But then I saw this article, and more to the point, the picture that goes with it. (See Fig 3 – laceration of the tongue)

http://cdn.bitlessbridle.com/HorseRiderInteraction.pdf

Could those terrible lacerations be a result of the bit? I don’t judge anyone using the jointed snaffle. But if your horse sustains this much damage, surely it’s time to consider a new method of control?

If you read Dr. Cook’s website in full, you’ll notice he’s in a battle to bring the crossunder bitless bridle into dressage and racing.

I strongly believe it will be universally allowed before long.

Wishing him the very best of luck.

And now onto what Rob has to say.

Bitted bridles can become cruel when they are used improperly, causing pain or discomfort for the horse. A bitted bridle has a metal bit that rests in the horse’s mouth and is connected to the reins. When used correctly, a bit allows the rider to communicate gently with the horse through subtle pressure cues. However, when misused, it can lead to physical and psychological stress.

One of the most common causes of cruelty with bitted bridles is harsh or inexperienced handling. Riders who pull sharply or constantly on the reins can cause severe pain, even damaging the horse’s sensitive mouth tissues, tongue, or gums. Heavy-handed use of the bit may lead to lasting injuries and make the horse fearful or resistant. An improperly fitted bit can also be uncomfortable or even painful; if the bit is too large, it can slide and cause friction, while a too-small bit may pinch or dig into the horse’s mouth.

Another instance when bitted bridles can be cruel is with certain types of bits, especially those designed to exert stronger pressure. Curb bits or twisted-wire bits, for example, apply more intense pressure on the horse’s mouth and should be used with extreme care and only by experienced riders. For young or sensitive horses, these bits can be particularly harsh, potentially leading to trauma or behavioral issues.

Horses with dental issues, mouth injuries, or certain conformational features may also experience greater pain from bitted bridles. In these cases, even a mild bit can be uncomfortable and lead to pain over time.

Ultimately, bitted bridles become cruel when they disregard the horse’s comfort and well-being. Proper training, gentle handling, and a suitable, well-fitted bit ensure that bitted bridles remain a tool for communication, not a source of pain.

Next up

Bucking horse problems.

The post When are bitted bridles cruel? appeared first on Natural horse care and training tips.