Is "Bitless" Better?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ธ.ค. 2020
- Warwick explains why he doesn't like the term "bitless" bridles, as it has more to do with exerting inconsistent amounts of pressure than it does with an actual bit.
Warwick has hundreds of full-length training videos filmed with REAL horses, REAL people, REAL problems in REAL time on his online video library.
Get a free 7-day trial here: videos.warwickschiller.com/se...
Check out our Facebook page here: / warwickschillerfanpage
Instagram: warwickschiller
Listen to The Journey On Podcast with Warwick Schiller, a conversation about horse training and personal development and the journeys that life takes us on. Listen on:
www.warwickschiller.com/podcast/
“The biggest bit you need is a bit of knowledge”
Absolutely love this.
Yes, very strong one!!! 💪
Haha, you beat me to the quote! Absolutely agree though.
Pro tip : you can watch movies on kaldrostream. Been using it for watching loads of movies during the lockdown.
@Kase Mekhi Definitely, have been using kaldroStream for years myself :D
Bits should only be for the most experienced riders and experienced riders don't need them.
I love how she turns her head as you're speaking, it's like she's saying "Preach!" 😁
🤣🤣🤣 Right!
The horse's comfort should always come first. When I started my gelding, I first used a snaffle bit. He was never comfortable in it, no matter how I tried to help him. No matter what, he was never relaxed with it and never accepted it. He had no problems with his teeth and was in excellent health. To the advice from people around me and the internet, I tried a bunch of different bits and tools, like multiple kinds of snaffles, combination bits, hackamores, bosal, etc. The only thing he has really relaxed in and accepted is a rope halter. I have nothing against people who use bits and have soft hands, as long as the horse is comfortable. My gelding is able to still read everything I ask of him in just a halter. I don't think we're missing out on anything by not using a bit. The only thing that bothers me is the kind of reputation "bitless" has lately, that those who ride without a bit are too hippy dippy, aren't real horsemen, or are too soft on their horses.
I don't think riding without a bit -- that is, riding in a halter, or a bosal or side pull -- is particularly controversial. It's the Dr. Cook style bitless bridles that are controversial. I think because it seems like most of the people who use them think bits are "mean" and are very self righteous about not using bits, and are blind (or at least totally resistant) to the fact that Dr. Cook style BBs don't release immediately when pressure is released, which totally disqualifies them as worthy pieces of equipment IMO. You clearly aren't judgmental about the issue one way or the other, and are putting your horse's well-being first. Sounds like a "real" horseman to me haha.
Amen! You described what I went thru with my horse verbatim. I also think each horse is different and it truly depends on what sport you plan to do with your horse; neck rein, jump, roping, etc. Study what your plan to do, then decide and work slowly from there.
“Best bit is a bit of knowledge”
LOVE that saying
Everyone should ride how they think is best for their horse. If you spend the time with your horse that is needed you will be able to ride in a halter and lead rope.
Or nothing at all. Plenty of people can teach a horse to perform advanced manoeuvres bridleless and bareback. Is that the best or safest way of riding for a casual trail rider? No. Truth is, there's nothing wrong with, or inherently cruel about, bits
Everyone should do what they feel maaaan. . . how about we should do what's the highest welfare and good for our animals based on the latest information?
Exactly! Or even at liberty.
Yeah, no problem there. Hackamore headstalls are totally effective training tools. But a lot of people advertising these bitless contraptions claim that they are more animal friendly than bits are and some even claim that by using a bit you automatically commit animal cruelty. And that goes definitely too far.
My dad used to have heart attacks whenever he saw me riding with a piece of binder twine around my horse’s neck.
This is the best common sense explanation on bits and "bitless" I have seen in a long time. Kudos for challenging the notion that bitless is some how more humane. As with everything about riding, it comes back to whether you know what you are doing and why, as well as knowing how things actually work, whether it's bio mechanically or mechanically.
Yes! Preach! Its a peeve of mine too because a horses nose is full of sensitive nerves, thin skin and relatively weak bone. It’s skin over bone like a bar of their mouth. You can hurt them just as much “bitless” and some of those bitless bridles are pretty intense and have no release. One isn’t inherently better than the other if you aren’t aware of your hands. I don’t start them in a halter because I think it’s better I just like to change only one thing at a time that’s all. And honestly I think everyone should educate a horse in a bit incase they ever have to rehome that horse it’s in his best interest he knows what to do with one because down the line someone is likely going to put a bit in his mouth.
"You can hurt them just as much “bitless” and some of those bitless bridles are pretty intense and have no release." There's absolutely no science to support this assertion.
@@hayekfriedman9078 one of the worst mouths my dentist has ever seen was on a bitless horse that wore one of those nurtural bridles that tighten when you use the reins. The rider was hanging off his mouth and pushing his cheeks into his teeth and his entire mouth was lacerations and ulcers to the point he wasn’t able to eat. Also, horses have huge amounts of nerves along their cheeck and nose, a very thin amount of bone on the nose and most of the face is skin directly on bone. This mean excess pressure in those areas is very painful same as on a bar of the mouth. Many if not most bitless bridles are designed to “activate” these nerve groupings or pressure points. Many bitless options have leverage that the rider is unaware of. Horses can also still be forced into hyper Flexion bitless, and all the same mental and physical issues that can come from a bit. Bad riding and bad horsemanship is harmful whether you feel better about it because it’s “bitless” or not. And this is coming from someone who trains and rehabs hundreds of horses a year almost exclusively bitless.
@@hayekfriedman9078 not even touching on the number of bitless horse I see who’s nasal bones are permanently dented in from the constant and intense pressure on the fragile bone of the nose
@@BoldEquine I'm sure there's plenty of abuse with bitless bridles just as there is with bits. I don't think for a minute that bitless removes the propensity for abuse. As for the rest, most of your contentions are extrapolation and speculation.
I merely asked for the research that provided evidence for the original assertion.
@@BoldEquine What nonsense. Where would you be likely to make a study of such things. Grow up.
I'm glad one of the horse experts I respect the most addressed this explosive issue, and in such a logical unemotional way. The bridle isn't hurting your horse, your hands are.
"The biggest bit you can have is a bit of knowledge." Exactly sir, thank you.
Pick up a copy of "Lessons in Lightness" by the late Mark Russell and see how a bit, used properly and softly, can teach a horse to relax the lower jaw, which leads to relaxation at the poll, and from there the whole spine.
Warwick: puts forward a logical and reasonable argument explaining that the rider's understanding and use of pressure is more important than the equipment they choose to use
90% of comments: yas preach, i only ride in a rope halter, bits are bad
Y'all realise you completely missed his point -_-
Yep, right on!
It is not the bit, it´s the softness of ur hands,
@@ROPEFAST06 Exactly! I agree! The bits are only as bad (or good) as the riders hand! Bad hands hurt... not bits if used correctly.
Except you can be as soft as you want, the pressure the bit puts on the mouth is still there when the reins aren't pulled on at all. Because there's basically no space in a horse's mouth.
Every so often I put my show jumper in a mechanical hackamore and everyone goes "oh wow so soft such a nice 'bitless' bridle" and I have to remind them that it has got shanks and can be quite harsh in the wrong hands. They're not these soft pieces of equipment like everyone thinks, my hands have to be softer in that hackamore then in my running gag, different pressure and all but all you're doing by changing bits and equipment is adjusting pressure, how much and where. Eventually we find where they don't like pressure and where they do
When I was younger I rode this horse in a hackamore bit he was so gentle. Then our first show I rode him in a normal snaffle and he was a completely different horse, super strong and a bit stubborn. Obviously I should have ridden him in the snaffle at home first 🙄 definitely highlighted the difference between equipment
Warwick, Thank you. I am breaking out my young horse in a side-pull primarily because she has a shallow mouth . I consistently use one Mississippi Two Mississippi as my ask and she is becoming lighter and lighter and more knowledgeable. We will move to a bit when the time is right for her. In my mind I have a soft quiet mare. Just recently I was visited by a local Western Pleasure Pro who told me in no uncertain terms that I was not helping this mare and that she should have a bit in her mouth. I suggested he pop on and see how well she is going. he jumped on and immediately yanked on the side pull. She exploded. The last time I had seen a horse buck that hard was at the Stampede in Calgary. To be honest I learned a lot about him, his energy level and his use of hands. All I could think about was my first riding instructor (in the 1950s) "Soft quiet hands make a quiet horse" People will continue to express opinions about this issue. Let us all remain united in the love of the horse and its care and well being
I don’t have a horse yet but still I watch all your videos. Gathering all the knowledge and details. I am sure when I get my new horse he will find a better owner with all these great insights.
Thanks Warwick
Your friend from india!!! 🙏👍
Well said. Could not agree more .
I have tried a variety of loose ring snaffle bits and no matter what, my mare would hold her mouth open with any amount of pressure applied to the reins. I never felt right clamping her mouth shut with different types of nosebands. So, we tried a sidepull bitless bridle and she is so happy and willing. We also use a lot of voice commands to move up and down through the different gaits. It's what works for us!
Thank you for have the bravery to make this video. I've been saying this to people for years and usually just get snide looks. I've shared this with some of my Facebook groups. Finally...
I ride my horse without a bit, just in an ordinary halter like a sidepull. I trained him to respond to the softest bit of pressure, and I'm also teaching him to respond softly to my seat.
We shouldn't worry about what's in the horse's mouth or on their face, we should be communicating with horses mostly with out seat and legs. If you have to pull on the reins, you're doing something wrong and there's holes in the training.
I have been waiting to hear your opinion on this for years! This is gonna be great
“The biggest bit you need is a bit of knowledge” I will be using that one a lot from now on :)
same here!
I cannot tell you how much I love this. Thank you for explaining it!
Excellent dissection of what we're trying to do and putting the responsibility back on us where it belongs!
Excellently put
Good job on this topic! Thanks for saying this.
No tool by itself causes pain or discomfort. It's ALWAYS the rider's responsability, whether it's having a tool that's well fitted, or using that tool correctly. You can have a halter made of chinchilla hair and unicorn fuzz, if you pull on it like a maniac, you're going to hurt your horse.
Now obviously some tools definitely inflict more pressure than others, and I for one am not a fan of most bits unless they're simple ones like eggbutts or D rings etc., and even less so of martingales, german reins and all that fun stuff, but neither am I a fan of most "bitless" contraptions people have come up with.
A LOT of them, if used poorly, will inflict JUST as much pain and discomfort to your horse than any pelham or pessoa bit, just in different ways, whether with a lever system like a metal hackamore, or with squeezing like the halter Mr. Schiller presented, because they all rely on compressing very sensitive nerves and sometimes even cartilage that are around your horse's nose and jaw bone.
If you fit and use a bit correctly, the ONLY part of your horse you're directly applying pressure on is the corner of their mouth, and if you need more than a couple grams of pressure there, like Mr. Schiller said, you've missed a few crucial steps in starting/working your horse.
"No tool by itself causes pain or discomfort" A bit causes discomfort just by staying is a horses mouth. What horse likes metal in their mouths?
@@anaalina5964 *sigh* you do you boo, I don't have it in me to debate "your opinion" when you're commenting that kind of nonsense on a very good video on the subject.
Also for the record not all bits are made of metal, you also have rubber bits, leather bit or resin bits.
Some bits are inherently painful with their design but if you don't use a something like a twisted wire, bike chain, or Tom thumb bit and have a properly trained horse and rider it's what the horse is more comfortable with my horses like hackamores better they like pressure on their nasal bone rather than mouth but if they were more comfortable in a bit I would change immediately
@@callysto_iiIf every person used leather bits that would be nice. But even non-competing people will most often refuse to use them because their horse doesn't "respond" to it. Considering a huge chunk are actually competing, where in most cases there are strict rules, horses likely won't have any luck in not being hurt.
@@vivientakacs5599 The biggest issue *by far* we have in the horse world is a. An enormous lack of patience and b. Wanting complete dominion over horses rather than take the time to treat them as willing companions...
We can ban as many things as we like (and definitely should for a LOT of "tools") but ultimately what we need is to change the perception we have of horses and what they owe us vs what we owe them.
Truth of the matter is your horse owes you nothing, outside of respecting your boundaries (provided you respect theirs) but *we* owe them everything.
The things we ask of them go completely against their every instincts, if everyone started feeling honoured when they let you on their backs, rather than offended when they don't, this entire debate would cease to exist.
What I'd love to see would be permission to compete bitless professionally, or at least have the option to use tools less invasive than double bits for dressage for instance, cuz anyone who tells you you can't get high level results bitless is just lying, either to themselves or to you.
You absolutely can, it just takes a LONG time, and a LOT of patience, and even more humility. I'd even argue you *must* be able to, if only just as a verification that all the work you've done hitherto has been fruitful.
If you can't do something at liberty, then it needs to be reevaluated and worked on.
But it's certainly quicker and easier to coerce your horse through pain, which circles back to my initial point, most people's relationship to their horses is incredibly toxic, and stems from domination and ownership, rather than love and companionship...
Great information. Thank you
So well said Warwick, I could not agree more !!!! It is about the feel, tact and awareness of the rider so much more that what the horse is wearing on his head.
A bit of knowledge! Perfect message. Thank you War, for keeping this topic so simplistic.And factual! And by the way, so easy to understand! Please keep it up! We so appreciate you and your efforts. Thank you, for helping people like me, who want to grow and learn,!😎💕👌
Could not agree more. Love the channel.
Loved this video! Some of the comments prove people still believe, its always your hands idea. But that is not completely true, some bits aren't comfortable just sitting on the tongue. Some bits create unfair pressure any time you use it, even softly. For example a twisted wire bit, bites. It doesn't just apply soft pressure. Its a bit that is needed because the horse doesn't listen, but what if the human went back to basics and taught the horse to listen to the lightest feel?, youd never need a twisted wire bit! Some bits, not all, are bad in any hands
Yeah, that's the butterfly bit and it's super cruel, their lips may even bleed.
This is brilliant. It’s such a relief to hear someone who knows horses not saying that bits are evil, and likewise to the people that use them. This is great content. Love your videos!
(English rider here!) I just found his channel as I love watching western / reining horses work, I absolutely love how he thinks, i always thought reining horses had to have bits and I always had the idea western was abuse and horrible which it isn’t at all! I wish I could give western a shot but I don’t live anywhere near western stables (UK). X
Great explanation.
Thank you great video.
Thank you War! Any type of pressure, is what it is Pressure ! Thank you again! 👌
I’ve always appreciated your horsemanship especially when you changed your thinking re: methods, etc. Blessings to you and much respect… love your videos❣️☮️🕉🥰🌟
Always said it's not the bit or bridle but the hands that hold it! Great video! X
A good overview. The other important thing is the right BIT that fits your horses mouth and caring for your horses teeth. Both those things can cause massive pain....add in heavy hands. Dental is of course imperative period whether you you use a bit or not. Ultimately we have to listen to the horse right? Some will be very loud about their sensitive mouths and a bit less bridle will be the answer. I agree about the cross under chin type. Or releasing enough. Karen ‘Rohlf makes a beautiful bit less bridle ‘Warwick
It's a tool, but just like your saddle, your boots, chaps or half chaps. It is all in how you use use it. I've even seen major named riders using what is called a **HACK-A-BIT**. It is a combination of a hackamore, and a Bit. Usually a D-Ring Snaffle with a flat brass break in the middle. The horses I've seen in this set up LOVE IT!! And the rider is usually only using the hackamore part of the bridle, but the horse is playing with the bit but concentrating on the job at hand with no problem. And as like any tool, it can be abused by people who don't know how to use that tool correctly. Here is to keeping our minds open to constantly learning more! If you ever get the chance to talk to an older horseman, ASK QUESTIONS!! They always want to pass on their knowledge so that it doesn't get lost. I've had that opportunity a few times and have binders of notes from what they taught me that I still refer to until this day. Best Regards and Stay Safe Everyone!! From Ontario, Canada, Jenn. 💖 💖 🇨🇦
I'm glad to hear this. Many (lots of manys) years ago when I saw my first spade bit, I said something (not understanding at the time that a spade bit is a signal bit and not a leverage bit) about it looking rather cruel. I've learned better since, but the person showing me the spade bit said, "never put a razor blade in the hands of a monkey." meaning that the bit isn't cruel, but bad seats and hands are cruel. I've seen tongues cut with snaffle bits. From this point I learned to use rawhide hackamores, egg butt snaffles, and medium-high port, copper covered, loose shank bits. I went on the theory that one doesn't need a spade to signal. In a sense, I thought I was showing off by not using a spade. Hands are everything and you can't have good hands without a good seat.
I am careful what is in the mouth of horses used for lessons.
They do work on longe lines for seat stability and balance exercises.
I also teach them about a following hand/ which really comes from the elbow.
The first cue is from your thought, run through your heart center to your gut. (3 chakra and core) to seat, legs, voice and then other follow up.
Usually not necessary.
It is a symphony of aids. Like an orchestral piece of music, thete are nuances and not all instruments are played simultaneously.
Practice riding without rein aids in warm up and finishing.
I ride western less because of my knees but have competed in multiple seats and disciplines.
THANKS WARWICK!
I learned long ago that Spade bits, (Which in the hands of someone who doesn't know what they're doing can be horrible) were used to finish a horse to the highest level, but that the trainer had to know what they were doing and have incredible feel.
Love this!
Thanks for the tip on the cross under. I've threaded through both rings now
Thanks for the clarification on that. I've always liked a hackamore bridle, but your right on the money. Its all in the hands no matter what bit you use.
Thank you this is good
Good job.
Well said!!!
So grateful that you are teaching so many, so much. Not sure why but rough hands on reins has always really bothered me. Sadly, I have seen too many horses w/ scar tissue at the corners of their lips. Thank you for teaching about gentle hands.
I like the idea of letting the horse choose which type of pressure they prefer. Maybe it's due to the riders hands, maybe it's due to conformation of the mouth or face or maybe it's just a "personal" thing that we will never understand. I do find that horses can have a preference for either. And yes, I know some horses that prefer a bit over nose or poll pressure. It's not the human who gets to decide what is aversive or non aversive. For some horses, a bitless bridle would be more aversive feeling than a bit. I also have a horse with a very fleshy, thick, low pallet conformation (in the mouth) that finds bits frustrating and distracting; he will tolerate an expensive, minimal tongue pressure bit, but goes better bitless. I personally want to ride with a bit for specific reasons. So, we train in both bitted and bitless and that seems to keep things happy.
Unfortunatly I cannot comment in WS‘ s podcast Site, so I have to write here under the video ( which is interesting although I changed after 20 years of riding in the snaffle consequently to the bosal and do not See any reason to Go back). What I wanted to say is: Thank you, Mr Schiller for the fantastic, honest and aware talk - interview is Not the fitting word for the intense exchange- with Dr Peters. It enlighted my breakfast on Sunday morning... I clearly recommend it to all the People who Look for a way to communicate with their horses instead of only doing some Kind of training with or to them. Greetings from Germany!
I love that nose-band only bridles are being used more and more. It makes people have to do more training with their horses. I think it’s a positive direction. My goals now are being able to ride completely at liberty and have a responsive compliant, willing horse. That’s quite a paradigm change from when I first owned horses 50 some years ago. As we take away the use of control devices we have to up our communication training with our horses. I love it.
Thank you for clarifying that so beautifully. I also hate the word bitless. There are so many people carrying on about bit and bitless, it seems to me it’s has become a bit of a fad, trend. I have never commented before but I do watch you a lot & for a long time. Hi from Australia, can’t wait till you can come back to do a clinic. Your last one was cancelled because of COVID.
Cancelled because of the Government's C-19 restrictions. A virus didn't cancel anyone's plans. The high flu epidemic of 2018 didn't stop people going about their business.
Edie Domenga are you for real. Yes it was cancelled because of COVID, he wasn’t able to get to Australia. Please don’t message if you are going to talk shit.
@@Carroty_Peg There were approx 34,200 deaths due to the flu in 2018-19 in the US according to the CDC. Compare this to covid, which in less than a year has caused the deaths of about 296,000 people so far. That's what happens when you don't keep it in check. Anyway this is besides the point and I'm not sure why you're bringing it up in a discussion about bitless bridles. His clinic was cancelled as a result of covid preventing him from getting to Aust at the time short and simple. Keep moving.
Really well explained thanks. It's all in the training and the hands isn't it? 🙂
The problem with any type of bridle is heavy handed, uneducated riders
Thank you so much for this video. I have friends who only ride "bitless" and do not understand how bits work, but are quick to judge people who use "big bits". Thanks for pointing out bits don't hurt horses, bad hands hurt horses.
@@alayamcgill7166 A lot of your information is incorrect.
@@shmeeden Prove me wrong please
@@alayamcgill7166 Only some horses develop wolf teeth, and they're small and easily removed under sedation when horses are young. Wolf tooth removal has no long lasting impact. I think it's possible you're confusing wolf teeth and canine teeth? Canine teeth don't interfere with the bit. Other than wolf teeth, bits don't touch a horse's teeth at all. And you can argue that horses are "meant" to have wolf teeth, but then, are humans "meant" to have wisdom teeth? Wisdom tooth removal in a person is a LOT more involved than wolf tooth removal in a horse. Wolf teeth (IF they have them) aside, there's a huge space in the bars of the horse's mouth. Even a bit set at a very incorrect height is not going to "crack and break" teeth. Bits also don't have any effect whatsoever on a horse's windpipe. Overflexion of the horse's neck can cause compression of the windpipe and lead to difficulty breathing, yes, but that's unrelated to a bit. You can easily hold a horse behind the vertical in a bitless setup. And where are you getting your math on the amount of pressure? A snaffle bit -- as in one with no leverage, regardless of the mouth piece -- is direct pressure. 1kg of pull equals 1kg of pressure. Period. Simple math. The only bits that increase pressure are leverage bits, but as Warwick demonstrates in this video, they're intended to be used with a very light touch, with time to react before the horse feels increased pressure. You know what else has leverage and creates a lot of pressure on a very sensitive, nerve-filled part of the horse's face? Hackamores with leverage. Much more potential for those to cause damage than most bits. I've known a horse who had a huge, permanent dent in his nose from being ridden bitless in a mechanical hackamore by a rider with bad hands. A smooth snaffle bit in his mouth would have been kinder in the circumstances, I can assure you. I have nothing at all against bitless, but no, it is not automatically more humane, and the vast majority of bits are not inherently cruel.
@@alayamcgill7166 And now you've deleted your comment?
@@shmeeden (No I did not delete my comment. My comment was a reply to someone, not that that matters anyway.) No I was not confusing wolf teeth with canine teeth. And where I got my information on the pressure of the bit was from Alexander Nevzorov, a Russian horse teacher who works with horses using NO equipment what so ever, not even a halter. Why? Because horse's are smart enough to know to do as you wish - if you ask them to. Sometimes a horse does not however, "want" to do as you would have them do. That's where the bit shows up. I do not use bits simply because I don't need to. It's unnecessary. Once a horse realizes that you are not going to inflict pain on them - (no matter how light the pain might be,) the chances of the horse doing as you wish is far more likely to happen than if they had the bit in their mouth. And there is tons of evidence out there to support this.
If you wouldn't put a bit in your child's mouth, what makes it okay to do so to a horse's mouth?
I love this! Such a common argument. I use both bits and bitless depending on what I’m doing. If I’m trail riding, I’ll probably be bitless. If I’m in the arena working on bending and collection, then I’ll ride in a snaffle. I like my horses to be comfortable with both.
Yes, and you do them a favor and broaden their education by teaching them about both. 👍
@@comesahorseman Absolutely the goal! I want them to be familiar with different headgear and safe to ride in pretty much anything. That way if they end up moving to different homes or situations someday then they will be able to adjust easier.
That is a beautiful Bridle.very deserving of the Horse.
Bits have been demonized by certain groups who are told by ‘experts’ that they are evil, cruel and inhumane. In reality, even a ‘bitless’ bridle can be improperly used and cause a horse discomfort. It is our skill as riders and our knowledge of said equipment. Our awareness of how and why it should be used. And, our respect for our horses that makes the difference.
If you and your animal are properly trained then just a rope halter or fully bere are all that's nessasery...pritty and hard equipment is to make up for skill.
Bits are a crutch
I’m listening to your Nashon Cook podcast and was SO EXCITED when I saw his name. I’ve watched all of his YT videos and have been blown away by his ideas and unrelenting calmness with his horses. Didn’t know where else to post my “Yay, Nashon Cook!” So I came here to your most recent video to say thank you for having him on the podcast. It’s great to learn more about his approach. I hope there will be more with Nashon. Thanks.
He's amazing huh?
@@WarwickSchiller you guys are both 350 years old. ;-)
@@KarenInCalif I feel like Im about 5 years old talking to him.
Same with my horse. She is happy with bitless and is very willing.
Well said! I’ve tried a”side pull “ (as it’s called here in Sweden) bridle on every horse that I’ve started and none of them liked it. I’ll use my rope halter and after that a hackamore with shanks. I also start them with a bit, but that comes later on.
A "BIT" OF KNOWLEDGE. Priceless!
Most people, when they are learning to ride a horse, use there hands to give them balance. So, back to War, on teaching us, that pressure, is the big thing for the horse. Less hands. And more of your body balance and use your core, More sitting your skeleton in proportion. And that will release you from pulling the horse in the mouth. Because you will feel balance in your body/core. And if your whole body is balanced, with you riding the horse, you have no need to use your hands to balance when you ride your horse. Because you feel secure and well seated and balanced. For me, with all that said. Breathing, talking or call me crazy, even singing under my breath, has helped me and my horses to relax. And by the way, I have a Great need for further advice! Thank you War! And all your help you offer, we are grateful! Thank you! Mary Lamb and fans!
Love the singing too, “I’m just a Dimestore Cowgirl” by Kasey Musgraves has become the riding theme song 😊
@@kmsch986 You are so right! Excellent taste in riding songs! 👍🏻 you go girl 😎
I purchased just such a bridle. And it did close on my horse's jaw and I was forever trying to pull it back to slack. It was expensive and am surprised that it hasn't been better engineered.
I ride english and with my horse I usually use a bit or a flower hackamore depending on what I'm doing and how he fells that day. Sometimes he prefers one over the other, sometimes he doesn't care. But either way he decides how much "contact" he wants to have. I once rode a horse and the owner first told me that he needs a very soft hand. No problem... and then she told me to hold the reins shorter, shorter and shorter until I felt like my arms are going to fall of. I guess some people have no idea what a soft hand means 😓
He's right about how a bitless bridle can be worse. That's why I use nothing but a rope halter with rope reins.
Same with the spurs "debate". Cheers.
I love your thoughts on this topic. 😊 Also I Love This Kind Of Bosal. Where can I buy one of these?
Very true. I have an OTTB, he’s very sensitive like most are, I started him in a bit, I didn’t like him in it bc he was very evasive of the bit, so I put him in a hackamore. He was so much happier and so much more relaxed. But then we started jumping and training lead changes, he got strong and eventually I was putting so much pressure on his face bc of how strong he was getting that he started to get sore spots on his face. So now he’s in a French link D-ring rubber snaffle and is back to feeling great, relaxed, and super soft. It is totally dependent on where you are in your training journey. I hope to get back to the hackamore eventually, once jumps and lead changes aren’t so exciting. But right now a rubber bit is the best thing for him
I think that there are people who aren't aware of how sensitive some areas of a horse's head are. Yeah, when a mannerless horse is using the nearest human to scratch their head with, it doesn't seem like they have much physical sensitivity but the nerves of the head aren't a monolithic structure, they're a net where some areas are relatively insensitive and some areas are highly sensitive.
As a former rider, when I started owning dogs, I taught my dogs to respond to leash feel without even really thinking about it. I didn't know much about dogs in the beginning, so I often resorted to training them the ways I'd learned with OTTBs (rehabs for the hunter/jumper ring). It takes me three days to get to the point where a dog will always yield to my leash pressure and seven days to get that dog to the point where they will yield to pressure on the leash no matter who is holding it. And that's it, seven days and the dog is trained for anyone for life. No matter how bad the human's pulling habit was, those dogs could circumvent it by yielding to the pressure. It is nearly impossible to pull against something that always yields to the pressure, which prevents a lot of (usually inadvertent) unpleasantness for the dog.
Someone asked me how I did it because I never jerk on a dog's leash and it took me nearly a year to figure out just what I was doing with my hands to get those results because it had become so thoroughly engrained in me during my horse years.
Yes, it is!
In response to your specific comment about a fussy horse is determined by the riders hands - I don’t think it’s really just as simple as a cause/effect in terms of an owner. I think horses are brought in to work too quickly and are asked to do things way beyond their physical capabilities and I think the discomfort horses can feel gets manifested in to things like having a fussy mouth. I bought my horse with a fussy mouth - the slightest bit of pressure causes him to get really upset and I’ve really tried to train myself to be as soft as possible - but he’s never stopped being fussy. He isn’t fussy in a bitless bridle.
Very valuable video though. I’m currently going through decisions about whether to go bitless so it’s really interesting to hear these opinions.
You “don’t think it’s as simple as cause and effect in terms of the owner”, you think it’s “because the horse was bought into work too soon”.
And didn’t the owner do that …?
@@WarwickSchiller yes but I don’t really class breeders/dealers to be true owners. In the U.K. I know that many take short cuts and with that comes some form of animal abuse to get them to do what you want. I class an owner as someone who actually cares and wants to do right by their horse.
Anyway not critising your video - it’s a good video. I just think the fussy contact goes deeper than a ‘new’ or ‘current’ owners hands / which is what most of us are, who will be watching this video.
AGREE 100%
I don’t use bits. The micklem multibridle works well for me. Why put a metal bar in a horses mouth if you don’t have to??
Exactly! If you can teach your horse to ride with a bit, you can teach them to ride without it.
Alot of places require a bit. So you'd ride with one at home sometimes so it's not just when you're competing.
Some horses find pressure on their face too intense and can find it more uncomfortable, I tried to transition my horse to bitless but he hates nose pressure
Mishel Reynolds That’s actually really interesting. Sucks for some people who have only taught their horses bitless riding :c
The jaw of a horse is far better able to withstand pressure than the very thin and sensitive nasal bone, actually.
Would be fascinating to hear what someone like Rick Gore would say about this video.
Rick Gore doesn't understand nuance, so...
i love the look of the thing you use in this video :) my preference is something without something being in their mouth.
years ago, I tried a bosal on my horse, and it was okay until I asked him to stop. He must have thought that I was asking him to go faster. I had to jump off, and since he had been trained as a cutting horse, he immediately stopped, even before my feet touched the ground. I went back to a hackamore.
I adore your videos! Watching them has made me reevaluate a lot about how I ride. I’ve been working with a horse for a few weeks now. I’ve realized that he is very sensitive to leg pressure (he is in a lesson program and I think he may have been over asked). He’ll transition to the lope just from clucking normally. The past few times I’ve ridden however he won’t want to go faster than the jog. I’ve tried using leg pressure but I feel him start to shut down and become “dull” to aids. I know that I’ve gotten in his way in the beginning and that he doesn’t think that loping is the right answer to speak. How would you convince him that loping is what is easiest, while minding his sensitivity with leg pressure? Thank you!
I agree
I had a horse that loved his medium port curb bit, but our spare "my bridle broke" in the trailer was a hackamour. He went equally well in both. It's your hands and your understanding w the horse.
Loved a bit??????. You are funny 😂😂😂😂😂
Yep! Just as its a poor workman who blames his tools, its a poor horseman who doesn't see that its his/her hands that are at fault.
I ride my horse in a shanked hackamore with a curb chain. He responds and I do keep the reins loose and only pick up the contact when needed. He had dental issues in his nouth that prevent me from using a bit with him. I hope to transition into just a rope halter with reins attached.
I had a quarter horse gelding, very calm, who worked exactly the same with a mild snaffle or just a halter and reins. Other people I rode with totally freaked out about not having a bit. It caused a real rift.
I stopped riding (english) 15 ago because I fell a lot (stopped counting after 150 falls). Every horse I fell off had a bit.
I'm considering riding again. But, now, if I don't trust enough to ride him biteless, I won't ride him at all.
Where can I get a cotton hackamore like this one! I LOVE it?
I mostly agree, but there are bits out there that are made to be pretty uncomfortable to the horse with no pressure or that apply odd conflicting cues when pressure is applied (like poll pressure mouth pressure at the same time etc). But overall yes I agree, bits versus bitless remind me of a flat collar versus a prong collar in dogs.
Great.
I think you are correct if the rider is competent. I see riders using the reins as a brace for themselves so that they do not fall off, and at this level of competence a bit will cause more pain to the horse.
So, it begs the question of which is better for the horse for the so very many riders who don't and never will have soft hands? It seems to me 'bitless" would be a step in the right direction for the sake of all those horses out there that will never have good riders. Encouraging more humane bridles would seem the thing to do in lieu of soft hands.
Not if it doesnt release...
@@WarwickSchiller A humane, "bitless" bridle would release. Out of concern for the huge number of horses poorly handled I'd like to see bridles that would not, could not cause pain. Do you think that is possible? Obviously, well-trained and well-handled horses would be the ideal and you have done so very much to promote that, but is there more that can be done for those beyond your reach?
@@virginiamoss7045 Educating them whenever you can reach them. I'll never say this enough, ANY tool in the wrong hand will cause pain, a humane bitless bridle releases pressure, but so does a well fitted bit, if your horse is in constant pain from the bit, you need to have it see a dentist and then a bit fitter.
But all that said, you can have the best fitted, softest most magical bitless bridle in the world, if you don't know how to use it, you're going to hurt your horse. Because they ALL rely on pressure, every single last one of them, whether it's pressure in the mouth, or pressure around the face, it's the exact same result, and that is something people NEED to understand. The only way to ride a horse without having pressure on its face is to ride it bridleless, and that's out of the question for the horses and riders we're talking about.
The ONLY thing that'll make for gentler more humane riding is _education_
As long as you think a bridle, with or without a bit, is used to control and subdue your horse, you're going to hurt your horse.
@@WarwickSchiller I understand that and that's the only one I know of that is like that. It's horrible.
Never had problems with just using rope halters.
Can you talk about Bosals specifically? do you feel that they offer better (or more precise) communication than, say, a sidepull style?
Horses respond to pressure, and pressure can be on a continuum from pleasurable to painful. My concern with bits is that horses chew and manipulate the bits that are in their mouth, enough so that we can see the use of bits on the P2s that can be seen in 6000 year old bits from Botai and Kozhai. This is the method through which archaeologists try to determine when horses were first ridden. Even leather and rope bits cause differences in the teeth. I don't understand the implications, but I think it raises questions that I have not heard answered.
Do you adhere to Buck's philosophy about bitting - start with a snaffle, then to a bosal then to the full bridle?
Yes. I am annoyed with certain "bitless" gurus who, as soon as they see a horse in a bit, will immediately dismiss the rider as less knowledgeable of horses than themselves. Recently a certain one of those bitless gurus was commenting on a video of yours Warwick, that someone had sent him, and he began by commenting that you 'used a bit' as if that somehow cast doubt on anything else you may be trying to teach. Its the same kind of arrogance that vegans and other types of woke people (in the past it was probably religion) assume that others just aren't as smart or morally just as themselves, and need educating
I think a certain horse thinker is mad because he actually doesn't teach shit nor thinks like a horse and is more dedicated to shit on people than educate on horse behaviour. I've learned more of horse care and behaviour with Warwick in 3 videos than that guy in years. I think pink, witches, bad women and stupid humans are his favourite words. Anyway, Warwick actually knows his stuff, is educated and shows things with the horse instead of trash-talking for 20 minutes.
@@sunarlyn756 I used to be subscribed because I can ignore the bad stuff and just take the good stuff, but all those things you mention annoyed me too
@@kidstuff44555 I was too, I also tried to ignore the bad things but the guy was pissing me off. He has some trauma with women I swear... and everyone is stupid and ignorant but him. Toxic as toxic can get and he thinks he is educating people lol
@@sunarlyn756
I literally just came across his video and since I used to be a watcher years back, I automatically clicked on it.
Big mistake.
7 minutes in and he is already trash talking women hahaha.
And there aint no women at all in that video ahhahah (not a reaction video)
I used to ride one horse you would throw an absolute fit if he had a bit less bridle on. He hated poll pressure (owner couldn’t figure out why. She spent thousands trying to figure it out but he was completely fine). He was super happy in a double jointed snaffle though. I’ve also met a little pony who would only really listen in a dr cook. It’s all above listening to our horses.
I’ve been thinking of using a sidepull biteless bridle since my horse has a sensitive mouth, but I’ve seen many positive and negative comments about it and I don’t know if it’s actually worse than a hackamore for instance?
So i have a question, and I guess anyone with a great idea or answer can help me. I've worked a bit on my two horses and they are both absolutely great in the arena. They are happy and want to work, especially my 3 year old youngster. BUT when we are done, I can't get the young one to leave the arena again?! 😂 My two horses are very connected and had a lot of anxiety being apart in the beginning, but even with the older horse waiting for the young one in the fields she isn't interested in going there. We have quit some bad, cold, wett weather at the moment with a lot of mud. But I only have the problem when we are done training, so not in the morning for instance?! What to do?
My second question is, what to do about anxiety in the stable? My older Mare is really good outside the stables, but very aggressive towards other horses and afraid to be left alone as well . The second I take her out just leaving the stall, she is fine.. and it bothers me that I helped here with the anxiety outside and while training, but not to the point where she can stay alone inside. Maybe this could be a good subject for a new video ?! Anxiety when inside the stables and also bad behaviour towards other horses ? Have a nice day everyone and a happy new year 🎉
Where can I get a hackamore like the one in the video
Hey Warwick, my mustang mare seems to have a lot of issues with a bit. I rode her so far only with a rope halter. Finally her teeth got done. She is good in the walk but absolutely hates it in the trot.
On a loose rein.
Do you have ideas on how to proceed?
I switching back to rope halter steering and only caring the bit without reins attached.
Thanks
I hate being preached to that "bitless is better"! You can do just as much damage in a bitless bridle - like Warwick said, doesn't mean you will have better hands. And horses work from Pressure - so unless you're not riding your horse at all, how are you not subjecting him to some form of pressure?! I have a mare that I would like to do some bitless work with, but my gelding - NO WAY. He is far to dangerous to consider it. And a lot of people have said "just go bitless..." when I have asked for help with his bridling issues. But the "bit" is not the problem!!!! He works beautifully with a bit in his mouth once the bridle is on. At least I'm honest enough to acknowledge that the blame must lay at least partially with me - I've owned him 7 years and have created a problem some how. He has always been a problem horse but I love him to bits, so I will not be parting with him, just working on solutions.
totally agree. although i would want 'bitless' to be the standard. yes they can still be harsh and abusive, but bits is inherently invasive. so no, we shouldnt glamorize bitless bridles as these super soft and nice things but i do not want to see a bunch of young children sitting on a horse pulling its reins with a bit in its mouth cuz that pressure is automatically more harsh.
Can you do a video on reducing head tossing? We have one boy who does the typical high-low for no (perceived) reason and another who does circles when he has anxious or excited energy
The key is to use lateral bending, not 2 reins.
@@WarwickSchiller we only use one set of reins. When you say lateral bending, do you mean as soon as they start doing it to bend them on the circle? They're primarily trail horses and do it even if we're just standing still. We've tried giving them full rein and tighter grips. It almost seems like just a behavioral tick now
@@larawatrous4135 Yes, just using one side at a time.
I love this video! Thank you for this! The bits are only as bad (or good) as the riders hand! Bad, insensitive, hands hurt... not bits, if used correctly.
I very much appreciated your comments on this ‘subject’. I have a ‘Light Rider ‘Bitless’ Bridle. I am recovering from ‘brain trauma’ from a mountain bike accident in 2018 so I am having to re-learn and try to remember things (not so easy). I am enjoying your teaching loads😍👍.