Dressage.... hmm :/

[Sol]

Sorry, I just really need to vent a tad....
I was talking to my mum this morning while flicking through some equestrian catalogue, and we were discussing various things - including bits/nosebands and how my horse has been recently.
At the moment I'm seriously considering doing purely dressage with him (other than jumping at the yard for fun and fun rides occasionally) as he is a lovely horse, and while he may not have the flashiest most outstanding movement he is very willing and loves to learn and does seem to enjoy his work! Plus... well, I just don't think he's ever going to make the best showjumper! xD
So we were discussing all that sort of thing and I have a few questions...

Why on earth aren't ported snaffle bits allowed for dressage?! Surely many horses (especially those with large tongues!) would be happier in one of these than a horrible single jointed bit? (sorry, I really do hate single joints

)

Why are crank nosebands actually permitted?! The concept of so forcefully strapping a horses mouth closed seems pretty cruel to me.... Have to say I'm not really a fan of flash nosebands either - although I might be willing to use a drop noseband, it would not be overly tight (snug more or less) and more to persuade the horse that closing its mouth is right, rather than actually forcing its mouth shut.

Why no rubber bit guards - yet full cheek/fulmer bits are allowed? Sure, the rider shouldn't be trying to pull the bit through the horses mouth anyway but what about loose ring bits? Even with the best will in the world they often catch the corners of the horses mouth

Why not permit them on loose ring bits only?

Overall - what happened to dressage being all about working in harmony and partnership with your horse?

If we aren't doing what's best to make the horse comfortable, then how on earth can we say that there is any kind of partnership?

 

[JessPickle]

To be fair although ported bits arn't allowed its not just single jointed bits that are allowed and straight bars are allowed. The rubber bit guard rule is more so you can't hide the mouthpiece you riding with I always thought!

 

[Sol]

However what if your horse dislikes double jointed bits?

And how well do straight bars conform to the horses mouth? (heh, they umm... don't...) whereas a ported bit is really a straight bar - with tongue room

And I don't see how rubber bit guards could hide the mouthpiece?

 

[Vikki89]

I was having a discussion about using full cheek bits in dressage the other day.
I thought full cheek bits helped with steering and i wouldn' t have thought help with steering should be needed if doing dressage.
Don't think i have put that very well, hope it make sense.

 

[Sol]

I know what you mean, don't worry

And I agree! Seems a little odd... and aren't we taught that the rider should be turning the horse with seat/leg aids - not just hands!? And as it was pointed out at a bitting clinic I went to recently - the only way a full cheek bit really helps turning is if the bit is pulled through the horses mouth (so the riders hand would have to come well away from the horses neck) so that the bit presses against the horses face :/ And if I saw that in a dressage test, I think I'd worry! xD

 

[Alibear]

Having a horse with a flip top head tendency combined with jaw crossing, a fulmer is great for us so very pleased it's allowed.
Bit guards aren't allowed as they can be used to hide things and could modified or anointed with various things for various reasons.
Cranks nose bands came out as padded nose bands are were supposed to be more comfortable for the horse, I;'m glad they're allowed as it's whats on my bridle and when fitted correctly are just as nice as a cavesson. IMO anyway.

 

[Sol]

Still not seeing how bit guards could really do that much... surely realistically you can put any bit in your horses mouth and nobody can see the mouthpiece unless your horse opens its mouth - and bit guards don't stop that

Then why isn't a normal cavesson just as good? Because I can't see how even a padded over-tightened crank noseband is going to be more comfortable for the horse... And no, I'm not saying that you over-tighten them, but it's a whole lot easier to over-tighten a crank noseband than a normal cavesson and they are often done up tightly on double bridles as flashes can't be used... :/