I have thought alot about whether I should even bring this up, but I need to know how many other people have seen this and how they feel about it.
At an AMHR show last weekend, I saw horses under harness that had rope cord in their mouths being used as an overcheck/sidecheck bit. It looked to be about a quarter inch thick (didn't get up close and look because I didn't want to cause any problems at the show). I was told at the show that this is considered legal and saw a horse with this "bit" place first in a class.
My concern is why rope cord is being considered an acceptable overcheck/sidecheck bit, and the effects of being driven with this "bit" on the horse.
The AMHR 2005 Rule Book, under the Pleasure and Country Pleasure driving sections, states
As far as the horse goes, I cannot see how this rope cord "bit" attached to the overcheck or sidecheck can be humane. I realize that a separate bit can be used for the overcheck/sidecheck. I also know that there are a number of minis with small mouths that cannot hold both bits. But, a small diameter cord doesn't seem like a good solution. A rope can cause chafing and burns, especially if used on a horse that fusses with the overcheck/sidecheck alot or is checked tightly. Since the rope cord does not have a definate shape, like a traditional bit does, when the horse pulls on the overcheck/sidecheck, the "bit" pulls in on the upper lips and creates a squeezing effect on the upper jaw. In theory, this effect and pulling on the lips should be relieved when the horse relaxes the tension on the overcheck/sidecheck, but from what I saw it didn't happen.
I know there are many things done to horses that not everyone would agree is painfree or humane. But even AMHR tries to reduce their use at shows with rules, like the ones against using action devices on show grounds. I feel the use of the rope cord as an overcheck/sidecheck bit may fall in the same catergory.
I want to know how others feel about this. Has anyone else noticed this at shows they have gone to? Do you feel it should be allowed? If you use this type of "bit" or support its use, I would like to hear why. I am not trying to attack anyone here, I just want to get both sides of the issue.
At an AMHR show last weekend, I saw horses under harness that had rope cord in their mouths being used as an overcheck/sidecheck bit. It looked to be about a quarter inch thick (didn't get up close and look because I didn't want to cause any problems at the show). I was told at the show that this is considered legal and saw a horse with this "bit" place first in a class.
My concern is why rope cord is being considered an acceptable overcheck/sidecheck bit, and the effects of being driven with this "bit" on the horse.
The AMHR 2005 Rule Book, under the Pleasure and Country Pleasure driving sections, states
I have always considered a bit to be made of metal or rubber (like the Happy Mouth bits). When did we start considering rope to be a bit?Check bits may be used but are not required.
As far as the horse goes, I cannot see how this rope cord "bit" attached to the overcheck or sidecheck can be humane. I realize that a separate bit can be used for the overcheck/sidecheck. I also know that there are a number of minis with small mouths that cannot hold both bits. But, a small diameter cord doesn't seem like a good solution. A rope can cause chafing and burns, especially if used on a horse that fusses with the overcheck/sidecheck alot or is checked tightly. Since the rope cord does not have a definate shape, like a traditional bit does, when the horse pulls on the overcheck/sidecheck, the "bit" pulls in on the upper lips and creates a squeezing effect on the upper jaw. In theory, this effect and pulling on the lips should be relieved when the horse relaxes the tension on the overcheck/sidecheck, but from what I saw it didn't happen.
I know there are many things done to horses that not everyone would agree is painfree or humane. But even AMHR tries to reduce their use at shows with rules, like the ones against using action devices on show grounds. I feel the use of the rope cord as an overcheck/sidecheck bit may fall in the same catergory.
I want to know how others feel about this. Has anyone else noticed this at shows they have gone to? Do you feel it should be allowed? If you use this type of "bit" or support its use, I would like to hear why. I am not trying to attack anyone here, I just want to get both sides of the issue.