>>> Indeed, as the author points out, bits do not control horses, but may I add that sometimes the bit is ADDING volumes to the horse's communications. That head-tossing and refusing to take the bit may not only be due to heavy hands and heavy bits but also soreness...
I think that was a good post. I do think it's possible to communicate with more refinement with a bit than without one, but I sure don't want to depend on one for everything. And personally, when I DO use a bit, I try to use the mildest one I can, and I try to test my horse (and me) by riding at least a few minutes of each ride without reins at all. There are horses though, like Tivar, who just don't like bits for whatever reason, and if the don't like them and don't need them, why bother? Karen Thomas, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED]
