"The bit has been staring us in the face for 5,000 years but it was a mistake made in the Bronze Age. The bit is neither needed nor necessary nor in fact helpful in communication. A driver can communicate more effective if that bit is taken out of the horse's mouth."
On today's episode of Trot Radio, Norm Borg speaks with Dr. Robert Cook, professor of surgery emeritus at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in Grafton, Mass., and the author of more than 25 papers on bleeding in racehorses. Cook feels that the bit causes many problems for the equine athlete, most notably the flipped palate we frequently hear about in harness racing as well as bleeding from the lungs. By extension, eliminating the bit could reduce the need for Lasix.
"I believe it's a major factor in the cause of bleeding," asserts Dr. Cook. "There are other upper airway obstructions that I believe can cause bleeding and do, but not as frequently as the bit. It's my opinion, having worked in this field for long enough, that bleeding is caused by any obstruction to the airway - it's a form of strangulation - and the bit is the most common and most ubiquitous source of that obstruction."
Cook's solution: the bitless bridle, a figure eight design that in his opinion enables a driver to communicate more safely, effectively and painlessly.
"People are willing to try it, the reason why they can't try it is to do with the rules of racing that require the presence of a bit," notes Cook.
The full interview with Borg and Dr. Cook is available below.
Episode 206 – Dr. Robert Cook, developer of the Bitless Bridle
Audio Format: MP3 audio
Host: Norm Borg
Please note that the opinions expressed in the featured interview are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect Rideau Carleton Raceway and/or Standardbred Canada.
This great idea has about
This great idea has about the same chance of happening as racetracks waking up one day and realizing that competing with other forms of gambling makes sense at every level. The majority in the race game resist change and it matters not that it may be a positive change either for the good of the horse or the survival of the industry. The word change is a dirty word to most in this industry.
The mobile starting gate was
The mobile starting gate was suggested by many in the early 1900's but politics and apathy kept it out till 1945. Removing the hubrail was suggested by many in the 1970's but again politics and apathy kept it out till the 90,s. This great idea will suffer the same fate!!
I was the proud owner of a
I was the proud owner of a retired standardbred pacer that I used for trail riding. I rode her with a bit and then with Dr. Cook's bitless bridle. She was WAY more responsive to the bitless bridle. She could pull something fierce with the bit. I'm a big fan and now ride her daughter bitless as well.
Bitless bridle, love it! I
Bitless bridle, love it! I have been using no bit for years. The bit is present (judges would not let me go to the track without it) but puts no pressure on the horses mouth. A strap is over the nose, I have such good luck with my Trotters and Thoroughbreds.
Position of the neck is paramount , bleeding and flapper displacement is caused buy the neck position which in hand is caused buy the bit. Start them off as babies and take your time training, they become so relaxed from no bit pressure. Parelli Natural Horsemanship also helps immensely.
The bitless bridles (various
The bitless bridles (various makes) are becoming popular in other equine disciplines. It certainly makes sense that some of the metal contraptions (and heavy hands) that are used in one of the most sensitive parts of the horse's body is the cause of issues that are detrimental to its health and performance. Finding and addressing all of the causes of bleeding makes so much more sense than to continue using Lasix as a bandaid measure.
I recently read the article
I recently read the article on the Bitless Bridle. Back in the 1970's, I owned, trained, and drove two (2)horse that didn't wear a bit. The horses had sensitive mouths that made it impossible to handle them during a race when they wore a bit. I think that a lot of horses that are hard to handle would be easier to handle if they wore a bitless bridle.
This is a very interesting
This is a very interesting product. Can someone point out a rule for that says this piece of equipment cannot be used? About the only rule that prohibits this practice is Rule 22.21.03 which states "The Judges shall have the authority to disallow the use of any equipment or harness that they feel is unsafe or not in the best interests of racing"
I visited the website and found lots of information. Of course when you read anything written by someone selling you something you have to look into it a little more closely. By the same token I fully expect that someone who makes the conventional bridles will condemn this product.
I also expect people who resist change to protest because they don't want to spend money on new harnesses if this product proves to be successful.
If this product benefits horses as described I want to have a look and test it with a judges permission to use it in a race. I know I have at least one horse this may help.
It would be good to hear from high profile trainers or anyone with experience with these bridles.
Georg Leber-ICR Racing