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Guest
Username: New
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, 01 February, 2009 - 07:43 pm: | |
Hi I found the article fascinating, and since I read your post too a couple of weeks ago, I have tried riding my horse bitless (in a Dually halter) and long-lining the shettie I'm currently trying to start to start in a var/www made Dr Cook's bridle using a leather (for sturdyness) driving bridle with the poll piece of a Chambon I never used, and used two D rings from an old rug (or available on ebay!) instead of bit rings on the bridle. Then the cords from the chambon crossed under her chin and through the Ds and attached to the lines. It worked pretty well, except when she decided to completely disobey me (napping, lazy moo..) My understanding of driving without a bit is that it is a safety and control issue. I would love to drive bitless, as both my standard shets (mother and 3 year old) have protruding upper 1st premolars that have been rasped repeatedly but still get in the way of a bit. Would have to site it so low its practically hanging out, which can't be comfortable, so bitless is really our only option (unless anyone has any dentistry suggestions????)
Usually people drive in a stronger bit than they ride in, and the ride with something stronger than they lead the horse, its degrees of control and necessity, hence alot of people use a bit with poll leverage and with a curb chain or strap, as opposed to the snaffle they ride in. But would you go x country/hunting in a snaffle alone, or bitless for that matter? It depends on the horse!!!
I drive my other ponies in magic (cambridge mouth) bits, and ride them in headcollars, but I know I can stop them! If it can be shown that a pony/horse is safe and comfortable in a bitless bridle, or which there are several types available, then surely they should be allowed to compete? As a caveat, there is an interesting letter in Carriage Driving (Feb 09) from Lise Cooke of Plas Equestrian (who is a advocate for bitless), mentioning some of the downfalls/problems which weren't covered by the article, and may answer part of your question! Such as: gaping cheek pieces letting horse see behind him, horses reacting very badly to the pressure, and risk of exacerbating existing dental problems with the pressure. As I say, I think it needs to be formally recognized that bitless can be safe, and a positive option in competition. May I mention as an anecdote I heard: a pony who is driven bitless has a rubber straight snaffle attached to the cheek pieces and sitting under his chin surrounded by fur. The reins appear attached but actually control is through his bitless system. Or sitting in his mouth, but not in action ... I suppose that goes under the rules about gadgets! I'm not advising either idea, I imagine you would be disqualified if caught.
Harness
6.1 Any type of harness is allowed provided it is safe and appropriate for the welfare of the horse.
6.2 Auxiliary reins (including any type of check reins) are not permitted, except for dual reins for very young or disabled drivers.
6.3 The harness must have breeching if the vehicle does not have brakes.
6.4 Bitless bridles (hackamore) are not permitted.
6.5 All rings, terrets and/or other types of device which have an extreme leverage effect on reins or bits are forbidden.
As I say, I would love it if I could compete with ponies in bitless bridles, but at the moment, rules is rules.
Pippa F |
Martin Greaves
Username: Marting
Registered: 01-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, 11 January, 2009 - 02:31 pm: | |
May I stress this request is not the start of a crusade,I want to increase my limited knowledge! I just wondered if anybody knows the logic of why bitless bridles are outlawed in competition driving? I have just read an article in this months Carriage Driving on the subject which I found interesting. It appears safe and sound on the surface but there must surely be an explanation for its outright ban? |
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