On The Bit & The
International Equestrian Federation (F.E.I)
Robert Cook FRCVS, PhD
More and more
riders are asking questions about using The Bitless
Bridle
in competition work (Fig 1).
Fig 1.
The Bitless Bridle
This is most
gratifying, even though short questions often require long
answers. Here is a sample ‘question-and-answer’ to clarify
the current position on this delicate issue.
Q: My
trainer tells me that one of the fundamentals of dressage is
'acceptance of the bit.' If this is the case, how is it
possible to use the Bitless Bridle for this discipline?
A: Your trainer is not alone in
misunderstanding the intent behind this maxim. If a bit is to
be used, then 'acceptance of the bit' is a prerequisite to
achieving collection. However, the goal is not acceptance of
the bit but collection and this can be achieved without a
bit. A horse does not have to be ‘on’ a bit to be collected.
In fact, quite the opposite, a bit often prevents collection.
The concept of ‘collection’ or ‘self
carriage’ might be less misunderstood if we spoke of ‘balance’
rather than ‘collection.’ For balance is the real goal. As a
horse cannot be balanced unless the rider is also balanced,
both partners in the ‘dance’ share this responsibility. The
FEI ‘Values’ page emphasizes this when it states that “equestrian
sport is the only one, which brings together two athletes, the
horse and rider.”
A horse’s balance is not something that is
achieved instantly by means of the bit (i.e., through rein
pressure and ‘false collection’) but is something that comes
eventually through physical fitness. In order that a horse
can readjust his own natural balance when at liberty to
accommodate the need to carry the weight of a rider, he has to
develop abdominal and back muscles up to the task. For a
young horse, this is something that takes time and training
over a period of years, not months. Until he is strong
enough, he will not be able to lift his back, bring his hocks
under him, and become rebalanced.
However, physical fitness of the horse is
only part of the equation. So too must the rider be
physically fit. An unfit rider cannot balance. If she (or
he) is unbalanced, this prevents her horse from maintaining
its balance, even though the horse may be fit enough to do
this with a balanced rider. The essence of 'good hands' is
the least amount of hand, and the prerequisite for light hands
is rider balance. An unfit and, therefore, unbalanced rider
uses the reins to keep herself in the saddle. Such a rider is
‘heavy-handed’ and this, in turn, prevents an otherwise fit
horse from achieving balance. If a rider’s arms and back are
tense, this upsets her seat and upsets her horse. Instead of
a rider being able to move her pelvic bones in synchrony with
the underlying movement of her horse’s back, her pelvic bones
will be pounding her horse’s back. This causes a horse
further pain, over and above the bit-induced pain in its mouth
from a metal rod under tension.
The horse responds by stiffening its neck and spine, and
either becomes heavy on the forehand or hollows its back and
raises its head. Either way, the gait loses its rhythm and
‘poetry of motion,’ and the horse becomes short-strided and
unbalanced.
Harmony of horse and rider is only achieved
when both partners are in balance. Riders in all disciplines
work towards such harmony and so this question of balance
(‘collection’) is not something that only applies to the
discipline of dressage. Nevertheless, a balanced partnership
is certainly critical to a good dressage performance. It
follows that an unbalanced rider cannot expect to achieve the
same reward with the Bitless Bridle as a balanced rider.
Conversely, even a fit and balanced rider will not achieve a
good dressage performance on a bitless horse that is unfit
and, therefore, unbalanced.
I am copying below a letter that I have
sent recently (September 2005) to Michael Stone, Sports
Director of the FEI, in Lausanne, Switzerland. The letter was
written at the time he kindly agreed to give the Bitless
Bridle a trial, by loaning out the sample I sent him to a
number of dressage competitors. I am hoping to persuade the
FEI to permit the crossover bitless bridle for competition
work. The FEI mission statement and code of conduct make
clear that the criterion for sanctioning equipment is the
welfare of the horse. Interestingly, though the quality of
performance is not a criterion mentioned in the code of
conduct, there is a caveat with regard to the rider’s skill …
“In the interests of the horse … the competence of the
rider shall be regarded as essential” (Table 1, item #7).
This being so, it need not be a matter for the FEI to be
concerned about if unbalanced riders are initially
disappointed with the degree of collection they can achieve
with the Bitless Bridle. On the other hand, it matters a
great deal to the FEI that permitted equipment should not harm
the horse.
However, anticipating that Michael Stone
and his committee members could be influenced by some negative
feedback of this sort, even if it was irrelevant, I thought it
worth mentioning this matter. Here is the letter: -
"I had intended to let the bridle speak
for itself, as it is its own best ambassador. However, I share
your interest in hearing what your more traditional members
say about the bridle and cannot resist adding a comment.
First, some background.
Dressage riders have been drilled for generations on the
importance of a horse being, as the phrase goes, 'on the bit.
' The result is that this very phrase could now become a
barrier to approval of a bridle that apparently has nothing to
be 'on'! A better phrase would be 'on the bridle.' An even
better phrase would be 'on the aids.' Even better still,
would be acceptance of the reality that true collection
depends on some aids more than others. 'Seat and legs' are
the key to collection. The correct use of the hands requires
their least possible use, with no use at all of forearms,
biceps and shoulder.
Those patient riders who have invested
careful years in training a horse to become fit and strong,
with the emphasis on 'seat and legs,' so that he can carry and
balance both himself and his rider, will like the crossover
bitless bridle. Those who have been taking a short cut by
hauling on the bit to produce poll flexion (and, therefore,
false collection) may be disappointed that they can no longer
“get their horse in a frame.”
With perseverance, of course, they will achieve true
collection. Though this may not always come overnight, many
riders discover that, when they remove the pain of the bit,
the horse immediately lifts its back and becomes collected.
Because of the above, the crossover
bitless bridle becomes a test of the rider. A balanced rider
with a balanced horse can move from a bitted bridle to the
crossover bitless bridle without her horse becoming unbalanced
and losing collection. Such a rider has good hands. By
contrast, a horse that was exhibiting ‘false collection’ prior
to becoming bitless will appear
to ‘fall apart’ on becoming bitless, because it no longer has
its head hauled in by the bit. Sadly, the mechanical
advantage and coercion of a curb and chain makes it all too
easy for a rider to produce a false semblance of ‘collection’
but poll flexion is not balance. The all too common extreme
of poll flexion, a head behind the vertical, is imbalance. I
hope that this does not sound as though I am being
unnecessarily defensive. I just wish to alert you to some of
the feedback I predict you may encounter.
I also accept the possibility that a few
riders with impeccable 'hands' may feel that, at least in the
first instance, they do not have the delicacy of communication
with the crossover design that they have with a bit.
Nevertheless, the communication can be expected to improve
with time as the horse becomes more accustomed to the new
sensations. In any case, impeccable hands with "the delicacy
of a neurosurgeon" are a rarity and this reaction will be
equally rare.
The difference in performance between
the bit method of communication and the crossover bitless
method is rather analogous to the difference, for a man,
between shaving with an old-fashioned cut-throat razor (i.e.,
a 'straight' razor) and a modern electric razor. A cut-throat
razor in the hands of a master will give you a closer shave
than an electric razor. But a cut-throat razor in less
competent hands is likely to lead to accidents. On the other
hand, even a novice can use an electric razor and give himself
a perfectly acceptable shave, without incurring the risks he
would be taking if he wielded a cut-throat. Though its
technology is much simpler, the crossover bitless bridle is
equivalent to the electric razor. Being painless, it saves
the rider from bruising the jaw, cutting the mouth, and
hurting the horse. A pain-free horse learns faster and
performs better. Horse and rider develop a partnership and
harmony ensues. The cost of what might temporarily be lost by
the master horseman in 'closeness of shave' (the fine-tuning
of control) is more than compensated for by permanent benefits
for all other horsemen (a more compliant and focused horse and
greatly enhanced equine welfare).
An appraisal of the crossover bitless
bridle may be viewed as a cost/benefit equation. I suggest
that the (questionable) cost of any loss of finesse for an
elite few is more than balanced by the huge benefit for the
great majority of riders and the undeniable welfare benefit
for all horses. That which may be lost on the swing is more
than gained on the roundabout. My research tells me that a
bit causes over 120 problems for horse and rider (Cook &
Strasser 2003). Some of these problems (such as bucking,
rearing and bolting) produce accidents that jeopardize the
very life of both horse and rider. Other problems may be less
life threatening but are still serious and are the result, as
are bucking, rearing and bolting, of a rider unintentionally
causing a horse pain. I conclude that the bit method of
communication represents a hazard to welfare and safety.
I am not suggesting that the bit should
be banned but I urge the FEI to consider permitting, alongside
the currently named bits, a painless and more effective method
of communication that reduces the risk of accidents, enhances
the welfare of the horse, and increases the pleasure and
satisfaction of riders.
I hope these thoughts will provide you
with a useful background to the trials that you have
volunteered to conduct. I am so delighted that you have this
open mind and have agreed to look at the bridle. Please
understand that my prime objective here is to promote the
welfare of the horse rather than the sales for my company. I
have been a research veterinarian with a focus of interest in
the ear, nose, throat and mouth of the horse for 53 years. The
crossover bitless bridle that I have developed in the last six
years is a by-product of this research. I hope that my
academic record will counterbalance this conflict of interest
(CV available online at www.bitlessbridle.com).
The
crossover design has been so successful that it is being
copied all over the world. I own a US patent on the Bitless
Bridle but do not claim, or wish to claim, a worldwide
monopoly. When the idea is copied abroad, I am happy that the
horse will benefit. In order to avoid anyone at the FEI
thinking that this is an effort on my part to push a
particular product, I have been at pains to refer to the
design by a generic name, the crossover bitless bridle, rather
than a proprietary one.
What I am urging is the adoption of a
method not a product. I see it as an opportunity for the FEI
to make an historic contribution to the welfare of the horse.
This trial is the first small step towards the possibility (in
due course) of a rule change to permit the crossover design of
bitless bridle for competitive dressage and other disciplines
for which it is currently not listed as permitted equipment.
It also represents an opportunity to materially benefit the
horse. If the FEI were to give a lead to the national
federations on this crucial matter, it would save the horse
many years of unnecessary pain and prevent many an accident."
Until very recently (i.e., the last six
years), there has not been an acceptable alternative to the
bit method of communication. The FEI and national federations
must be given time to consider this option after having become
accustomed to a method of communication that was first adopted
in the Bronze Age. As the bit method of communication is
based on pain and as all the traditional bitless bridles (the
hackamores, bosals and sidepulls) are also pain-based, the
crossover design of bitless bridle represents the first
pain-free method of communication with the horse's head to
have been developed since the horse was domesticated.
The crossover bitless bridle is in
compliance with all 10 of the requirements listed in the FEI
Code of Conduct (Table I). Paradoxically, because of the
advance in equine welfare that the availability of the new
bridle now offers, it could be said that, until rule changes
are introduced and the crossover bitless bridle is permitted,
the FEI is no longer in compliance with nine of its own ‘ten
commandments.’ The only one with which they currently remain
in compliance is #5.
|
# |
Fédération Equestre Internationale
Requirements |
|
1 |
In all
equestrian sports the horse must be considered paramount |
|
2 |
The
well-being of the horse shall be above the demands of
breeders, trainers, riders, owners, dealers, organisers,
sponsors or officials |
|
3 |
All handling
and veterinary treatment must ensure the health and
welfare of the horse |
|
4 |
The highest
standards of nutrition, health, sanitation and safety
shall be encouraged and maintained at all times |
|
5 |
Adequate
provision must be made for ventilation, watering and
maintaining a healthy environment during transportation. |
|
6 |
Emphasis
should be placed on increasing education in training and
equestrian practices and on promoting studies in equine
health. |
|
7 |
In the
interests of the horse, the fitness and competence of the
rider shall be regarded as essential |
|
8 |
All riding
and training methods must take account of the horse as a
living entity and must not include any techniques
considered by the FEI to be abusive |
|
9 |
National
Federations should establish adequate controls in order
that all persons and bodies under their jurisdiction
respect the welfare of the horse |
|
10 |
The national
and international Rules and Regulations in equestrian
sport regarding the health and welfare of the horse must
be adhered to not only during national and international
events, but also in training. Competition Rules and
Regulations shall be continually reviewed to ensure such
welfare. |
If any further arguments were needed for a
rule change, another paradox might be mentioned. The current
FEI rules, which were drawn up before the crossover bitless
bridle became available, permit the new bridle to be used for
the cross-country and show jumping phases of combined training
events. Both of these phases are rightly regarded as
high-risk activities. However, for irrefutable reasons, both
anatomical and physiological, the risk of an accident is
reduced if the bit is removed and replaced with the new
bridle. (Cook & Strasser, 2003).
It remains an anomaly that the crossover bitless bridle cannot
presently be used for such relatively low-risk activities as
dressage and show hunter classes. Yet, once again, it is
repeatedly demonstrated that horses wearing the permitted
double bridle during dressage tests, exhibit multiple signs
now recognised as indicating fear and pain (Cook & Strasser,
2003). Such horses are often unfairly condemned for being
‘hot’ and tempt their riders into having them illegally
sedated.
The 10 requirements in the “FEI Code of
conduct towards the environment” is only relevant to this
discussion with regard to item two. This states, “Young
riders must be taught to consider the sport in the context of
a deeper and sympathetic understanding of the animal world and
to place the achievement of horsemanship above that of
mastering the technicalities of the various equestrian
disciplines.” This philosophy, with which I agree,
supports what I have written above about the welfare of the
horse being more important than the quality of the
performance. As it transpires, however, if a physiologically
compatible method of communication is used (i.e., the
crossover bitless bridle) rather than a method that is
physiologically incompatible with the horse (i.e., the bitted
method), horses become calmer and quality of performance
improves. A rule change to permit the crossover bitless
bridle would have the happy effect of making equestrian sports
not only more acceptable to the horse and, therefore, better
for performance, but also safer and more satisfying for the
rider. Both horse and rider win.
It is my hope that I can persuade the FEI
to accept a rule change to permit the use of the crossover
bitless bridle, as all the national organizations around the
world take their lead from them. If the FEI change, so
eventually will the rest of the world. However, the FEI is a
‘large ship’ and such vessels take time to change direction.
Although the FEI path may be the most promising path to take,
this may still be a rather long path. In the meantime, two
other paths are also open and exploration of either of these
by individuals would be helpful.
Firstly, users of the crossover bitless
bridle could submit a proposal for a rule change to their
national federation. The protocol for these submissions will
be different for each country and individuals should consult
their national federation’s websites for the details. By way
of example, the protocol for the USEF is appended to this
article. If even one national federation could be persuaded
to accept a rule change, this might move the present log-jam
and influence others.
Secondly, individuals can demonstrate the
suitability of the crossover bitless bridle for dressage by
taking part Hors Concours (HC). HC participants are
not eligible for ribbons and cannot compete but they do get
scored. HC riders may well, as has already been
demonstrated, have the satisfaction of being awarded higher
marks than the ribbon winners. The more often that riders
choose the HC option, the quicker it will become evident to
judges and administrators that a rule change is required.
By way of summarizing the foregoing, let us
anticipate the objections that some members of the FEI
committees may raise to the approval of the crossover bitless
bridle.
-
“The bit method is
sanctioned by thousands of years of usage; it’s a
fundamental tradition of horsemanship.”
-
Tradition alone is not
a good reason for clinging exclusively to a method that
was invented by early man in the Bronze Age. The FEI Code
of Conduct makes abundant allowance for amending the rules
in the light of advances in equine management. It is not
being proposed that the bit method should be banned but
simply that an option should be available.
-
“The bit method
provides finer control than the crossover bitless bridle.”
A.
This can only be true for
a tiny percentage of horsemen, i.e., the master horsemen.
Such a claim is certainly untrue in general, as it takes no
account of the frequency with which most horsemen encounter,
with any one horse, 30 or 40 of the 120 problems caused by the
bit. ‘Fine control’ is out of the question when a horse is
frightened by or fighting with the bit. However, as quality
of performance is not a criterion that features in the FEI
Code of Conduct, even these considerations are not needed to
refute the statement. Rules are determined by what is right
for the welfare of the horse.
3.
“It is unsafe to ride a
horse without a bit.”
A.
If the metal is removed
from a horse’s mouth and the horse is no longer in pain, the
horse becomes calmer and more compliant. A pain-free horse
will not be frightened (‘hot’) and will be less likely to
precipitate an accident. Undoubtedly, the welfare and safety
of the horse, which “must be considered paramount”
(Item #1 of the Code) is greatly improved by removing a rod of
metal from its mouth. Curiously, the FEI Code of Conduct does
not anywhere mention the welfare of that other athlete in the
partnership, the rider. But the rider’s welfare is also
improved by the same change and this must surely be a
consideration.
Item #6 of the FEI Code of Conduct states that “Emphasis
should be placed on increasing education in training and
equestrian practices and on promoting studies in equine
health.” With this as a policy, there can be no doubt
that rule changes will follow.
The last sentence of the FEI Code of
Conduct provides further encouragement … “Competition Rules
and regulations shall be continually reviewed to ensure (the )
welfare (of the horse).
Finally, to answer the question, acceptance of the bit by the
horse is not a requirement for dressage but use of a bit by
the rider is a requirement for competition dressage under
current FEI rules.
Reference:
Cook, W.R. and Strasser, H
“Metal in the Mouth: The Abusive Effects of Bitted
Bridles.” Sabine Kells, Qualicum Beach, BC Canada, 2003
APPENDIX
Rule Change Proposals for
United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)
Rule changes can be
submitted by USEF members only. Even members are advised that
their chances of getting a rule change accepted are enhanced
if they can obtain the support of a committee member.
The step-by-step procedure is
a follows:
-
Go to
www.usef.org and click on "FORMS AND PUBS". Select
"Rules & Regulations" and click on "Rule Change Brochure"
for information.
You can reach the same topics
by using the following URL …
http://www.usef.org/documents/rules/ruleChanges/PRC/PRCbrochure.pdf.
-
Consult the
Rule Book at
www.usef.org/content/rules/ruleBook/2004 in order to
discover the Chapter, article and section that you want to
delete, alter or change.
For Dressage, the
Rule Book Chapter you need is XIX on p.352. The article is
"1921. Saddlery & Equipment" and the relevant sections are
sections 2-5. You will also need to look at Fig 1 on pages
354-357.
For Eventing, the Chapter you
need is XVII , Article 1714, section 2. on p.296. Appendix 4,
p.328 has some more drawings. While browsing, look at
‘Article 1710 Abuse of Horses’, section 5 which states,
”The bit must never be used to reprimand a horse. Any such
use is always excessive.”
-
Locate the
"Rule Change Form" to submit a proposal using
http://www.usef.org/documents/rules/ruleChanges/PRC/2004Rulechangeform.pdf.
©
Robert Cook 2005
