Bits
by John O'Leary
There is an extreme problem with Bits and their
adverse effect upon Horses in Dressage and of course these are
the type of things that I notice a lot. Especially with the use
of the double Bridle. Lot's of Horses scream out for relief from
them, no doubt due to many things, including teeth not done but
also for Veterinary reasons and particularly Mouth conformation.
THE FEI
There is no doubt in my mind that the F.E.I. have it dead wrong
when it comes to the rules surrounding the use of Double Bridles,
made up by the "Bradoon' and the "Weymouth" Without
me researching the subject, just the sound of these terms conjure
up images of Generals on Horse back in the Bore War and he Bits
are a carryover from at least that era and most probably before.
I know for a fact, that such Bits cannot fit all
Horses and lot's of Horses simply cannot be fitted at all. Hence
the reason why so many poor souls are exhibiting unsettled Mouths
at the Dressage and of course with the resultant lower scores from
the Judges. Not the fault of the Rider, the Horse or the Training,
simply the Bit. Not to mention of course the torment those that
we are supposed to love and nurture the most, the Horse.
The FEI Bit Rules belong in the dark ages imho
and I have enough evidence to back this up. You know that Horses
never lie and many a Horse tells me that they simply cannot stand
such Bits and are simply not physically equipped to even be able
to carry them. The level of stress that I see in Horses and the
resultant resistance, hollowing and evasion is immense.
Who's looking after the Horses?
You may know that Mrs. HP and I are sponsored by Myler and I note
that they have just attempted to make the lives of F.E.I. Horses
a little better and a Bit has been approved that will actually
swivel in the Mouth of the Horse, BUT there is much more work
to be done imho and I have been conducting studies and experiments
to put a case to the Myler Brothers, to make a real difference
to the Poor Horses. Incidentally, I am told that optional snaffle
F.E.I. Classes a not being conducted in EU. Where are they here?
The well trained Horse should be able to do any of the movements,
in a snaffle.
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