When it’s a bit too much...
What are the latest bitting trends and should riders be concentrating on their horse’s training rather than the bit they use? Tricia Johnson investigates
FEW subjects spark more heated discussion in showing circles than what is — or isn’t — a “suitable” bit for the ring. Traditionalists still swear by the simple snaffle, pelham or double, but many modernists opt for one or more of the several alternatives now on the market.
Most societies’ rules offer some leeway — for example, the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) asks only for “any suitable snaffle” in its lead rein and first ridden classes. Years ago, the eggbutt, Fulmer or loose-ring snaffle ruled. Now, these are a rarity — replaced by the fashionable Wilkie which is classed as a member of the snaffle family, even though it exerts direct pressure on the poll because of its fixed points for reins and cheekpieces.
Because of this action, the Wilkie provokes much argument, but does it have a legitimate role to play or is it purely a “quick fix” way to obtain an outline?
Leading pony judge Robert Parker-Jones is firmly “anti-Wilkie” and made his views clear before judging the native mini classes at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last year. As a result — very much against the current trend — hardly any Wilkies were seen in his section and none featured in the top placings.
“Due to the way this bit works — and because the child is usually holding on to a saddle strap as well as a knot in the reins — the pony is overbent and stilted, which I hate to see,” he explains. “Also, while the length of rein may be appropriate in trot it is far too short in walk, so in order to try and evade this restriction, the pony often takes a normal step with his outside foreleg but a shorter one on the inside. This makes him appear unsound.”
A change of tack specifically for Robert’s HOYS lead-rein class certainly paid off for producer Sharn Linney. She swapped her usual Wilkie for a loose-ring snaffle on the Richardsons’ Welsh section A gelding Thistledown Van Der Vaart (Charles), who then won, took the mini title and ultimately, stood overall pony supreme.
“This pony was a delight to watch,” Robert recalls. “He had his head in a natural position with his ears pricked throughout, and achieved the ideal extension without speed.”
“I was really pleased with Charles in the snaffle,” admits Sharn. “He was happy, uplifted and looking through his bridle — we may well keep him in it. Sometimes, though, the situations we expect the ponies and children to cope with can be a lot to ask, so you have to bit accordingly — especially with first riddens.”
ACOUSIN of the Wilkie is the stronger “cartwheel” bit, originally favoured by eventers and showjumpers for use on strong horses that are difficult to turn, but now increasingly seen in mini ranks.
“How can this be appropriate for a leadrein pony who’s being led by an adult and ridden by, say, a four-year-old child?” muses Robert. “People claim they use bits like these for safety reasons, but if this is the case, we seem to have lost sight of the main aim, which is producing free-moving ponies with suitable temperaments on which the children can learn.”
Producer Edward Young treads a delicate path between old ways and modern advances.
“I am generally ‘anti-gadget’, but we did use a Wilkie on our lead-rein pony last year because so many judges are looking for that particular outline now,” he says. “They give the child a little extra control too, which is good if a pony is a touch bright.
“I don’t believe it’s primarily a safety issue, though. Years ago, you’d have 40 or maybe 50 ponies in a class, all in simple snaffles, but accidents were no more frequent. However the standard of riding was much better then — it’s not helping today’s kids to learn properly if they can be as old as eight, still hold on to a saddle strap in the ring and ride a pony that might just as well be in fixed side reins.”
Although Edward may use a Wilkie on a strong small pony, he is against their use as the bradoon part of a double — a growing trend in horse and native ranks.
“You are already getting poll pressure from the curb bit, so you need a much softer action from the bradoon,” he maintains. “I also find it worrying that so-called amateurs copy what professionals do, thinking it must be right — the only thing that distinguishes professionals from amateurs is that they charge people money to produce their horses. There are some extremely knowledgeable amateurs who could teach us professionals a thing or two.”
Former ride judge Lucy Killingbeck is concerned about long-term effects too.
“I hate the trend for severe bits with long shanks and high ports, such as the Hanoverian pelham, Swales and Sam Marsh,” she says. “They can sometimes help as a temporary measure to sort out a problem, but should not be used long-term.
“They variously apply pressure on the poll, roof of the mouth, the tongue and the jaw — the degree depends on how tight the curb chain is, the size of the port, the length of the shank and most importantly, the hands on the end of the reins.
“Because of the bit’s severity, the horse has no option but to comply so you also see them with a restricted neck and hollow back, making it impossible for them to get their hindleg under in order to lift up the front end correctly. This can lead to incorrect musculature as well as arthritic changes in the vertebrae and even kissing spines.
“It’s a horrid feeling as a ride judge, too, when a horse you don’t know isn’t travelling from your leg to the bit — you’re basically on board on a wing and a prayer.”
Producer Penny Hollings also abhors the trend for ever-stronger bits in a bid to achieve outline and control.
“The bit is a communication tool — not a restraint,” she avers. “It isn’t possible to restrain a horse if he doesn’t want to be, so if you try to subjugate him, he will always try and find a way out.”