Horse Bits: How They Work and When to Use

[@jmilphoto]

The title of this video is misleading: Horse Bits: How They Work and When to Use - umm…you showed only one bit and then threw it out!? This should have been a 10 min. informational video - very disappointing.

[@MirandaRights008]

+Jessica We should have read the description. Last sentence "equestrian training of a horse" for show jumping ring no less is ridiculous!

[@willferrell30]

+Jessica they want you to subscribe to get the rest of the video

[@jimdorr8545]

Jessica mu

[@alyonadenikaeva5784]

That's just a trailer of the course that you have to buy

[@WHYRCatsSolntoButtholes]

Well at least we know not to use that one bit... I think the title of the video was longer than the actual video

[@NowakiStar]

I almost always used a snaffle bit, however after getting a rescue horse who hated any bit being put in his mouth (he is very sensitive) I got a new trainer who was really into natural horsemanship. Now, I ride without a bridle and he's as happy as ever! I'm not saying that bits are terrible but any horse can use a gentler one or none at all. If anyone thinks that the "solution" to a problem is a harsher bit than they seriously need to recorder working with horses.

[@JasperIsaLittleHorse]

In school we are taught that just because something has been going on a long time does not mean it is right. We are also taught that you should always be open to new things and try your very best at everything. Riding in a halter is more challenging than riding in a bit. I'm also that kind of person who strives to read my horse and try things out of the ordinary, the ordinary is riding in a bit. There for, I like riding in a halter, and personally, I know my horse does as well.

[@redheddrn]

Bits, like any other piece of equipment are tools. You learn to use the tool correctly and pick the right tool for the job. For some horses, riders and activities, bitless is great. Other horses in various disciplines do well with a carefully selected bit. A survey of respected equine clinicians reveals that most believe in evaluating each individual horse and picking the right tools i.e. bits, bosal, hackamore, saddle, pad etc. etc. to thoughtfully teach him the desired lesson. Make sure your horse's teeth are checked yearly and floated if necessary. Much of the time, a lack of preventative dentistry is the source of oral pain, whether you use a bit or not.

[@AtomAntTC]

You could use the analogy of the father that owns a priceless Ferrari. Now he of course looks after it with extreme care and diligence.. but would he let his inexperienced son drive it? I don't think so!. simply because he doesn't have the skills/experience necessary to treat it properly and its the same with a horse.

[@blondbrain275]

AHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA "carefully selected bit" bullshit!

[@millyc306]

I agree and disagree with the people saying "go bitless". Some horses are absolutely fine with bits, but with some it just won't work. I'd never use anything more than a snaffle on any horse of mine. Bitless can be good, bit it can also be very bad. It can even be worse than bits. It all depends on the length of the shanks on a bitless bridle.

[@gerrycoleman7290]

Rope halter and reins.

[@starry1668]

@@gerrycoleman7290 that can cause so much damage if done long term.

[@gerrycoleman7290]

@@starry1668 If used correctly, your statement would then be incorrect.

[@starry1668]

@@gerrycoleman7290 correct- but a lot of people do not use them correctly

[@lilik6945]

@@gerrycoleman7290 which is exactly the case with bits. though rope halters or sidepulls sold for riding usually have rawhide or a thin rope on the nose which ends up being really harsh on the nose.. a rope halter with reins isnt very well suited for english riding- its possible of course, but not optimal

[@MrAzrancher]

A BIT is simply a communication device. If the mouth is healthy and teeth are good a BIT that fits that horse will ride easy and not cause pinching or pain when at rest position. A light rein and crisp light commands with immediate release upon yield will not cause pain. Like if I lightly nudge you in the side to move left you should feel no pain or react other than understanding to move. If I am heavy handed and hit you hard in the side you will react to the pain and the movement will be lost in the reaction. If I keep hitting you heavily in the side you will blow up and turn on me to make it stop. A horse is no different. People need training, not horses. People need to understand BITs and how to use them, how to fit them and to communicate with a light gentle hand. My grandfather ( A great horseman) taught me by using light cotton string to attach my reins to the bit. If I was not gentle the string would break. I learned to communicate to my horse with a simple wrist movement or finger movement. You could barely see the hand move. Force or pain have nothing to do with good horsemanship and lead to more issues. The horse industry is flooded with magical clinicians, gadget bits and gear and so called horse whispering trainers. Most are just con men and salesmen making a buck off of emotional unknowledgeable well meaning people. Think of it this way....what is your goal by the communication?? Take two guys trying to communicate. Level1: You need to communicate with a guy several yards away to come to you. You can yell or wave or both. Clear defined communication is not necessary, he just needs to understand the basic jist of the communication to come to you. This is like basic relaxed trail riding. You need to communicate for your horse to stop or turn or move forward.....crispness and immediate response not required so NO BIT, or head stall alone might get it done. Level2: Now you need more detailed communication with the guy, not only to come to you but to come to you quickly and to bring something along. A lot of the message gets lost in yelling or waving so you might use a walkie talkie to make your commands clear and understood. Same mission of communicating with someone, just more dependable and precise. This is akin to a working horse on a ranch or pleasure riding in rugged rural settings with potential dangers where a more responsive horse is needed. A good snaffle or simple curb BIT will get it done. Level3: Precision communication is vital. Your communicating with the guy but he is doing something precise and needs your direction to complete it properly and safely. Headset with mouth mic might be in order to ensure there is clear precise communication without interference or misunderstanding ( like a crane operator ), missed communication would be disastrous to your goal. This is like reigning, cutting or intense work that demands precise clean and immediate reaction for success or safety. So you will pick you equipment to meet these demands. Just because you can ride your back yard trail horse in a hackamore, does not mean you can cut cattle on a cow ranch in a hackamore. But whatever your doing, it must be good for the horse and the rider MUST be knowledgeable. If it is painful or damaging to the horse....your not doing it right. Communication, Trust and Understanding is the foundation of a good horseman.

[@aaronmays5322]

+MrAzrancher you can still do all of that with a bosal or other bitless bridal

[@katelynfankhauser4345]

Yes, but it's applying a different kind of uncomfortable pressure.

[@classicdecaf4]

VelocirapGirl Can you do some research? Everything that she said was absolutely true. Bits were made as a communication device, and to make riding a little bit easier. If the bit is causing pain, someone's doing something wrong.

[@velocique]

Rainy Byrd communication through pain

[@wesleywesson]

Yeah no

[@emmasonesson8]

Its as much the rider to show the mouth respect, as it is to find the right bit.

[@dshe8637]

You could do with throwing away the twisted bits you have there too.

[@katelynfankhauser4345]

he did, actually.

[@lilik6945]

they are for teaching, not for being used on horses. he already said the triangle shaped one was terrible- so theres no way hed be using a twisted bit then

[@raycooper9806]

The real key in bit selection is to use only enough pressure to get your horse to respond properly then immediately release the pressure. Some horses are more cooperative than others and only need the very lightest bit or even a bit less bridle. Horses that need a little more pressure still respond better when only applying enough to get them to cooperate. Most people tend to "stay in their horse's mouth" too much which does cause pain followed by the horse shaking his head and trying to avoid the unnecessary pain. The goal should be to get your horse to ride comfortably with a loose rein, coupled with leg ques and teaching him to "neck rein" with the slightest feel of the rein on one side of his neck. Being patient with your horse and spending the time to teach him what you want helps him learn to trust you, then you can trust him.

[@JasperIsaLittleHorse]

You could really get a lot from watching Bitless riding-How to begin and more! by EvaRoemaat. She rides her horse in a neck rope and he collects just fine. It is not about using your hands or a bit, it is about using your body. You need to know how to do this to ride a horse correctly in general. Knowledge is more powerful than a piece of metal ever could be. :) give it a look, she is inspirational.

[@eastcoastponylover9740]

What's your opinion on jointed pelhams??

[@netherfeathersminecraft6227]

Thing is, bits can hurt their mouths, hackamores can BREAK THEIR NOSES. Another thing: the only tome it hurts the horse is when a beginner uses a curb.

[@ida2300]

hackamores only break horses nose if it isn't fittet properly (if its too far out on the nose)

[@blondbrain275]

that is 100% false It cannot break their noses its nearly impossible expect if your a maniac even then I don't think its possible soo..

[@Rachett969]

Handy! Specially that I'm a beginner and I need to know which one is the worst and a good bit.

[@iFrostNight]

they had cow hide twisted as a bit. it was painless and soft but still controlled the horse. This is why I like rubber bits, they serve a close purpose.

[@lilik6945]

theres quite a lot of leather bits on the market nowadays! however, its important to keep in mind that rubber bits are only suited for horses with ample saliva production as the rubber will otherwise rub sores on the skin unlike smooth metal

[@ImmortalSynn]

See, here's what separates actual horse-people; from posers like you, who criticize based on theory: Actual horsemen realize that horses will ALWAYS communicate their feelings with you, about EVERYTHING. They're not silent, they're not robots, nor do they require a diagnostic to figure out if something is wrong. Thus if a bit were hurting a particular horse, it would let you know. To sit there and spew the drivel that you do, only speaks toward your own ignorance, it says nothing of bits.

[@horselover1367]

I use some sort of snaffle and its very hard for me to get her bridle on. but when i put on her hackamore shes fine bit doesn't listen very well.. any help or suggestions?

[@AntlersAndAcorns]

I'm glad you think some bits are bad. I still am strongly against using bits in general.

[@iFrostNight]

rubber one's do not. Take a chill pill. if you knowhow to not be heavy on your bit, you have no problem. The problem is people yanking and pulling on the bits. most of your language should be through your body anyway.

[@chedog08]

I'm not one of they crazy people that thinks telling a horse no or making them listen is bad. I was one that always used a bit tell I was riding and my horse won't stop when i pulled back horse went fastest from that day on I ride bitless. Anything used wrong or in the wrong hands can cause damage but the likely hod of something happening with a bit is much higher then with a rope halter or neck rope. I'm going to school to be a equestrian veterinarian so trust me I do my research.

[@petergrant3009]

hi my pony hates getting her bit put in and wont open her mouth. we have had her teeth checked and they are fine so should we get a new bit or is it just a case of spending time with her

[@LuisPerez-dc3sr]

ride bitless you dummy

[@iam3.14yearsold6]

use a thinner (maybe weaker too usually are if theyre thinner) one. her mouth may be softer than the usual horse/pony. If not then eide bitless and eventually work your way into a bit

[@otakugirl1239]

why so mean? he just wantet a advice

[@ceesvanhemert221]

- bźntofrachwë

[@LuisPerez-dc3sr]

ight would u like a pain device in your mouth?a metal one

[@xaskixarf3566]

Who says ONLY BITELESS! - you've never seen a horse with broken nose... because of "biteless" :/ It's all depends on horse and human, remember.

[@RideLifeAway]

Look in to info on different pressure points that bits affect. She could just really hate tongue pressure.

[@ScarsFromTomorrow1]

Or go bitless. My horse didn't respond to a snaffle so I switched to bitless and he responds better than ever.

[@juliahorsegirl9863]

The answer is bitless !!

[@sonseere10]

Absolutely correct.

[@katelynfankhauser4345]

Not true, bitless is a different kind of pain from regular bits. It puts an excessive amount of pressure on the very thin part of their skull. Making it dangerous and uncomfortable. And actually, some horses prefer bits to hackamores. But in not for either or, I believe you should let your horse decide. They tell the rider a lot but most people don't know what the horse is trying to say.

[@misstoast5604]

julia horse girl bitless can break their noses

[@sonseere10]

Cand.------True, if you are and idiot and don't size it and use it correctly.

[@misstoast5604]

sonseere10 does it look like I know plus ima child

[@DeathKitty123456]

my horse prefers is bit to the bitless bridle i have xD i do ride in both though just for versatility

[@JasperIsaLittleHorse]

VERY well said!! *applaud*

[@chedog08]

Yours is more relaxed with a bit because you are relaxed with it

[@spinmyhead1667]

I was chomping at the bit in anticipation.

[@amygurney4961]

As time went on I hardly ever used snaffles. Most horses will prefer the double jointed mouth pieces. Ponies are so much happier in them.

[@eastcoastponylover9740]

Have any advice? I ride an EXTREMELY spunky 7yr gelding who refuses to cooperate, he ignores absolutely everything I ask him to do, hes headstrong and yanks me around wherever he wants, I've done more than enough groundwork with him, I've tried bitless but he REFUSES to cooperate. Had his teeth checked and everything, hes just TRYING To ignore my aids. Any advice? Thanks! Been riding him in a standard full cheek snaffle.

[@sonseere10]

Your horse is telling you that he does not view you as the leader. You have not done enough groundwork in the proper manner. Pressure and release with appropriate timing, rhythm, and feel.

[@eastcoastponylover9740]

He's doing a lot better now, I've done a lot of circle work and he now responds off my leg with minimal rein aids with ease. I'm now able to ride him bareback and brideless.

[@darkegalahad]

so how did the indians get by without using bits when riding their horses??? so you really need a bit, or those that use horsebits, can't really control their horses?

[@karenlee9120]

how about doing like the native people did nothing but rope then it was made of hemp

[@libsmacker7]

Then riddle me this one...I had Mustang mare that preffered a bit (YES PREFFERED) over going bitless meaning jus a halter or a cotton lead over her nose. She hated anything over her nose (she would throw her head or jus refuse to move) and I tried other bits but all that got me was gettin thrown on my ass. This mare would actually take the bit in her mouth on her own. She was very particular when it came to tack. I couldnt ride her with a browband bridle she would throw you. 1 ear she was fine

[@thathorseygirl5385]

is a french link a soft bit, my pony came with a french link and I want to make sure that it is a soft one because i hate harsh bits knowing that they hurt the horse:(

[@janetsnar4920]

they are harsh if you use them wrong...any bit, any rope halter, if used incorrectly can hurt them. Their face and mouth is full of sensitive nerves. Stick with what already works.

[@blondbrain275]

truth is they all hurt

[@amygurney4961]

French link is softer on the horse’s mouth.

[@15aharward]

I have not been riding long, so can somebody confirm that the purpose of a bit should be to communicate through pressure and not pain?

[@emmahupp276]

bits are to communicate pressure. never to case a horse pain.

[@AtomAntTC]

Bits cause pain. My two horses (both TB's) use Dr Cook Bitless Bridles which of course have no bit. Please consider this as an option

[@maddyfernandez6497]

bits aren't supposed to cause pain. usually its from the rider being too rough with their hands, and it also depends on the severity of the bit. It's mainly about finding a bit that your horse works best with. when trying with a bitless bridle for the first time make sure you know what your doing. Whether going bitless or not it all depends on what the horse works best with.

[@lizgoldsmith]

AtomAntTC Dr. Cook's bridles use poll pressure. Many horses, including mine, object to that more than a bit. Don't assume that bitless is always the gentler option.

[@AtomAntTC]

Liz Goldsmith There are a variety of other bit-less options besides Dr Cook which could be explored which will certainly be kinder to the horse than having a bit in its mouth.

[@chedog08]

When I see it I'll believe it. You mean showing the highest level of training does not need pain or forces. That's one of the reasons I don't show.

[@chedog08]

That your horses likes bits better. I know they do and how do you know they don't? Saddle I can't post videos I can't even to the pic thing like I have now anymore

[@libsmacker7]

I know im goin to get screamed at for this but Ive ridden all my horses with a Tom Thumb bit and no i dont jerk or pull the bit. I actually had a show judge tell me I was to light handed lol. But what im saying is my horses have never come up sore mouthed and in fact the Mustang I trained to work, ride, and drive preferred the Tom Thumb or she would end up throwing you..eh go figure and that bit is suppose to be the most severe. But they never came up sore mouthed or tough mouthed.

[@ciaraforbes7885]

I agree

[@chedog08]

Kills nerves in the tongue and checks. Just to started.

[@mibebe9551]

I don't have videos because I don't have to prove a thing to anyone. I don't have to show off what I can do, because I am confident in my abilities.

[@mibebe9551]

My horse prefers a bit.

[@TheOrangeOstrich]

Depends on the horse, I'm helping my cousin train her horse bitless and he's doing great, mine's more relaxed with a bit. :p

[@chedog08]

Then why did you go to a bit?

[@Heyikbenilse]

bits cause a lot of pain to horses no mather which one you have.

[@kittykat11420]

bambimcs Bits don't cause pain, people do. Hackamores and bitless riding sets use an entirely different kind of pressure which can be just as harmful, if not more than a bit in the wrong hands.

[@junisashasso7736]

Wow, stupid human alert here, bits cause a TON of pain and pressure to a horses mouth, even with the horse just standing there. "But I got soft hands and my horse loves it", SHUT UP you dirty moron. It disgusts me how many people treat bits like their god, and worship them in "all their glory". Smh, go suck on a bit, bit lovers.

[@tessaleight7067]

Juni&Sasha Sso some horses prefer bits over hackamores tho I know my boy hates pressure on his nose

[@junisashasso7736]

Tess Foxe and I know he sure hates pressure in his mouth too

[@tessaleight7067]

Juni&Sasha Sso there's not meant to pressure only contact the only time there'd be pressure is if the rider has hard hands or the bit is poorly fitted plus if my horse was in pain or discomfort why is he always so happy to see me everyday and so willing? Hmmmmmmm

[@Q0ia]

*says the one who doesn't see how painful and cruel bits are.* >.>

[@TheOrangeOstrich]

Because he's quieter in one and it's required for our higher level training. My cousin doesn't need one because her horse is better without one and she's just using him for pleasure riding c:

[@mibebe9551]

If you're gentle with a bit it does not do this. I have very sensitive-mouthed horses in bits that do not get tough-mouthed or resent bits. There is no nerve damage. You must haul on your horses mouths and balance off the reins to think that.

[@mibebe9551]

Oh. My. God. Now you're pulling the bullshit of "showing is evil because everyone that shows abuses their horses." I show mine and they are very well cared for and have never seen a day of abuse. It's a partnership and it can be rewarding and confidence-building for both the horse and the rider.

[@chedog08]

I did it with my others and 11 year old new rides ride my girl in a rope halter or neck rope she dose not run through even with kids who don"t know how to ride. Like I said I can't post videos.

[@delshowhorses7419]

People open your eyes no horse wants a fucking piece of metal in their mouth every bit is pain there's no such thing as a soft bit. If your horse is acting up or just not doing what you want and has behavior issues that's because of the bit switch to bitless and I guarantee you the horse will be 10 times better than it was before

[@novasarts2750]

Cocoa and Ace Not every horse likes biteless. Some horses actually prefer bits. It’s a matter of preference. Look up Shelby Dennis and watch her videos about the bit debates, she has good information that’s actually backed up with sources.

[@junisashasso7736]

So fucking true!!!! omg finally someone here thats smart enough to realize bits hurt horses.. smh all these bit loving morons can go suck on a bit.

[@tessaleight7067]

Cocoa and Ace the bit isn't always the problem some horse prefer bits my mare was super quiet but when I tried her with a hackamore she completly freacked and had a bucking fit not all horses prefer bitless and bits only hurt if there is too much pressure please educate yourself iv also seen many horses in pain that had had a hackamore on hackamores can be just as bad if not worse than most bits

[@delshowhorses7419]

I know that not every horse is the same it's just that I'm pretty sure once in awhile the horses that like the bit get irritated by being pulled or having their mouth closed by a flash

[@tessaleight7067]

Cocoa and Ace yea but there mouths are not supposed to be pulled but I do I agree that no horse likes a flash nose band

[@mibebe9551]

How would you know? You don't even know their horse. Not every horse is the same and yes, some horses do better bitless, but many prefer a bit. One of mine likes a copper roller bit to play with when he's impatient or bored.

[@KariKidd]

Start at the ground people and a bit for your personal security will not be necessary! A bit is a crutch for those that do not know what the hell they are doing or they are scared because they do not know what the hell they are doing ! This is exactly why helmets are worn so much. To protect the dummies that crank on these bits from busting their melon wide open when the horse tosses them or flips over on them because head tossing didn't work to make the pain stop , opening their mouth and shaking their head didn't stop the pain , rearing didn't stop the pain , bucking didn't stop so then the horse goes over onto its back to attempt to get relief from the agony in its mouth . I have never seen a horse go up and over while just grazing in open pasture because a human has to be involved for a horse to flip on its back. Stud chains across the nose , bits in their mouth , whips across their flank...all of those are huge signs of I DON"T KNOW WHAT THE HELL I AM DOING !! There is no such thing as a painless bit..yes some are waaay worse than others but they all hurt. If you are screwing up while using a bitless bridle , you are still doing it wrong !! It is never ever the horses fault if it makes a mistake it is always the fault of the human that isn't communicating with their horse. Set them up for success and start back at the beginning from the ground and slowly work your way back into the saddle. It will not happen overnight and it takes many many hours to build that trust with your horse but nothing worth having is never attained by taking the easy way . Get off your lazy asses and get dirty , sweaty and smarter for the sake of your horse ! Rant over

[@stacyj9327]

hey Kari- I have started all my horses, from the ground up, and everybody (7 horses/Arabs) does go bitless- except 1. Who, only on race day, for the first 15 miles, I do need to use a bit as this horse is so competitive- when the herd gets moving out w/ speed- he wants to go with them. Only on race day is he like this- so in order to protect him from himself- and in order to maintain proper pace for over 50 miles, I do have to use a bit for the first part of the ride- which then, later, I switch to bitless. Oh, we are also ALL barefoot horses. But I"m not going to tell another person what to do or not to do with their horse if they truly know their horse, and their horse is their first consideration. But I do agree w/ most of what you say, and people need to learn to communicate clearly with their horses. But anything on the horses nose too can hurt them as well- as the nose is pretty sensitive.

[@KariKidd]

stacy j Yes you are correct that their noses are sensitive that is why people use stud chains across it . Barefoot on endurance races ? That is awesome good for you ! Good luck with your racing :)

[@stacyj9327]

yep, I won the last two years in a row the Region 2 Endurance championships (50 miles) bit less and barefoot (completely barefoot, not even booted) the terrain allowed for it. I appreciate so greatly being able to ride w/ as little influence as possible. Body language and sensitivity (on the riders part- just learning to listen) can go a long way w/ our horses. I"m still working on this w/ my highly competitive boy, but he's coming along.

[@KariKidd]

stacy j That is great , wow ! I have much respect for you and your boy endurance racing is not for the faint of heart in any way . You have to trust him and he the same with you or you won't get too far especially 50 miles..lol..

[@stacyj9327]

thank you!

[@ImmortalSynn]

...way to overstate without substantiating. {rolleyes}

[@mibebe9551]

Yes, and that is why they have a bunch of negative votes. Seriously? You need to learn from a real horse trainer. Bitless bridles can cause just as much pain as a bit.

[@makk2938]

I never use a bit, only a halter and reins, rarely need crop. it's all about relationships. when the horses raise up and take over the earth, like in Planet of the Apes, they'll remember and have mercy on me.

[@sonseere10]

Correct. Too bad most horse people cannot learn to trust, and instill trust in the horse.

[@libsmacker7]

All horses are not the same. btw Id like to know how the hell your going to control a team of 4 Percherons with a bitless work harness? And dont say well thats different because it aint according to you. Have you ever worked horses because I have and no way id work one without a bit. Answer me that one oh bitless wander.

[@KevinRAAMAAAGE]

Fuck, you could've thrown half the bits on that table away

[@iFrostNight]

This didn't show me when to use each bit.

[@chedog08]

Kill nerves in the tongue and checks like died mouth. psychosocial damage and so much more

[@LeadTheWayFarmsLLC]

...ok? I like my bits, I like bosals, any of those can be mean in the wrong hands.

[@mibebe9551]

Oh, and P.S. a bitless bridle/hackamore/rope halter/whatever the fuck you use can do just as much damage to the nasal cavities. Jus' sayin'.

[@mibebe9551]

Um, because it's MY horse, and he responds better to a bit. My horse actually gets bored and prefers the roller on his bit to play with. With a hackamore or bitless bridle, he gets bored. He likes to play with his roller.

[@Q0ia]

It's people like you that don't listen to a horse, horses ARE silent to the ones that don't listen, you don't listen so why would they even try to tell you?

[@AntlersAndAcorns]

I don't care what the fuck you tell me, bits are TORTURE DEVICES! Just because they don't show the same pain as us doesn't mean they aren't uncomfortable or in pain, they are. And the effects on a horse is bad. If you think bits don't hurt, why not use it on your dog? Well it should work the same huh? No, bits are bad. End of discussion.

[@TheOrangeOstrich]

Not really, I started him bitless, so I know he's safe.

[@sourabhg5418]

a bitless harness is the best. bit hurt the horse.

[@katelynfankhauser4345]

so do bitless bridles. It applies an excessive amount of pressure to the thinnest bone of the skull.

[@kittykat11420]

Bits are harmless and do not cause pain. Ignorant riders are what hurts he horse. Bitless isn't alway a good option either as if the rider is too rough, they could damage the sensitive tissues and nerves in the face and cause facial paralysis or break their noses.

[@senpaibianca8701]

Use rubber bits

[@katelynfankhauser4345]

It's really up to the horse. As long as you understand what they are trying to tell you.

[@Q0ia]

what? uh ok. thanks for your reply i guess... :)

[@joycenesselhauf2820]

That's it? That's the whole video? Why even bother posting it?

[@chedog08]

I don't know why. very true but bits are bad for a horse even in the best hands

[@Debanie]

If you look at the scales of training collection is the last step after the horse has managed all other steps. You would not teach collection first!

[@flowersflowers5070]

That didn't tell me crap.

[@mibebe9551]

Ouch, that hurts. Horses have more class than me? Come back later when you have a comeback that's worth a shit. Um, you, Rick Gore, and chedog08 are the ones blaring crap at people. I just say it how it is. You sure don't share your opinions on your own channel. And I have watched these videos. I do try to understand the mindset of other trainers. Hag? Haha, nice try. Again, come back when you have a better comeback or name to call me.

[@Q0ia]

bits are not good. (better?)

[@chedog08]

It doesn't take a bit to train a horse. It looked like he did in one of the video. Did he make fun of you?

[@HuddleL]

Not always, I tried my pony in a bitless today as he couldnt have a bit in and he did not like it at all, he changed completely and felt awful, as long as they are bitted correctly and not with harsh bits that are un nessescary, they should be okay :)

[@QuiltLady]

You ever tried a bit in your mouth? Any abrupt changes confuse the horse. How do you know he felt awful.

[@chedog08]

You should never have a bit in your horses mouth

[@shawnaweesner3759]

Sir, the very definition of a bit is pain. The bit, ANY BIT, was designed TO CAUSE PAIN to the horse, so the horse will do exactly what the human wants the horse to do without the human having to connect with the horse in any other way other than pressure-pain mode. The bit is an instrument of torture. The BIT IS A GAG. Horses will do what they are told to do without a bit (and I am not talking about mechanical hackamores and long shanks and chains). Stop teaching that the only bit that causes pain is the bit that doesn’t fit, that’s just not true!

[@graceconnolly5765]

and what do you think a hackamore or bitless bridle does? A hackamore or bitless bridles do applies pressure onto a sensitive bundle of nerves under their nose, which is the thinnest bone in their bodies. your right though. any bit can cause pain. but only in the hands of a bad rider. and once that rider switches to bitless, they are going to cause horses pain bitless. a properly fitted bit and good rider who knows how to use a bit will not cause a horse pain. bits should not be used as a correction device or as a punishment method. it should be used as a communication device. And not every horse like bitless better. my mare for example hates bitless because her nose is very sensitive and doesent like the pressure on her face, she loves bits however. My gelding on the other hand doesent like bits and loves going bitless. the amount of pain caused to a horse is always caused by the rider, not the equipment. now some equipment is abusive by nature like those metal nosebands or bits with huge shanks or spikes, or mechanical hackamores. but in a situation like that it is the equipments fault.

[@christinebaker8754]

Horses were not born to have the Self-entitled Brigade shoving metal in their mouth and then trying to defend the amount of discomfort and pain they cause. Time to get humane, humanoids.

[@theresonly1deano]

non equestrian: so how do you communicate with horses? equestrian: you must understand true horsemanship, you must feel the hor..... : SHOVES METAL IN SENSITIVE MOUTH: WHIPS HARD ON THE BUM DURING RACES: SLAP IF DOING SOMETHING WRONG equestrian: NO THIS IS NOT TRUE FIRST OF ALL THE BIT DEPENDS ON THE HANDS OF THE RIDER ONLY SOME HORSES HAVE SENSITIVE MOU.... : PUTS IN TINY STABLE : PUTS IN A FIELD COVERED WITH ELECTRIC FENCES TO KEEP THEM IN: equestrian: OMG THATS IT IM GOING TO RIDE MY HORSE BYE non equestrian: WAIT! equestrian: what non equestrian: you wouldnt slap a baby right? equestrian: yea? non equestrian: then why slap a hor...... equestrian: NO BYE

[@mibebe9551]

What the fuck? If bits are so bad, then why have they been in use for YEARS? If a horse is content with a bit in his mouth, then let him wear one. I have horses that prefer bits over hackamores and bitless bridles.

[@UfauxDrummer]

This current industry obsession over bit/no bit is rapidly creating a massive "us vs. them" rift in the entire horse world, with little respect shown to long-time professional horsemen and the centuries of traditional, classical horsemanship that has ALWAYS put the welfare of the horse above all else. It's only the people who have created the products who are instilling fear about bits and the perception of equine pain, all the while forgetting that it is a "back to front" ride that softens...

[@SuperSapphireStone]

HOW TO TORTURE A HORSE 101

[@09280215]

facebook.com/NevzorovHauteEcole?ref=ts&fref=ts

[@sonseere10]

You should be ashamed of yourself for preying on people's ignorance.

[@TheOrangeOstrich]

Did Rick make fun of me? No, not at all, he's just stupid and think's he's godly or something. And I know I didn't need a bit to START my horse, but to make him collect, he needs a bit. And collecting is important for their health, have fun with your crippled horse that's gonna be retired sooner than mine.

[@QuiltLady]

Let me get this straight. You take a horse, put a bit in his mouth, then when he balks because the damn thing hurts or at least highly uncomfortable, he gets hit in the face or elsewhere to get his attention? And this is after “breaking” their spirit to show them whose boss. Just so we can “show them”. I wouldn’t brag about being a specialist in horse bits”. Sad. Gotta be a better way. But I know it’s about total control.

[@Mr-qi4zz]

You are not going to use ANY bit! EVERY bit is hurting the horse's mouth! Bits are made to hurt them!

[@ImmortalSynn]

...you presume wayyyy too much to pass for 50yrs old. Most people have learned otherwise by that point in life.

[@Miarije]

problem is, only very few people can see the signs a horse gives when the bit hurts. tossing head, not responding good are only 2 of the many signs. the only people who can see those signs, don't use a bit.

[@taylorjay4914]

so you think people in the olympics cant ride? lol

[@netherfeathersminecraft6227]

Also when idiots pull too hard.

[@ImmortalSynn]

How in the name of Satan's dirty drawers is that relevant to ANYTHING being discussed here......?

[@thecrazycatlady4970]

ImmortalSynn oh I love that.. satans dirty drawers.

[@hyperfocus2011]

You should pick that bit up someone will get hurt. And pick something soft...LIKE WHAT???? Duhhhhh

[@1foxyone]

Torches divises. Use bit of knowledge.

[@gegx313]

Your comment does not make sense.

[@chedog08]

No he doesn't. My green horse collects very nicely so don't give me that.

[@evimarioli3039]

How they work:Painfully And when to use:Never

[@b.wild_and_free8206]

Evi Marioli Shut up 🙄

[@ermannosensibile8101]

All the bits are torture for the horses 🐎 mouth... don't tell BS to the people to sell your merchandise.