Bit VS Bitless Bridles

Both bit and bitless bridles date to antiquity.  Bitless bridles were commonly used by Synians approximately 1400 BCE.  There are benefits to using bits as there are advantages to bitless bridles.  Yet both styles also have disadvantages.  The ultimate judge on the controversy appears to be the horse who will be wearing the bridle.

Bits

A bit is a metal bar placed into the horse's mouth in the interdental region where there are no teeth to control it while riding. Communication between horse and rider is essential to reach your destination safely, and riders use bits for this purpose.  Bits predate bitless bridles, dating back to the bronze age.  Bits have been found in archeological sites dating to 4,000 BCE.  The disadvantages to bits include the big five: fright, fight, flight, freeze and facial neuralgia. Complications from using metal bits include ulcers, choking, tongue over bit, pain, a fractured jaw during falls, spur formation on the jaw, cracked and broken teeth and difficulty breathing.  However, when you take away the bit, many complain that they have less control of the horse.

Bitless Bridles

Bitless bridles control the animal by pulling the nose of the horse without involving the inside of its mouth.  Proponents claim this is much gentler on the animal while maintaining rider control.  Though the bit compresses the mandibular labial nerves, the bitless bridle can compress the nerves in the cheek, such as the external nasal nerves, infraorbital foremen nerves, buccal nerves, maxillary nerves and opthalmic nerves which control the face of the animal.  When the rider pulls on the bitless bridle, pressure is placed on these delicate structures. 

Bit vs. Bitless

The final decision as to the benefit or detriment of the bit vs bitless bridle is the one who will be wearing it--the horse.  Many horses are afraid of the bit with good reason. For these animals, a caring owner should consider the bit probably is causing the animal pain, and therefore opt for one of the many bitless bridle options for the animal's comfort.