Why do you have to have a bit for dressage competitions?

[Paint it Lucky]

Just wondering, what would be the harm in doing it in a hackamore or bitless bridle?

 

[Chestnut_filly14]

I think you can - maybe check on BD website?

x

 

[minerva]

you cant, wanted to do one in my Dr Cook but my score wouldnt be counted in the results, so you can for practice and if you dont care about competing as such - if that makes scense

 

[Paint it Lucky]

You definately can't, just wondered if anyone knows the reason why?

 

[Ezme]

Yep, you can compete "hor concours" (i.e. enter but not being competitive) but not in true competition. I bet it is a rule not long for this world tho, at least at w&t, prelim levels

 

[Paint it Lucky]

Thanks Ezme, didn't know that!

 

[minerva]

thats whats HC means!!! derh x

 

[carthorse]

I don't really know but bitless can be a lot stronger than a snaffle, as we can see in controller headcollars. The nose is quite sensative and also it is the fact that they usually work on pressure and release rather than acceptance of contact.
This is only my guess so feel free to disagree

 

[zefragile]

I really hope that soon the Dr Cook type bridles will be allowed for dressage.

 

[lizzie87]

i would guess that it would be something to do with accepting the contact. not sure what everyone else thinks but i have never seen a horse going very well in a bitless bridle (i.e. soft, round, no resistance etc) any pics proving me wrong would be very interesting to see!

 

[zefragile]

There are galleries on bitlessbridle.com and bitlessbridle.co.uk =)

Not all of the pictures show horses working beautifully, but I shouldn't see why a horse couldn't work to a very nice standard in one of these bridles =)