The effects of the bit part 1

The effects of the bit part 1. The way bits work explained using a 3D-model. In this part it's explained why horses ridden with bits so often open their mouths. With a lot of thanks to Dr. Cook for his years of research on bits. Without his research I would probably still use a bit.

[@SilverHorseHealing]

in my opinion if you cannot control your horse without a bit, enforcing pain, then you have no right being on the horse. If all you want is to dominate and ignore the feelings of the horse then again you have no right being on the horse back. Thanks to video like this people are awakening to the possibilities of being in relationship with a horse that is based on connecting with the willing nature of the horse thus creating a mutually satisfying relationship.

[@TheFriendlyFeline]

This is a great video to show new riders. In my lesson plans I make sure the student knows how the bit works, what it does and what can happen if it's used improperly.

[@Brennna]

Thank you for making this video, I always thought using a bit looked so unnatural and probably painful. I hope a lot of people see this video.

[@carlyoleary1837]

Wow, some of you people are ignorant. I am sorry but many broken mouth snaffles do hit the palate as some horses have high palates but some have low palates. The bit bends to drive the joint forward in the horse's mouth but when the horse drops his head and has his face more vertical, the bit still bends forward but is now going forward towards the palate and can cause discomfort in a horse with a low palate. Not to mention the nutcracker action on the horse's tongue and bars. Our poor horses get used to this and ignore the discomfort causing us to think that there are no issues. People need education about the different bits and what they do and what harm they are capable of, especially in the wrong hands. I am not proposing that we all throw away our bits as some bitless contraptions are quite severe but we cannot assume they cause no harm. I did not know the full extent of what the different bits can do until I get educated about it and it is quite shocking at times and says a lot about how amazing our horses truly are! The video is good and sadly accurate for many horses and we owe it to ourselves and our horses to better educate ourselves.

[@sarchalto]

You will get your knowledge accepted by people if you do not ridicule, shame and insult them. Such behavior understandably puts people off you. Consider how you respond and feel towards the person who taught you to treat people that way by treating you the same ugly way. I hope you'll consider my gentle message.

[@THE_Only_Valentino_]

The bit showed in the video is a tom thumb bit not snaffle but please don't insult people due to their opinions but I do agree it doesn't give them the same right to insult others much love ofc ❤❤

[@horsemanshipundpadagogik-p8522]

Thank you a lot. This opened my eyes about bits. I saw this video about 3 years ago. The next day I stopped using the bit for trailrides and anything. I only use it on rare ocations and only with a long rein and impuls riding (no steady pressure). My horse has no pain that way and a very calm mouth. It also opened my eyes about the torture I started to recognice in horses and the ignorance of the people riding them. It is so sad!! "My horse doesn't like the bit" is such a supid sentence!!!

[@horsedisposal]

This is one of the reasons why I prefer western, with very long and loose reins. Where the horses are trained to respond to the slightest pressure, and not pulling on the reins.

[@horsedisposal]

Great to know :) Sadly the only experiences I've had with English were tightly held reins, the horses looked very uncomfortable. I guess it mostly depends on the style that is taught and the instructor.

[@bellas6622]

well i ride english and i just keep a loose rein when i first started my trainer kept nagging me about keeping a loose rein and now i always keep a loose rein

[@madnessthehorse3675]

Yes, I'm a western rider to

[@Aelynthi]

***** I ride English and I was taught not to pull on the reins, just saying. As for tight reins, tight enough that you feel the horse and that the horse knows you are there, but not enough to make the horse do anything because it is still loose. My instructor told me to imagine myself hold a small animal, tight enough to keep it in my hands, but not tight enough to cause any discomfort. The slightest pressure should be an instruction to the horse, and all those hard pulling and pain shouldn't exist if all is done correct. You horse is probably uncomfortable because you held it too tightly, and didn't give release even after he/she has done what you asked for.

[@horsedisposal]

I don't have a horse, I've never ridden english, I've only seen it done. Professionals do have a very tight grip on the reins. I don't understand where the hell you got the idea that I've ridden lol.

[@maddyellis-pegler3182]

Thank you so much for uploading this video! I will always think twice now! This has helped me so much and I will never forget it! Thank you!

[@abigail_dr]

Thank you so much for all the info. It has completely changed the way i ride for the best. My horse is way happier now that i ride without a bit!

[@lydiaanderson6710]

please, can I explain something? Everyone's so upset and fighting about what is better, a bitless/bit bridle. (I use both) But it doesn't matter, all you need to do is use either one kindly, or right. If you are careful and use the bridle right, EITHER ONE, than your horse will not be be hurt. HATE ON ME IF YOU WANT. BUT IT IS TRUTH.

[@Canteringkeeko]

AGREED

[@alexandrarabbit4929]

go bitless. using a bit "softly" only gives a higher chance of you accidentally pulling way too hard on the bit and causing serious damage.

[@Canteringkeeko]

Actually the natives are the ones that started with bits. They invented bits, as EatSleepRide 1 said, they used rope or bones for bits

[@bishpleeez]

many people say i am too soft with my horse and have too long reins. my bridle is VERY loose around my horse's nose (so he can chew on the bit and open his mouth if he wants to) and i despise nose-bands. in the beginning i ride "without" reins at all and slowly pick them up as soon as he wants to go on the bit by himself. i don't try to force him. if he's not ready yet, he's not ready. but after a while he is in a lovely working shape and i barely have to use the reins. i just use them when i ask him to bend, but also very softly. after all it is a hard piece of metal in the soft mouth, never forget that. but if used correctly, it's harmless. same thing with saddles. if it doesn't fit, the horse is in pain. i also check his tooth-gap for soreness sometimes, just to make sure i'm not hurting him. i hate people who force their horse's heads down by yanking the reins (left, right, left, right, left, right.....). but say something to the riders, and you are an effing know-it-all who should mind his own business.

[@ikeadogg3106]

correct

[@IGotWhiplash]

What a great video and explanation. For many years I have used a hackamore and switched in the last two years back to a bit (tom thumb) but after watching this video I will not longer be using bits. Great video. I will be sharing it with my horse community as well.

[@GoodRedBlackRatio]

I couldn't agree more! I just switched to a Dr. Cooks. Reluctantly, since it was expensive (about $100) and because at first I could not wrap my head around how it worked mechanically. But I wanted better for my green horse than yanking on his mouth during training sessions so I bought it. First ride, 5 minutes in and he was performing better than he ever had with a bit! I highly recommend people try the Dr. Cook's model of bitless bridle - it's gentle but very effective!

[@workwithhorses6201]

The most important thing if you're riding is, that your horse engages his hindquarters, walks over his back, and seeks the contact with the bridle. It's just insignificant how you say the horse that it have to do that. It's completely unimportant if you ride wirh a bit or a bitless bridle, if you ride good. With good I mean, that you use the reins as rarely as possible, and you do the most with your seat, your weight and your legs.

[@BananaBubbi]

I ride with a bit, but I have never had any problems. The horse I ride (he's not my own), responds to small signals, so I've never had to pull the rein.

[@lucyb8802]

You have to pull on the rein for a response, bits are designed to use pain to get the horse to do something, it doesn't matter how hard or soft you tug you still use a bit as a weapon to contoll and abuse an animal your supposed to love.

[@hunterelrod3092]

@@lucyb8802 no bits are not used to control or abuse as you say they are. You need a serious education on how equipment was made and what its actually for

[@lucyb8802]

@@hunterelrod3092 the bit uses pain to get the horse to respond, that's why it's abuse.

[@hunterelrod3092]

@@lucyb8802 no it doesn't. If the horses mouth was ever in pain before or after using a bit during a ride he wouldn't eat. Cuts or bruises to the mouth causes pain while eating or chewing and there would be obvious signs of malnutrition and weight loss. No they don't cause pain and no they are not made for control.

[@hunterelrod3092]

@@lucyb8802 and no a horse doesn't respond to pain in a positive way. If a horse was in pain while giving cues with the bit he would throw his head up, shake his head, and try to spit the bit out. So again, you need a better education on how bits work

[@EmilyzDellanini]

well rope halters and hackmorse are worse in my mind so and on top of that a bit is only as harsh as the hands it's in. I have a mare who LOVES her bit, she reaches for it when i put the bridle on and I have to pry it from her mouth because she loves to keep it in her mouth. also horses CAN open their mouths with noesbands and flaches- if they are being used correctly. dont say just because someone is using these items they dont know the cause or they are "hiding the issue" I know how each peice of tack is used and still choose to use them because im not gonna be stupid and yank on the rains. this was showing it as if every person rides with yanking on the mouth 24/7 and thats usually not the case.

[@kamiliamouaziz4446]

my friend's horse LOVES playing with her bit in her mouth! and ppl who say i can't be sure she likes it, she DOES. My friend has lived with horses since she was born, i think she would know if a horse didn't like something.

[@viktoriaeriksson1072]

First of all, how can a halter with a regular rein(like the horse in the first part of the video have) be awful? Don't you see how happy the horse is, i agree with regular hackamores, cause when the pressure gets to hard the horse gets pain and all that. But not a regular halter, i mean if you don't pull the reins it is comfortably for the horse! (NOTE: YOU SHOULD NEVER EVER PULL THE REIN HARD) And my horse also loves his bit, i have a pee-wee bit. And this video is for the horseowners that maybe has a very big and painful bit with a noseband that is very hard and tight. This video is'nt for us horseowners with a brain! But i just want to say that don't take this like it is meant for you if you're not have a very tight noseband or something like that!

[@EmilyzDellanini]

not a normal halter a rope halter with the knots on the side, they press into nervs

[@pattypopote]

Do you know how stupid that sounds? You're saying your horse LOVES pain. Do you love pain? Have you had a bit ( that causes pain) in your mouth? No? Ok then you have no right to say that "your horse loves the bit". WATCH THE VIDEO AND PUT YOURSELF IN THE HORSES SHEOS. I agree that a hackamore can cause a lot a pressure to the horses nose if it's not placed hight enough. I find a lot of people place the nose band low on the horses nose and it causes problems, therefore people say is can break a horses nose and it's not good. Your guys have to remember that hackamores aren't the only bitless bridles anymore. Emily zuercher, yes, a lot of people do yank really hard on the rains, I have seen it over and over again and it's not pretty! Only the riders who really care and know about horses and what horse tack really does to a horse will treat their horse like it's a human, with respect, with kindness and with love. Horses aren't robots! The horse world really need to change!

[@hunterelrod3092]

@@pattypopote you do realize how stupid you sound? If a horse was uncomfortable with any piece of equipment he would show obvious signs as well as health problems from all this "pain" you claim they are in.

[@venborg]

no matter how the bit sits in the video, its stupid people dont see it, look at any bit ridden horse and you see the horse trying to pull aways from the bit, THEY ARE EXTREMELY HURTFUL FOR THE HORSE, why would people ever think its non hurtful for a horse having a metal bit in its mouth?

[@prikkeroglapper]

That is incorect, but at horse with a wrong type of bit, will pull away. I have tried several different bits om my horses, and one of them just loves the baucher bit with two joints. The other one work very well with myler bit.

[@sashalovespebblebrook4654]

+Anja Schüller shut the fuck up

[@prikkeroglapper]

+Sasha Berrueta You haven't anything more clever to say than that, Sasha?

[@Roses6858]

@@prikkeroglapper the horses don't love it, you do. You're putting your perspective on the horse. I ride in a bit for my lessons and I know for a fact the horses will be more comfortable with a bit because they constantly chew on it and don't even accept the bit in some cases which tells me something

[@nat2901]

To ride bitless does require much more time spent with a horse. Riding bitless requires a development of an actual bond of trust and friendship between the rider and the horse, and that takes time. a lot of time. The time most die-hard equestrian sports people do not have and are not willing to spend. It's easier for them to bend the horse's will through pain. It's fast and effective, at least visually.

[@Kitsune1989]

I ride with either a halter and clip on reins, a sheepskin covered rope sorta looped around the base of the neck, or nothing at all. I don't use a saddle and haven't for years because of an accident. I ride an Andalusian stallion. I ride him on trails bareback and w/o bridle. I've never worried about him chasing the mares (sometimes I could swear he's gay or something) or acting 'unmanageable'. It really depends on the horse though. I've had him with other stallions before too and he's fine. His only problems are umbrellas and ground poles. He hates ground poles with a passion for some reason.

[@finvodahmindovahkiin1875]

Are you completely bareback, or do you use a bareback pad? Not using anything can get real bad real fast for horse's spines.

[@kelsiebeaulieu5227]

Even if you use a bit 'right' it still hurts the horse. That's why a horse listens to it, because he knows if he doesn't the pain will get worse. That's like saying a cattle prod is ok to use on cows if you 'use it right' to communicate with the cow vs proper training and actual communication.

[@sophiaroper9382]

I agree the bit is a harsh tool that can really damage horses, when incorrectly used. But in this video the rope halter is used like the ideal and the knots in the rope halter press directly into the cluster nerves which come through a hole in the skull, this is just as sensitive as the mouth if not more. So remember that when you pull on your rope halter you are also causing your horse pain only they have no ugly ways to get away from it. Same problem as bits.

[@anaalina5964]

I always see this excuse but never evidence. Where did a horse ever get hurt by a rope halter? If there even is one case then there are millions of horses that suffer because of bits. If you don't like a rope halter then just use a rope around a horses neck. But you won't because you either don't care about your horse being in pain or aren't good enough to learn to ride with a rope around a horses neck.

[@jaxcharisma0326]

Top and bottom of it is training. I believe both a bit and a bit-less bridle both can cause severe pain used in the wrong way. These parts of the tack are both supposed to be an aid NOT a punishment to forcefully make the horse do something. There is a huge lack of knowledge these days on the correct way to train horses in a kind manner with great outcomes. The only solution for those who can't stand it is to train your horse to such a high standard you do not need any tack, It can be done.

[@beckireay8038]

I have mixed feelings about this video, like most tools, if you use it right it does not bother the horse. If you yank on the reins, force the horse into a "collected" stance, or use this tool improperly, it's going to hurt the horse. If you inhibit the horses natural movement you should not be using a bit or a horse. It all depends on the person. Just use common sense.

[@Linn.B89]

If you have such soft hands, why do you need the bit?

[@evedemian]

Apparently, you know more than Dr. Hendriks.

[@hunterelrod3092]

@@Linn.B89 soft hands aren't the reason you don't need a bit. That's just plain ignorance

[@endermight9492]

The soft hands thing is a lie. Even the smallest pressure causes harm

[@lulubelle8227]

I am so glad for this video. I have a really forward horse and if i dont put my hands on him he doesnt respond. I have tried using my body to slow him down but he doesnt. This video has really made me realise though that i need to take the bit out and just trust my horse a bit.

[@abbipage1]

I ride both bitted and bitless and would do anything to keep my horse happy and healthy. I agree that if used incorrectly bits can be extremely cruel (there is a horse at my yard whose tounge was pretty much cut in half by heavy hands, the scar is horrific). This video isn't that reliable though... Ok a bit would put pressure on the roof of a horse mouth if it sat like that... The way the video shows it, the bit has just been placed in the horses mouth! With cheek pieces and reins the bit lies so that the joint (in a jointed snaffle such as the one in this video) faces forwards. It can pinch the lips, rub the lips and can even break teeth but it can't puncture the roof of the mouth like that. I'm not for or against bits. I hate people that instantly say 'put him in a stronger bit' no matter what the problem. You keep doing that and he'll keep fighting you until he's in a jaw breaker. Then what do you do? You have a horse with *no* breaks whatsoever and nowhere togo from that point. Just make sure you get *real* facts before choosing to go bitless and don't go bitless because you fancy it. Do it for your horse. There are some horses that will never go bitless but we will just have to accept that and work as our horses partner rather than their dominator. Just because they have a bit doesn't mean you have to use it ;)

[@drewharris7596]

Is there an alternative ?

[@rhiannon-amberleavett846]

Missy Moo all horses can go bitless. Unless they have facial neuralgia- in which case they shouldn’t be ridden anyway.

[@trinadubois2666]

This is the same reason people put shoes on their horses. While completely unnecessary, they are something that is used because of a lack of knowledge and because it's something the industry tells us is necessary. I can ride my horse in a halter because we have an amazing connection, however, I was trained in dressage, so I mostly use a dressage bridle with a eggbutt snaffle and I always ride bareback. After watching this video, I'm going to ride in the halter more often that's for sure!

[@CrazyToddler]

ironic theyre talking about unnoticed pain caused by bits, while showing clips of horses being ridden in rope halters; rope halter knots sit over nerve bundles on the face, which can also cause pain.

[@RikUSlaVeY]

He said he was going to START with the bit and that there are many ways that we use that causes the horse pain. I think he will be creating more videos if he hadn't already to talk about other issues like this

[@CrazyToddler]

Miu Misha you should probably realise that anything you do with a horse has the potential to cause pain(this doesnt mean pain should be ignored, though), and if you want to avoid any chances of it completely you shouldnt bother interracting with them. i also dont think the CG is as accurate as it could be; an actual fleshed out model would be better. REGARDLESS. my point was that the 'harmony' images were folks riding with rope halters, which generally poke directly into nerve bundles when any sort of pressure is applied to them.

[@phoenixc7245]

And the horse can't escape the pain that comes with hackamores and other bitless bridles but they can escape the pain caused by bits

[@babyhorsey6]

Thank you for this video on behalf of my horse Joker. As of tomorrow, he will not be using a bit. Excellent explanation in very specific logical and scientific terms!

[@savsparrow]

I ride my 5 yr old OTTB bitless. Thinking you need a bit is based on fear. If you want a good animal, and a great relationship, start by not hurting them!

[@lucyb8802]

Wow a sane person! 😮👍

[@andrewmcfarlane1694]

THANKYOU for this video, I have been arguing for years the very points you make plainly clear here :)

[@kevinlarkin465]

Bits cause discomfort in horses. If you really care for horses you won't use a bit. Build a bond instead of relying on a mechanical contraption to do your work for you.

[@Judy-ie1zz]

Many equestrians have a bind with their horse and regardless still use a bit. If the horse trusts you (through the bond) then he will listen to your aids and artificial aids (bits, spurs, whips, etc.) I honestly don't see your point

[@TheWELSHCOBLOVER1]

I ride with a bit, I do jumping. I can honestly say she has never opened her mouth she doesn't tuck and she never puts her tongue over the bit so does that mean she has given up or is it cause my bit and I don't cause her pain... If a horse is in pain it would be a lot more aggressive... I don't know if i am fully believing that bits cause pain

[@lanaunicorn]

I've been riding my 14 year old QH gelding without a bit for about two months now, after researching, seeing various teeth/dental health studies, and recommendations from the vet, and it is UNBELIEVABLE how much better he behaves and acts both under saddle and when we are just walking around. Instead of teaching horses, "if you don't listen, I'm going to pull on your very sensitive mouth with a piece of metal until you open your mouth in pain," we should teach them "I'll work WITH you (instead of against) and help you learn with a painless method."

[@lorindalew]

Thank you. I'm going to try bitless.

[@mina6mina]

@Painted Dreams how Is it even worse? It doesn't cause any pain on the horses mouth. Bitless is a lot better

[@astridsnowbridge7556]

@@mina6mina I don't think either is worse it completely depends on the horse...

[@aero3318]

It’s much harder to do any damage with a trad hackamore, mechanical hackamores are far harsher than a snaffle though

[@astridsnowbridge7556]

@@aero3318 oh of course! A leverage hack/bit is going to be harsher then a non leverage snaffle/bitless bridle

[@aero3318]

@@astridsnowbridge7556 some people don’t seem to realise that, Raleigh for example 🙄 I personally would never use anything stronger than a snaffle I don’t think, and even then I prefer bit-less unless I’m doing something that requires precision

[@Whitedog462]

My lesson horse is very strong in the bit and she has a huge bit. She opens her mouth and takes forever to stop. I want to use a bitless on her but I don't think it'd go over well with my instructor. My own mare at home is heavy in the bit but rides perfectly in a hackamore. I trust her even more than with a bit. This is great, the explanation. It really helps me understand. I wish people would watch this more.

[@Guineagirl59210]

This is not a problem for me! I have been accused SO many time for having way to long and loose reins, so when I pull, it's still loose! Anyways, the reason I do this is because I hear so many horror stories of horses getting injured by the bit. I would never want to hurt my thoroughbred, so I'm always hesitant to tighten the reins. Also, I agree with Ele Equine, a bit can only be as harsh as the hands it's in. I am actually close to getting myself injured, for not being able to deliver the right aids since my reins are too long, but an upper level dressage rider is on the other end of the scale, they have WAY too tight reins!

[@BrokenDamageFilms]

My friend was (because she neeed to sell her horse and move to Germany) riding her horse without bit.. and the horse just loved it! She always did the best! I can't ride because we don't have a car... ok there are 2 barns in our town where I can go and ride but ALL they are teaching there is to hurt horses with a bit! I was riding there.... now I fell like a demon...

[@malpeterson3087]

BrokenDamageFilms i dont think youd want to ride there anyways, they obviously dont understand a bit. just dont disregard a bit because they can do damage, remember that poor horsemen are the reason for their horses becoming hurt or their horses having to feel pain in order to do something.

[@TheEquineMelody]

I am kind of at an agree. I've seen what happens when horses are in pain with their bits. Here's the deal, if the horse is saying "OW" change the bit. A girl at my old barn tried almost 5 bits before she was able to find one that didn't cause pain to her horse. I am shocked how much hate this video is getting. Also, I've used a nose band before - not because I've needed one but because the horse's bridle broke and i was using a hand-me-down. I would rather go without, personally.

[@dion789]

Though the bit has been well researched and people should educate themselves if they care about their horses, it's also just common sense. The mouth is one of the most sensitive parts of the body and the bit is made of hard, unforgiving metal. Anyone with a brain can figure out that that is not a pleasant combination.

[@ava8625]

This is one of the best videos out there

[@astridsnowbridge7556]

Not really lol a 1 joint snaffle doesn't move like that.

[@ava8625]

@@astridsnowbridge7556 it does if used correctly, if not used correctly then it moves even more

[@astridsnowbridge7556]

@@ava8625 No it doesn't. If you had done any ounce of research you would know that if used INCORRECTLY, it digs into the tongue, not the hard pallet. This just goes to show, if this guy doesn't even know how a 1 joint snaffle works, then maybe we shouldn't be trusting him. If used correctly, with a constant light contact. The bit will straighten out and not put any pressure anywhere. Most people don't even use this bit. Instead they use a broken joint which can't hit the pallet either.

[@ava8625]

@@astridsnowbridge7556 all bits hurt. If you didn't have selective hearing then you would know it HURTS.

[@astridsnowbridge7556]

@@ava8625 Selective hearing? lmao. If you're going to debate against bits please enlighten me on why it causes pain. Before you so much as reply to me please look at EVERY single one of Shelby Dennis bit videos. I'm also going to provide some sources below. At the 2012 Australian horse conference, it was concluded that bits don't hurt horses based on a peer reviewed vet study. They took some horses and equipped them in different kinds of bits and bitless bridles. They then had the horse stretch foward, each time adding more reign tension. It was concluded that if the horse reached further less with either bit or bitless, then it must cause more pain and pressure. However in their results they found horses reached similar amounts bitted or bitless. It was concluded by many experts that neither is more painful. This study was also done by Randle and Webster. They found similar results. In a study done by Hillary Clayton, she found that the myth horses can't swallow with bits is false. She also found that the tongue can handle pressure better then the nose. That would mean if 2 lb of pressure were applied to the nose or tongue, the horse would feel more pain on the nose. This is fact. Soft tissue, like inside the mouth, cushions the pressure, thus making it feel lighter. Not to mention some of the most sensitive nerves run right through where the bitless bridle sits. In fact the bars where the bit sits, has less sensitive nerves. I'm not saying bitless is bad, I used to ride a gelding who preferred bitless over anything, but my current gelding does a lot better bitted. He can go bitless, bridleless, and anything in between, but I find he is the most relaxed bitted. In a sidepull he tends to get more tense and shorten his stride. He has a very sensitive nose so it makes sense he doesn't prefer bitless. In his rubber, bendable, french link, he immediately gets so supple and relaxed when being ridden. It's very clear what he prefers.

[@rachelnicole3899]

I'm astonished to see all these ignorant people claiming to "never have problems riding with a bit" Bits are designed for PAIN AND PRESSURE. It is called PAIN COMPLIANCE. Jesus, did you NOT watch this video??? Just because they aren't showing obvious signs and signals doesn't mean they aren't in pain. Why be cruel to an innocent animal by shoving metal in its mouth when you could just use a bitless bridle? Horrible horsemanship. You un-educated people don't deserve to be near a horse, let alone riding one.

[@Kwilson0502]

Great information! I wish people would realize this and possibly learn to understand their horse without pain and fear.

[@hallerentz4588]

The bit will only squeeze the jaw and stab the roof of the mouth if the pressure is applied perpendicular to the mouth. In other words, the demonstration in the video only occurs if you pull straight down on the bit, if the horse's head is completely vertical, or if a running martingale is used. Pressure is usually applied closer to parallel than perpendicular to the mouth, and the joint/middle of the bit will move more forward instead of up. This guy uses scary language like "all bits hurt all horses" in order to sell his pricey bitless bridles. It's mostly a marketing trick. Yes, some bits in the wrong hands can hurt horses, but with proper education and balance, a bit is simply an aid used by the rider to communicate with their horse. In fact, when used properly, a bit works in a similar manner to the bitless bridle. Pressure. Try putting your fingers in the corners of your mouth and pulling back gently. Does it hurt? No. (Does it look ridiculous? Maybe) Now lay your finger across the bottom of your nose and push. Our nasal bone is thin as is the nasal bone of a horse. The soft tissue inside the mouth has more ability to absorb pressure than does the hard and bony surface of a horse's face. It can be compared to pushing the soft part of your cheek and pushing the bridge of your nose respectively. A bitless bridle or halter can cause just as much pain as a bitted bridle in the wrong hands.

[@MorganHorse]

This is what I came down here to say, thanks for sparing my time.

[@Betty823]

You can't compare the corners of your mouth with the gum of a horse! Try pusching with metal to your gum 30 times on the same place (every day)!

[@mysticdesire]

I agree. People are so over reactive. If a bit was in your mouth, it would be super uncomfortable because we don't have as big mouths. Horses ADAPT to bits. People are so over reactive, and bitless riding is very difficult esspecialy if you're a beginner and it can bother the horse just as much as the bit can. Bitless riding can cause pain and scabs if not used properly.

[@rosetide478]

Rose Eventing I had to adapt to a bit like thing in my mouth every day... Aka my expander... Heh.

[@rosetide478]

Christien de Bruijn I have a tiny bit that fits perfectly in my mouth and, I'm fine when I push and pull the hardest as possible. It almost broke my nose when I did it to my nose. Also this video is very inaccurate due to the bit being positioned in the wrong place so your gullible

[@nat2901]

If your horse is a "wild beast" that needs a bit to be controlled then you failed at training your horse propperly and earning its trust and affection.

[@04dram04]

To turn your horse into a slave, is not affection. Its possessive

[@HeartofEquus]

Well, there seems to be quite a few who are still 'behind the times' and lack any appreciable horsemanship skills as they still need a bit to control their horse. Wake up folks!

[@bambambojangles4103]

+Chuck Mintzlaff There is no need to have a bit in the horses mouth to control a horse. If trained properly the rider and the horse will know to respond to leg cues. That is how you control a horse. that being said as a rider and horse lover myself do ride with a bit? Yes I do ride with a bit, A properly fitted and properly used bit. I use a snaffle and have never seen any negative effects on my appy's mouth teeth or tongue.I have ridden him with only a halter and lead rope bareback and had no issues. I check these things regularly as any good horseman should. But this video is baseless and would only be applicable if you have a rider who does not understand that reins and bits do not make a good rider common sense and a connection with your horse do. this guy is misleading those who dont know any better and frustrating those who do. Please people ride nice and dont hurt your babies

[@sandracurrie5904]

+Chuck Mintzlaff agreed I don't agree with bits either very uncomfortable for the horse. I use bitless for my horse. Many other people use bits but, my rider instructer and I don't believe in bits she believes in bitless and leg signals we also don';t believe in kicking. We believe in ask tell and them command ask would be lifting the reigns which meens go then for the tell is a light squeeze and for command it is a kick or a toutch of the crop. works for my horse and it makes for a more comforable ride for you and your horse.

[@MorganHorse]

In this video the bit is not in the correct position.. The bit is supposed to collapse forward, not upward into the roof of the mouth. The rings are supposed to be at the corners of the mouth as well.

[@sandracurrie5904]

think they do that because you have a better view of what the bit does.

[@bambambojangles4103]

Molly MountainField/NovaDragonBridge I hope you dont think I meant kicking when I said leg cues, leg cues are different . Its so sad to see people being rough with they're horses I feel like I made myself look bad here. I dont condone any kind of animal abuse.

[@emdavies8986]

this actually moved me so much... wanted to go bitless for so long, my mare leans constantly on your hands, and is sometimes prone to tanking, after seing all these good reviews of bitless bridles i'm going to try one out and see if there's any improvement, if she seems to like it then i'll definitely stick with that... thankyou so much for this! :)

[@arielldelarosa4221]

Regardless of placement, hard metal on a soft squishy mouth is at the best extremely uncomfortable, and at its worst causes permanent nerve damage. As for this "bitless doesn't work" nonsense, it's poor horsemanship. If your horse has never had such a thing on him, he wont understand how he should respond to the pressure without some guidance. I mean, you don't just throw a bit in there when you first start a green colt and expect him to know what to do. You have patience and teach in a controlled enviornment, until you get a nice response, and can ride anywhere with confidence. Additionally, many riders fear riding without a bit, and consequently, when they do try bitless for themselves, clench the reins, and become stiff and jerky, making their horses a nervous wreck as well, causing a poor response, or even no response at all (i.e. bolting). Poor riding coupled with a lost/confused horse spells disaster. Both horse and rider must be prepared, just like riding with a bit. This is really the reason why going bitless would be unsuccessful.

[@lilywilliamson1155]

Much of this does not respond to any argument that a person who rides in bits would make, and is not defensible by a lot of people who ride in bits and are involved in this argument. Pain is worse in places where tissue is hard and there is very little squishy stuff protecting it. Putting pressure on a tissue with give causes less pain than a solid hard tissue. Try it on yourself.

[@lilywilliamson1155]

@@inharmonywithearth9982 the bit lies on the tongue and bars of the mouth, which I'm p sure are softer than the nose. And if properly fitted and ridden very little pressure should be exerted on the lips. Very little pressure should be used regardless

[@dalecarlianhorseacademy]

Thank you for this video Arno, this is the best explanation we've seen so far!/Ylwa and Mats, Sweden

[@tarahilchey6979]

Yes, if a rider is ripping on the horses mouth it is going to hurt! But I ride my horse in a bit and don't have any problems. You could put the worlds harshest bit in a horses mouth and if you have quiet hands it's not going to be a problem. The bit can only be as harsh as the rides hands (as many people have already said) , and yes horses that can be ridden with no bit that is perfectly fine, but some horses are just to head strong/rammy and they need to have a bit , also some need the bit to help then say connected. A bit can help in a lot of ways that some horses cannot get without one.

[@anam.2347]

Thank you. So many people watch this and believe a KZbin video. I completely agree and thank you again for being smart, unlike some other people.

[@riotenbrink7941]

This an outstanding video with such a great calm guy. Womderful job please keep doing it. I subscribed!

[@anacsmari]

Rio Tenbrink the bit is upside down to begin with

[@sydneypalleiko851]

And I use a bit on my horse and he doesn't open his mouth at all and he is very healthy with nothing wrong with his mouth

[@haileyisom1391]

It called you can have someone take a video of you riding and then you can watch the video. How uneducated are you? I’ve watched many old western movies and no horses have opened their mouth to get away from the pain? If you want to see horses opening their mouths go to Fallon Taylor’s KZbin and watch her videos. Then you’ll see what a horse in pain caused by the bit and rough hands looks like.

[@DeathKitty123456]

i ride my horse in a flash and he often pulls down on my hands trying to slacken my not too tight grip on the reins so i have just ordered a bitless bridle after a year of denial, videos like this changed my mind so thank you :)

[@roxie2120]

Bits are not bad in themselves. It's the hands that control the bit. If you're hands are jerking all over the place, yes it will cause pain, but if it's steady and controlled, the bit is not bad. Same with spurs or any other aid. That being said, Hackamores and bitless bridles are not the best thing in the world either. They put a lot of pressure on the nose and that bone, and some horses just won't respond to not having a bit. To me it depends on the horse, and skill of the rider.

[@margomiller2701]

Delighted to happen upon this horsemastership topic by sheer chance. More of the same, please.

[@TreyNitrotoluene]

Im calling BS. I just wiped off my copper bit and put it in my own mouth. First: when i open my mouth up it bends more and pushes on the upper palate MORE not less. Second, it never hurt and a human has a much softer mouth than a horse. Third, the copper kinda tingles in a nice way on the tongue so that ay be why my horse plays with it so much.

[@Anastasia2048]

I'm not against bits, but the size of a bit is way too big for a humans mouth and the anatomy of a horse's mouth to a humans is completely different.

[@wendynewberry6283]

So I have been told get rid of the copper if they play with it too much.

[@evedemian]

Are you such an asshole that you can't figure out that *your* mouth doesn't conform to the shape and dynamic of a horse's mouth? Do you need to *breathe* with your mouth sealed *shut*, when you run? Maybe you should have put the bit on your BRAIN!

[@lillycheek322]

Lol same

[@lillycheek322]

Eve Demian bro horses don’t open there mouth when running that is why there nostrils are so big and a bit doesn’t cep a horses mouth shut that’s a flash of u can’t even tell the difference then u shouldn’t be here

[@AntlersAndAcorns]

Finally someone with commonsense.

[@imagineaboringlife]

Many people on here say that a good rider only uses the bit as a subtle form of communication and mostly rides the horse by seat and leg. Then surely if that is the case you can do the same with a bitless bridle? The truth is that with a tiny piece of metal on a very sensitive and sore place you can indeed control a horse. We can not win from our horse without it. But i you want a genuine relationship with your horse that's truly based on trust and leadership you will need to find other ways.

[@lauraetco]

It makes sense that if you are a good rider (and have a well trained horse that doesn't spook), you could safely ride with a bitless bridal. The problem is, not everyone is a good rider (and not every horse is well-trained). On top of that, there are arguments that bitless bridals like hackamores are cruel because of the pressure they put on the nose. What about saddles? Apparently, they cause pain to the back and shoes cause loss of blood circulation to the hooves. You can have a genuine relationship with your horse that is truly bases on trust and leadership, even if you use a bit.

[@lucyb8802]

@@lauraetco the whole point in a bit is to make the horse do things with pain so if you need this then you don't have a relationship with your horse, all horses can learn and so can humans, but humans choose not to.

[@sophiafischer3418]

I would like to say, that if you are using a bit you should know that the tongue goes OVER the bit and those who ride correctly use a soft hand. Bits are for reassurance. People seem to forget Horses have minds of their own. Bit are for naughty school ponies and other horses ridden by multiple people who unschool and school them. Millions of horses have ridden with bits and been happy and healthy. Those who say bits hurt horses are using them incorrectly.

[@ZephyrBluePaddy]

Erm, no, the bit goes over the tongue.

[@feliciadale1740]

StephenFryForPope Golly, yes- bit OVER the tongue!!!

[@MrVjl279]

A good horseman will ensure that the horse is soft to the bit. I love the videos from people who have spent very little time around horses.

[@evedemian]

Better find out who Arno Hendriks is.

[@minihorselover001]

Anyone that dislikes this video is in denial of what a bit actually does to your horse! If humans had to work with a bit in their mouth being pulled on all the time bits would be banned in a heartbeat! This is exactly why I drive bitless for all my horses, from my 180lb mini to my 2,000lb draft horse!

[@minihorselover001]

***** It's better for some horses to have a metal rod forced in their mouth? The purpose of a bit is to cause submissive compliance through pain and force the horse to do what you want, end of story. There is no such thing as a nice bit. If shit hits the fan and your horse spooks you will pull and yank on that bit to regain control of your horse and that will cause him pain. The reason you see no problem with it is because you aren't forced to wear it. I have yet to meet a horse that wouldn't work better and more relaxed while bitless, any horse that doesn't go bitless is the riders fault for not working with their horse or for being so tense without their metal security blanket it causes their horse to 'be bad' and panic. I drive a 2,000lb draft horse that used to 'need' a twisted wire bit in his mouth because he was 'crazy' and would take off in a snaffle. The corners of his mouth are raw from the bits continued use, and this driver was soft handed compared to most I've seen! Now this horse drives happily bitless and blinderless and can actually enjoy going for a drive. Bits are bad, period. The only exception to this is a soft, bendable rubber or leather bit with no metal center.

[@minihorselover001]

***** A rod is a thin straight bar made of wood or metal, which a bit fits under. Look it up. If you have no desire to change my opinion then why are you replying? I am not saying I ride or drive by yanking on a horse but that is what i've seen many times, and a horse that loses his rider can easily step on the reins and severely hurt or break his jaw. That won't happen in a web halter or side pull. My point is that you can't be in control of every single movement a bit makes in a horses mouth just like many people can't control their reactions when their horse spooks suddenly. I have seen many horses clamp their jaws shut, rear, bite and throw their heads up to avoid bits and humans call them bad horses and discipline them for it. My horse doesn't lean on the halter and never leaned on the bit, the bit created raw spots simply by being held in place and rubbing on the sides of his mouth. You truly think that pulling on your horses face while he's scared and spooking to do a one rein stop is kind? You're crazy! Since I come from the driving world where a one rein stop isn't possible I had never heard of one rein stops until I started riding and I think it's a stupid and dangerous thing to do.Taking the head away from a 1,000lb animal is incredibly stupid, they could fall over and kill the rider or become injured by stepping on themselves or tripping or more scared. Pulling on the bit puts pressure on the mouth and causes pain, no if's, and's, or but's about it. That is what a bit does, just like a nose ring on a bull causes pain so the farmer can control it. There are no 'nice' or 'kind' bull nose rings just like there are no 'nice' or 'kind' bits. I suppose you think spurs are kind too?

[@minihorselover001]

You can give your own opinion on a separate comment just like everyone else has, the only reason to reply to me specifically is to attempt to change my opinion or piss me off. Not all bull rings are made to pierce the nose, some are made just like a horse bit and just sit in the nose without piercing it yet they cause just as much pain when pulled on or applied pressure as one that pierces the nose. While a horse can hurt himself with a halter, a bit increases the chance of injury. I have always been told never to tie a horse by the bit but I have yet to be told to never tie a horse by a halter or side pull. I never used a bit on my horse, he was forced to wear a bit before he was given to me. If your horse can't work/ride in a halter then how do you lead him around?? With a bit? As I said before, if a horse can't go bit less calmly then the owner has failed the horse. Horses are much more sensitive than people, they feel flies hovering near their hindquarters and shiver their skin at mosquitoes. The mouth is one of the most sensitive places on a horses body, if you think a bit doesn't cause pain you are either in serious denial, naive or are stupid. Sorry but it's true. I have autism and am much more sensitive than neuro-typical humans and I can't stand wearing rings, they are annoying and they pinch. If a ring I am wearing is moved or pulled on it causes me pain and stresses me out. Horses are even more sensitive than this! Don't compare you choosing of your own free will to wear a ring to a horse being forced to wear a metal bit in his mouth because they are not even close to being alike and you never will be as sensitive as a horse therefore you have no idea how much a bit causes pain. You can get a general idea if you learn to listen to your horse but a horses pain signals are often ignored as they are expected when a horse is bitted. Bits also negatively effect the horse physiologically as discussed in this article: www.bitlessbridle.com/pathophysiology.pdf Although I don't like his bit less bridle I agree with Dr. Cooks findings as I have seen the negative results of bits many times at fairs and horse shows, I've even seen bits be the cause of accidents and injuries due to the horses fighting the bit and loosing focus during a competition and I also have yet to see a bit stop or calm down a terrified horse, although I've seen the bit make the problem worse many times...

[@artemisvikatou5202]

Human's mouths are very different from horses'

[@minihorselover001]

Horse Luver or Artemis Yes they are, they're more sensitive.

[@TrueBluePony]

this is actually amazing! ive never even thought about this becuase not many people know! changed my veiw completely!!!

[@reganbluecloud3080]

That's why I ride bitless

[@MorganHorse]

In this video the bit is not in the correct position.. The bit is supposed to collapse forward, not upward into the roof of the mouth. The rings are supposed to be at the corners of the mouth as well.

[@jettahunt1185]

Morgan_Horse but that’s what ends up happening with it because ppl like you use bits because you don’t know how to ride, and if you did know how to ride then you wouldn’t have to use bits, Spurs, and whips to, “motivate” your horse because you are to much of a stick up brat to learn how to ride to benefit the horse.

[@lilywilliamson1155]

Thats why I *don't ride in badly fitted single broken snaffles

[@lilywilliamson1155]

@@jettahunt1185 you are a very funny kid lol

[@jettahunt1185]

Lily Williamson thank you XD

[@sarahcottingham3825]

Brilliant video thankyou. I have been riding bitless for nearly 20 years, hundred horses or more, a combination of horses that I have retrained, started and ones I have owned and I havent found a horse yet that "needs" a bit, still looking lol I just feel it is very intrusive and not needed. I would rather a piece of leather over my nose than a piece of metal. in my mouth !! but only if its held with soft hands of course. When I teach people bitless riding they have to earn the reins, therefore they remain on the lead and/or lunge until they can demonstrate good balance and an independant seat. There is a saying that the only bit a horse needs is a bit of understanding!

[@MorganHorse]

I've commented this multiple times to end the ignorance, so here I go again: In this video the bit is not in the correct position.. The bit is supposed to collapse forward, not upward into the roof of the mouth. The rings are supposed to be at the corners of the mouth as well. This video is incorrect.

[@ermannosensibile8101]

Beautiful video... this is educational for the riders... they should know how to work the bit... excellent explanation... every riders should know...

[@Talia99lo]

Have you ever had a good bond with a horse, so good that he is trying to protect you against other horses?! I had. If your horses don't show you their feelings you are doing something really really wrong. If you come close to your horse you can get a really special bond, and then you can to everything with your horse, but that takes time and the most people don't want to take that time. That's sad.

[@BlackMountain150]

I would like to let people know that the video shows an INCORRECT placing of the bit. no bit ever ends up in the position shown, they always lay flat down the horses mouth pointing down the tongue and a flat level. The horse cannot physically brings its head up high enough to get the bit in this position. Yes bits can be strong but every horse is different and in some cases going bit-less is just as bad.

[@BlackMountain150]

***** Very much so. Horses will only avoid pressure if it is a bit that is incorrect for the horses mouth. Nutcracker actions don't always fit horses well and most horses I know have a lozenge of french link to separate the pressure. When the horse does drop his bottom jaw away we put a restrictive noseband on instead of correcting the simple bit and schooling required. I ride with a loose flash when I school as a way to tell my mare she is to work, it is loose and just sits there. When hacking she has a loose noseband no flash and when hacking with a friend who will likely canter with me it goes up tight as my horse doesn't understand what breaking is in canter so I use the pressure to teach her that if she pulls the pressure intensifies, she gets better each time and soon the flash will be removed or loose again. :)

[@MorganHorse]

It is definitely incorrect bit placement.

[@BlackMountain150]

Morgan_Horse It is. I see people using this video all the time as an example but they do not realise that it is incorrect. It upsets me as it then turns them to bitless and we end up with people who think bitless is pure gold when bitless can cause as many problems as a bit would

[@MorganHorse]

***** exactly! Bitless really isn't any better in the end.

[@BlackMountain150]

***** Well no it isn't in a lot of cases. It can cause as many problems as a bit can, both can be lent on and taken advantage of and both can cause facial problems. Bits can damage the corners of the horses lips and the bars of the mouth and even the tongue if it is that severe! Bitless can cause rubbing to the face, dips in the nasal bone and fractures of the nasal bone in severe cases. When bits don't work for the horse you can turn to bitless and when bitless doesn't work for your horse you can turn to bits. Either one can be devastating in the wrong hands.

[@RavenBlake]

Excellent video!!! Very graphic and specific explanation. And thank you for sharing this to the world. Maybe people now will understand what they are doing with their hands.

[@localsofa]

If you incorrectly use a bitless bridle it can break a horses nose, so it can also be VERY PAINFUL!

[@FancySassy80]

actually no.. a bitless bridle can break a nose if its place too low on the nose by a person who doesn't know better, and they pull heavy on the reins. I've seen it happen, in a Dr. Cooks! they put the bridle way too low and the horse freaked out and they pulled back.. snapped the nose bone clear through..

[@FancySassy80]

again they had it very low on the nose.. right where the nose bone is the most fragile.. it was horrible.. took almost a year for it to be fully healed, but even still they were no longer able to put any type of cavesson on the horse. Basically anything can snap that nose bone its paper thin in places..

[@vivientakacs5599]

No it can't. If you put the bridle so low, where the nasal bone ends, then it can break it. But bit less bridles are designed to be right there, where the nasal bone starts. If some people put it lower, they don't even know how to ride. Those people shouldn't put anything on a horse's head.

[@Amy-s1]

Mistyvapor that's a rider error. If you have to put so much pressure than you don't know how to ride correctly with a bitless bridle. If someone pulls that hard and breaks a nasal bone god save the horse that has the same hands handling a bit in his mouth.

[@oliviaharrington6492]

If u had read her comment maybe you would have read "PLACED INCORRECTLY OK THE HORSES NOSE""

[@adventure-riding]

that's exactly what I mean! people have no idea how sensitive a horse is, how to talk to them. they just know how to force them. and they can't even sit without holding on the reins. one of our mares has no sense at all on her head... long storry, poor girl... we ride as save as any other rider - just without causing her pain or force her. we simply move together in harmony. to stop her I take my legs away from her body, I lean back and say: wo! she stops immediately. NO pressure!

[@ambie1354]

All of you who are getting upset over this video are just irritated because what you have done all your life is actually not okay. Sure, some people have soft hands and don't put a lot of pressure on the bit blah blah blah, A bit is still a bit. This horse knows that he has to listen so he can avoid the pain from the bit. All of you people need to know that bits only give you a FALSE sense of control over your horse. If you want REAL respect from your horse, and a better bond, then don't use bits. If your horse listens to you, then obviously he respects you. If he or she doesn't listen to you, it's because the only way you can get him to listen to you is by threatening him with metal pain and that's not a real relationship with your horse. People, get yourself out of dippity do da land and get back in reality. Stop getting mad about the truth, bits negatively effect horses, get over it and actually do stuff to prove you care about your horse and do what's best for him or her..

[@gayasalit104]

You are so right!!!!! I used the bit, and then i understood that it is a really bad an horrible thing, and i ride with my horse only bitless, and he just love it and respect my cues! It is so much more fun when the horse is happy too!

[@KarenmitchellANI]

"Done all your life" ?? Speak for yourself and stop being judgemental

[@blazenblizzard320]

I'm not irritated the reason I'm saying this is because my horse listens to me very well and will do anything for me. She runs up to every time I see her and she is always in a big pasture and she walks beside with the halter on her and the lead rope over her withers and she will follow me every where and anywhere I go so I know that I treat her right. I know that me and her have a the best bond I have ever had with any horse I have ever owned. I can ride with me tack and no halter on and I can run as fast as I want to go and she listens to me. So I know for a fact that the bit is not hurting her at all. My horse had only had the bit in her mouth like 12 times and as soon as she had it in her mouth she didn't know for sure at first. Then she was fine and doesn't care what's so ever no more. So guess what not all people are hash on there horses so be nice to them they know what they are doing!!!

[@gayasalit104]

***** when you are riding in a lesson, your trainer says if you can ride without a bit, you can ask him/her, but it's hard to build a relationship with the horse during a lesson, so if you want to have a relationship with the horse you love, you have to give him your time, not only in the lesson and not only from his back. Have fun with the horse, teach him tricks and do with him ground work also… if you can't be with the horse you love after the lesson, ask your trainer if during the lesson you can aslo do ground work, tricks and bitless riding…

[@gayasalit104]

Don't you dear and say I am doing wrong all my life! I used the bit when my horse wasn't still mine, and when I got him I started riding bitless with him, and it's the only way we are riding now days. We also do tricks and ground work, and our frindship is much stronger that you can imagin. So please back off, I love my horse like I don't love anyone exept my family, so back off, I ride with a halter/a hackamore and don't even use it. So shut your big mouth. Please. Now my horse respects me, a lot!

[@c.c7593]

Love the way he explains everything people will say it doesn’t hurt when you use it gently or you have the right bit they are in denial any dislikes on this video are people in denial This is gonna sound weird but you know that device that shows men how painful it is to give birth I wish they could hook one of those up to people that use bits but like one that shows the pain there in does that make sense

[@emmafimrite577]

First of all, this video is invalid. Dr. Cook uses this as a marketing tool, and his sources are biased, much like NHE. To expain, the bit can not press into the palette that much. Nor do bits press on the corner gums of the mouth; they lay against the lips. Not only that, the tongue is thicker than shown in most of this video.This bit is an improperly fitting, of course, with bigger than usual joints, and on the French link, a huge centre link. If you look at how a bit works, if will only act like this video says if the horse is on the vertical, with a bit too wide, and a very harsh rider. Many of this video's points are invalid. Before switching to Bitless, research using VALID, UNBIASED sources! Don't base off one! I suggest Cairdeas Horsemanship and The Bit Bank. Do your research folks. Bits are not always bad.

[@rhiannon-amberleavett846]

Emma Fimrite just because something has been used for marketing does not mean it’s invalid. Dr Cooks work has been peer reviewed (when other scientists from a similar field analyse your work with the intention of finding flaws in it) all scientific papers MUST be peer reviewed before being published. But of course another teenager on the internet knows more than professional biologists and vets.... 🥴

[@StephieLilley]

Thank you!!! I'm so sick of people saying that every horse can go bit-less. I've seen what happens when someone goes bit-less on a really strong horse. It did not end well.

[@BreyerHorsePower]

This video has false information in it. People who know nothing about horses believe this and then begin to hate equestrians. A bit does not hurt a horse but truly it depends on the rider. If the rider holds the reins tight, the bit applies pressure, sometimes too much which may cause pain to the horse. As long as you keep a loose rein the horse feels little pressure and no pain. My quarter horse moves through his gaits just fine and he's never showed any sign of pain. I barely use the bit at all anyway. Mainly, I use voice and body language. In English riding you often see tight reins. Often in dressage. I don't like the way they hold their reins but of course, once again, it all depends on the rider and the way she/he holds the reins. I'd never do anything to hurt my horse and if I believed the bit hurt him, I would definitely change it. I do ride in a halter sometimes but it makes no difference in the way he rides. It all depends on what bit you use as well. Some bits cause more pressure some cause less. Like a snaffle, a snaffle is very gentle. Please, do not believe the yahoo who made this video, it all depends on the bit you use and the way you hold your reins.

[@stripeyhorsestudios7800]

I agree Go breyer Us people now best

[@miniiwelder6953]

i agree

[@thundersbarnes]

Why would we put metal I bout horses mouth if it hurt them? We wouldn't because we wouldn't want to hurt out horses

[@miniiwelder6953]

+makrela1984 Listen hun, if you ever took physical science 200g isnt heavy at all. If you knew much about horses they have very strong jaws, it is understood that bits can be bad for the horse but in some conditions it really isnt. If you're very light with your hands then in wont hurt them, but if you're a beginner with chicken arms(flapping your hands when you ride) then it would hurt or if you yank. Your welcome.

[@Bekahsassy]

You are full of shit, if you think you know anything about horse, you will never begin to comprehend what a horse is all about, what a dumb idiot.

[@shamheyashi8986]

i have been looking for a video just like this one, now i understand, thank you

[@ponyjumper1354]

Bits have been used for centuries, I use a bit on my horse, if I felt the need to change I would. But I feel that my horse is not in pain.

[@jenniferhigginbotham3112]

you are an idiot

[@BreyerHorsePower]

Jennifer Higginbotham How is she an idiot? I use a bit on my horse but keep my reins loose. That way when I pull it doesn't apply to much pressure. If the bit hurt him I would change it. I ride with just a halter all the time, but I ride with a bit just as often. This video has false information in it and is causing people like you to hate equestrians. Please, get facts from some one who really knows about horses before you go believing the yahoo who made this video.

[@jenniferhigginbotham3112]

I could careless who made the video...but if anyone believes the bit does not hurt a horse is an idiot. The whole idea of the bit is to apply pressure to a horses mouth in order to control the horse. To much pressure always ends in pain. I ride without a bit and have trained horses to transition from the bit to bit-less bridles. Horses don't need a bit, the bit makes people feel better not horses!

[@KariKidd]

***** If you already ride with a loose rein isn't a pain bit completely useless ? If it isn't being utilized why are you still using it ?

[@KariKidd]

PonyJumper13 doctors also used to cut open a vein on a person that was sickly to try and bleed out the infection. Of course now we do no such thing because after trial and error we realized it was a bad idea even if it had been done over and over and over again through history. I am sure your horse would appreciate not having metal in its mouth ever again even if YOU feel no need to change. If only you spoke horse or your horse spoke human then you would have a concrete answer from your horse. Bits , spurs , crops are all crutches for riders that have no trust in their animal or have no damn idea what they are doing so instead of taking the time to learn they slap a bit and curb chain on the animal and say " Yuck Yuck I am a cowgirl YEEHAW !! " If your horse could read your above comment right now it would be rolling its eyes and saying WTF !! ARE YOU CERTIFIABLE !?!?

[@97hannahmarie]

i ride bridless alot of the time but when i do ride in tack he has a grackle on simply because when i was backing him last year he used to bolt and with a grackle on like someone suggested, i had brakes!obviously now he doesnt at all need it as he will happily do anything i ask him to in just a neck rope but i never thought of changing it back to a simple noseband because i didnt think it was doing him any harm but now i've seen this i will be swapping it back tommorow! thank you so much!

[@ameliasaad2269]

BITLESS FOR LIFE🙌

[@Lindseyr333]

I have a horse who was a bucket and bolter. I used to get so mad at him for bolting that I would hang on his mouth. When we are stopped he is always playing with the bit and slobbering. I have seen horses who have the strap to keep their mouth shut. I'm considering using the Dr. Cooks bit less bridle.

[@elisaaylmer-hall419]

"With thanks to Dr Cook" a bitless bridle producer? Of course he's going to say bits are abusive.

[@evedemian]

I'm going to make this comment, again: WHY do you think that Dr. Cook has invented the bitless bridle? How stupid, cruel, and resistant to the TRUTH are you?!

[@hunterelrod3092]

@@evedemian how stupid and uneducated are you?

[@lydiapatterfield7346]

Groundwork with your horse then adapt it to your ridding you can ride completely free, it also gives you a better bond with your horse because you aren't hurting him/her and your partners! I see tack as dominance over the horse and a barrier between you and the horse, by doing liberty your making it fun and invading the horses mind rater than having him focus on his mouth. It's not the horse it's you a horse will cross any bridge you build as long as the first one is from him to you, if a horse

[@Juliette-wp8rj]

I think the bit is abusive when you don't know how to use it

[@nellysandberg8042]

Juliette vids u shouldn’t even use a bit in the first place no matter how good of a rider you are

[@Juliette-wp8rj]

@@nellysandberg8042 in first place my can't buy a new bridle atm and my bit is snaffle and my horse doesn't even care it's there and even tho I only use it for my barrel racing shows then in practice and normal riding day I ride bitless so first ask before acting.

[@hunterelrod3092]

@@nellysandberg8042 you do realize how stupid you sound?

[@jennypearce8217]

Thanks Arno for a very clear demonstration of the action of the snaffle bit in the horse's mouth. I did a course where a dentist showed us exactly the same thing with a horse's skull. I was shocked to see for myself that what I had thought was the gentlest bit, was so painful in its action. I have linked to your video on my blog and talked about another alternative. You can read it by googling Jenny Pearce and horses. Thanks again - a great video!

[@NiamhAndBentley]

I use a bit whenever I ride. My horse has never opened it's mouth. Not have any of the horses I have ridden. This video is not completely true. It doesn't always happen. It depends on how you use the bit. It's not a form of abuse.

[@kirbymclellan2862]

I agree!

[@ElizabethLightmore]

Yes it is. I used to use bits and I'll admit that. And I'm not so damn stubborn to see that there is validity in these videos about bits! You can train your horse to not use bits. Heck you can train your horse not to use a bridle at all even lol. There is no reason to put that in their mouths. It can't be comfortable and just because your horse isn't opening it's mouth doesn't mean it isn't in pain.

[@schmidteventing9844]

Niamh AndBentley because you use a flash fat fuck

[@skamlsschistad]

Schmidt Eventing I don't use a flash and none of the horses I've ridden have opened their mouths.

[@Amy-s1]

skamlos schistad so because your horse doesn't open his mouth it doesn't hurt? So when you pull on a rein pushing a metal device into his sensitive gums, teeth and tongue, it doesn't hurt? That's again, ignorant. I don't see why you just don't take the time to ride your horses bitless, it's easy and doesn't require a pain device in a horse's mouth.

[@adventure-riding]

riding bitless trains the rest of your body. we ride 5 of our 6 horses bitless. My 1st horse was a runner, never stoped, never accepted a bit. he was going to be slautert when i found him. i realized the problem: not his mouth, he was scared. so many riders just depend on the reins. after 3 weeks of riding him i gave up - on the bit. after 3 month he walked (!) he did not run and i held the reins with 2 fingers. he reacted on weight and legs. so: not the bit stops "runners" the rider does.

[@alyssacollier4454]

2:10 you have the bit upside down that it why it would hurt the horse. You always have it the other way round so it fits the horses mouth. Bits are not abusive unless they are too strong for the horse or the rider uses it wrong too abuse

[@cocowon900]

This video is amazing... Now I only use rubber bits for shows and dr. Cooks at home:)

[@JenniferandLucky]

I have to stop you there. Yes, bits can be awful, but that depends on the rider. It's very interesting to hear this, but I don't think that you should say that "bits cause horses a lot of pain". That, as I said, depends. It feels like you put all the riders under the same roof here. This will probably cause a lot of hate, don't worry, I get hate all the time.

[@KariKidd]

Learn how to ride without causing ANY amount of pain to your horse ! If I pointed a gun at you and said " This is only a small caliber bullet and will only cause minimal damage so just chill while I shoot you " You would lose your damn mind and run screaming ! Why is even a small amount of pain ok to inflict on your horse ? Pain is pain is pain . You sound smart so start acting like it and think of your animal instead of your comfort level.

[@KariKidd]

***** Very true and I totally agree with you on that point . Most people/riders are taught by someone who only knows what they were taught about YEEHAW IM A COWBOY GIDDYUP!!! Horses mouth is not considered in any of that and that is where the pain starts for the horse and injuries occur for humans when they are tossed off , head butted by a horse throwing its head , or have the horse flip over on top of them . Let's just go ahead and say a great deal of the population is hanging on and not an active participant in the relationship between horse and human . That is when it is seriously painful for the horse and then the horse expresses its displeasure and all kinds of unwanted habits begin and that gets a horse labeled as dangerous , bossy , bratty or just mean . Take away the metal in their mouth and that is when you will see what type of a relationship you actually have with your horse . Helmets protect the head but they sure as hell don't give magical wisdom when it is placed atop the head . Most helmet wearing riders think oh I have on my helmet so I am safe let's go jump that fence ! Weeeee...thumpthumpthump...Owwww!! Broken arm and now that horse is a danger to young female riders... Bits are a crutch to those who have poor equitation skills and if they didn't have them they would be learning a brand new way immediately. I know there are those few out there that do take the time and effort to have a light touch when riding but regardless it still causes pain and horses don't learn when they are stressed , scared or in pain . No need for a bit at all . Not sure who said this earlier but When you take your horse off the bit and she started acting all silly it was probably your nerves that were setting her up to fail. You get anxious she will get anxious and then we have a mess. You are comfortable with her wearing a bit but take it away and you were unsure of yourself and I can guarantee she picked up on that lack of confidence and ran with it . Love being able to have civil conversations among fellow equine enthusiasts as myself :)

[@JenniSammy]

Agreed, its like hes telling us that all riders are using rough hands and are abusing our horses. BS . I have very soft hands, and I KNOW when my horse is in pain, so i make sure not to cause pain!

[@JenniSammy]

***** exactly! Thank you!! Plus not all bits hurt, because a lot of them have the rubber protecting them so its not as bad

[@alexandrarabbit4929]

no shit it depends on the rider, this video shows what happens *WHEN THE RIDER IS EXTREMELY TIGHT ON THE REINS*

[@MaureenTierney]

I rode for 25 years with just a simple mullen mouth snaffle and my horses appeared happy. There was no head tossing or complaints about accepting the bit. Ears were up, etc. and never used the reins to stop. Still, when I went bitless, I noticed a difference. Bitless horses don't have saliva foam, Their mouths are very quiet. A bit sits on the bars. Put one in your mouth. I did. Imagine it bouncing around while you run. Anything in your mouth in general is annoying and you can't ignore it.

[@taylorspencer663]

This is seriously one of the most ridiculous videos i have seen.First off NO bit goes directly up into the horses gum. They are designed to bend with horses mouth and if anything the hinge would bend pointing outward to the opening of the horses mouth. If you haven't noticed there are SO many bits for the exact reason of finding the right bit for your horse and what specific sport you participate in with your horse. If your bit is clearly causing your horse pain as shown in the video above it is too large. Also in the video it says that we are not in touch with our horse because we "silence them with nose bands", I have a OTTB who requires a flash because he opens his mouth. I know the bit isn't bothering him. He is a very sensitive horse and i know he would never let the bit back in his mouth if it was causing him pain. If i was so oblivious to what my horse was feeling how would i know to take him to the vet for a 200 dollar vet bill just because he wasn't as forward? On the contrary any horse is going to be in pain when you pull on the rains with exceptional force. But by no means is the cause of a horse opening their mouth caused by the bit stabbing them. You should probably study how a bit works and is shaped before you make an uneducated video.

[@anam.2347]

This video is designed to scare people that don't know anything.

[@arinapuppyhand5950]

No it's not

[@caitlynnrose6568]

ana m. Argeed!

[@caitlynnrose6568]

agreed-

[@ikeadogg3106]

oh so sorry u have agreed not to learn anything

[@lydiapatterfield7346]

Actually bits aren't necessary at all and if you feel you need one that is just a control issue it's not like the horse can't understand aids or cues without one as long as you reinforce them, I'm doing liberty with my horse and were both teaching and learning from each other we don't ride with any tack at all and before he was in a Pelham and curb chain but I begun liberty and he's a big strong racehorse and he rides better without tack than he does with. A bit is not needed if you do

[@SnildFraMelis]

Maybe you should call the video "the effects of bits who not fits your horse"

[@StephieLilley]

No my friend never stopped working with him. She took him out on trails and loved on him. He didn't have the spirit he used to. She had her vet come out and many other things checked out on him. When she started running barrels with him again he got happy. It was his job and he loved it and he passed away of old age. He was never injured or neglected. She allowed him to do the job he loved to an extent and then he passed away of old age. She treats all of her horses kindly. They're not tools.

[@ToxicRikki]

are you a member of PETA? -___-

[@sunsetsbythesea]

awesome, you have a very responsible and mature opinion on bits that I rarely see anywhere. Thanks for renewing my faith in equestrians. :)

[@Sandkralle]

i ride with and often without bits, too. But I think my horse is not in pain O.o if he was in pain he wouldn't go a step, believe me...

[@JenniferandLucky]

Exactly. Horses are still animals, that weigh about 700kg, you can't really force them to do something that hurts them, without hurting yourself ;)

[@ggo6cool]

This comments made me feel better about how I normally use the bit... 😅

[@minihorselover001]

JenniferandLucky That is very wrong thinking! A horse is a prey animal, not a predator and does its best to avoid conflict at all times so as not to get attacked. Horses are physically abused every day without fighting back, just look at the TWH soring that was caught on camera. Those horses didn't fight back even though they were in an immense amount of pain. Look at Linda Parelli when she abused that partially blind horse and Pat Parelli when he and Linda abused that horse Catwalk. I could go on and on but relying on a horse to fight back is like relying on a baby to fight back, they will give you signals they are confused, scared or in pain but they won't hurt or kill you over it.

[@ism9542]

Kelsie B In fact, horses are preys.. a 700 kilo horse will never do what you ask him/her to do.. even in pain the horse will do something that is not in line with what you asked him/her! and horses do fight back. its just that people like you don't see it. If you ride a horse and the horses starts ignoring what you are asking him/her, thats called fighting back (passively). When a horse starts to jump like crazy and throws you down, thats fighting back.. when a horse kicks, thats fighting back (not always depends).. Its not true that horses don't fight back. Any animal fights back because they possess the survival instinct.. none will stay there and make you kill them, predator or prey. And because they are preys, they will always try to fight back to escape. of course, they won't attack you (debatable) like a dog would.. but if you really know a horse you know when he/she is fighting back.. The reason why you say this is because you clearly never had true experiences with horses with strong characters.. I have travelled through Europe and rode more than 1000 horses (counted and remember them all so I'm not exaggerated). ALL OF THEM defended themselves (of course, passively) when I did something they didn't like.. pain or not pain. There are plenty of books talking about Equine behaviour and psychology... I'm not inventing anything.

[@minihorselover001]

Ilaria Matiassich Really? because I have seen horses get shocked with electricity and not fight back, be beaten with whips and not fight back, be starved and dehydrated and not fight back, be drugged like hell and not fight back. Not all horses are the same. Will some fight back? Yes, but not all. Ignoring an animals pain because he might not fight back is abuse IMO. Protesting is not defending dummy. Defending is physically fighting back, protesting is not doing what you want. And i'm sure you ignored all their protests, am I right?

[@stefaniereinhold8240]

A non-pinching loose ring snaffle (JP snaffle, inexpensive), soft hands, the right training methods (classical) or a Meroth Natural Leather Bit (available online) are good solutions. Personally, I find the Cook bridle restrictive and not helpful.

[@lefleurgolf1380]

"With a lot of thanks to Dr. Cook for his years of research on bits." Interesting. Dr. Cook, a bitless bridle maker. Making an inaccurate video about what bits supposedly do to horses. Am I the only one who smells propaganda?

[@hunterelrod3092]

Well it is propaganda. If you've watched drcook ride you will see he uses bits. Hypocrisy at its finest

[@hunterelrod3092]

@@inharmonywithearth9982 ignorant

[@Chloe-eu1ts]

@@hunterelrod3092 I think Ur the ignorant one here

[@yami-no-kami3586]

As far as I'm informed he invited his bridle after the outcome of his research. At first he fas curious where some issues he had observed come from, then found out how cruel and dangerous a bit is for a horse and then worked on an bitless alternative and sold it.

[@superabby9807]

I'm glad you know how terrible bits are to horses

[@sydneypalleiko851]

This is not correct this is a very won't video giving out wrong information it's not even in the right position trust me s bit doesn't hurt ur horse like in the video they showed

[@rhiannon-amberleavett846]

Sydney Palleiko yes they do. Single break snaffles are used in racing and polo to keep the horses head up by jabbing the roof of the mouth. The pain and trauma bits caused has been studied and documented in over well 1000 horses. There’s people like me who’ve poured their lives and studies into equine biomechanics, biology & psychology, with scientific peer reviewed evidence. And then there’s people like you with 0 scientific evidence talking crap on the internet.

[@HeartofEquus]

Thank you Arno! We need more like you in the horse world!! Rest assured, I will forward this to as many as I possibly can. But personally, I have no need to put something in my horse's mouth that might in ANY way cause discomfort or pain, (much less that could cause permanent pathologic dental or bone injury) just to prove to my peers that I had an independent seat and 'good hands.' (Cont.)

[@eleequine7714]

A bit can only be as harsh as the hands it's in.

[@Shadow78CG2]

putting a piece of metal in a horses mouth... how in any way is that gentle?

[@malpeterson3087]

Syd C it isnt a mechanical force. a horses mouth and gaps between teeth that bits can sit on. it has to do with hard and soft pallets in their mouth with provide signals. i use bits and hackamores and ive never had to pull hard on any of them. the ideal way to use them is as a tool that transfers signals to their polls that are extremely subtle. propper horsemanship is helping your horse learn without it being a painful or fearful event.

[@Shadow78CG2]

No offence, but you saying that you use bits does not really create much credibility to what your saying. I have seen a bunch of people use bits... but that does not make them right to use. many of the same people's horses show signs of discomfort when they ride, then they wonder why their horses are kicking or acting up. I have seen that horses are more comfortable with rope halters. it takes more time to train with (and that's probably why a lot of people say its no good) but the horse is happier in the long run, and he is still able to pick up on those subtle signals. it just takes time. I used to like bits too but after i did research, and looking at body language and behavior of horses of varying ages, with and without bits being used while riding, i will not use one again.

[@malpeterson3087]

well i try a variety of bits out on each horse and see how they hold it (after they are adjusted right). i broke a lot of horses last winter and we didnt treat each horse the same and by god we tried a variety out on each. i think its the people that use them without picking the best one, adjusting it for the horse, and use them harshly and always have pressure on a mouth is why bits are not successful. but ive seen people mistreat a halter or bosal or hack as well. i think the best horsemen can take a bit or a bosal or anything and understand how to use it correctly. that is my opinion and it is right for me. yours is best for you. sorry i didnt mean to offend, just trying to express my experiences and view and successes with my ways. god bless ya for your methods and best of luck to you.

[@12345KATETHEGREAT]

exactly! this is my comment to every single video on the controversy of bit vs. bitless! People just don't get that we are all individuals and use them differently! This video is mis informational.