(The 2007 articles are currently "In Press" Veterinary Times, UK) .  The original 2004 version appears below the updated version.  Click the titles to read (in pdf format).

Bit-Induced Fear, Part 1: From Human Hand to Horse's Head [2007]
Describes the clinical anatomy and physiology relevant to the bit method of communication and the pathology that the bit causes (bone spurs, dental erosion etc). Bitted and bitless methods of communication are tabulated according to their action and scored subjectively

Bit-Induced Fear, Part 2: Bits and Diseases [2007]
The 40 or more diseases caused by the bit are tabulated. A number of these are diseases that have previously been classified as of unknown cause, for example, trigeminal neuralgia - the most common cause of headshaking - and several causes of airway obstruction (dorsal displacement of the soft palate, "bleeding," epiglottal entrapment, dynamic collapse of the throat, and deformity of the windpipe).

Bit-Induced Fear, Part 3: Bits and "Bad" Behavior [2007]
Part III introduces a Behavioral Profile Questionnaire which, for convenience, is added below as a separate file. About 25% of the bit-induced problems are specific to the bit. The remainder, though often caused by the bit, are non-specific and could be caused - for example - by pain in the back (saddle?) or hoof (shoe?). Nevertheless, the conclusion is that any method of management, such as the bit method of control, that is responsible for so many negative side-effects has to be considered counter-productive or even contra-indicated.

Bit-Induced Fear, User Questionnaire (a PDF document that must be printed and mailed)

Bit-Induced Fear, User Questionnaire (an Excel document that can be filled in and emailed)
The questionnaire lists the hundred or more behavioral symptoms of pain and suffering caused by the bit, together with another ten or so symptoms exhibited by the rider. Riders can use it to recognize bit-induced problems, many of which they may never have suspected as being caused by the bit, and to document improvements in behavior
that follow removal of the bit.

Fear of the Bit: A Welfare Problem for Horse and Rider. Part I: Why Horses Hate the Bit [2004]
This and the next two items are the horseman’s version of the three-part series listed in 2007 (qv). The series has three objectives. To provide references to publications on the new bitless method To present additional material on the bitless method. To publish a questionnaire that enables riders to compile a behavioral profile of their horse when ridden with and without a bit. This first article provides an update on recent research; anatomical and other explanations as to why the bit method is unacceptable; the criteria necessary for an acceptable rein-aid.

Fear of the Bit: A Welfare Problem for Horse and Rider. Part II: Bit-induced Diseases and other Indictments [2004]
Explains why the bit is the cause of: The headshaking syndrome Breathing difficulties Welfare problems The mechanisms of the various types of bits and bitless bridles are tabulated and scored for their ability to signal for stopping, for steering and for their humanity.

Fear of the Bit: A Welfare Problem for Horse and Rider. Part III: Behavioral Profile Questionnaire [2004]
Explains how the questionnaire works and describes some of the findings, the most important of which has been to discover the degree to which a bit frightens a horse. The various rein-aid methods of communication are compared and a bibliography provided