WHY NOT ?

[Diamonds Lane]

Why is bitless dressage, Working hunter, showjumping etc. not permitted by the powers that be ?

No prizes would just like to here some views

 

[TigerTail]

Because its change, its different, and they all have a giant stick up their backsides that makes being able to bend v difficult!

Its about the same logic that allows a double bridle, but not a pelham that has the same action but is less junk in the horses mouth......

 

[Jesstickle]

You can jump bit less if you want. Loads of people show jump in a hackamore

As to dressage, given that it is largely based on acceptance of the bit, the absence of one sort of doesn't make any sense when you think about it does it?!

 

[Diamonds Lane]

Yes agreed certain clubs/competitions you can ride bitless but the rules and regulations are varied from venue to venue leading to confusion. There are stories of the pony club for example banning bitless in one area and children riding sucessfully in other areas/competition

Dressage is a no no all round with the arguement that the horse can't achieve self carriage without being bitted ?

I am just interested in fellow members views thats all.

Thanks for your imput

 

[Natz88]

You can jump bit less if you want. Loads of people show jump in a hackamore

As Jesstickle said you can jump in hackamore's, but I haven't ever done dressage so don't no the rules etc. I jump & ride my boy in a hackamore only because he really doesn't like a bit & is much happier in a hackamore.

I wanted to have a go at dressage, but as my boy is so unhappy in a bit I won't be able to try it

 

[showjumpingfilly]

I think PC rules are more about making sure the hackamore is not misused by children who don't yet know how to use it properly. Which is the same reason cards have to be signed by the district comissioner before spurs are allowed (when i was there)

 

[Diamonds Lane]

Hi Natz88

I know certain comps allow hackamores but there are no set tack rules to define bitless. That was the point I was trying to make.
In my humble opinion you should be free to compete anywhere with whatever tack the horse feels comfortable in and the horse is under control for example cross over, side pull etc. It's a real pity you can't do dressage it sounds like you'd really love to

 

[Diamonds Lane]

Hi showjumping filly,

Thanks for your reply.

I agree a hackamore in the wrong hands can be torturous to a horse, but there are crossovers, sidepulls etc. which are more humane. A strong bit in a childs hands can be a tool of torture as well. I've seen children compete using the bit with a "sawing" action where they pull one rein then the other to stop a horse definately not good for the teeth or welfare of the animal.

 

[catkin]

Its about the same logic that allows a double bridle, but not a pelham that has the same action but is less junk in the horses mouth......

A double bridle and a pelham do NOT have the same action. Both are very good bits for the right horse but they are not the same.

Both have a leverage/curb bit component and are used with two sets of reins to 'switch' the curb on or off - but because the bradoon is separate on a double it is a) more precise to separate the very different actions and b) you are able to use a jointed snaffle without compromising the curb bit action. With a pelham you really need to have a straight mouthpiece or the curb will not work correctly and as the two are joined together the action will always be a little 'muffled'. There's an excellent discussion on the mechanics of the bits, their uses and the types of mouth conformation they suit in Elwyn Hartley Edwards' book 'Bits and Bitting'.