A very genuine lady asked me tonight what I thought about 'Bit A' over 'Bit B'. I thought for a moment about my response. In the moment its easy to want to indulge in a 'who knows what about bits conversation'.... but the thought of doing so made me instantly feel numb. I've never had to endure wearing one, my head, face and poll (if I have one) are not built the same way so what right do I have to say anything much about bits at all?
Yet most of the time we do comment. It's good to catch yourself in these moments and take stock of the utter rubbish that we often tend to come out with.
So, back to tonight's question... I told her that my view is a little 'different' and that any issue of which bit to use is actually unlikely to be the right path for finding the best solution for the horse. Most of the time bits serve merely as a distraction leading us further round the cul-de-sac called dealing with 'symptoms' instead of the root 'cause'.
Sensing a very intuitive, empathic lady who has her horse's best interest at heart, I ventured a little further with offering my view: "I would take a slightly different approach and examine carefully the full length of his neck not forgetting teeth and tongue, and back, for discomfort and pain". As this is not my own area of training or specialism I suggested an equine physio or chiropractor does an examination for her. She had said that to her he feels tight in the base of his neck and she mimicked how he holds himself and how that transmits up to his head. To me a horse who she described to 'set in his neck' would warrant a physical examination first before considering changing the metal in his mouth.
As we talked other behavoiural issues emerged - pawing the ground, barging, pulling etc. We had an enlightening chat from that moment on discussing essential oils to break some emotional associations, physio, carrot stretches, even tacking up in a different place to bring his energy down- all instead of layering on the metal! The best part was when she said "that feels so right as a way forward'.
As we say in the world of human education KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid; a reminder that the so called 'wacky fluffy' stuff (that my advice could be judged to have been) is actually packed with common sense and tries to serve the interest of the horse first. It should not be overlooked therefore by caring horse owners. The supposedly more sophisticated gadget based thinking recommended by trainers and professional riders tends to be more about intellectual dominance and ego, than it is about helping the horse.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow and continuing our exploration with her horse at the center and NOT the endless banter about the latest gadget and "must have" tool or product.
Yet most of the time we do comment. It's good to catch yourself in these moments and take stock of the utter rubbish that we often tend to come out with.
So, back to tonight's question... I told her that my view is a little 'different' and that any issue of which bit to use is actually unlikely to be the right path for finding the best solution for the horse. Most of the time bits serve merely as a distraction leading us further round the cul-de-sac called dealing with 'symptoms' instead of the root 'cause'.
Sensing a very intuitive, empathic lady who has her horse's best interest at heart, I ventured a little further with offering my view: "I would take a slightly different approach and examine carefully the full length of his neck not forgetting teeth and tongue, and back, for discomfort and pain". As this is not my own area of training or specialism I suggested an equine physio or chiropractor does an examination for her. She had said that to her he feels tight in the base of his neck and she mimicked how he holds himself and how that transmits up to his head. To me a horse who she described to 'set in his neck' would warrant a physical examination first before considering changing the metal in his mouth.
As we talked other behavoiural issues emerged - pawing the ground, barging, pulling etc. We had an enlightening chat from that moment on discussing essential oils to break some emotional associations, physio, carrot stretches, even tacking up in a different place to bring his energy down- all instead of layering on the metal! The best part was when she said "that feels so right as a way forward'.
As we say in the world of human education KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid; a reminder that the so called 'wacky fluffy' stuff (that my advice could be judged to have been) is actually packed with common sense and tries to serve the interest of the horse first. It should not be overlooked therefore by caring horse owners. The supposedly more sophisticated gadget based thinking recommended by trainers and professional riders tends to be more about intellectual dominance and ego, than it is about helping the horse.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow and continuing our exploration with her horse at the center and NOT the endless banter about the latest gadget and "must have" tool or product.
We had a lovely time letting her horse smell a small range of emotional based oils the next day. We had quiet time observing him, learning where his boundaries were and how to touch him in a way that was acceptable to him. The next day his owner had the 'best ride' on him she's ever had after which they 'hung out' together snacking on a grass verge. As it should be!
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