Essentially this article is on misuse of equipment. I chose these three items because there is not only a lot of misunderstanding regarding their use, there is a lot of not understanding their use. Please keep in mind however; these are not the only things that can create grief for your horse. An improperly fitting saddle, hands that are not quiet and steady and sensitive or an unbalanced seat can cause difficulties in training and cause just as much damage to your horse physically as the above mentioned items when used incorrectly.
The Curb Bit
I personally would like to see the use of the curb bit in dressage completely go away, but that is not likely to happen anytime soon, as the curb bit has been used for centuries. So here is what its intended use is.
The curb bit is used in 3rd level and above here in the US, and it is intended to enhance the horse’s ability to collect by applying pressure to the tongue, lower jaw and poll. Its basic design is that of a lever. Reins are attached to the end of a shank and when pressure is applied to the reins in a backwards fashion (pulling) the port, a curve created in the center of the bit to varying degrees depending on the actual bit, lowers onto and applies pressure to the tongue and bars of the horse’s mouth. There is a chain which runs just behind the chin that applies pressure to the lower jaw. In addition, the action of engaging the bit applies pressure on the poll by drawing the headstall down towards the mouth. Basic physics dictates that the longer the shank, and the higher the port, potentially the more severe the action. When properly fitted to your horse, a 45 degree angle is the maximum that should be created, in relation to the horse’s mouth, when the bit is engaged with the curb chain attached appropriately.
So, it works. Or does it? A tie down will keep a horse from raising his head. Does that mean he is on the bit? Maybe a curb bit can assist in creating collection. Is it because the pressure is causing pain? Obviously it must be causing some discomfort, especially when used with a heavy hand. I don’t see any other possible effect that it could have, as the horse’s poll, jaw and tongue is not where the horse collects, it is in the back and haunches . It is also my understanding that discomfort causes tension. Back to the training scale…..
I see quite a few very good international riders use their snaffle rein almost entirely, only creating the illusion that the curb rein is engaged for the most part, using the curb in a very sensitive manner when necessary. I see others rely heavily on the curb, using it as if the horse would run right through their hands if they did not…and I am not talking about locally. I am talking about Olympic medal winners. To me this is blatant abuse of a device which should, in this day and enlightened age, have questionable use in dressage. I don’t know what else to say about it, except that it appears to me in these cases the basics in training somehow were passed by. I am wondering why someone isn’t on the sidelines screaming “Get that bit out of your horse’s mouth and go retrain him!!” I am appalled that judges are turning a blind eye.
The Draw Reins
Hmm. Interesting topic. The general consensus here in the US is that the use of draw reins is absolutely taboo. However, we still use them, often in secret. And ironically, we are the ones who typically use them incorrectly.
In Europe, many, many trainers use a draw rein type device, called a running side rein, for use on the lunge line when starting a horse. This device is actually more effective than a standard side rein in that it allows a horse to lower his head down and forward while still maintaining the correct contact with the bit. Anyone familiar with training a young horse to accept the contact will understand the benefit of this, as a standard side rein causes discomfort when the horse takes any position that is not ‘on the bit’. And it does encourage them to stretch down and out, the only truly uncomfortable place for their head is when it is up and the top line is tense.
Ok, back to the draw rein. Not intended to create ‘on the bit’, or down and stretch on a young horse with a rider on the horse’s back. That’s the rider’s job. If you don’t know how to do this effectively stay off of young horses.
Not to be used as a crutch to keep any horse on the bit, however I will qualify this one. In training the rider….not the horse, the rider to feel the appropriate connection on a horse that is not necessarily willing (and many horses are not willing with an inexperienced rider) it can be a useful tool. You will know when the connection is understood by the rider because the draw reins will become slack while the snaffle maintains the correct connection. The frame will be correct over the horse’s back with the nose on or slightly ahead of the vertical. Trainers need to be sensitive to when this is no longer necessary, and to when it is no longer working. It goes without saying; trainers also need to understand the use of the draw rein if they choose to use them to assist their riders.
Never, and I repeat, NEVER ever, use the draw reins in a manner that causes the horse to go behind the bit, vertical or puts his nose to his chest. Doing so causes the horse to resist contact, break over his top line and travel on the forehand. This is damaging to the horse psychologically and physically.
Not sure about how to use them correctly, then don’t. If you see someone using them any manner described in the above paragraph, say something. If you see someone using them correctly (You will know when the connection is understood by the rider because the draw reins will become slack while the snaffle maintains the correct connection.) don’t immediately condemn them. Educate yourself for a moment by watching…..and then take into consideration how you ride your horse.
The Spur
What really is the point in riding with spurs? That, my friends is a very good question. There is a school of thought which dwells amongst the amateur riders that there should be no need for spurs. There is another school of thought which dictates that the bigger the spurs, the better the rider. I think that the truth lies in how the spurs are used and if their use is effective.
The spur is not intended to punish the horse. It is intended to make the horse extremely sensitive to the leg, without overuse of the leg. As a very basic example, let’s say you are not wearing spurs. You apply pressure with your calf to ask the horse to move forward. No response. You apply more pressure. Still not the response you desire. So finally, you pull both legs off of your horse’s sides and slam them back down into his sides to get him to move forward. Regardless of the result, you have now just overused your leg, creating tension up through and into your seat, ultimately creating tension in your horse’s back thus encouraging him NOT to move forward. Somewhat counterproductive, wouldn’t you say?
The most sensitive riders are able to create forward from the thought of forward. If that thought doesn’t take immediately, the heel turns in slightly to allow the spurs to touch the horse directly behind the girth, most commonly without any added force. Why does this work better than pressure from the calf? Try this:
With the palm of your hand, put as much pressure on your thigh as you possibly can. Notice the sensation. Now take your index finger and poke lightly somewhere in the vicinity of where you applied the pressure. Hopefully this demonstrates the difference in feel to the horse. The point of lightly concentrated pressure makes a far bigger impression than that of a greater area of stronger pressure.
Are you ready for spurs?
If your seat is confirmed and you are in control of the motion of your legs at all gaits, I say yes. If you are not confirmed in your seat and don’t have control of the motion of your legs and you still decide to use spurs, beware. Constantly banging your horse with the spur will make him insensitive, thus defeating the purpose of using the spur entirely.
So, how long a spur? What shape? What design?
The rule of thumb is to have a spur the correct length and shape to be able to touch your horse just behind the girth with a very slight turn of the heel. So, this will vary from person to person, and from horse to horse. You should not need to displace your lower leg, and if your thigh and hip become involved, forget it. I personally prefer a blunt edge; however there is some dispute as to whether or not a rowel is kinder. I believe that when the spur is used correctly, the blunt edge, or rounded edge spurs are more effective.
See you in two weeks…
JW