The great bit debate…

Should you have to wear a double bridle or pelham if your horse doesn’t need one?

Should you get penalised for using a snaffle if that is what suits your horse?

The required use of double bridles in FEI dressage has been causing a lot of debate in the equestrian world over the past few months.

In showing, once you are out of novices or first riddens, its expected that you will wear a bit with a double rein but what if your horse or pony doesn’t need one. I agree they can look smart but should they be required, or if not officially required penalised for not using one. I admit I was rather shocked to read recently in a schedule that “you will not be penalised for using a snaffle”. I knew you could be looked down on for using a snaffle but this was the first time I had ever seen it officially written. 

Shouldn’t having a well mannered horse that doesn’t need a strong bit count in your favour?

I currently use a snaffle to show in, but I am now starting to consider a switch to a snaffle if I am going to be penalised. 

Though I would like to see a world where you can show in a snaffle and it not count against you. Mountain and Moorland classes I feel that it is more common to use a snaffle when out of the novices, so maybe one day…

These are just my thoughts on the showing world, I imagine that the great bit debate will continue to be rife in the wider equestrian scene for some time.