Why are you only allowed simple bits for lowlevel dressage but then...

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MerryMAL

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but then as you get higher the bits get bigger.

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The aim of dressage is to create a horse that is so responsive that his rider appears to be doing nothing.

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Surely they meant responding to the rider not the bit?
 
Not sure what you mean. Dressage legal bits are not classified by size but by action. Snaffles are allowed by BD all the way to GP. The FEI only allows doubles PSG to GP. However, doubles are bridles with two bits, a bridoon and a curb, each one comes in various sizes of thickness. Doubles are supposed to allow greater communication with the horse, but if you saying that snaffles should be allowed all the way to GP under FEI rules then I completely agree!
 
many of the top GB riders do use snaffles alot of the time for their training at home more so than doubles, even on their very best GP horses.
 
As Booboos says, the bits change in type not size. A double bridle is designed to have a more preicise, refined action enabling a rider to ask questions of the horse in a more refined way. It is used to ask for greater degrees of flexion and collection than is required in the lower levels of dressage. Remember, a dressage test is simply that - a test designed to establish how well a horse is doing at a particular level of schooling. A double will enable a horse to perform at a higher level - it is absolutely not meant to be "stronger" in the sense that it can exert more force. The whole point is that the rider can ask with a gentler, subtler aid. Sadly, as you can see from many of the recent debates on this forum, they are often abused and employed to force an outline.
 
so often come across the "ooh I can't wait to do elementary so I can use a double bridle" attitude
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usually going along with the poor beast with its head hauled in so far its almost looking up its own backside! grrrrr!!
 
OK yes, it would be nice to go all the way in a snaffle.
But if you have a double you can choose between curb action and snaffle action.
You should not want to go into a double just to get the curb action, to get the horses head to touch it's chest.

Actually, OK, you are right. We should go all the way to Grand Prix in a snaffle. I would be in favour of this rule.
 
I am actually noticing more riders using snaffles at higher levels. A few years ago as soon as a horse was in elem. it was put in a double but now I see a lot of horse in snaffles in medium and above.
 
I've seen many clinics with GP horses schooling in snaffles.

On one level, it's supposed to be like spurs - it's a test the rider and horse have progressed to a sufficient level to use such a fine tool. So, in effect, the ability to do the work precedes the use of the bit/spurs then the more refine equipment adds the finishing touch. It's supposed to be a badge of honour and tradition, rather like top hats and tails.
 
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so often come across the "ooh I can't wait to do elementary so I can use a double bridle" attitude
mad.gif
usually going along with the poor beast with its head hauled in so far its almost looking up its own backside! grrrrr!!

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I know, I hate that attitude too. Or 'I need a double bridle to stop him' Umm..I'm sorry what? You're riding elementary and can't stop your horse in a snaffle? Back to basics methinks.

Even when mine starts going in a double for competition he'll school in a snaffle..he does everything in that bit
laugh.gif
love it. hehe.
As a random sidenote, we aren't allowed doubles in elementary. At least, not until the last two tests anyway.


I do agree that competitors should be allowed to use a snaffle if they want. BUT, at GP I would rather see somebody giving lighter, softer and more subtle aids with a double than lots of pulling and harsher aids in a snaffle because it doesn't have the precision.
 
I think people should be able to ride in whatever they want i.e Snaffle or Double depending on thier views.

But correct training with horses and the introduction of the double to be done before elementry in training as your horse can get used to it but also some of these horses with sensitive mouths have been made sensitive by HARD hands, im not saying everybody has hard hands or that people who ride in Doubles have hard hands but i have seen my fair share of riders out there who are just to forceful in riding the curb. most do not no they are doing it hence why we have training but just think about hands then in riding in a Double.

also to JustMe22's comment to riding at GP and aids Dressage is all about elegance and training the horse to go though a test with out any worries so I would expect no one making harsh movements on the rein to the mouth at all or over producing of the aids as training would mean you can do this without tension and with a quite aid. but not to get to that confused with a horse thats lossed concentration in the ring and you're having to move your leg futher back for your flying change to get him/her listening to you again as I and no dout others have had that at lest once in the ring.

TDR
 
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