Preliminary study of jointed snaffle vs. crossunder bitless bridles: quantified comparison of behaviour in four horses.

This research studies the behavioral changes in horses when ridden with a jointed snaffle bridle versus a crossunder bitless bridle, providing evidence that horses behave better when bitless. The findings suggest that the use of a bit may be a welfare issue and recommend a review of equestrian rules mandating the use of a bit.

Objective of the Study

• The study aimed to test the hypothesis that using a bitless bridle instead of a snaffle bridle changes a horse’s behavior. The assumption was that being bitless would improve the horse’s behavior during a riding trial.

Methodology

• Four horses were part of this research. None of the horses had previously been ridden using a bitless bridle.
• Each horse was ridden for two 4-minute sessions, first using a snaffle bridle then a bitless bridle.
• An independent judge used a 10-point scale to score the horses’ behavior during each phase of the test.

Analyzed Data

• The analysis of the collected data rejected the initial hypothesis that there would be no change in behaviour of the horses and instead supported the prediction of improved behaviour when bitless.
• On average, the horses’ behaviour scored 37% while bitted, and 64% when they were first bitless.
• The results were significantly different from random effects according to a binomial probability distribution.
• All the four horses promptly accepted the switch to the crossunder bitless bridle.

Implications

• The authors believe that the use of bits can pose welfare and safety issues for horses and horsemen, calling for further investigation in this field.
• The findings from this research have led the authors to recommend that equestrian organisations reconsider their regulations requiring the use of bits during competitions.