Bits, bars and snaffles

[prieot]

Ok, got an old chestnut for anyone who knows their history ...and one that i often mull over when considering whats practical vs what might simply be unquestioned as its "modern day practice"

First, to put things into context ....in the good old days, the snaffle was no more than a "quirky english invention that could serve no more than to lift the horses head". All horses were broken first with the cavesson and then with the bit-with-curb only.

So, assuming that i have the most sensitive hands ever and the greatest tact, what good reason would i have NOT, to follow the same footsteps as our old, old friends ?

 

[somethingorother]

Do you mean by using a curbed bit, or a snaffle? Your post confuses me.

I would say if someone trully does have such light hands as to not need to worry about a bit, then they should not need a bit at all and be able to ride almost entirely from seat and legs. Since most of us can't i suggest bitting the horse according to what they seem to prefer, rather than what the rider prefers. For some this is a curbed bit, for some a snaffle, for some no bit at all.

Personally i am becoming increasingly of the view that bits are redundant in a well schooled horse and rider.

 

[prieot]

...i meant to say use only a cavesson and then bit-with-curb ...so forget using a snaffle.