Bits and no Bits

So here's the situation...

I ride Jazz with a bit; most of the time at least. I don’t know why but it’s just the fact that it is there. I prefer to not ride with the bit due to the fact that Jazz is pretty head-strong and I find myself pulling on the reins too much, causing me to pull on the bit which is probably hurting him.

It’s my own preference with the bit and without the bit. To me, I prefer no bit but that doesn’t mean I don’t use it… mainly because I forget to take it off the bridle…

The thing is, a lot of people think that riding a horse on the bit is good and the bit is how you control the horse.

Nope.

Your legs, voice, and gestures should be the ones controlling the horse.

I know of someone who yanked on the reins too much that it tore the horses mouth because of the metal bar in it.

That’s a hard thing to do, but not too hard if you think that your legs are just there to whack the horse in the stomach and hope for the best, and that the reins are the key to go and stop.

The point of riding bitless is that your horse is more comfortable and that one step closer to being ‘natural’ and happy of course! Honestly, how would you feel if you had a large metal bar in your mouth and someone was sitting on your back yanking the hell out of it. It would be pretty painful and you’d want that person to stop right away. Maybe that’s the reason why your horse is rearing and kicking… not because he’s naughty, but because you’re hurting his mouth. The mouth is a sensitive area and I’m pretty sure that it would be nicer if it weren’t torn up with the constant yanking.

I am a culprit of owning a bit and riding with one... and this post probably makes no sense… But I am trying to say that bits aren’t the greatest option when riding but my opinion shouldn’t stop you from not using it. Just use it carefully and don’t control the horse with the bit because he probably won’t enjoy it.

No bits? It’s great, you don’t have to worry about the terrible thought of tearing your horses mouth open anymore. Yea that’s all I got.

Honestly, I ride both ways. Bit or no bit. As long as I am not yanking on the reins and hurting Jazz’s mouth, I will continue to ride with a bit… I just like that I can count on Jazz without one too.

So have a go without a bit for once. You never know, your horse might just like you that little bit more for being able to ride a day without a metal bar in its mouth.

What are your thoughts on bits? Tell me in a comment below!