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WHY BITLESS? I asked myself a similar question about six years ago. But my question was 'Why bits?'
Call me lazy on the first hand. But I was getting really tired of looking for a 'better' bit. Interesting thought. What did I mean by 'better bit?' Well you know, the one that would sit comfortably in my horses mouth, the one that would give me correct halts, correct bends, proper flexion! How important is that? Very important. Why? Because everyone else was doing it. Funny! The moment I typed that bit of truth, a stark realization comes to mind. My brain being held hostage by popular beliefs. Beliefs that actually held little more than a history of tragic or futile endings. My brain, capable of moving independently but choosing to settle back and do it the 'hard' way because...'everyone else is doing it.'
How blind! So call me blind on the second hand. All I ever really had to do was open at least one eye and stand near a training paddock as some poor soul and their magical beast tore by me with nostrils flared and eyes turned skyward. And you should have seen the horse!
But neigh, I chose to see a grand parade of horsemanship. Yeah, I wanna be just like that! So impressive! And I was like that ... for decades!
Every working relationship I had, with every horse was painfully similar. Don't get me wrong...I loved them all...but the truth is I have always wanted more than just 'love'. My apologies if this bothers you...so call me greedy.
BUT...when the relationship was not a 'analytical classification followed by an itemized declassification on the fundamentals of horsemanship...it was like watching paint dry!'
To simplify, imagine a line in the dirt ten-feet in front of you. That is as far as you can go for your entire life with this horse.
Oh sure, I could get out there and bring home a ribbon. Ride lots, pour on the show sheen, get my teeth cleaned (ya know..for that winning smile), and finally, get a better bit!
And I certainly would memorize those show and breed regulations and for the sake of that ribbon, stay within the lines!
BUT such a ribbon would give me such a false sense of achievement. Purely a personal statement...relax.
What I am talking about, what I endeavour to attain is a 'working relationship WITH my horse, any horse.
A relationship with correct and progressive growth. A relationship based on clear communication that is mutually comfortable and mutually rewarding.
That means the horse gets to be happy too! :P
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