Allow Bitless Bridles in USEF Rated Competitions
Target:
USEF
Sponsored by:
While bits have been a main piece of equipment for controlling horses for centuries, modern times have brought many new ways to communicate with horses that don't require bits, and national and international equine governing bodies should keep up with the new times.
Many people do not need bits to work with their horses, and they should not be required to use one in competition when they have found a better way for themselves. Collection is supposed to be free and not forced by the bit, so to make a bit necessary in matters of either communication or collection is contradictory to horse education ideals.
While bits have been a main piece of equipment for controlling horses for centuries, modern times have brought many new ways to communicate with horses that don't require bits, and national and international equine governing bodies should keep up with the new times.
Many people do not need bits to work with their horses, and they should not be required to use one in competition when they have found a better way for themselves. Collection is supposed to be free and not forced by the bit, so to make a bit necessary in matters of either communication or collection is contradictory to horse education ideals.
We the undersigned believe that bits should not be required for USEF competitions, nor should competitors be penalized for using them in the case of their acceptance, as many do not train with them or need them to communicate with their horse.
Collection is not meant to be forced by the bit - the idea is that the bit is only there for fine communication, and should not be necessary for the horse to be move in correct collection. Requiring bits goes against these fundamentals of horse education, and we believe bitless bridles should be accepted for those who choose to school their horse this way.
Collection is not meant to be forced by the bit - the idea is that the bit is only there for fine communication, and should not be necessary for the horse to be move in correct collection. Requiring bits goes against these fundamentals of horse education, and we believe bitless bridles should be accepted for those who choose to school their horse this way.
We signed the "Allow Bitless Bridles in USEF Rated Competitions" petition!
# 1,369:
7:22 pm PDT, May 1,
Kerry Carr, California
# 1,368:
6:00 pm PDT, May 1,
Roni Raczkowski, California
# 1,367:
4:39 pm PDT, May 1,
Rosemary Wyndham Jones, New Zealand
Dave and I run Dune Lakes Lodge a Holistic Horse Centre on the North West Coast of Auckland. We start and restart horses and rehabilitate horses with behavioural and lameness issues. All our horses and our clients horses are ridden bitless, barefoot and in treeless saddles. In our experience ALL horses/ponies respond extremely favourably to this painfree way of being ridden. There is NO competition or event that a horse would not benefit from being ridden bitless. For more information on the damaging effects of bits read "Metal in the Mouth" by Robert Cook and Hilrud Strasser. We know that many of our clients would compete if the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale)who govern the rules and regulations of dressage, showjumping and eventing lifted the restriction of bitted riding. Be informed - give horses a better deal!! Rosemary
Dave and I run Dune Lakes Lodge a Holistic Horse Centre on the North West Coast of Auckland. We start and restart horses and rehabilitate horses with behavioural and lameness issues. All our horses and our clients horses are ridden bitless, barefoot and in treeless saddles. In our experience ALL horses/ponies respond extremely favourably to this painfree way of being ridden. There is NO competition or event that a horse would not benefit from being ridden bitless. For more information on the damaging effects of bits read "Metal in the Mouth" by Robert Cook and Hilrud Strasser. We know that many of our clients would compete if the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale)who govern the rules and regulations of dressage, showjumping and eventing lifted the restriction of bitted riding. Be informed - give horses a better deal!! Rosemary
# 1,366:
3:35 pm PDT, May 1,
Name not displayed, California
I have been in the horse industry for 40 years and I know for a fact that the vast majority of horses behave better with no bit in their mouth. There is no need for a mouthpiece of any kind in order to fully control any horse.
I have been in the horse industry for 40 years and I know for a fact that the vast majority of horses behave better with no bit in their mouth. There is no need for a mouthpiece of any kind in order to fully control any horse.
# 1,365:
1:49 pm PDT, May 1,
Kate Lee, United Kingdom
# 1,364:
1:48 pm PDT, May 1,
Linda King, North Carolina
I have just about stopped showing my horses they work better bitless or bridle less a bit just keeps them back. They seem to enjoy riding with a bitless
I have just about stopped showing my horses they work better bitless or bridle less a bit just keeps them back. They seem to enjoy riding with a bitless
# 1,363:
1:41 pm PDT, May 1,
James Lovatt, United Kingdom
This product shows a horse in true self carriage and outline, by encouraging people to use it will not only improve horse welfare but improve the image of equestrian sport.
This product shows a horse in true self carriage and outline, by encouraging people to use it will not only improve horse welfare but improve the image of equestrian sport.
# 1,362:
11:30 am PDT, May 1,
Sandy Keyworth, New Zealand
We've been using cross over bitless bridles for years. How unnatual using a bit in a horses mouth. We have total control in a gentler way. We alway start our young ones with one. They are happier and work better.
We've been using cross over bitless bridles for years. How unnatual using a bit in a horses mouth. We have total control in a gentler way. We alway start our young ones with one. They are happier and work better.
# 1,361:
10:56 am PDT, May 1,
Jill Jackson, New Zealand
I whole heartedly support bitless bridles in all equestrian sport.
I whole heartedly support bitless bridles in all equestrian sport.
# 1,360:
10:17 am PDT, May 1,
Erika Kriebel, Oregon
My horse is in bitless dressage training. I am looking forward to competing bitless in dressage competitions.
My horse is in bitless dressage training. I am looking forward to competing bitless in dressage competitions.
# 1,359:
6:20 am PDT, May 1,
Lisa Stephon, Pennsylvania
Bitless all the way!
Bitless all the way!
# 1,358:
6:07 am PDT, May 1,
Randi Peters, Pennsylvania
Bitless should be the only way in my opinion. Also, to clarify, there are 'bitless' hackamores that have shanks and leverage action on the nose/jaw and these should not be considered a 'bitless bridle' nor should they be allowed to be used.
Bitless should be the only way in my opinion. Also, to clarify, there are 'bitless' hackamores that have shanks and leverage action on the nose/jaw and these should not be considered a 'bitless bridle' nor should they be allowed to be used.
# 1,357:
2:00 am PDT, May 1,
Nicola McPherson, New Zealand
I think a horse can go just as well If not better bitless, I think that there schould be no rules against using a bit which is less harsh for your animal!
I think a horse can go just as well If not better bitless, I think that there schould be no rules against using a bit which is less harsh for your animal!
# 1,356:
1:21 am PDT, May 1,
Bettena Graham, New Zealand
YES TO BITLESS BRIDLES.TO MANY HORSES HAVE HARD MOUTHS
YES TO BITLESS BRIDLES.TO MANY HORSES HAVE HARD MOUTHS
# 1,355:
12:35 am PDT, May 1,
Lisa Charman, New Zealand
# 1,354:
9:19 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Name not displayed, New Zealand
# 1,353:
8:59 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Kat Walding, Australia
# 1,352:
8:55 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Jill Rasmussen, New Zealand
For more impact, add a personal comment here
For more impact, add a personal comment here
# 1,351:
8:51 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Maryvonne Pyne, New Zealand
It is wrong to discriminate against those of us who don't require the use of a bit to communicate with our horses.
It is wrong to discriminate against those of us who don't require the use of a bit to communicate with our horses.
# 1,350:
8:32 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Sarah Blondie Herbert, New Zealand
I am new to bitless and already I see how amazing it is! I will be advocating the bitless bridle to others. I hope to see bitless, barefoot and treeless become more popular!
I am new to bitless and already I see how amazing it is! I will be advocating the bitless bridle to others. I hope to see bitless, barefoot and treeless become more popular!
# 1,349:
8:11 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Nicholas Watson, New Zealand
A bit in the mouth is a spur in the heart.
A bit in the mouth is a spur in the heart.
# 1,348:
7:49 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Jenny Purchase, New Zealand
# 1,347:
7:28 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Caroline Hannah, New Zealand
The use of a bit, together with riding a horse with contact, is inhumane. It creates dysfunction, injury and disease in the mouth, airway and lungs of a horse, as well as disabling vision and balance. It is time for bits to be banned as an outdated piece of equipment which is cruel, and causes excruciating physical and emotional torment to a horse. www.horseandhuman.co.nz
The use of a bit, together with riding a horse with contact, is inhumane. It creates dysfunction, injury and disease in the mouth, airway and lungs of a horse, as well as disabling vision and balance. It is time for bits to be banned as an outdated piece of equipment which is cruel, and causes excruciating physical and emotional torment to a horse. www.horseandhuman.co.nz
# 1,346:
3:55 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Donna Buck, New Zealand
Sooner or later, the research done to show how damaging and painful bits are to horses will be acknowledged, what a pity it seems this sport/pet loving category of professionals and owners are so closed minded as to restrict choices like this. Come on, let the changes happen!
Sooner or later, the research done to show how damaging and painful bits are to horses will be acknowledged, what a pity it seems this sport/pet loving category of professionals and owners are so closed minded as to restrict choices like this. Come on, let the changes happen!
# 1,345:
3:12 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Linsey Cleary, New Zealand
I believe you can achieve the same reults if not more with a Bitless Bridle. The horse will love you for it
I believe you can achieve the same reults if not more with a Bitless Bridle. The horse will love you for it
# 1,344:
2:37 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Magdalena Lech, Poland
# 1,343:
2:08 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Steve CLEARY, New Zealand
Let the real riders shine!
Let the real riders shine!
# 1,342:
2:01 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Jenny Rouse, New Zealand
I find it really strange that I can compete my endurance horse at FEI 3* level bitless. But I cannot take him to my local pony club show unless he is bitted. Go figure !
I find it really strange that I can compete my endurance horse at FEI 3* level bitless. But I cannot take him to my local pony club show unless he is bitted. Go figure !
# 1,341:
12:56 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Denyse Cambie, New Zealand
# 1,340:
12:24 pm PDT, Apr 30,
Nicole Cherrington, New Zealand
I run a rehab here in NZ for unwanted horses with behavioural problems, most of these horses have felt the sharp end of a bit and would welcome the bitless revolution.. Because some of these horses are adopted into homes that may be competitive, they are kept in bits when it would be by far, more beneficial to them to be bitless.. To not allow bitless competitors is discrimination against those who choose the more humane way to enjoy their equine.. Its not right. Change is the only way.
I run a rehab here in NZ for unwanted horses with behavioural problems, most of these horses have felt the sharp end of a bit and would welcome the bitless revolution.. Because some of these horses are adopted into homes that may be competitive, they are kept in bits when it would be by far, more beneficial to them to be bitless.. To not allow bitless competitors is discrimination against those who choose the more humane way to enjoy their equine.. Its not right. Change is the only way.
# 1,339:
5:56 am PDT, Apr 30,
Noreen Wentz, Pennsylvania
# 1,338:
3:34 am PDT, Apr 30,
Julie McPherson, New Zealand
# 1,337:
2:26 am PDT, Apr 30,
Name not displayed, New Zealand
# 1,336:
2:11 am PDT, Apr 30,
Karen Dysart, New Zealand
Track2hacks looking for a nice horse ???? drop me a line
Track2hacks looking for a nice horse ???? drop me a line
# 1,335:
1:36 am PDT, Apr 30,
Linda Mitchell, New Zealand
As a keen rider and horse lover myself, I have been noticing the increased interest in the use of bitless bridles, while at the same time noticing the incorrect use of bits, increased use of extremely severe bits at high levels of equestrian disciplines, particularly by European riders. I do not believe old traditions should be allowed to inhibit the progress of those who wish to compete bitless or that European countries should have such a stronghold on many equestrian disciplines, by way of banning anybody who breaks tradition. It would be nice to see the United States set an example for the rest of us in smaller, less influential countries, by allowing the use of bitless bridles, thus perhaps ending the suffering some horses have to endure in the hands of riders not particularly skilled in the use of bits.
As a keen rider and horse lover myself, I have been noticing the increased interest in the use of bitless bridles, while at the same time noticing the incorrect use of bits, increased use of extremely severe bits at high levels of equestrian disciplines, particularly by European riders. I do not believe old traditions should be allowed to inhibit the progress of those who wish to compete bitless or that European countries should have such a stronghold on many equestrian disciplines, by way of banning anybody who breaks tradition. It would be nice to see the United States set an example for the rest of us in smaller, less influential countries, by allowing the use of bitless bridles, thus perhaps ending the suffering some horses have to endure in the hands of riders not particularly skilled in the use of bits.
# 1,334:
1:25 am PDT, Apr 30,
Name not displayed, New Zealand
# 1,333:
1:05 am PDT, Apr 30,
Katie Sloane, New Zealand
# 1,332:
12:35 am PDT, Apr 30,
Scott Jacobs, South Africa
# 1,331:
11:39 pm PDT, Apr 29,
Adrienne Briggs, New Zealand
To whom this may concern, i do hope you take note of all the people whoa re for a bitless way of riding. As said collection is not ment to come form the bit so why do we NEED it? Choice for horse and rider and how the horse and rider preform should more important than the gear they use. Thank you
To whom this may concern, i do hope you take note of all the people whoa re for a bitless way of riding. As said collection is not ment to come form the bit so why do we NEED it? Choice for horse and rider and how the horse and rider preform should more important than the gear they use. Thank you
# 1,330:
10:21 am PDT, Apr 29,
Deanna Coleman, Florida
I ride in a bitless bridle. I find it to be a far more effective and humane way of communicating with my horse. I am able to que my horse, make subtle corrections and maintain contact with my horse. I do not feel it is right to require riders to use a bit in showing when bitless bridles provide the same level of control without the same level of aggravation for the horse.
I ride in a bitless bridle. I find it to be a far more effective and humane way of communicating with my horse. I am able to que my horse, make subtle corrections and maintain contact with my horse. I do not feel it is right to require riders to use a bit in showing when bitless bridles provide the same level of control without the same level of aggravation for the horse.
# 1,329:
10:39 pm PDT, Apr 28,
Johanna Richardson, United Kingdom
# 1,328:
6:14 pm PDT, Apr 28,
Terry Spence, Nevada
Please consider re-evaluating your stance on this matter. Thank you.
Please consider re-evaluating your stance on this matter. Thank you.
# 1,327:
5:38 pm PDT, Apr 28,
Claudia Waldmann, New Zealand
I would appreciate if riding competitors were given the choice of entering their horses bitted or bitless.
I would appreciate if riding competitors were given the choice of entering their horses bitted or bitless.
# 1,326:
2:17 pm PDT, Apr 28,
Nicky Donohue, United Kingdom
Let those who wish to compete with the freedom of being bitless do so - What are the ruling bodies afraid of?
Let those who wish to compete with the freedom of being bitless do so - What are the ruling bodies afraid of?
# 1,325:
2:08 pm PDT, Apr 28,
June Muller, United Kingdom
Please allow bitless bridles in competition for those of us who choose to ride these beautiful creatures this way. Why on earth would you not allow it? Surley "no metal in the mouth" is a much kinder way to go .
Please allow bitless bridles in competition for those of us who choose to ride these beautiful creatures this way. Why on earth would you not allow it? Surley "no metal in the mouth" is a much kinder way to go .
# 1,324:
3:10 pm PDT, Apr 27,
Linda Clarke, Florida
Linda Clarke
Linda Clarke
# 1,323:
8:30 am PDT, Apr 27,
Name not displayed, Canada
# 1,322:
3:13 am PDT, Apr 27,
Hanne Liseth, Norway
It is important that also humane horse lovers can use their tools when riding competitions! Bitless (and shoeless and box less) is the future in horse management!
It is important that also humane horse lovers can use their tools when riding competitions! Bitless (and shoeless and box less) is the future in horse management!
# 1,321:
11:10 am PDT, Apr 26,
Name not displayed, Norway
# 1,320:
9:50 am PDT, Apr 26,
Name not displayed, Belgium
# 1,319:
9:08 am PDT, Apr 26,
Janet Higginbotham, United Kingdom
A bitless bridle user for the past 1 year 8 months. Will never use a bit again!
A bitless bridle user for the past 1 year 8 months. Will never use a bit again!
# 1,318:
8:05 am PDT, Apr 26,
Jo Ellen Cushing, Canada
What is the USEF afraid of? That horses who are allowed to compete with the natural freedom of the bitless will out-perform their counterparts? There is enough 'evidence' to prove the devastating effects that the bit - any bit - does on a horses mouth. Practice true horsemanship and say no to the bit.
What is the USEF afraid of? That horses who are allowed to compete with the natural freedom of the bitless will out-perform their counterparts? There is enough 'evidence' to prove the devastating effects that the bit - any bit - does on a horses mouth. Practice true horsemanship and say no to the bit.
# 1,317:
6:38 am PDT, Apr 26,
Tim Abady, France
I learned to ride with a simple halter attached to two piece of wool for reins. Never had any problems and developed "soft hands". The International equine bodies must recognise that a competent rider who chooses a bitless bridle for competition has as much right to compete as any other. You COULD argue that using a bit is cruelty to horses and so should be banned from all competition. Ridiculous?
I learned to ride with a simple halter attached to two piece of wool for reins. Never had any problems and developed "soft hands". The International equine bodies must recognise that a competent rider who chooses a bitless bridle for competition has as much right to compete as any other. You COULD argue that using a bit is cruelty to horses and so should be banned from all competition. Ridiculous?
# 1,316:
9:22 pm PDT, Apr 25,
Cathy Dee, New Zealand
Most riders use the reins as a balancing aid. This puts an unbearable amount of pressure on a very sensitive part of the horse. Anything that takes the pain away from a horse has got to be good.
Most riders use the reins as a balancing aid. This puts an unbearable amount of pressure on a very sensitive part of the horse. Anything that takes the pain away from a horse has got to be good.
# 1,315:
11:19 am PDT, Apr 25,
Catherine Shchur, Russian Federation
# 1,314:
10:05 am PDT, Apr 25,
Kristina Schott, Germany
# 1,313:
9:48 am PDT, Apr 25,
Mick Schott, Germany
# 1,312:
4:38 pm PDT, Apr 24,
Rev. Edward Allan Buck, Utah
As the inventor of the 'original' bitless bridle in 1988, everything I state that the bridle does can be documented. Horses suffer incredible muscle injuries in the lumbar area of the back due to lack of proper carriage. In Spirit Bridle, the horses will use their back correctly and thus thoroughly engage the hindquarter.
As the inventor of the 'original' bitless bridle in 1988, everything I state that the bridle does can be documented. Horses suffer incredible muscle injuries in the lumbar area of the back due to lack of proper carriage. In Spirit Bridle, the horses will use their back correctly and thus thoroughly engage the hindquarter.
# 1,311:
8:07 am PDT, Apr 24,
Anna Pollard, North Carolina
# 1,310:
7:25 am PDT, Apr 24,
Larissa Richmond, Washington
# 1,309:
7:00 am PDT, Apr 24,
Viktor Zaworoshkin Viktor Zaworoshkin, Belarus
ÿ ïðîòèâ!
ÿ ïðîòèâ!
# 1,308:
4:22 pm PDT, Apr 23,
Kathleen Dutson, California
All creatures have the right to be treated with compassion and to live with dignity. Natural diet and lifestyle, barefoot hoofcare and the bitless bridle offer humans concrete ways to live with horses as partners rather than as dictatators.
All creatures have the right to be treated with compassion and to live with dignity. Natural diet and lifestyle, barefoot hoofcare and the bitless bridle offer humans concrete ways to live with horses as partners rather than as dictatators.
# 1,306:
12:11 pm PDT, Apr 23,
Austra Baumane, Latvia
# 1,307:
12:09 pm PDT, Apr 23,
Ä’rika Reitere, Latvia
# 1,305:
12:06 pm PDT, Apr 23,
Uldis Eglitis, Latvia
# 1,304:
10:46 am PDT, Apr 23,
Îêñàíà Ô¸äîðîâà, Russian Federation
# 1,303:
6:57 am PDT, Apr 23,
Nicola O neill, Ireland
Change is needed in this day and age, would you control your child by putting metal in his/her mouth? I did'nt thinks so , so why put metal in an animals mouth to control it?? Pretty pointless is'nt it considering there is a much safer and pain free way of controling a horse. Sense = A bitless bridly.
Change is needed in this day and age, would you control your child by putting metal in his/her mouth? I did'nt thinks so , so why put metal in an animals mouth to control it?? Pretty pointless is'nt it considering there is a much safer and pain free way of controling a horse. Sense = A bitless bridly.
# 1,302:
6:47 am PDT, Apr 23,
Jayne Cooney, United Kingdom
# 1,301:
6:31 am PDT, Apr 23,
Candy Wilhelm, Oklahoma
