03/09/2025
Bitless Riding Options: What Science Says
Research has shown that bits can cause a range of oral injuries, including lesions, bruising, bone damage, and long-term tissue trauma. Scientific studies consistently demonstrate that these risks are higher and more severe with bitted designs than with bitless options.
That said, not all bitless equipment is created equal. Some designs distribute pressure more broadly and, when fitted correctly, pose very low risk such as well-fitted sidepulls, smooth rope halters, or flat halters. Others concentrate pressure or magnify rein forces such as cross-unders or mechanical hackamores, which increases welfare concerns if not fitted or used carefully. Neck ropes and liberty create minimal mechanical pressure, with the main considerations being training reliability and context.
This chart gives a side-by-side look at some of the most common bitless designs. It shows how each works and what research says about their potential welfare impacts. The goal is not to promote one type over another, but to provide clear, science-based information so riders can make informed choices.
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✨ Key takeaways from the research include:
• Bosals:
Rooted in vaquero tradition. Limited peer-reviewed research exists, but the rigid, non-padded nosepiece can create focal pressure. Classified by welfare groups as a higher risk if misused.
• Cross-unders:
Apply pressure to nose, poll, and jaw. Studies report altered movement compared to a snaffle and multi-point pressure distribution, raising welfare concerns.
• Halters (Flat):
Spread pressure broadly and are generally low risk when fitted correctly, though less precise than purpose-made bridles.
• Halters (Rope):
Knotted rope halters concentrate pressure on facial nerves and require caution. Smooth rope halters without knots distribute pressure more evenly and are considered a safer option.
• Liberty (No equipment):
Relies entirely on conditioned responses with no mechanical pressure applied. No risk of tissue harm, but reliability depends on training and context.
• Mechanical hackamores:
Leverage magnifies rein pressure dramatically and can exceed forces of severe bits if misused. This design creates high pressure and significant injury risk if applied strongly.
• Neck ropes:
Pose minimal mechanical risk since they do not act on sensitive tissues. The main consideration is training reliability, as they offer little backup control in high-pressure situations.
• Scawbrig:
Less researched, but applies pressure only to the nose and jaw with a simpler action than cross-unders.
• Sidepulls:
Research shows no loss of performance when compared with a snaffle during foundation training. Poor fit or lack of padding can risk nasal bone or nerve injury, but with correct fit and padding, sidepulls are considered a very safe option.
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Conclusion:
Not all bitless bridles are created equally. Some such as well-fitted sidepulls, padded flat halters, and smooth rope designs are supported by research as safer choices, while others such as cross-unders and mechanical hackamores raise clear welfare concerns.
When fitted and used correctly, bitless options pose a SIGNIFICANTLY lower risk of severe harm compared to many common bitted designs. The evidence is consistent. Properly fitted bitless designs eliminate many of the documented welfare risks of bits, offering horses a safer and more welfare-friendly option.
These findings reflect what recent science shows us about bit versus bitless designs. This is not about opinion or tradition, but about applying the best current evidence to support horse welfare. The goal is not to ban bits outright, but to recognize that the research clearly supports bitless as a safer option and, in terms of performance, an equivalent alternative, and to challenge existing competition rules so horses and riders can access those options fairly.
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