| | Prevention of Riding Accidents Caused by Tack [2009]
An examination of the role that tack plays in the safety and welfare of horse and rider. Both the article and accompanying Accident Prevention Checklist are provided in PDF format.
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| | Pain: The big "but" about the horse’s bit [2009]
Unlike some animals when hurt, horses do not scream. Instead they exhibit evidence of pain by changes in behavior. This article discusses the pain caused by the bit and some of the general behavior changes that can be induced by that pain.
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| | Benefits of the Bitless Bridle [2009]
A discussion of the benefits of the Bitless Bridle over the bit method of communication, from two points of view: that of the horse and that of the rider.
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| | Liverpool Driving Bit vs. Crossunder Bitless Bridle [2008]
by Madeleine Calkoen, with annotations by Rd. Robert Cook
A comparison of a bitted driving bridle with the Bitless Bridle drving bridle, with supporting measurements of temperature and heartrate.
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| | DIY Surgery on the Horse in Motion [2008]
This letter to the editor of “Veterinary Times,” UK, was written by way of comment on an article that appeared in the September issue, 2008, with the title, “Bit Problems: confusing to equine practitioners, even those who ride.” The article was authored by a veterinarian and written for the guidance of veterinarians but it contained so much misinformation that a comment seemed necessary. Sadly, the editor of Veterinary Times did not choose to publish the letter but my comments may be of interest to riders and drivers.
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| | Barefoot vs. Shod [2008]
by Marcia King
A point/counterpoint discussion on the controversial issue of whether horses need to wear shoes.
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| | Bitless Benefits for Pony Clubs [2008]
A short discussion of the benefits of the crossunder bitless bridle for Pony Clubs and other youth-oriented organizations.
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| | 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." (FEI's Rules for Dressage Events, Article 401, Object and General Principles of Dressage)
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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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| | Metal, Myth and Equine Misery [2008]
When we talk of horses the word ‘technology’ does not immediately spring to mind. Yet there are two technologies that have been intimately associated with the horse for so long that we overlook their invidious nature and accept them without question: the bit and the horseshoe. The good news is that harmless alternatives to both technologies have now been developed, tested and widely practiced. The bit can be replaced with a cross under design of bitless bridle and with simple management changes a horse can go barefoot.
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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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| | Bit-Induced Diseases [2007]
An extract from the second article in our Fear of the Bit series, this table presents a list of over 40 diseases caused either directly or indirectly by the bit.
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| | Epiglottal Entrapment [2007]
An unpublished letter to the editor of the Veterinary Record, the official publication of the British Veterinary Association. The author of an article in this scientific journal had stated that the cause of epiglottal entrapment was unknown. My letter explains my contention, based on anatomical and physiological evidence, that epiglottal entrapment - a deformity of the horse’s voice box - is most commonly caused by the bit.
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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. | |
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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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| | 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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| | 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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| | Fear of the Bit: 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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