Less is More: Horses
and riders prefer a bridle with a bit missing
The bleachers continually filled as Dr. Cook began
his lecture on the effects of bit use, in the Mallory Demo Ring at the
New England Equine Affaire on Saturday. As a lovely black and white
paint, Cachina, stood almost snoozing with her owner and trainer, Cathie
Hatrick-Anderson, Dr. Cook began to go through his long list of issues
related to the use of bits, and the benefits of riding with the Bitless
Bridle.
Dr. Robert Cook is a renowned veterinarian and author, who has been on
the faculty of clinical departments in schools of veterinary medicine in
the US and the UK, including Professor of Surgery at Tufts University
here in Massachusetts. His book “Metal in the Mouth; the Abusive
Effects of Bitted Bridles” is filled with information from his research
of bit use. While Dr. Cook explained that the horses mouth is one of the
most sensitive parts of its body, Kiersten, an assistant passed around 2
skulls; one of a pony that had never had a bit in its mouth, and one of
a horse that had regular bitted bridle use. On the bitted horse, you
could see bone spurs that had developed along the bars where the bit had
lain.
He explained how pressure from a bit, not only,
but especially in the wrong hands, is not just uncomfortable for the
horse, but also interferes with the natural process between the
breathing and eating mechanisms of the horses’ airway from their
nostrils and mouth. The salivating and chewing that a horse does
with a bit is an eating response. Yet, when a horse is being asked
to exercise, it needs to use its airway in response to the exercise.
It cannot, and should not be asked, to eat and run at the same time.
 Hands from audience members persistently raised as the doctor asked for
responses to a list of behavioral problems that any had experienced with
their horses. He explained that many of these problems were due to
horses anticipating pain and discomfort they experienced from the bit. A
horse cannot “think” when it experiences fear, and therefore exhibits
such behavior as bolting, rearing, headshaking, and so on. Eliminating
the pain in the mouth, and subsequently, the fear of the pain, makes the
horse not only more comfortable and healthy, but ultimately a more
willing partner and student.
Dr. Cook went on to explain the
mechanics of the Bitless Bridle, while Cathie and Cachina demonstrated
easy and willing flexion, and responsiveness to rein work. Dr. Cook
explained that the bridle worked by using steady pressure on the sides
of the horse’s head to direct her with a painless yet persistent “hug.”
Steering, slowing and stopping were effortless and smooth. Cachina’s
headset and neck flexion was naturally relaxed, as opposed to the
exaggerated poll flexion, where you see spit flying and swishing tails;
all a reaction to lack of oxygen in the horse’s airway. The pair
demonstrated these exercise at both a walk and trot, in the smallest of
demo rings with Dr. Cook and his assistant standing alongside. Cathie
informed the audience that her mare had never been in a setting like the
one that day, and it was impressive to see her so relaxed, responsive,
and content.
After a 45-minute informative lecture, and some questions from the
audience, a crowd moved to an outdoor ring where Cathie and Cachina were
able to demonstrate on a larger scale. The audience could see the
bitless bridle in some larger scale work and Dr. Cook answered more
questions. It was interesting to watch as they worked on speed control,
steering and other flatwork in a ring with other horses and riders at
work. Cachina was a willing and obviously relaxed partner, responding to
whatever Cathie asked, familiar or not, and was nothing short of
successful.
There was a lot of concentrated
interest from audience members. The information Dr. Cook shared from
his many years of research and work certainly had an impact on the
participants in his clinic. The idea of taking the bit out of their
horse’s mouth may have been an idea that some anticipated being a hard
sell, but the facts presented were simply too astonishingly real to
deny. In a circuit where so many rely on the old and familiar, it will
be interesting to see where Dr. Cook’s evidence of the harm that bits
cause will lead the horse industry.
For more information you can visit
his website at
http://www.bitlessbridle.com
Article written by Judy Paglia
January 1st 2006 - Dr Cook appointed Cathie as his first BBI
(Bitless Bridle Instructor) in the United States and abroad.
Don't forget to mention my name Cathie Hatrick- Anderson, and
my BBI number ( 001 ) when ordering your bitless bridle!
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