Doesn't Matter What Bit

I got to thinking about an email I received from someone who asked about her bit she uses on her horse. She mentioned that 'others' thought she should use something else but her horse was going fine. (My disclaimer, I haven't looked at the emails in a couple of days so just remembering off the top of my head. I'm still going to change the email server-thingy, just haven't done it...life gets in the way, y'know??).

Unless you are showing a horse in a class/show/etc. that SPECIFIES a certain bit(s) or disqualifies certain bits, as long as your horse is going well and comfortably, any sort of bit your horse likes is fine to use. It may look strange to others but it's your horse's comfort and willingness that you need to keep happy.

I have a problem with those bitless bridles and don't like them but if a horse is going well in it, then why not use it?? If you want precision in your horse's movements, the bitless bridle isn't going to cut it, a spade or full bridle will. But if you are plunking down the trail with only a rawhide loop around his lower jaw AND you have control, then use it!!

There was a famous trainer, now deceased, Jimmy Williams who was known for outlandish get-ups on his horses...but his horses won! In a class like Open Jumpers, my understanding (and what I can remember of the rulebook...) you can use ANYthing on horsies head as long as you get over the fence in one piece and don't knock a rail down. Mr. Williams was a trainer of a horse who couldn't STAND to have a headstall on but could jump the moon. I can't remember the riders name but she was very good...Suzy Somethingorother, I think. Mr. Williams ascertained that the horse (can't remember his name either!) could use the rawhide indian 'bridle' and that's how the horse was shown by Suzy S......! In that case, you could use any sort of thing on the horse's head.

In other classes, you need either a bosal or ring snaffle or for aged, older horses, you have to use a shank in western shows. But going down the trail, whatever floats your horse's boat! Never mind what others say as long as it fits properly and is in good/great condition with no pain for the horse.

Now, go ride!!