While equestrian sports serve as an epitome of recreation, it is hard not to notice the cruelty on horses. The gears, and tools used to control the creatures often appear ghastly. For instance, Equestrian communities have used metal bits to leverage horses for ages. The bit usually fitted in the horse’s mouth offers control and a communication bridge between the rider and horse. However, in recent times voices have been raised against its use since it causes horses a great deal of pain and discomfort. And following along, several equestrian organizations have come forward to push measures to minimize the use of bits and raise awareness of its adverse effects.

One such organization to put in pioneering work on horse safety is Bitless Inc. The Australian organization has received much recognition from the community over the past decade. They worked to deviate the world’s attention towards the need for Social License to Operate in the sport. And reaching its recent milestone, the organization also has utilized the occasion to raise awareness of the challenges in the equestrian community.

Movement Advocates a Shift in Equestrian Community

The esteemed organization, The Bitless Inc. is referred to as an “international movement” for the equestrian community, works for the welfare of the horses. The association having turned 10 on the 9th of September, decided to use the occasion as a base to raise awareness on the concerns of the Social License to Operate (SOL). An SOL is an approval issued by a community that the organization is a part of. The SOL is granted to ensure that horse enthusiasts conduct themselves in alliance with societal values.

Speaking of how the topic is a difficult subject for the equestrian community to address, following the harmful practices in place, Bitless Inc., decided to shed light on it. “Social Licence to Operate is becoming a serious issue for the equestrian world to address. Despite the most vocal anti-equestrian groups being a small minority of the population, the general public is no longer familiar with horses, rarely has any interactions with horses, and cannot discern between anthropomorphism and genuine welfare concerns.” Bitless Inc. president Sue Lewis said, according to Horsetalk.

Lewis also further went on to explain how it is the responsibility of the people in the industry to raise awareness and educate people on what welfare outcomes look like for the community. Pushing forth the notion, Lewis urged equestrians to embrace the bitless bridles and lead the community by example. The organization also marked its anniversary as “World Bitless Day” and extended support to those willing to transition; including the ones who wanted to initiate the change among the rest.

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Increasing horse fatalities have been a rising concern in the equestrian community. While the notable tracks and organizations work to bring a change to the course, the concept of bitless hasn’t been fully accepted it employed. The use of bitless bridles has, however in the past, been proven to be better for the horses.

Bitless Bridles as an Alternative for Racing

The discouragement of bits was suggested only after the organization provided the right alternative. Bitless Inc., and Light Rider introduced products to replace the use of bits. They pushed for the shift considering the behavioral patterns observed in the horses. According to Light Rider, the bitless bridles provide for smoother steering and brakes, minus the pain in bits.

Following its notion, the organization also provided insights into the changing patterns of horse behavior upon going bitless. According to an experiment, judges used both bit and bitless to ride and test 4 horses. As per the patterns observed by the researchers, the horses accepted the bitless bridles instantly. Moreover, the performance of horses with a bit was at 37%, which rose to 64% with bitless.

The organizations believe that bitless bridles help relieve horses of pain and suffering, while enhancing their productivity. A win-win for all. Bitlesss Inc. is constantly working to help people make the transition and provide any help necessary. The organization also aims at conducting surveys a little more into the future in the hopes of tracking the progress made in the field.

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