No Blue Tongue Here!!

[SpeedyPony]

I'm not sure that making the double optional would have any useful effect though, they've alway had the option of using it softly and appropriately, they just choose not to. I imagine those that misuse the double are not going to stop using it were it to be an option available to them. Even insisting that they could only ride in a snaffle would be damage control rather than a fix, as the problem is the riding style, not the equipment used.
It's rather like the argument against spurs being mandatory at a certain level- dummy spurs have always been an option, but most didn't choose them- because it didn't suit their style of riding.
I suspect that it's the marking that really needs to change, as at the moment any changes to equipment rules will just be trying to mitigate the damage to the horse caused by a fundamentally incorrect way of schooling/riding.

 

[Exasperated]

I’m going out on a limb here and I have my tin hat on..I understand you are enjoying the work being done with no bridle or bit but all I see is a stilted, constrained, hobbley gait no forward, free movement and it really doesn’t appeal to me at all. I’m sure that years ago someone on here (Red perhaps?) posted herself and horse partner working without bridle and the horse moved freely and was very impressive.

100% agree - if I went to view any horse moving like that, I’d seriously doubt its soundness, irrespective what hardware was on the front end.

 

[smolmaus]

I'm not sure that making the double optional would have any useful effect though, they've alway had the option of using it softly and appropriately, they just choose not to. I imagine those that misuse the double are not going to stop using it were it to be an option available to them. Even insisting that they could only ride in a snaffle would be damage control rather than a fix, as the problem is the riding style, not the equipment used.
It's rather like the argument against spurs being mandatory at a certain level- dummy spurs have always been an option, but most didn't choose them- because it didn't suit their style of riding.
I suspect that it's the marking that really needs to change, as at the moment any changes to equipment rules will just be trying to mitigate the damage to the horse caused by a fundamentally incorrect way of schooling/riding.

Absolutely. Not to repeat myself but if they wanted to do better then they could! I don't think anybody can say they haven't ever seen someone ride in a double with a light hand and hardly touch the curb rein. We know it's possible, even at amateur level. Its also possible to wear spurs that never touch the horse. After all, aren't we told that anyone who wears spurs MUST have the expertise and control of lower leg to know exactly where that spur is at all times? Or else they couldn't ethically wear spurs?? they could stop hauling the mouth off a horse while jabbing it in the ribs any time they wanted.

 

[paddy555]

I'm not sure that making the double optional would have any useful effect though, they've alway had the option of using it softly and appropriately, they just choose not to. I imagine those that misuse the double are not going to stop using it were it to be an option available to them. Even insisting that they could only ride in a snaffle would be damage control rather than a fix, as the problem is the riding style, not the equipment used.

I agree. I don't see why it should be a choice because they will still abuse. Restrict the choice to limmited options where it is less easy to abuse with use and have checks on tightness. I really don't want to see horses struggling in this way just t satisfy the ego of their riders.
.

 

[daffy44]

I think you are missing my point. I totally agree that if a rider is abusive then they will be abusive in any tack. But I think the choice is important because not all horses are the same, and whether through mouth conformation or just personal preference not all horses like the same bit/bridle, and I think its wrong to force them to wear a double if they prefer a snaffle and vice versa. I dont think snaffles will stop abusive riders, not at all, but they will make some horses a lot happier and more comfortable in their work, and that matters.