| | See The Happy Athlete [2008]
A bit of satirical verse (pun intended) inspired by the following quote:
"The object of dressage is the development of the horse into a happy athlete through harmonious education"
- Article 401, Object and General Principles of Dressage
FEI's Rules for Dressage Events
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| | On The Bit: A Misleading and Mischevious Phrase [2008]
This article provides evidence in support of two propositions. First, the unfortunate phrase 'on the bit' has led to a widespread misunderstanding about the correct use of the rein-aid. Secondly, inappropriate as the phrase is, by itself it nevertheless represents no obstacle to acceptance by the FEI of a more humane and safer rein-aid.All that is needed is a more judicious interpretation of Article 401 (Object and General Principles of Dressage) and the addition of four words to Article 428 (Saddlery).
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| | Why is a Bit an Impediment to a Horse? [2007]
An introduction to some of the problems that are caused by bitted bridles. Links are provided to articles providing more in-depth evidence.
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| | Are Bits Necessary for Dressage? [2007]
A text extract of an article by Jessica Jahiel, PhD, published in Dressage Today. Presented here with permission from the author and Dressage Today.
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| | Inspiration, Perspiration and Imitation [2007]
A short discourse on why the BitlessBridle is patented, and our attitude towards our imitators.
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| | Why is 'Rollkur' Wrong? (part one) [2007]
Observations on the Report of the FEI Veterinary and Dressage Committees' Workshop on 'The use of over-bending ("Rollkur") in FEI Competition,' January 2006. The practice of bit-induced over-bending is reviewed and evidence of its harm provided. Cruelty is defined as the infliction of avoidable pain and suffering. The anatomical, physiological, clinical and pathological evidence from many body systems indicates that over-bending is undoubtedly painful and undeniably avoidable. Even the standard use of a bit causes over 100 behavioral signs of pain and fear, and 40 different diseases. Over-bending is simply an extreme form of bit abuse. Such a painful training method transgresses the FEI guidelines on welfare and is incompatible with the physiology of exercise.
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| | Why is Rollkur Wrong? (part three) [2007]
The conclusion (appendix) of observations on the Report of the FEI Veterinary and Dressage Committees' Workshop on 'The use of over-bending ("Rollkur") in FEI Competition,' January 2006.
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| | Why is 'Rollkur' Wrong? (part two) [2007]
Continued observations on the Report of the FEI Veterinary and Dressage Committees' Workshop on 'The use of over-bending ("Rollkur") in FEI Competition,' January 2006.
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| | Is It Safe To Drive a Bitted Horse? [2007]
Many assume that driving a horse with a bit in its mouth is the proper and "safe" way to do it. This article may change your mind.
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| | A Fact Sheet Regarding Bits [2007]
Some important points to consider concerning the bit.
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| | Can Everyone Ride Bitless? [2007]
by Cathie Hatrick-Anderson
Yes, even beginners! Some information and advice from an authorized Bitless Bridle Instructor.
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| | Procedure for Submiitting a Rule Change Proposal [2007]
Rule changes to allow cross-under bitless bridles in competition must be initiated by you, the rider. Here's how to get started.
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| | Bit-Induced Fear: A welfare problem and safety hazard for horse and rider. [2007, 2004]
This three part article was written for a veterinary readership (Veterinary Times, UK) and is an update of a horseman's version written in 2004, also included. A questionairre is included to allow the reader to participate in Dr. Cook's ongoing research.
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| | Enabling the Disabled Rider [2007]
On the benefits of cross-under bitless bridle for Therapeutic Riding programs such as those of the NARHA. (An abstract of this article was published in "Strides" the official journal of the NARHA. The full article, available here, is unpublished)
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| | Correspondence about a FEI Rule Change Proposal [2007]
An exchange of correspondence from 2005-2007 between Dr. Cook and the Secretary General of the FEI, initiated in the hope of persuading the FEI to permit the cross-under bitless bridle for dressage competitions under FEI rules. (Unpublished)
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| | Tradition and the Status Quo, or Science and Advance? [2006]
Irrational respect for tradition is currently proving an obstacle to welfare reform. Evidence that the cross-under bitless bridle provides an effective method of communication, reduces the likelihood of accidents and is more humane than the bit is being overlooked by the FEI, the international regulating body of horse sport. An article originally published in "Veterinary Times" UK November/December 2006
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| | Benefits of The Bitless Bridle [2006]
The benefits to the horse and rider are listed separately for each of the four categories featured in the company logo; welfare, performance, safety and pleasure.
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| | Cook and Dean letters to the editor of "Your Horse" magazine [2006]
This UK magazine published a somewhat negative article on the Strasser method of hoofcare that required a rebuttal. The first letter was written by Ysabelle Dean, a member of the Australian Equine Barefoot Movement Inc. and was published. The second letter by Dr. Cook was not published.
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| | On the Absence of Evidence for Equine Temporomandibular Disorder [2006]
Bit-induced pain is a differential diagnosis for TMJ disease and substantially more common. (Published in the Equine Veterinary Journal)
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| | The Evolution of Bitless Equitation [2006]
The history of bitless riding from the early days of domestication to the present day is reviewed, focusing on the emergence of the cross-under principle of bridle design. (In Press: National Equine Student Journal of Equine Studies)
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| | Four Reasons Racehorses Bleed [2006]
An abstract of the evidence supporting the hypothesis that lung "hemorrhage" in racehorses (so-called EIPH) is caused by any obstruction of the upper airway. Fuller accounts of the evidence are available in earlier publications. See, for example, the 1999 articles, "Asphyxia as the cause of bleeding" and "Why do horse's lungs bleed?"; the 1998 "Death in the afternoon"; and the 1997 "EIPH or AIPE?" (Unpublished)
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| | Give Your Horses a Break: Dr. Cook's Bitless Bridle [2006]
A product review by Julie Goodnight, Program Director of the Certified Horsemanship Association. (Published in "The Instructor")
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| | How Can You Tell if a Horse is Happy? [2006]
An answer to a question posed by Professor David Morton, a UK veterinarian specializing in ethical issues. Morton asked the question as he prepared a paper for an upcoming welfare conference. (Unpublished).
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| | Sore Mouths in Horses [2006]
Notes compiled in answer to a series of questions from Leslie Smith Dow, a free-lance journalist who was writing an article on the topic. (Unpublished)
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| | On the Recent Prosecutions by the RSPCA of UK Hoof Trimmers [2006]
An opinion on what are considered to be recent miscarriages of justice. (Unpublished)
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| | Problem Solving [2006]
Some common problems and how to remedy them.
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| | Compliance with Physiology as the Foundation for Animal Welfare Guidelines, Exemplified by the rehabilitation of the horse's foot and mouth. [2006]
Abstract by W.R. Cook, H. Strasser and E.R.J.M De Beukelaer for the University Federation of Animal WelfareÕs/British Veterinary Association's Ethics Committee International Symposium "Quality of Life; the heart of the matter" held at the Royal Society, London, UK 13-14 September, 2006. Advances in knowledge reveal that horseshoes and bits are harmful and can be replaced by recently developed methods of management that are physiologically acceptable Cruelty is defined as the infliction of avoidable pain and suffering. As shoes and bits cause pain and suffering, and as both are now avoidable, this obliges us to reclassify them as cruel. (In Press, Animal Welfare)
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| | UFAW Poster: Bitting Reclassified as Cruel [2006]
Poster presentation by W.R. Cook, H. Strasser and E.R.J.M De Beukelaer for the above conference. A Power Point presentation of the poster is available. (Unpublished)
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| | Use of a Bit = Abuse of a Horse. [2006]
By Tulp, Marjan and Van Daalen.
The translation of an article based on written answers that Dr. Cook supplied to the journalists' questions. (Published, in English, in the Dutch journal "BIT")
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| | Frequently Asked Questions: a journalist's queries [2006]
Written answers to the questions posed by Tessa Van Daalen in preparation for the article "Use of a Bit = Abuse of a Horse"
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| | What Makes a Horse Fast? [2005]
A long and complex answer to a short and (seemingly) simple question. Notes written to answer a journalist's question.
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| | Horsemanship: Art or Science? [2005]
The first paragraph condenses the 6000 years of equine domestication into a 24 hour time line. It ends: "If equine veterinary science commenced with the establishment of the first veterinary schools, it was born at 11.15 pm but did not mature until 11.48 pm. Equine behavioral science was not a recognized discipline until three minutes before midnight. Regarding the methods by which riders communicate with their horse's head, there has been much art and little science." The article urges a reversal of the familiar phrase. Students should first learn the science of horsemanship so that they can subsequently develop the art. (Published in Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy: Southwest/Rocky Mountain)
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| | Treatment of Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate [2005]
Describing the several different ways in which the bit causes this common scourge of racehorses. Many different treatments have been tried in the past but none of them have been very effective, as the cause was previously unknown. No treatment can be expected to be satisfactory under these circumstances, as removal of the cause is fundamental to the successful treatment of any problem. Even now, rational treatment is barred, as the stewards of racing do not permit the use of the cross-under design of bitless bridle. (Published in the Veterinary Record, the official journal of the British Veterinary Association)
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| | Bibliography on Bitlessness: Reasons why man's communication with the horse's head at exercise should be painless and compatible with the physiology of the horse. [2005]
References and links for articles published on bits and bitlessness up to 2005.
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