FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Front Vet Sci / Bit-Related Lesions in Event Horses After a Cross-Country Te...
Frontiers in veterinary science2021; 8; 651160; doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.651160

Bit-Related Lesions in Event Horses After a Cross-Country Test.

Abstract: Bit-related oral lesions are common and may impair horse welfare. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of oral lesions and their risk factors in a sample of Finnish event horses. The rostral part of the oral cavity (the bit area) of 208 event horses (127 warmbloods, 52 coldbloods, and 29 ponies) was examined in a voluntary inspection after the last competition phase, i.e., the cross-country test. Acute lesions were observed in 52% (109/208) of the horses. The lesion status was graded as no acute lesions for 48% (99/208), mild for 22% (45/208), moderate for 26% (55/208) and severe for 4% (9/208) of the horses. The inner lip commissure was the most common lesion location observed in 39% (81/208) of the horses. A multivariable logistic regression model with data of 174 horses was applied to risk factor analysis. Horses wearing thin (10-13 mm) (OR 3.5, CI 1.4-8.7) or thick (18-22 mm) (OR 3.4, CI 1.4-8.0) bits had a higher risk of moderate/severe lesion status than horses wearing middle-sized (14-17 mm) bits ( = 0.003). Breed was associated with moderate/severe lesion status ( = 0.02). The risk was higher for warmbloods (reference group) and coldbloods (OR 2.0, CI 0.88-4.7) compared with ponies (OR 0.2, CI 0.04-0.87). Mares were at higher risk of moderate/severe lesion status (OR 2.2, CI 1.1-4.5) than geldings (reference group) ( = 0.03). Bar lesions were more common in horses with unjointed bits (40%, 8/20) than with basic double-jointed (10%, 5/52), formed double-jointed (8%, 6/78) or single-jointed bits (5%, 2/40) (Fisher's exact test, = 0.002). The results of this study suggest that thin and thick bits and mare sex should be considered risk factors for mouth lesions. In addition, in this sample ponies had smaller risk for lesions than other horse breeds. We encourage adopting bit area monitoring as a new routine by horse handlers and as a welfare measure by competition organizers for randomly drawn horses.
Copyright © 2021 Tuomola, Mäki-Kihniä, Valros, Mykkänen and Kujala-Wirth.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2021-03-31 PubMed ID: 33869325PubMed Central: PMC8044447DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.651160Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article explores the frequency of mouth injuries caused by bit usage in competitive event horses, finding that over half the horses examined had injuries. The study also identifies key factors for theses injuries, including the thickness of the bit, the breed of the horse, and the horse’s sex.

Study Purpose and Methodology

  • The research was conducted on 208 Finnish event horses. These horses had completed the cross-country phase of their event, and afterwards their mouths were voluntarily inspected.
  • The focus was on the forward part of the mouth (the bit area). The researchers were looking for acute lesions, or injuries, caused by the horse’s interaction with the bit.
  • The severity and location of the lesions were also noted. Severity was graded as none, mild, moderate, or severe. The most common place for these injuries was the inner lip’s corner.

Findings

  • Acute lesions were found in over half of the horses (52%). These were most frequently located at the inner lip corner, affecting 39% of the inspected horses.
  • Out of the total horses examined, 22% had mild lesions, 26% had moderate ones, and 4% had severe lesions. The remaining 48% showed no acute lesions.

Risk Factors

  • A multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze risk factors among the 174 horses from the sample. It was found that horses wearing thin or thick bits had a higher likelihood of having moderate to severe lesions compared to horses with middle-sized bits.
  • Breed was also a significant risk factor. Warmbloods and coldbloods had a higher risk than ponies of having moderate to severe bit-related lesions.
  • Female horses (mares) were more likely to have moderate to severe lesions compared to male horses (geldings).
  • Bar lesions were more common in horses with unjointed bits than those with various forms of jointed bits.

Implications and Recommendations

  • The findings suggest that equine caregivers should be cautious about bit thickness and the sex of the horse. In this sample, ponies were found to be less at risk for mouth lesions than other horse breeds.
  • The researchers recommend that monitoring the bit area of the horse’s mouth should become a regular practice for horse handlers. This could serve as a welfare measure and competition organizers might consider it for random scrutiny.

Cite This Article

APA
Tuomola K, Mäki-Kihniä N, Valros A, Mykkänen A, Kujala-Wirth M. (2021). Bit-Related Lesions in Event Horses After a Cross-Country Test. Front Vet Sci, 8, 651160. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.651160

Publication

Frontiers in veterinary science
ISSN: 2297-1769
NlmUniqueID: 101666658
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 8
Pages: 651160
PII: 651160

Researcher Affiliations

Tuomola, Kati
  • Department of Production Animal Medicine, Research Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Mäki-Kihniä, Nina
  • Independent Researcher, Pori, Finland.
Valros, Anna
  • Department of Production Animal Medicine, Research Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Mykkänen, Anna
  • Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Kujala-Wirth, Minna
  • Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

References

This article includes 40 references
  1. McLean AN, McGreevy PD. Horse-training techniques that may defy the principles of learning theory and compromise welfare.. J Vet Behav Clin Appl Res (2010) 5:187–95.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2010.04.002google scholar: lookup
  2. Campbell ML. Freedoms and frameworks: How we think about the welfare of competition horses.. Equine Vet J 2016 Sep;48(5):540-2.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12598pubmed: 27515500google scholar: lookup
  3. Mellor DJ. Mouth Pain in Horses: Physiological Foundations, Behavioural Indices, Welfare Implications, and a Suggested Solution.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Mar 29;10(4).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10040572pmc: PMC7222381pubmed: 32235343google scholar: lookup
  4. Haggard P, de Boer L. Oral somatosensory awareness.. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014 Nov;47:469-84.
    doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.09.015pubmed: 25284337google scholar: lookup
  5. Nanci A, Wazen R. Repair regeneration of oral tissues.. Ten Cate's Oral Histology. Development, Stucture Function St. Louis, MO: Elsevier, Mosby Inc; (2013). p. 278–340.
  6. Mellor DJ. Updating Animal Welfare Thinking: Moving beyond the "Five Freedoms" towards "A Life Worth Living".. Animals (Basel) 2016 Mar 14;6(3).
    doi: 10.3390/ani6030021pmc: PMC4810049pubmed: 27102171google scholar: lookup
  7. Farm Animal Welfare Council. Report on Priorities for Animal Welfare Research and Development.. Tolworth Tower: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; (1993).
  8. Easley J. Applied bitting to dental disease.. Proceedigs of the AAEP Focus Meeting on Dentistry Albuquerque, NM: American Association of Equine Practitioners; (2011). p. 209–212.
  9. Björnsdóttir S, Frey R, Kristjansson T, Lundström T. Bit-related lesions in Icelandic competition horses.. Acta Vet Scand 2014 Aug 13;56(1):40.
    doi: 10.1186/s13028-014-0040-8pmc: PMC4236600pubmed: 25116656google scholar: lookup
  10. Björnsdóttir S, Frey R, Kristjansson T, Lundström T. Welfare Indicator for Competition Horses. Bit-Related Lesions in Poster Presentation.. Bergen: Nordic Equine Veterinary Congress; (2018).
  11. Tuomola K, Mäki-Kihniä N, Kujala-Wirth M, Mykkänen A, Valros A. Oral Lesions in the Bit Area in Finnish Trotters After a Race: Lesion Evaluation, Scoring, and Occurrence.. Front Vet Sci 2019;6:206.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00206pmc: PMC6640207pubmed: 31355213google scholar: lookup
  12. Mata F, Johnson C, Bishop C. A cross-sectional epidemiological study of prevalence and severity of bit-induced oral trauma in polo ponies and race horses.. J Appl Anim Welf Sci 2015;18(3):259-68.
    doi: 10.1080/10888705.2015.1004407pubmed: 25679445google scholar: lookup
  13. Uldahl M, Clayton HM. Lesions associated with the use of bits, nosebands, spurs and whips in Danish competition horses.. Equine Vet J 2019 Mar;51(2):154-162.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12827pubmed: 29502345google scholar: lookup
  14. Odelros E, Wattle O. Influence of Racing on Oral Health in Standardbred Trotters. Abstract in Poster Presentation.. Bergen: Nordic Equine Veterinary Congress. (2018).
  15. Tuomola K, Mäki-Kihniä N, Valros A, Mykkänen A, Kujala-Wirth M. Risk factors for bit-related lesions in Finnish trotting horses.. Equine Vet J 2021 Nov;53(6):1132-1140.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13401pubmed: 33336423google scholar: lookup
  16. Cook WR. Damage by the bit to the equine interdental space and second lower premolar.. Equine Vet Educ (2011) 23:355–60.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3292.2010.00167.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  17. Tell A, Egenvall A, Lundström T, Wattle O. The prevalence of oral ulceration in Swedish horses when ridden with bit and bridle and when unridden.. Vet J 2008 Dec;178(3):405-10.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2008.09.020pubmed: 19027332google scholar: lookup
  18. Foster DL. The gold standard of dental care for the adult performance horse.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2013 Aug;29(2):505-19, viii.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2013.04.012pubmed: 23915671google scholar: lookup
  19. Mayhew E. The Illustrated Horse Doctor.. Philadelphia, PA: J. B Lippincott & Co. (1862).
  20. Russell M. How “pullers” are made- a study of methods of bitting the colt.. San Fr Call (1893) 75:15.
  21. van Lancker S, van den Broeck W, Simoens P. Incidence and morphology of bone irregularities of the equine interdental spaces (bars of the mouth).. Equine Vet Educ (2007) 19:103–6.
    doi: 10.2746/095777307X179882google scholar: lookup
  22. Scott DW, Miller WH. Pigmentary abnormalities.. Equine Dermatology St. Louis, MO: Saunders, Elsevier Science; (2003). p. 591–5.
  23. Knottenbelt DC. Iatrogenic and idiopathic disorders.. Pascoe's Principles and Practice of Equine Dermatology London: Saunders Elsevier; (2009). p. 335–8.
  24. König U, Visser EK, Hall C. Indicators of stress in equitation.. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2017) 190:43–56.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.02.018google scholar: lookup
  25. Scoggins RD. Bits, bitting and dentistry.. Proceedings of the Annual Convention of the AAEP San Diego, CA: (2001). p. 138–51.
  26. Bennett DG. An overview of bits and bitting.. AAEP Focus Meeting Indianapolis, IN: (2006).
  27. International review. Pressure Ulcer Prevention: Pressure, Shear, Friction and Microclimate in Context. A Consensus Document.. London: Wounds International; (2010).
  28. Engelke E, Gasse H. An anatomical study of the rostral part of the equine oral cavity with respect to position and size of a snaffle bit.. Equine Vet Educ (2003) 15:158–63.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3292.2003.tb00235.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  29. Clayton HM, Lee R. A fluoroscopic study of the position and action of the jointed snaffle bit in the horse's mouth.. J Equine Vet Sci (1984) 4:193–6.
    doi: 10.1016/S0737-0806(84)80141-0google scholar: lookup
  30. Fenner K, Mclean AN, Mcgreevy PD. Cutting to the chase: how round-pen, lunging, and high-speed liberty work may compromise horse welfare.. J Vet Behav (2019) 29:88–94.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2018.05.003google scholar: lookup
  31. Christensen JW, Zharkikh TL, Antoine A, Malmkvist J. Rein tension acceptance in young horses in a voluntary test situation.. Equine Vet J 2011 Mar;43(2):223-8.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00151.xpubmed: 21592219google scholar: lookup
  32. König von Borstel U, Glißman C. Alternatives to conventional evaluation of rideability in horse performance tests: suitability of rein tension and behavioural parameters.. PLoS One 2014;9(1):e87285.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087285pmc: PMC3906164pubmed: 24489890google scholar: lookup
  33. Fenner K, Caspar G, Hyde M, Henshall C, Dhand N, Probyn-Rapsey F, Dashper K, McLean A, McGreevy P. It's all about the sex, or is it? Humans, horses and temperament.. PLoS One 2019;14(5):e0216699.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216699pmc: PMC6516668pubmed: 31086385google scholar: lookup
  34. McLean AN, Christensen JW. The application of learning theory in horse training.. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2017) 190:18–27.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.02.020google scholar: lookup
  35. Frot M, Feine JS, Bushnell CM. Sex differences in pain perception and anxiety. A psychophysical study with topical capsaicin.. Pain 2004 Apr;108(3):230-236.
    doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2003.11.017pubmed: 15030942google scholar: lookup
  36. Duberstein KJ, Gilkeson JA. Determination of sex differences in personality and trainability of yearling horses utilizing a handler questionnaire.. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2010) 128:57–63.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2010.09.012google scholar: lookup
  37. Lloyd AS, Martin JE, Bornett-Gauci HLI, Wilkinson RG. Horse personality: variation between breeds.. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2008) 112:369–83.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2007.08.010google scholar: lookup
  38. Wilmink JM, Stolk PW, van Weeren PR, Barneveld A. Differences in second-intention wound healing between horses and ponies: macroscopic aspects.. Equine Vet J 1999 Jan;31(1):53-60.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03791.xpubmed: 9952330google scholar: lookup
  39. Engeland CG, Bosch JA, Cacioppo JT, Marucha PT. Mucosal wound healing: the roles of age and sex.. Arch Surg 2006 Dec;141(12):1193-7; discussion 1198.
    doi: 10.1001/archsurg.141.12.1193pubmed: 17178961google scholar: lookup
  40. Heleski CR, Anthony R. Science alone is not always enough: the importance of ethical assessment for a more comprehensive view of equine welfare.. J Vet Behav (2012) 7:169–78.
    doi: 10.1016/J.JVEB.2011.08.003google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 10 times.
  1. Annan R, Trigg LE, Hockenhull J, Allen K, Butler D, Valenchon M, Mullan S. Racehorse welfare across a training season. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1208744.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1208744pubmed: 37448582google scholar: lookup
  2. Seck M, Jobling R, Brown AF. Trialling Locally Made, Low-Cost Bits to Improve Bit-Related Welfare Problems in Cart Horses: Findings from a Study in Senegal. Animals (Basel) 2022 Dec 20;13(1).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13010002pubmed: 36611612google scholar: lookup
  3. Egenvall A, Byström A, Pökelmann M, Connysson M, Kienapfel-Henseleit K, Karlsteen M, McGreevy P, Hartmann E. Rein tension in harness trotters during on-track exercise. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:987852.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.987852pubmed: 36304413google scholar: lookup
  4. Anttila M, Raekallio M, Valros A. Oral Dimensions Related to Bit Size in Adult Horses and Ponies. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:879048.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.879048pubmed: 35647095google scholar: lookup
  5. Uldahl M, Bundgaard L, Dahl J, Clayton HM. Assessment of Skin and Mucosa at the Equine Oral Commissures to Assess Pathology from Bit Wear: The Oral Commissure Assessment Protocol (OCA) for Analysis and Categorisation of Oral Commissures. Animals (Basel) 2022 Mar 3;12(5).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12050643pubmed: 35268211google scholar: lookup
  6. Musial F, Weiss T. What if Horses Were Humans? Comparing Rein Tension and Bit Pressures to Human Pressure Pain Thresholds. Animals (Basel) 2025 Oct 15;15(20).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15202989pubmed: 41153916google scholar: lookup
  7. MacKechnie-Guire R, Clayton H, Williams J, Marlin D, Fisher M, Fisher D, Walker V, Murray RC. Comparison of Rein Forces and Pressure Beneath the Noseband and Headpiece of a Snaffle Bridle and a Double Bridle. Animals (Basel) 2025 Apr 5;15(7).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15071058pubmed: 40218450google scholar: lookup
  8. Biau S, Pycik E, Boichot L, Berg LC, Ruet A. Rein tensions and behaviour with five rein types in international-level vaulting horses. PLoS One 2024;19(10):e0311919.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311919pubmed: 39418261google scholar: lookup
  9. Dyson S, Pollard D. Determination of Equine Behaviour in Subjectively Non-Lame Ridden Sports Horses and Comparison with Lame Sports Horses Evaluated at Competitions. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jun 20;14(12).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14121831pubmed: 38929449google scholar: lookup
  10. Luke KL, Rawluk A, McAdie T, Smith BP, Warren-Smith AK. How equestrians conceptualise horse welfare: Does it facilitate or hinder change?. Anim Welf 2023;32:e59.
    doi: 10.1017/awf.2023.79pubmed: 38487466google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,357 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.