THE BIT DEBATE
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- Опубліковано 14 чер 2017
- IF YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE "FACTUAL" CLAIMS IN THE COMMENTS, YOU BETTER SOURCE THEM OR YOUR COMMENTS WILL BE DELETED, UNLESS YOU'RE PRESENTING THEM AS A PERSONAL OPINION. For those who this is not clear enough to, don't present information as being a fact unless you have the means to back your claim, otherwise it's an opinion and those shouldn't be presented in a manner that suggests that they are fact. I may not be an internationally renowned equine expert, but I do know from my university studies that you cannot present something as fact unless there's significant research to prove it. Which with the bitted vs bitless debate, there is not. So do what is best for your horse and their individual needs. Listen to what their behaviour tells you. Learn the telltale signs of discomfort. If your horse gets sour, work to fix it instead of ignoring it. Above all, make sure your horse has all of their basic necessities like food, water, shelter, socialization with other horses and turnout. I promise you they'll care a lot more about these things than what people on the internet are choosing to shout about today. The only "study" I can find done on bitless bridles was performed by none other than Dr. Robert Cook, who is marketing bitless bridles. He is a biased source. The study was also only a few therapy horses so therefore cannot be viewed as conclusive. Wider studies need to be done using horses who are in and out of therapy and lesson programs (often times these horses will be easily soured) before ANYONE can make claims such as "ALL BITS ARE ABUSIVE" with an ounce of intelligence.
Things I read from:
www.usdf.org/EduDocs/General/...
cflag.ifas.ufl.edu/documents/2...
www.thehorse.com/articles/3686...
www.thehorse.com/articles/2897...
www.eurodressage.com/equestria...
dressagetoday.com/theory/bitl...
Conditioning Sporthorses (Book) by Hillary Clayton
My own knowledge via Equine Behaviour studies through Guelph University. Distressed horses won't relax and stretch into the bridle and generally have noticeable outward signs!
Milo's bit: hypostore.com/trust-inno-sense...
Archie's bit:
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Last year my horse hit her head in her stall and ended up hitting and damaging a nerve that caused the entire left side of her face to droop and essentially was paralyzed aside from her eyelid. She is completely fine now (it took about a year for the nerve to regrow) and she never had a problem being ridden but I just wanted to point out how insanely easy it is for someone (or something) to hit a nerve on the horse's face even without having anything on their face such as a bridle to begin with.
G C this means nothing when the video is supposed to be about bits being good and hackamores/ bitless bridles being mean
henriette oakheart The point is how easily facial nerves can be damaged.
henriette oakheart and no, that's not the point of the video. You've entirely missed the point. It's that both use the same ideas pressure for communication and can be misused.
Shelby touched on the topic that a horse has many nerves that are located just under the surface of the horse's skin, and I was just noting that it is extremely easy for these nerves to be damaged even without a bridle or anything on the horse's face.
Hi Shelby. Good job on your very informed and well thought out points of view re BITS!! (There's a lot of crazy internet jargon on this topic.)) I'm curious though what information or points of view you would have regarding bits such as sweet iron, that increase mouth salivation and therein, comfort, versus increasingly popular rubber bits (as you use?). Would rubber bits not be potentially more severe than some metal bits which cause salivation/mouth lubrication??
Thnks
It's not the equipment that's abusive... it's the hands that use them
Yes thank you
I agree too, but certain types of equipment can be abusive even in the right kinds of hands
@@grandprixsposiedon5591 agree. No matter What harsh bits are disgusting. Bike chain/tight twists are awful and can ruin a horse. Most humane equipment shouldn't harm a horse.
I agree, but there are also exceptions like chain bits and spike bits. Those are disgusting and work by purposefully causing the horse a large amount of pain. But yeah, most of the time, it's the improper use of perfectly fine equipment that causes abuse.
Nikki B. I agree! A gun doesn't shoot unless you pull the trigger
I really love this. Also would like to mention that when people talk about bitless they're eager to tell everyone that the metal in the mouth is harsh, but somehow forget that there are hackamores with metal nose bands or rawhide ones (mostly present in bosals I think though). They also neglect to mention that there are some hectic shanks on hackamores that people would really question that much leverage on a bit in the mouth, but extreme leverage on the nose is fine because it's not as harsh as the mouth or whatever. There are tools and there are torture devices with both bits and bitless, just like there is abuse and neglect in western and English. You can't just pick the good parts of the side of the fence you're on whilst throwing dirt at people standing on the other side.
Raleigh needs to watch this 😂 👊
KB Equestrian Yes!
Yesss
KB Equestrian omg yes! 😂
LAMO YASSSS
KB Equestrian my thoughts when I started watching this, lmao. Though I do agree with a few of her points in her video, she's extremely biased and doesn't list sources or facts etc.
Came here because of a comment on rock gore saying “check out this girl she’s spreading false information that bits are good” I recognized the name from previous videos and wanted to check this out. Rick used Dr.Cook’s study (naturally) and it kind of pissed me off. I’m really glad you actually have sense and proof. I’m also glad you have facts to back what you say up and don’t use biased sources. Much love
also lowkey feel like this is in response to Raleighlink14
randipandiable I think it's more high key because she was way too many impressionable subscribers to be feeding that much false information to and presenting it as fact.
Shelby Dennis good! I'm glad you responded the way you did cuz her video pissed me off
who is this raleigh? i would very much like to see what inspired you. thanks.
SummerWoodStables should be very easy for you to look up using the UA-cam search bar
randipandiable I thought this
I found the counter-Raleigh. She has strong opinions but (gasp) backs them up with facts and acknowledges the other side as an equal stance
I think 5 years of doing my research and seeing how horses have reacted, from what I know, and seen, Raleigh's statements actually are probably true
Raleigh does state some sources in most of her videos, but all her claims about bits aren’t backed up and she even admits to that in her video about the topic (She basically says there is no evidence supporting the claim that bit generally cause pain). Yet she went on and criticized everyone for using bits, regardless of the fact if they were actually a cause for the problem. I do think she knows a lot about the stuff she is talking about, but some of her opinions are just stupid.
I hope Raleigh sees this. She really needs to
she's gonna say that Shelby is jealous and doesn't know her sh*t which is *CLEARLY* (sarcasm) true
As Raleigh uses a Mechanical Hackamore. Pushing/pinching on every single nerve on her horses face.
ThatRoanieBaby She also uses a mechanical hackamore with massive shanks on it. The leverage works the same as a bit, the fact she has big shanks on her hackamore is putting a lot of pressure on Links poll and his nose
+Theresa Mah That so true it's funny
@@theresamah4864 without the sarcasm that would be correct
I ride bitless for a reason, when I bought my horse her mouth was torn. Since she has a soft mouth I don't want her to go through that again. Bits aren't abuse, they could be abuse the way you use them. I do imagine myself using bits when I get new horses, depending on the age and personality. This is a very good video, some bit haters should see this! 😂 loved this video!
Jellie Jumping definitely, any item can be used to abuse a horse! I do both bitless and and bitted riding with my horse because he doesn't give a crap which we do he is equally happy.
Yep my trainer has a very soft horse and she has a hackamore and most of them in French link snaffles them as we call her nasty meatball pony in a Tom Thumb
bdjdu dhj my horse is the opposite. He HATES to ride bitless because when he chews the bit it relieves stress for him. When bitless he has no where to escape and gets stressed. Glad someone realizes that not every horse is the same unlike Raleigh
Hope your horse is doing well.
In Australia the rules have changed and now you are allowed to use just a snaffle and don't have to use a double bridle anymore! Woohoo!
(at GP level in dressage)
This isn't an attack on bitless riding whatsoever. If pointing out bitless riding uses pressure to communicate (just like bits) and that it can cause pain when misused and that horses may have preferences makes you feel attacked, then that says an awful lot about how open you are to new information. People are so quick to attack bits but never talk about how bitless options can be misused and how they actually work OR about any findings on how they work in comparison to bits. That's why I chose to talk about this. This isn't an attack on bitless and if you truly think that, then you didn't watch the whole video because I clearly state numerous times that's it's important to choose what's best for YOUR horse and YOUR situation and judge things on a circumstantial basis. I also CLEARLY state that having a horse who's well rounded enough to both is a good thing. Again, if you genuinely think that this is an attack on bitless riding, either you didn't watch the entire video or you're so obsessed with thinking your views are right that you're allowing yourself to be dangerously ignorant about what you're using. Believing that bits OR bitless are perfect and can't be misused or cause pain ever is dangerous. You need to be realistic and not make blanket statements. If you're okay with someone making an entire video blatantly attacking bits and stating they're abusive, then you really shouldn't have a problem with me discussing both sides and bringing up points regarding bitless that are often never brought up in your bitted hate parades.
Shelby Dennis I agree with you shelby. As a riding school rider I know from my instructors.
i dont know what youve responded to, someone sent me a link to your video. i told you where to find the research, videos of the skulls, etc. on bitless and beautiful for dressage on facebook, you just need to scroll down. i have also explained why there is not a lot of research, so we have to go with empirical evidence. i have helped dozens and dozens of people to transition to bitless riding, my entire riding school is bitless from the youngest students, to the oldest horses, we do everything anyone could want to do....bitless....so why should the horse be subjected to its teeth being clanked by a hunk of metal, or its tongue being pinched, or corners of its mouth bleeding? where is your proof that anyone has had any injuries nasal or otherwise? ive been asking for proof of this for years...no one ever seems to have the proof. but i can show you thousands of photos of the bit being misused, i am sure you have seen them too, so what are you arguing about? why do you want to defend the bit, you still have not voiced your motivation? and worse, why are you saying anything disparaging about riding bitless? some people did not want to believe that the earth was round, but that never really hurt anyone, believing that the bit is ok, hurts horses every day. there is a strong stench of denial lingering in the air here.
SummerWoodStables ... the bit doesn't sit where there are teeth so a correctly fitted bit cannot hit the teeth. Tongue will not get pinched unless the bit is poorly fitted. The mechanics of the bits I use make it physically impossible to pinch the tongue. Never ever had or seen a bloody mouth on any horse I've ridden or handled. Very uncommon. Doesn't happen unless you ride poorly. Kind of like causing your horses' nose to be raw from riding bitless badly. You are biased, you've stated completely false claims such as the bits clanking against teeth. The horses in your videos are hollow and not moving correctly. This is far more damaging than a correctly used bitted or bitless option could ever be.
SummerWoodStables I cited an article in which it went into detail about the sensitivity of the nasal area, along with including diagrams of the face and where the nerves lie. Along with citing a scientist who did a study that proved the cross under bitless bridle (which you use) has TWICE as much pressure build up as the typical snaffle. I have given you MORE than enough evidence. The nerves of the face and where the bitless bridle sits can tell you on their own how easily these can be misused. There are also photos of such out there on the internet where you can find but clearly you haven't looked (kind of like how you can't even scroll down to look at sources or actually watch the entire video). Still waiting to see the sources to back your claims.
SummerWoodStables You're the only one in denial, sweetheart. I've admitted both can be used and abused. It's very ignorant for a full grown adult to choose to be so deluded that they'll actually deny something that utilitizes pressure on sensitive nerves could possibly be misused. Your attitude is far more dangerous because you cannot possibly seem to fathom the fact that you can cause pain using bitless. Being aware of how you can harm your horse is important in learning how to avoid it, which I do and there's a reason why my horses are going more correctly than the ones in your videos and carrying themselves properly.
You're one of the LEAST biased equestrian UA-camrs I have watched. You deal with facts. You deal with accredited websites and sources, whereas other people, not naming any names but I think we all know who I'm talking about, just deal with their own opinions and treat them as facts. I'm so glad there's at least one non-biased equestrian UA-camr who knows what she's dealing with and can explain things thoroughly. You have officially saved me.
Just do your research and also just do what makes your horse the happiest, some horses are perfectly happy in only bits and some horses are perfectly happy in only bitless options.
I really hate how many bitless riders bash riders who is bits. I joined a bitless riding group on Facebook because I wanted to see what good bitless bridles were out there and the majority of the people in that group were constantly bashing people who use bits, it doesn't help their case and it doesn't do anything for the horses either!
I also don't like how some (but not the majority unlike bitless people) bitted people bash on bitless people as I don't think it is useful in anyway!
The horse community needs to research before speaking and needs to just stop attacking other people for doing things differently!
One of my best friends has both horses bitless and that is the way those two horses are happiest, they don't work correctly in bits. So it really depends on the horse and the way the rider rides.
One mare at my barn has a very sensitive nose and hates anything touching on it to the point that her bridle doesn’t even have a noseband. She would literally kill anyone who tried to ride her bitless. 😂
CAN WE GET THIS GIRL A GOLD MEDAL AND A DOZEN COOKIES? THIS IS THE BEST, WELL THOUGHT OUT RESPONSE VIDEO TO RALEIGHLINK14 I HAVE EVER SEEN. THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS.
My favorite claim to people saying bits are abusive is that "if you put a piece of metal in your mouth and pull on it, it will hurt!" First of all, we have a different mouth structure than horses, completely different. Second of all, even if you do put a piece of metal in your mouth, if it's just sitting there it doesn't hurt. Pull back or to the side a bit, it still doesn't hurt but you feel it move. Now if you yank on it vigorously then yes it will hurt. I HATE how people just automatically assume that bits are abusive even if the rider uses them properly. I once heard about one girl that yanked on her bit so hard that she cut her ponies toungue off😢 Poor pony...
Erica Sullivan ikr. And their mouths are less sensitive than their noses because of all the dental work
Ugh. Just imagine how sharp that bit must have been.
You can find this information just about anywhere, but horses jawbones are knife sharp, and even in a bit as gentle as a leather bit or a trouble jointed snaffle, applying the slightest pressure forces the tongue onto that ridge. I am not saying that light contact with the bit is painful, but there is a lot more to bits than the media will care to discuss. If you look at the skulls of domestic horses v mustang's you will find that a large majority of the domestic horses have erosion along the jawbone where the bit will sit because of the pressure is applies to that region of the mouth over time. This is just to say that you need to consider the whole of the equation before making a decision on whether or not you think bits are acceptable because it's not about what we put on the horses, but how it affects them.
Kenna Morsman what if a horse would prefer a bit rather than bitless? Not trying to be sassy just a genuine question
@@myfavoritefoodispastayumyu2693 I don't believe a horse would prefer a bit over a bitless bridle. I think mechanical hackamores are just as bad as bits, but in some cases worse due to the leverage that they use. Horses tend to dislike the cross under bridles because they have little to no release. Riding in a bitless sidepull is different than riding in a bitted bridle, a horse also does not naturally understand that transition. Transitioning a bitted horse to bitless is a process, just like teaching a horse how to respond to a bit. Many inexperienced riders who traditionally ride in bits will throw a bitless bridle on an uneducated horse and complain that their horse didnt like it, or didnt understand it, and it's simply because neither of the two have been trained properly with the tack.
Thank you for making a video with your educated opinion! Not many of these out there... just rant videos calling people animal abusers😂
Finally someone with actually research and understanding on bias information!! Being a uni student my self its basic understanding that bias exists and information as such should be considered for it. I ride both in a bit and bitless but for different situations and depending on how my horse is feeling, its not all black and white! This shows complete understanding of this, absolutely brilliant more people need to see this!
Danielle Dennis . Exactly!! I do both as well!
Danielle Dennis are you related to Shelby? I know that not every is related with the same last name, and this was totally random but I am curious
THANK THE LORD THIS VIDEO HAS BEEN MADE. A RESPECTABLE PERSON AND SOURCES. NOT BIASED AND WELL INFORMED 😂😂 finally ❤
Madison Person omg ikr I loved this video so much, so informational.
Stop yelling at us damn 🤣
New viewer: so glad that I found you through JETeventing. I'd found awful riders, and super young riders, but other than professionals, it's been so hard to find sensible riders on YT. So happy!!
THANK YOU for being the one to finally give a reasonable and unbiased opinion on this matter! There are too many people nowadays who despise bridles without knowing anything about them and how to properly use them all because of these "internet trainers" 😂😂
I was completely against bits until I saw this. Now that I have more knowledge about the whole bitless vs bit debate, I'll definitely view it differently and pay more attention to the actual horse rather than what I believe, if that makes sense. Basically, if the horse doesn't look unhappy or uncomfortable is moving okay, it's okay. Thanks for opening my eyes. I honestly went into this video thinking I would leave angry about people's stupidity but I learned something. Thanks.
Kylie Weiffenbach Just wanted to say I really appreciate the fact that you listen and you are open to different points of view and not stubborn like most people. It's rare
Kylie Weiffenbach OMG I like you you're a smart person. You listen to facts and scientific proof ☺
I always feel it’s up to a persons good judgment. I was alright with people not liking bits or not wanting to ride in one, but what really frustrated me was when they’d say “it’s abuse”. But it’s nice that you’re very flexible 😁
Me too, I watched so many biased videos that I was blinded. This gives me many facts as well as sources!
Kylie Weiffenbach I am in the same boat! I watched so many videos and articles about bits being abuse. But this has given me more info! It’s really up to the horse and rider’s opinions. :)
Very well presented @shelbydennis. I've done a couple of course through Equine Guelph as well. It's a great school and amazing program.
I'd also like to add to your video, the thickness of a bit is a HUGE factor as well. Many people who ride feel that a thin bit is cruel and a thick bit or even a HAPPY MOUTH bit better for the horse. On the contrary, it's horse dependant. For example, my mare has a very low pallet. Therefore, using a thick bit or a HAPPY MOUTH bit, OR a single joint is a lot more painful and leaves no room for her tongue. Large bits put my mare, Ember in quite a bit of distress. Once I switched to a double jointed thin bit, has made her a lot happier and she searches for contact. (She actually gets distressed and not sure what to do attitude when I ride her on the buckle with no contact. Since I'm with my mare daily, I know her and her little intricacies.
To the equestrian readers, just remember that the horses anatomy does matter. A low pallet plays a huge part in what kind or thickness of bit to use.
Again, great presentation Shelby!
I also feel like people forget not only the palette but the size of the mouth. Not every horse is 5 inches. Some are 4.5 " and some are 6" so having a bit with sides squeezing the mouth is an issue that is missed a lot as well. Many people do not know how to measure their horses mouth for a bit to get the correct size. This causes discomfort and while a slightly larger snaffle normal works "ok" anything with a curb or even a snaffle with cheek pieces make the improperly sized bit incredibly uncomfortable.
Shelby this is so in point! I've never had someone explain it that detailed via UA-cam! Yes, more people need to be more open to what helps their horse!
thank you sooo much for this, really made me feel better about using bits in my riding. You have great points and arguments in this vid, i really loved it
Shelby, you are a very mature young woman with very well thought out and planned responses to pressing issues and I agree with you 100%. Follow the science, not the biases, but in the end, do what's best for your individual horse. People jump on the fad bandwagons so fast without regard to what is actually best for the horse. I'm very lucky in that my horse can go bitted, bridleless, in a halter/leadrope, and he'd probably do just fine in an actual bitless bridle. But not all are that lucky. Some horses HATE bits, some HATE bitless. You do what's in your horse's best interest. Not what someone on the internet (who usually is very biases and usually not all that intelligent) tells you to.
Thank you so much for this. Some of these people were making me feel terrible about riding my horse with a bit.I really look up to you, so this really made me feel a lot better.
Thank you so much for presenting this information in an unbiased manner. I will be looking up the sources you've cited to do more study myself. I agree that there should be options for those who wish to show bitted or bitless, but with the choices must come information and education as you stated
You are amazing and very Educate. Your parent/s must be so very proud of you. I know if you were my daughter I sure as to heck would be.
Just a bit of my background. I have been riding horses for 40 + years. I learned how to ride horses from my cousins who lived on a farm. Bits were used, and used properly. These were pleasure horses but they were also used for hearding the cattle from one area of the Pasture to another. I absolutely loved trail riding. I then got into competing. Again bits were used. The bits were of proper fit. When I was competing and finished high school I went to Police College and passed. After 5 years on the Force I signed up for the Mounted Unit. I was on it for 8 years. Again we used bits. Our horses were always well taken care of. Always checked by the vet especially the mouth. No sores what so ever. The horses were not uncomfortable. I recently got one of the horses that retired. This is a horse that is close to 18hh. He is in perfect condition and health. He is switched from an English saddle to a western. I still use the same bit. Sorry for novel. Lol
I LOVE the way you explain this. I am a huge believer in tack being as harsh as you make it and you explain this very well, especially in regard to the facial nerves that are touched by the bridles and the hard tissue & soft tissue's respective sensitivity.
I totally agree with you! I can go and ride my horse Bridless. However, as I'm a hunter rider I use specific bits to put her in a frame desirable to judges. Always simple D's. She was ridden in a single jointed bit but i picked it up and it pinched my finger so that bit is simply a wall decoration at this point haha. French links and happy mouths have been very good with my horse. We don't need a lot of bit just enough to encourage her in the correct direction. We've used draw reins under close supervision (you should talk about those *nudge nudge*) and they can be very helpful to encourage proper head placement. Love the video and I'm a really big fan!❤️
Thank you so much for making this video! I think it's really important for each equestrian to be educated on what tack they're putting on their horse so it's awesome that you're contributing to this. I very much value your research, thoughts, and opinions when looking to better myself in my equine knowledge as you are honest about yours and your horses' journeys and Milo/Archie always seem happy to work! I would love it if you made a video on how to choose a bit for a horse where you could further explain Milo and Archie's bits and how you figured out which ones they go best in. Thanks for taking the time to read this :)
Why is this not posted everywhere? Thank you for providing the equine world is non-biased, well-developed INFORMATION. We need more Shelby's.
This is such an informative, trustworthy video. It presents both bitless and bitted as gentle as well as having the potential to cause harsh, unnecessary pain upon the horse. I feel reassured and that my views are supported on this big debate. Thank you for such a great video
I really enjoyed this video because it had a lot of facts that made sense to me. I wonder what Raleigh would think of this video!
She wouldn't 'think' anything. She'd just make a 30-minute video ranting, swearing at 30-second intervals. Ahaha
She'd have a fit because she can't be wrong about anything
Thank you for really explaining this and not just calling bits "horse abuse"
I love how you don't attack anyone's opinion like Raleigh does. You point out information both good and bad for both sides. I love this video and I will definitely be sharing this! I actually felt like I gained braincells instead of losing them like when I watch Raleigh.
SHELBY! This is the reason you are my favorite UA-cam!! Thank you for making me feel more educated and changing my opinion on bits in a good way!
I have been watching your videos for the past few day and today I subbed because I really like your videos.
Yay! You wouldn't believe how happy it has made me to see a video like this up. Finally something based in solid fact, that shows bitless bridles aren't perfect either. Thank you! I only recently found your channel but with what you have done for Milo and this video, you have a new subscriber. Can't wait to see what you do in the future!
I just came back from Raleigh’s video and to this about her video on bits and I noticed how she seems to make you feel guilty by almost yelling at us and then I watch this video and I love how calm she is
This whole video is so helpful, and very educational. I love the way you worded things and came across in this video. I appreciate you posting this to educate fellow riders. Also this is random but when you mentioned that you went to UOG my face lit up and I was like wait are you Canadian too? Idk that just made me really happy, as well as the entire video in itself :)
This video is literally amazing!! All the information was absolutely great, and thank you so much for sharing❤
Thank you so much for creating this video. I decided to do a argument essay for English about how bits aren’t abusive to horses.
So many thumbs up Shelby!! I learned things i hasn't previously known so thank you for that.
Also I can't wait to see if Miss All Bits Are Abusive does a response to this because at this point she really doesn't have a leg to stand on 🙌
I'm so glad I watched this! Before this, I was led to believe that bitless is ALWAYS better, but by people who I now realize were making up sources and just saying their personal opinion. I'm very happy that you made this video. Finally, someone who does their research and looks from all sides of the argument with no bias. There are plenty of idiots on youtube who post stupid comments saying 'bits are abusive' or 'bits are painful' and i wish they would watch this even just to open their mind to a different opinion
You could also create a video on riding crops or even different types on bits that shouldn't be used :) ❤️
I love that you put pictures o the video! It helped me understand the video even more!
its so refreshing to hear such an intelligent equestrian, very well said!
Thank you so much for making this video. I know it is old but still thank you. :) I love all the information. You are also being respectful. A lot of people if they don't agree with something they can be rude and it bugs me. Love you Shelby :)
Thank you Shelby. I love your videos. They are helpful, informative and very well researched. Keep up the good work! I also have recently been gifted with my first Thoroughbred ex-racehorse, so I will be following all your informative videos on this subject.
This was so helpful and interesting! Thank you so much!
Seriously, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
_Thank you_ for actually being educated and respectful! Nearly all the videos I’ve watched on this subject are people screeching about how bits are purely abuse, and they refuse to accept or even listen to anyone else’s opinion. It’s awesome to see someone actually stating facts instead of treating their opinions as facts.
I really love the way you presented the information in a none biased way and cited your sources. It's nice to see someone approach the situation this way.
In my opinion the only reason a bit is abusive is that the human riding them abuses it.
Hoof Harted I once read an article where a girl was so abusive with such a harsh bit that she cut her ponies toungue off😢
I am glad that you brought up the differences between single-broken and double-broken. I ride my OTTB in a single jointed Pelham, and he hasn’t shown any signs of distressed. his ears are lazy, his form is nice and relaxed, and he’s never played or opened his mouth. but I think it’s a good thing to be aware of, thank you!
Thank you for making this omg it's about time!
my horse HATES bitless bridles! But he goes beautifully in his rubber mullen!
That your bad training hun, can you lead it in a halter?
Edda Smith no it's not bad training, leading in a halter is NOT IN ANYWAY comparable to riding since riding requires proper form and carriage from the horse. If your horse is running around moving improperly while ridden you will end up hurting their backs. Hence why a bridle or a halter is being used very differently when the horse is being ridden or handled from the ground. If you seriously don't understand why contact is preferable when working on the horses form and carriage and why some horses may not like nose pressure you are on NO position to call out anyone on bad training. Riding is about a lot more than getting your horse to go and stop, riding is about teaching your horse how to use their bodies and building the right muscles for them to carry a rider properly. Some horses are too sensitive on the face and thus will tense up ridden bitless, that will cause a lot more damage to a horse than having them relax with a bit.
Seriously get yourself a proper trainer that can teach you about form, carriage, relaxation and how to properly condition a horse. And start respecting the fact that horses are individuals that may prefer different things, this girl is clearly respecting her horses wishes. Can't say the same for you since you'd probably force a bitless option on a horse that sows signs of discomfort just because you believe it's better. You bitless folks do really think highly of yourself but all the comments you make on other peoples videos just go to show that the only thing you care about is shoving you biased non factual OPINIONS down peoples throats. You don't give a shit about animal welfare. If you seriously think that someone with a horse showing signs of discomfort in a bitless bridle should force the horse to ride bitless I'd say you're the one encouraging abuse.
Edda Smith How wonderful that you can judge someone’s horse without even seeing it! You must be such a pro ‘hun’. One of my horses hates bitless bridles as well, while another hates bitted bridles. I’m not biased like some...I ride in what is best for my horse. You see, the horse who hates bitless bridles has an extremely sensitive face and sensitive skin. I can’t even wear his fly mask on him for too long. He is downright uncomfortable in any type of bitless bridle (I’ve tried several...) but he is comfortable and happy in his copper mouthed snaffle bit (no noseband...even something as simple as a cavesson rubs his poor nose) So, in your ‘professional’ opinion, is it because of bad training that he hates a bitless bridle? Also; in regards to the original comment, if his horse goes nicely in a rubber mullen I would say he is well trained!
Thank you so much for this video. I love the way you articulated your thoughts in such a poised manor. You did your proper research and sited your sources.. that's what everyone should do when you're trying to prove a point. Do what's best for your horse and no one knows your horse better than you do (hopefully).
I thought u said hillary Clinton lol
I Ride Shadow same though
tbh i also get confused when im typing her name so i wouldn't be surprised if i accidentally said that
Thank you for playing the devils advocate a little and spreading some good factual information! This video is great and I honestly never knew about the possibility of a bitless bridle causing damage. Well done
I just subscribed to you. You just absolutely changed how I see bits! I love how educated and polite you are without getting pissed off or insulting bitless bridles. Like, wow! Respect! PS: My main language is French so please excuse any spelling or structure errors, have a wonderful day/evening/night :)
Thank you for making this video, in a calm educational matter, really shows your very mature.
Haha the thumbnail
“Wow, such abuse” 😂😂
This is a super well done video. I'm glad to see someone actually back up their thoughts with research. Nice job.
Very educated! I go to university for Equine Business and I love that you mentioned proper tack fitting many people don’t realize that it is a problem. I like how you don’t attack people also.
Very much respect for you. This is a very professional, well made, informed video.
Actually love you Shelby, you're so honest and it's so lovely. You present yourself in a beautiful way in the equestrian community, we need more people like you in this world!! You HAVE your facts etc. you're awesome.
I love this so much! This needs to be shared everywhere :). We'd cut down on so much drama in the world. If everyone would just do their research and quit jumping on the bandwagon!
I’m so glad you made a video about this!!!!🙏🙏🙏
Wow thankyou!! this is brilliant, very knowledgable and not biased
Hi Shelby!
Your videos are so insightful to me as a younger equestrian and you're a great inspiration to many other young riders and equestrians I know. I have learned soo much from your videos and I was wondering if there are any specific courses you can take for equine studies etc? What did you do to learn all of this??
Thank you soo much, keep being awesome!
Thank you for this video! Very informative and unbiased 😊 I definitely agree that there needs to options to compete with snaffled or bridleless!
Thank you for clearing this up because I hate when people say bits are abusive
love this! your opinion is so rounded and grounded by facts it's awesome ❤️! I ride both of my horses bitless because for them it was what they needed to work calmly and comfortably! also I thought you might be interested in Karen Rohlfs opinion on the topic as I think she is very similar to your thinking 😊 so if you have the time to read it I think it you would enjoy it. It's called 'to bit or not to bit' ❤️❤️ great vid Shelby ❤️
Hell yeah Shelby! Thanks for making this. It was very well rounded and informative. It's scary how someone with so many followers is just presenting biased opinion as fact. Glad you responded. :)
thank you Shelby! you are so much more educated and professional. I love you're videos
I liked some videos today that explains bits very well. This is a good video I'm glad someone did research, I don't have a computer to do good research.
Such an amazing video. nice to know i now have a lot more knowledge on bitless riding and don't feel bad riding in a bit. the horse i ride has a full cheek french link made out of plastic and i always thought it was a little harsh but now i know its really not :D
Thank you so much for making this video I am looking at another horse and didn't know if to get a bitless bridle or one with a bit. I have heard bits are abusive but after watching this video I am now arawe tat both can be abusive. Thank you also for using facts instead of just cussing and ranting. Love your videos.
Edited to add this is personal opinion based on videos I've already seen.
I've noticed a lot of people use photos depicting bits as all the pictures where the horse is gawping, salivating excessively due to the rider's harsh hands, whites of their eyes showing ect and conveniently miss out pictures of horses looking content in bits. And then bring the bitless photos of of horses looking content bitless and conveniently miss out all the pictures with eye whites showing, lips drooping because their face muscles and nerves are being squashed, head tossing because their sensitive nerves are being squashed.. It just doesn't seem "fair" tbh.
As an owner of 2 ponies I can ride bitless, bitted and bridleless, and one that will only accept being bitless I am only for using what is most comfortable for my ponies. If I have to hang off their face whether it be in a bit or bitless then that is not the right piece of tack for them.
i use bits on my horses and my horses are perfectly fine sooooo raleigh needs to sh sh. a snaffle bit is soft on a horse's mouth. i personally use curb bits and my horse's mouth is healthy and their behavior is fine as well
And this video is why Shelby Dennis is my number one favorite equestrian youtuber! Not only do you source your citations and use facts, you do it in such an educated and well-constructed manner that definitely gets your argument across. I personally am a bit-user and would never switch out for a bitless bridle unless the horse I was riding felt more comfortable in it.
I'm really happy that you made this video there are to many people that say any kind of bit is abuse my horse used to gap his mouth when I rode him in a French link snaffle and then I switched him to happy mouth snaffle and he is a lot lighter on the bit and frankly a lot happier
I applause your mature and educated approach to this topic as it is a huge debate within the equestrian community, this gave me another view on riding with a bit or bitless. I personally ride with a normal eggbutt snaffle bit and after watching this video I am determined to save up to get a french link or something similar.
Love your videos! Thank you
The horse i have now has two hairless areas from headbands, so none of her bridles have a headband. some people drop the noseband to low on horses which can break the thin piece of nasal bone.
I typically prefer to use a bitless bridle because they work better for training purposes. but people online try so hard to scare you about bits and they are good at it. thank you soooo much for this video.
Love this so much!! What is your area of study?
Is this in response to Raleigh... don't answer I know🥑
It's not it is just clearing up that bits are not abusive
When you were talking about it being ridiculous for someone to think all bads are bad I was thinking, I wonder what Raleigh thinks about leather bits? Lol
I do prefer bitless, or just a snaffle bit (I think that's what it's called, I only started horse riding again 2 months ago.) I think that anything bridle/halter bitless or not can be harmful if used incorrectly. You totally opened my eyes to what bitless bridles can do! And it's really nice to see something which is not biased or using biased info.
lmao literally any piece of equipment can be abused. you can damage nerves with bitless bridles, and you can also ride with a double twisted wire, 3-ring gag, with the lightest contact and be fine. it’s seriously all dependent on the person !
maxx scey The same with saddles too! If your saddle doesn't fit your horse it can make a big difference as to how comfortable they will be.
Erica Sullivan exactly, anything can be misused depending on the person
wow, this is by far the best video I've seen on bits and bitless!
Thank you for making this video!
I really liked your calm attitude and factual information. Much more likely to listen to someone not shouting.
you are a genius, shelby. this video is so interesting and factual!
Finally, someone with some actual knowledge and (apparently not so) common sense. 🙏🏻
I have been using both a rope halter, and a French link egg butt snaffle with my paint gelding. He does great in both, and he has been coming into the bit more and more. It really depends on your horse, and is certainly not abuse to use a bit. I had to use my rope halter because he had teeth issues, they have since been resolved and he has been doing great in his snaffle. Please listen to what your horse tells you:) thank you Shelby for an awesome video!
This video is so awesome! Every single thing you say is backed up by facts, which is nescessary when debating something. In Raleigh's videos of her hating on bits, very few of the things that she says are backed up by real facts. She also calls people idiots and curses a lot, which isn't very professional at all.