The mouth is one of the most highly sensitive parts of the horse's anatomy. Even the gentlest use of a bit causes pain. As the horse is a prey animal it has evolved to hide its pain as much as possible in order to avoid attracting predators. Nevertheless, signs of bit-induced pain, as expressed by changes in behavior, are common. They are expressed by the four F's ? fear, flight, fight and facial neuralgia. Dr. Cook?s research has shown that there are not less than 120 different signs of bit-induced pain. To review the signs, click on Behavioral Profile Questionnaire. Because this research has not yet been widely published, many riders are unaware of the pain that the bit causes. A survey that Dr. Cook carried out of 65 horse skulls at three Natural History Museums in the USA showed that 75% of them had bone spurs on the bars of the mouth. These bone spurs are caused by the bit. Once a rider has seen this evidence, they understand bit-induced pain.

Bits frighten horses and make them nervous. A spooky, apprehensive, highly-strung horse is dangerous to ride. Such a horse will not pay attention to your aids, as it is distracted by the pain in its mouth. It follows that such a horse will be slow to learn and schooling will be prolonged. One of the features of the Bitless Bridle is that renders many a nervous horse calm.

For further information, click on Why is a bit an impediment to a horse?