February 24, 2025, 8:42 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Switzerland is taking a decisive step in animal welfare: certain bits and bridles that can cause pain to horses will be banned in the future. But the question remains: Is the problem with the equipment itself — or with the way riders use it? A look at the consequences and possible alternatives.
Switzerland has taken an important step for animal welfare: it has tightened the Animal Welfare Act to reduce the suffering inflicted on horses. Certain bits and snaffles have been banned because they can cause pain and injuries in the horse’s mouth. But are bits and snaffles fundamentally cruel to animals? Or is the problem due to incorrect use by the rider?
How Do Bits and Snaffles Affect the Horse?
A bit rests on the toothless “bars” of the horse’s mouth and transmits the rider’s rein aids. The effect can vary depending on the type of bit and the rider’s hand:
- Mild bits, such as double broken water snaffles, distribute the pressure to the tongue and bars.
- Sharp bits, such as curb bits or bar bits with leverage, increase the pressure on the tongue, palate, or poll.
Studies indicate that incorrect or rough use of bits can negatively impact the horse’s well-being:
- Mucosal injuries and pressure sores
- Impaired breathing due to tight buckles (McGreevy et al., 2012)1
- Increased stress reactions and behavioral problems (Dyson et al., 2016)2
Tight nosebands and locking straps also increase the pressure by making it more difficult for the horse to open its mouth. This can lead to pain and increased stress levels.
The Problem: Pain as a Training Method
Riders use bits and snaffles to control the horse. It becomes problematic when pain is used as a means of enforcing aids. According to a study, excessive pressure from bits can tense the masticatory muscles, have a negative impact on head posture, and lead to tact errors and resistance.2
Horses have a high pain tolerance but often show subtle stress signals. A retracted noseband or foam at the mouth are not always indicators of relaxation – they can often be responses to discomfort.
Comparison with Dogs: Why Are Prong Collars Banned But Sharp Bits Allowed?
In dog training, the use of prong collars and choke collars is prohibited in many countries, as they are intended to suppress unwanted behavior through pain and pressure. According to a study by Schalke et al. (2007), painful aids can result in elevated stress hormones (cortisol), anxious behavior, avoidance behavior in dogs, and potentially aggressive reactions due to frustration.
The parallel with equestrian sports is obvious: here, too, there is equipment that enables control through pain or pressure. While dog training now increasingly relies on positive reinforcement, the idea that control must be achieved through mechanical aids is still often held in equestrian sports.
Are Bits and Snaffles Automatically Animal Cruelty?
Not in principle. A well-adapted bit and a fine rider’s hand can enable clear communication without harming the horse. However, it becomes critical when:
- A bit is used to enforce coercion,
- The horse shows pain signals and does not react to them,
- Sharp bits and tight buckles are misused to “hold still.”
The Swiss regulation is a step in the right direction: it forces riders to critically scrutinize their equipment and look for horse-friendly solutions.
What Alternatives Are There?
There are already gentler methods that are increasingly being used in equestrian sport. These include bitless bridles such as the side-pull or LG bridle, which work via nose pressure instead of on the sensitive mouth. But anatomically adapted bits with curved bars also relieve the tongue. Gentle riding and good training also minimize the pressure on the horse.
According to Fenner et al. (2019), there is evidence that bitless bridles are a more comfortable alternative for many horses – provided they are used correctly.3
Controversially Discussed Is Horse Riding Considered Animal Cruelty? An Expert Weighs In
Tips & Training How to correctly train the rider’s seat and why it is important for the horse
High-maintenance thoroughbreds Why former racehorses are not always suitable for leisure riding
The Change Has Begun
Bits and snaffles are not inherently cruel to animals – but their misuse certainly can be. Developments in Switzerland show that equestrian sport needs to evolve. Conscious, horse-friendly use of aids is crucial to ensure the welfare of horses. The question is not whether bits need to be abolished – but whether people are prepared to reconsider their use.