieved to be free of the bit, even if all it was doing was just sitting there, and after everything he's been through I can't really say I blame him.
i own a 16.3 black warm blood and i got him when he was 1 year old, i started to get him used to a saddle, when he was about 3 i trained him to get used to the bridle and i used a french link bit and he freaked out. he bucked and reared and galloped around the paddock for a solid 2 minutes straight, so i used a stronger bit on him, so i used a 4 ring gag bit. at this time he turned 4 and a half so i did my final lunges with him before i would mount him. he was very strong having the new bit in his mouth and when i asked him to trot on the lunge line he galloped full speed and pulled the line so hard i fell forwards. after a while he would get used to the lunging but he would still fight against his bit, so i got one of the strongest bits out there, a double pelham dressage bit. once i got the bit i mounted him for the first time, in my first lesson he bolted off because he saw a funny colored pole. i pulled the reins as hard as i could but this caused him to go faster. i had no other choice but to jump off him as he would not stop, then all of a sudden the worst thing happened, he had jumped the fence into the paddock and his reins which were dangling caught the fence, his bit was sticking out and it ripped out of his mouth, and then, just that moment all my memories flooded back previously,, i then realized, he hated wearing a bit! i quickly ran to catch him and took the bridle off his head and put a head collar to replace it, i patted him and said ''good boy for showing me signs for all these years'' i gently lead him in my stable and i didn't ride him for a week. after i gained my confidence i lead him out of the stable, this time i didn't use a saddle or a bit, instead i used a bit less bridle, i mounted him and we walked around the paddock, and he was like a different horse! he was more responsive to my aids and didn't spook at the same pole! i'm so proud of him! after that i encouraged myself to do tackless on him and so i now ride him with a neck rope! we are starting to do trotting and cantering poles and a tiny little jump at the end now with nothing more then a neck rope! i still question my stupidity back when i used a bit on him. he is now 12 years old :)
My pony Toffee is ridden with a bit because once I got on her with a saddle headcollar with reins attached and she bolted. If I pulled on the headcollar she goes faster. This was a normal thing. She bucked me off once and broke my wrist when riding bitless and my dad wanted her put down. I refused and stood in front of her to stop her from being shot. It was then that I started riding with a bit. At first I just had them laying on her neck. Then I started using them to turn. Normally I just do activities without reins but when I jump I have to use them because she nearly broke her leg because she went to fast into a jump and wouldn't listen to me. A slight tug slowed her right down and she hasn't tripped since. I never used a whip or spurs because she listens to my voice and seat when going up paces or turning
I used to think that my horse was stuborne and needed a stronger bit, but i watched a movie about barreling tips and she told us to use our feet and body language and once I tried that he responded A LOT better! he was still grumpy because we were riding in the snow (the ground was safe, we checked) but i didn't need. to tug in his mouth almost ever! Now I asked my sister and dad cash I wasn't there when they bought the horse, but they told me that night that the owner never used hard reins on him and always used feet pressure. I never heard them say that. I ASKED my sister what was wrong with him and why he was acting bad but they never told me that he was trained to be soft. if I would've knew it would've cause us both less pain. so try being soft in the reins and let they loose when they are doing what you want. horse learn from pressure and release not by treats every time they do something right. try sitting on yoyr pockets and back in the saddle to make them stop. try to communicate with them! try it. I did and it saved me from the ments pain and torture I was in to thinking my horse hated me. Just try it for yourself
All these horses ears are forward. It just depends on your horse. Don’t shame other people just because it’s not what your used to. Respect bits as we respect bitless, as simple as that
Only when used incorrectly then can it become a problem
It all depends on the rider ,the horse and the situation
I can’t even watch this... it is so sad
I don't ride with spurs, and I don't intend to in my life. What's the point of jabbing a horse in the sides? Most horses will listen to you if you encourage them, not force them.
violet king you don’t jab them I use spurs they are tiny nubs of metal that are rubbed against the horse the common misconception is that we kick the horse with them and we dont
They aren’t bad I own a pair and just squeeze with them to my horse but anyway there is no difference in him with or with them so I don’t where them alo
So you can give a horse a more clear cue.
May Allah bless you for this great video.
My young gelding do not no bits and never will!
I personally think every piece of tack can be harmful if used incorrectly! But not all riders are harsh on their horses mouth and the bit is not abuse to the horse, hackamores can also result in serious injuries if not used properly. People just need to learn to ride and use this tack correctly.
First of all sorry for my bad english...
You're right that bits can hurt the horse, and you're also right that most riders have way too hard hands.
But this doesn't mean that bitless bridles are soft! I know enough people riding their horses bitless and pull on the rains so hard that I'm afraid they brake the horse's nose. If you doesn't know how to use ist correctly, you hurt the horse, no matter if you use a bit or a bitless bridle.
I use reins with bits, but I don't tighten them up a lot.
Wake up ffs. The bit IS the problem.
lol. this came up on my recommenced today and i laughed. these jumper use a lot of metal sometimes, but but less bridles aren’t gonna solve everything.
no bits and more hope in the horse is enough
also more practise helps a lot
My horse did fine with a bit. Certain ones he disliked more than others. I've always prided myself on soft hands. Usually I'll only use my pinkies to steer and stop unless it's a big turn(i usually reach down and rarely have to put any pressure on the bridle because my horse knows it means to turn)but sometimes my horse would still react poorly from pain. We especially had problems whenever he'd spook. I was a little afraid to switch him to a bitless bridle. He was reactive, my mum was totally against it, and he wasn't horrible with a bit so why fix what's not broken. However I still gave him a week of simple exercises in a bitless bridle to try one out. At first he was confused and a little resistant. I was surprised to notice that he braced himself whenever my hands moved. In a week however he no longer braced himself. He was more willing to listen to direction, more willing to face his fears, and much less reactive when being spooked. I hadn't been able to tell when he was in a bit but he was definitely unhappy. Having him in a bitless bridle now shows me just how much happier and willing he is. For those who are scared or nervous or just don't see a reason to try bitless please, just give your horse one week and see what happens. You can even use a halter and just put your reins on. They usually start out a little agitated and definitely confused. They expect the pain and they're nervous when it doesn't come. When they realize there wont be pain is when they start getting comfortable and confident and they really start showing you just how happy they are and how much personality they have.
There are a lot of riders out there who can't handle a bit or a bitless bridle. And thats the reason why some horses a re suffering. But the bit itself, is not torture or dangerious. As long as the bit is the correct size, is confirtable in the horses mouth and the riders kno what they are doing, then the horse is happy :) A bittless bridle can also do a lot of damage in the wrong riders hands. Bits are not awful, it's the riders that don't know how to use them.
Its a wonder these beautiful creatures allow us on their backs at all...
I know a lot of riders who ride bitless and pull exrem . this is not a solution only bitless . the effect is as strong as the hand .
When The Horses Mouth Is Foaming Due To The Bit It Means The Horse Can't Breathe Properly.
Emo Equestrian Horses breathe only through nose :)
all my horses are bitless correct very very very correct i fill so sorry for these horses i know and i can see there in so much pain
1:17 actually people that use harsh bits with Flashes ..no true horsemanship there
I see where you are comeing from. But my pony opens his mouth for the bit without me fourceing it at all if he was in so much pain he wouldn't.I dont think bits are the problem i think riders pulling too hard on it is.
it probably still hurts but not as much
also from what i noticed ponies tend to tolerate bits more (it doesn't mean they like them tho)
English riders think it's cool the way their horse looks over flexed on necks. This is just the horse trying to relieve the pain of the riders constant pulling. I have never had a horse actually froth at the mouth. Then they tie it shut so it will hurt more and they can't open it to relieve the pain from the constant pulling. All these people are worried about is how they look while they pull and gauge these thin skinned super sensitive thoroughbreds. You can see the pain but how pretty with the arched neck cutting off the airway to get away from bit pain. It is plain to see but they won't get it or care. Thank you for posting this for the horses.
That's a Stereotype, not all English riders are that way! You would have to have the IQ of a Rock to think that!
not all english riders are like that. but sadly, on most events here in germany you have the same footage as in this video right here...horses behind the bit, even horses with bloody bellies because their riders spur them heavily. mainly it's people and little / teenage girls in events who make me angry, tying their horses up so hard that they have problems opening their mouths or even breathe, spurring them and zig-zawing with their hands to force them to come on the bit, instead of focusing on the horse's hind-end working. theyre so busy with the head that they forget the hind-end. of course this has also happened to me, i admit it. but i didn't know better back then. i am trying to be as gentle with my horse as possible. no yanking: even on the halter, no whipping: only tapping him gently to "remind" him that he also has a rear-end to push forward with (he's a little lazy), or for correction if he ignores my leg-aid. me and my horse make a good team, and why is that? i am always kind to him. and in return, he is kind to me. i can see it in his face that he is a happy horse and he can't wait to be all tacked up for work when i arrive at the stable. unlike these poor horses in the video. even non-horse people can see their sad, stressed expression.
I ride my horse both bitted and bitless. He likes both for different things, he like the snaffle for schooling and off road hacking and the bitless for jumping, XC and road work. My instructor once had.spurs on from riding other horses that day but I.never.use them and.she got on my horse and he had her off in less than a minute... Spurs are a no go, either are leverage bits. I like simple bridles :)
I agree that in many circumstances bits are not the best option. And I can’t even imagine what it must feel like to have a rider with heavy hands, jerking a piece of medal in your mouth. But it really depends on the rider. This video IS a compilation of bad riding and far too heavy hands. But there are many riders that can ride with extremely quiet hands, so that the bit is not painful for the horse. Generalizing all equestrian who use bits as “abusers” is very harsh, and toxic to say. So I do agree that in many cases bits are bad for the horse, but not all of us are cruel.
Bits are only as dangerous as the hands holding them. I spent hundreds of dollars on bits to find the right on for my mare. She doesn’t chew or throw her head with the current one. I also spent hundreds of dollars in lessons to learn how to properly sit on her. Sitting on the horse correctly means your upper body is not pulling on the reins. People who don’t know how to ride will put extra pressure on the mouth to “control”. Also, if you need more control once on the horse, go back to groundwork.
That’s why i ride bitless...
A good rider does not need an extremely harsh bit or a rolkur to make your horse look "pretty".
And why should the horse look so "pretty", in first hand?
I don't quite catch these endless shows and shows and shows! Start thinking, what is it that makes you to go into that hype!
How about putting end to that will to show, and start thinking horse?! Start thinking of his/her feelings about all those thousends and thousends of nerve cracking minutes the he/she will have to put up for your damned SHOW ups!
For an old man, many of the opinions in these comments look more like insane. You are after a prestige and social status with your "shows", but, try to think, for what price?!
I feel pitty for those millions of poor horses that will have to put up with you; with your endless need to show yourselves up.
Sorry, if I will have to hurt so many of you, now.
But, I think, this sould be said more often today. - And tomorrow!
i have to say, im not on any sides, i use a bit, simply because my horse does not like hackamores, i do however ride in a halter and lead some days, both are desinged to applt pressure, and hackamores can be painful too, its not a permanent solution, if tack is used properly, the horse will listen without suffering, or experiancing pain, you can achieve several different things without pulling. you can tuck there nose in by keeping contact, and wiggling the reins in the mouth, and putting the head down with certain signals from the legs, ect.
I don't agree that we shouldn't blame the riders. Even if they were taught that way, anyone with a shred of horse knowledge should be able to recognize when their horse is in pain, and knowing they're putting their horse in pain but continuing because a trainer told them just makes them ignorant.
If your watching this but don't know how to even start riding bitless or learn more about the horse then go and watch think like a horse rick gore, he's helped thousands of horses and is kind and fair to the horse he rides in only a rope halter, he's the only horseman I 100% agree with. (he might sound sexist at first but he identifies the problems in the horse world and woman take up 90% so they have a lot of problems)
If you're doing it correctly a frame is not achieved with the reins/hands. Its achieved with your legs. Forcing the head into a position is a false frame, you wont do to well in the shows if your horse is heavy on their forehand. When a horse engages his hind and raises his back (which helps the horse support your weight) the head will naturally drop. Yes, some bits are sketchy, not all are.
I don't think riding with or without bit is the problem here. The problem is the pressure the hands of the rider puts on the rein, imagine if instead of the mouth that same pressure was applied to the nose of the horse, that could also cause extreme pain if it happens for years it might as well break it.
What I'm saying is that both bit and bitless can be hurtful for a horse if you put that much pressure on the reins, so just be mindful of your hands
I think it depends on the situation. Obviously bitless is better but not always. All of the bits in this video are very strong so you shouldn’t generalise xx obviously it would be better without but I think this is an exaggeration in most cases
I use a bit, but I use a straight apple bit, high and loose noseband so that my horse can open his mount if he wants to, and I also don't wear spurs. (I also ride a lot bitless). But on this horse, my reins needs to be loose, and by loose I mean hanging. I can almost not touch the bit, because his previous owner made him terrified of the bit. My hands needs to be so soft that I have to use every singe brain cell to focus on having soft hands, and almost not touching the bit. He is so hard to ride because the second I touch that bit, he will throw his head up. He was a cross country horse before, and now I'm turning him into a dressage horse. Jumping a horse with a bit should be illegal. I don't hate bits, I hate the people using bits. You should need a license to be allowed to ride a horse with a bit.
this was posted such a long time ago but i use bits. my horse doesn’t show any signs of pain. he walks, trots, and canters as if he was in his pasture with nothing on him. is it still bad that i using a bit??
Not at all if he isnt showing pain
What I have learned and this doesn't make it the end all truth is that it is not as simple as bits bad bitless good or vise versa, I'm only sixteen so obviously my knowledge is not all comprehending however what I have learned from my trainer is this, If a person is connected in their seat then halting and slowing down(correctly) should be preformed by squeezing the stomach, butt, and hand muscles (not pulling back). She is always adamant that if my horse is gaping its mouth then I am stopping incorrectly. To me this says it is not the bit that hurts the horse but the human.
a bit less bridle can actually cause a lot of damage if not used properly. It all depends on how you use the tools. If a horse is in pain they will not perform their jobs properly. A horse has a sore back? They sure as hell will be throwing you in the dirt. Yes some people literally break the animal's spirit with abuse and fear. That's a small percentage. You can spot those riders quickly and trust me, no real equestrian will put up with it. A bit isn't bad unless you make it bad. Same goes for saddles, whips, and your own damn legs and hands. Use your aids properly and the horse will be happy and fine ;)
I just dont understand why the horses tolerate this abuse/pain, horses are way more powerful than those bits, one buck & rider would be off