Does a bit in a horse's mouth hurt? (6 photos)

Today we will try to find out what happens behind the closed doors of equestrian clubs, why do horses need a bit, and why does a goat need a button accordion?





When the teacher with whom you are taking the most difficult exam made a “very funny” joke.

First, let's clarify two things. First: no normal athlete would injure his horse. Not only is this terrible in itself, it is also terribly unprofitable for the rider himself - its performance directly depends on the condition of the horse.



If a horse gets mad and starts doing all sorts of things on the racetrack, both the animal itself and the person can get hurt.

Second: why is it necessary to insert pieces of iron into a horse’s mouth? Firstly, to make riding safer for the rider, the horse and everyone around them. A horse, although a herbivore, can injure or kill a person with just one hit of its hoof. And secondly, to correctly convey to the beast what the bipeds want from it.





Sorry, what's the safe word?

When handled correctly, the bit does not cause pain to the horse. Like many other parts of the harness, the bit is selected for each individual horse to provide it with maximum comfort.



Did you also want to yawn, looking at all these photographs?

What about teeth? Are they being knocked out in order to insert a piece of iron into their mouth? Of course not! They themselves fell out during evolution. The skull and dentition of horses are designed in such a way that there is an empty space between the incisors and molars. And this gap appeared long before the appearance of bridles.



The bit is inserted into the hole between the teeth that you see on the skull.

But, naturally, not everything is so rosy. All of the above works when the rider handles all equipment correctly. What if not? What if the rider deliberately pulls on the reins? In this case, it will hurt. The gland can injure the oral mucosa, tongue, teeth and even jaw bones.



By raising its head, rolling its eyes, wagging its tail and flattening its ears, the horse shows that it is at least unpleasant.

There is a matter of chance, there is the inexperienced hand of the rider. But regular examination of the horse’s oral cavity for injuries and damage can save you from these troubles. But for the thoughtless cruelty that a horseman can take advantage of, no cure has yet been invented.