Please explain why this tack is necessary

[Rowreach]

I’m always surprised at how short running martingales often were back in the day too

And a lot of standing martingales.

 

[SilverLinings]

And a lot of standing martingales.

And how commonly they were used.

 

[Kaylum]

The showing classes are even worse badly fitted bridles. Why dont owners and judges understand this element of horse ownership. Get educated there is loads of information about it. The worst one I saw was a pony wearing a bridle far too big for it win a local class. Spend your money wisely on good fitting good quality tack. There is plenty of second hand older English bridles about, which in my opinion, are much better than the ones you buy today and they last forever.

I have a lovely one which is at least 30 years old and comes up like new everytime it's cleaned.

 

[Boughtabay]

But I thought it wasn’t the bit but the hands holding the reins that made a bit severe….

The original Twitter thread of this photo does have at least a few people saying just this. Turns my stomach.

 

[ihatework]

It says everything about the FEI that that poor horses tack is legal, but doing a dressage Grand Prix (3* and above) in a snaffle is not.

And that there is one of equine life’s greatest mysteries. The FEI is a complete disgrace at times.

 

[cauda equina]

True; did they ever do anything about that Brazilian rider beasting a tiny pony over jumps?

 

[ycbm]

True; did they ever do anything about that Brazilian rider beasting a tiny pony over jumps?

Yes, as I recollect he got a pretty severe penalty.
.

 

[mutley75]

Polo?
.

That bit would not be allowed in polo.

 

[Clodagh]

That bit would not be allowed in polo.

I’m impressed, I didn’t know polo had any rules at all as regards horse welfare. Good to know.

 

[Chianti]

polo ponies are hogged

Polo going for the ' we don't overdo the tack in any way' award?