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‘ON-THE-BIT’: A Misleading and Mischievous Phrase 
(Alexander Nevzorov and a bridleless young horse “on the bit”
photo courtesy Lydia Nevzorova)
by Robert Cook FRCVS, PhD and The Bitless Bridle
The phrase ‘on the bit’ is misinterpreted by many dressage enthusiasts who compete under
FEI rules. As a result, they use the bit to achieve a certain frame and fail to realize that this is not collection.
Many FEI judges and even FEI and national federation committee members also misinterpret the phrase
. They assume that it requires the physical presence of a bit, rather than the defined behavior that the
phrase describes. As a result, when proposals are advanced for a rule change to permit the crossunder
bitless bridle for dressage, the proposal is denied. As the preferred behavior is obtained more properly
without a bit, this is a sad situation (Fig 1). It results in the FEI and national federations being locked
into a mind-set in which they are unwilling to consider permitting a more humane option to their current mandatory requirement of one or more bits and a chain.
Definition of “On the bit.”
The FEI’s defines the phrase correctly as a certain position of the horse’s head (Article 401.6). In the
last decade, many dressage riders have rediscovered something that was well understood in the 17th
century, that the desired position of the head (and the rest of the body too) is not dependent on a bit.
There is an interesting explanation as to why, when the definition is correct, the name given to the
objective is incorrect. It arises from an error in the translation into English of the original French rules on
dressage. More on this later. For the moment, let’s focus on the present.
Article 401.6 of the 22nd edition of the FEI ‘Rules for Dressage Events’ describes and defines the sixth dressage objective as follows:
“In all the work, even at the halt, the horse must be “on the bit.” A horse is said to be “on the bit” when
the neck is more or less raised and arched according to the stage of training and the extension or
collection of the pace, accepting the bridle [emphasis added] with a light soft contact and submissiveness
throughout. The head should remain in a steady position, as a rule slightly in front of the vertical, with a
supple poll as the highest point of the neck, and no resistance should be offered to the rider.”
The above definition refers to acceptance of the bridle, not the bit. But the horseman’s vernacular has
resulted in usage of the shorter but ambiguous phrase ‘on the bit.’ The vernacular has become the
familiar name of the objective but it is neither the objective itself nor a good pr้cis of the objective. A
phrase that would have been less ambiguous would have been “up to the bit” as this would have been
more consistent with what I feel is the somewhat unrealistic hope that a horse should seek the contact
rather than be constrained by it, i.e., should be encouraged to move up into the bridle (or bit) rather than
have its head pulled back by it. From a physiological and behavioral viewpoint, I believe that when a
horse is truly collected it is accepting the bridle (not just resigned to it) because rein tension is minimal and it is not in pain.
A more accurate name for the objective would be ‘on the aids.’ The plural form is chosen deliberately
as we are speaking of all three aids. In order of importance, ‘seat’ is the foremost aid, ‘legs’ next, and
‘hands’ least of all. If the phrase ‘on the aids’ was adopted, the objective - which is to obtain collection,
throughness and impulsion - would not be overlooked and it would free the objective from being falsely tied to the bit.
“On the aids” is I believe the best term but ‘acceptance of the bridle‘ is second best and is used
previously in Article 401. 2. Let’s introduce it by backtracking to the start at Article 401.1, the first sentence of which should be emblazoned over the door of every dressage barn:
“The object of dressage is the development of the horse into a happy athlete through harmonious
education. As a result, it makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible, but also confident, attentive
and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider. These qualities are revealed by:”
… and now I quote Article 401.2:
“The freedom and regularity of the paces.
The harmony, lightness and ease of movements.
The lightness of the forehand and the engagement of the hindquarters, originating from a lively impulsion.
The acceptance of the bridle, with submissiveness throughout and without any tension or resistance.”
Lack of understanding leads to incorrect actions
By riders:
It is somewhat revealing that the mistaken interpretation of “on the bit” is in the nature of a Freudian slip.
Riders are tempted by it to take a training short-cut in the belief that collection can be achieved by
traction on the bit. Yet every good horseman recognizes that correct head position (‘collection’) comes
from years of fitness training and that the primary aids with which to signal for collection are ‘seat’ and
‘legs,’ rather than ‘hands.’ Acceptance of the idea that collection can be achieved with the bit leads to
false collection. In this situation, the horse’s poll may be flexed but he is not collected and neither is he a
happy athlete, free of tension and resistance. As a result of too much ‘hand’ and not enough ‘seat’ and
‘leg’ the horse is being ‘pulled together.’ The rider is using the ability of the bit to cause pain or the
threat of pain to produce a superficial facsimile of collection that should deceive no one, least of all a
judge. The horse will be on the forehand and, contrary to the general principles of dressage, will be
unhappy, tense, resistant, nervous and in conflict with his rider. In its most extreme form, this approach
to dressage results in the regrettable practice of overbending or “Rollkur” (Cook 2007e).
The phrase “on the bit” is used 14 times in Chapter 1 of the ‘Rules for Dressage Events.’ No wonder
that, in the English-speaking dressage world, so much misdirected attention is paid to the bit as a method
of communication. The translator of the original FEI rules from French to English seems to have
recognized the vernacular nature of the phrase because, on every occasion, it is fenced about with
apologetic quotation marks. He, or she, probably recognized that the phrase “on the bit” was not a
literal or even an accurate translation of the original French idiom, ‘dans la main’ (literally, ‘in the hand’)
which is more appropriately translated as ‘on the aids.’ (Gahwyler & Drummond 2002) On those four
occasions in which the translator used the more accurate phrase ‘acceptance of the bridle’ or ‘accepting the bridle’ no quotation marks are used..
By committees:
A failure to understand the science becomes an obstacle to welfare reform, a barrier to improved safety, and a denial of a rider’s right to the pursuit of happiness.
Above and Behind the Bit
Resistance (“above the bit”) Photo courtesy Lydia Nevzorova
Fig. 3. Evasion (“behind the bit”) Photo courtesy of ‘Horses For Life’
Evasion is expressed when bit pressure causes him to lower his head, bend his neck and bring his chin
closer to his chest (behind the vertical). This ducking of the head used to be known as boring (Self 1946). Though the term is seldom used today, the evasion is more common than ever
Sadly, dressage judges do not always penalize riders whose horses exhibit these behaviors. Yet the FEI
‘Rules for Dressage Events’ clearly indicates that they should, both during the test and the warm-up.
It is quite difficult, without the pain of a bit, for a rider to train a horse to go “above’ or ‘behind’ the bit,
as this is an unnatural position of the head at exercise. It is relatively easy to train a bitless horse to go
“on’ the bit (Fig 1) as this is a natural position. It is exactly where the horse will choose to place his
head when he is perfectly fit, balanced and accommodated to the weight of a rider on his spine, i.e., when he is collected and in self-carriage.
Further elucidation of ‘on the bit’ occurs indirectly in Article 416.2:
“Submission does not mean subordination, but an obedience revealing its presence by a constant
attention, willingness and confidence in the whole behaviour of the horse as well as by harmony, lightness, and ease it is displaying in the execution of the different movements.
The degree of submission is also manifested by the way the horse accepts the bridle, with a light and soft
contact and supple poll, or with resistance to or evasion of the rider’s hand, being either “above the bit” or “behind the bit” respectively.”
Once again, a vernacular phrase that emphasizes the bit is used to describe two positions of the head,
both of which on this occasion are unacceptable positions. Resistance is expressed when a horse moves
or tosses his head upwards (above the vertical) or when bit pressure is needed to prevent him doing this (as when a horse is ‘pulled together’ into the desired frame)
The logical way for riders to avoid such resistance and evasion is to remove the cause, i.e., to remove
the bit. In this way, the ‘Object and general principles’ of dressage (Article 401) can be achieved.
Recognition needs to be given to the physiological fact that, regardless of how mature a horse is, how
much training he has had, and how fit the rider (all factors of importance), no horse that is in pain can be
a happy athlete, calm, collected, supple, loose and flexible. But by removing the bit, one removes a
prime source of pain. By so doing, rider/horse discord can be banished, the horse will become a happy athlete and riders will finally experience the harmony of ‘heaven on horseback.’
FEI Rules should enhance welfare
Removal of the cause is also required in order to achieve the objectives stated in Article 416.2.1.
“Putting out the tongue, keeping it above the bit or drawing it up altogether, as well as grinding the teeth
and swishing the tail are mostly signs of nervousness, tenseness or resistance on the part of the horse and
must be taken into account by the judges in their marks for the movement concerned as well as in the collective mark for “submission”
The presence of a bit in a horse’s mouth is the most common cause of a horse lolling its tongue. It is the
only cause of a horse defending itself from the bit by placing the bit under its tongue or by retracting the
tongue so that the tip lies behind the bit. The bit is also by far the most common cause of a horse
grinding its teeth, tail swishing, nervousness, tension and resistance. Bits frighten horses and are the most
potent cause of a horse becoming unhappy, excitable, ‘highly strung,’ apprehensive, spooky and
generally unmanageable. I have documented over 100 clinical signs of bit-induced negative behavior
(Cook 2007d and see also the behavioral profile questionnaire at www.bitlessbridle.co/FOTB-Q.pdf).
Removal of the bit restores calmness and that ‘constant attentiveness,’ ‘willingness’ and freedom from
‘the paralyzing effects of resistance’ that are referred to in the general principles of dressage.
By maintaining their rule that one or more bits are mandatory for dressage, the FEI are responsible for
causing horses unnecessary and avoidable pain. By penalizing riders whose horses exhibit negative
behaviors that are caused by mandated equipment, the FEI are adding insult to injury. A humane, safe
and effective alternative to the bit, the crossunder bitless bridle, has been available for the past decade .
During this time it has been thoroughly field-tested by riders of all ages and experience, on horses of all
breeds and temperaments, in most disciplines and under a wide set of circumstances in many different countries.
Because of the advance in horse welfare rider safety that the crossunder bitless bridle (CBB) makes
available, the FEI are no longer in compliance with their own Code of Conduct, let alone the laws of
many countries on cruelty to animals. Cruelty is defined as the infliction of avoidable pain and suffering.
Because the pain and fear of a bit is now avoidable, riders who continue to use bits are now vulnerable
to a charge of cruelty. An interesting point of law arises as to whether the FEI or any national federation that mandates the use of a cruel device could also be indicted.
FEI Non-Compliance with its own Code of Conduct
The items in italics below are taken verbatim from the long version of the FEI Code of Conduct. Each
item is followed by an explanation of its non-compliance.
“…the welfare of the horse is paramount.” Sadly, the FEI have shown no readiness to respond to the
indisputable welfare advance that the CBB represents.
“Good horse management… must not compromise welfare.” The bit causes over one hundred signs of
compromised welfare, mostly caused by pain and fear (Cook 2007).
“Any practices which could cause physical and mental suffering, in or out of competition, will not be
tolerated.” The bit has been shown to be a prime cause of mental and physical suffering (Cook & Strasser 2003) and yet the FEI are tolerating this with equanimity.
“[Horses] must not be subjected to any training methods which are abusive or cause fear …” Article
143 of the General Regulations (22nd edition, 2007) defines “Abuse” as “an action or omission which
causes or is likely to cause pain or unnecessary discomfort to a Horse…” The evidence explaining the
abusive effects of bitted bridles was published five years ago (Cook & Strasser 2003) and the evidence
relating to the inhumanity of overbending (Rollkur) with the bit was published more recently (Cook 2007e) yet the FEI continues to endorse overbending and to mandate the use of the bit.
“Tack must be designed and fitted to avoid the risk of injury.” A list has been published of 40 different
diseases caused by the bit (Cook 2007c). Bit-induced bone spurs on the bars of the mouth, for example, are present in over 75% of museum specimens examined (Cook 2007b).
“Participation in competition must be restricted to fit horses …” The bit is incompatible with the
physiology of exercise (Cook 1999). A bitted horse is a handicapped horse and, by definition, unfit.
“No horse showing symptoms of disease … or ailment…. should compete …” Bit-induced negative
behavioral signs are commonplace and each is a sign of disease or ailment, mostly associated with pain and fear.
“Any surgical procedures that threaten a competing horse’s welfare or the safety of other horses and/or
competitors must not be allowed.” The word ‘surgery’ is derived from a Greek word with the literal
meaning ‘a working with the hands.’ Indisputably, the bit – which invades and applies pressure to a
sensitive body cavity - is a working with the hands. It would be difficult to deny that bitting a horse is a
surgical procedure, albeit carried out largely by riders with no medical qualifications. At best, it is a lip
retractor but at worst it is a cutting instrument that damages both hard and soft tissues. It is also a device
that obstructs respiration and interferes with locomotion. Finally, it is too often an instrument of torture,
causing pain and fear. Undoubtedly, a bit threatens a horse’s welfare and endangers the safety of other horses and competitors.
“Abuse of a horse using natural riding aids or artificial aids … will not be tolerated.” See above … abuse is rampant
“The incidence of injuries sustained in competitions should be monitored.” Many accidents are caused
by the bit, some of them fatal to horse and rider. Yet currently these are unrecognized by the FEI and
are not monitored. Short-term and long-term injuries to the mouth and teeth are documented but, to date, have resulted in no action (Cook 2007b)
“The FEI urges all those involved in equestrian sport to attain the highest possible levels of education in
their areas of expertise relevant to the care and management of the competition horse.” Many riders
have educated themselves and now recognize the dangers of using a bit. Yet they receive no support from the FEI when they submit proposals to permit the use of a safer and more humane method of
communication.
“This Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse may be modified from time to time and the views
of all are welcomed. Particular attention will be paid to new research findings and the FEI encourages
further funding and support for welfare studies.” My experience when presenting research findings on
the bit to the FEI is one of unacceptable delays in response to letters and an absence of any constructive
action. On the other hand, obstructive action has been experienced. In the early days of the CBB, as
there was nothing in the FEI rules that required reins to be actually connected with the bit, I
recommended that dressage competitors should hang a dummy bit from their bitless bridle. Action was quickly taken to disqualify such a strategy.
Communication with the FEI
My own experience of this has been disappointing. After corresponding with the General Secretary
over a period of two years, no comments were given me on the evidence I submitted (Cook 2006).
The FEI declined to take any action and advised me that this was a matter for the national federations.
But national federations, when approached, reply that they take their lead from the FEI. As the FEI fail
to provide any such leadership, this produces a vicious circle and an administrative impasse. Each
organization ‘passes the buck’ to avoid dealing with the issue. Neither the FEI, nor any national
federation to date, has ever tried to refute the scientific evidence in support of permitting the CBB for
dressage. The only argument ever advanced is one based on tradition. But as I have said, tradition should not be invoked to prevent an advance in welfare (Cook 2007a).
My correspondence with the FEI has been published (see April issue, 2007 of ‘Horsesforlife.com) and
also online (Cook 20007f), so here below is an example of a response from a national federation. After
considerable effort had been invested by a rider in proposing a rule change to the British Horse Society,
the following reply was eventually received from David Holmes, British Dressage Chief Executive.
Dear Sheila
I saw the correspondence on this issue and suggested to Ruth [the British Dressage, Sport and Technical Officer] that I respond on her behalf.
The reason that we do not allow bitless bridles is because the FEI do not. We are trying to mirror more and more what the FEI do, as are the other disciplines.
In the area of bitting we have always followed the FEI lead.
I am sorry that I cannot be more expansive in terms of a justification - but as you see there is no need I feel.
Regards David
The History of “On the Bit”
In the valuable article already cited, Dr. Max Gahwyler and Bettina Drummond point out that the phrase
“on the bit” is of very recent origin. It only dates back to 1921 when the FEI was formed and the first
rulebook, in French, was compiled. The phrase is a misinterpretation of the French expression, “dans la
main” which would have been better translated as “on the aids.” As the authors remark, “No matter
how hard you look, even going back to the 15th and 16th century, you do not find any expression equivalent to “On the bit.”
This unfortunate phrase has encouraged riders and judges to focus on the forehand, when the focus
should be on the hindquarters. It is refreshing to be reminded by Gahwyler that, in the 17th century, a
master horsemen such as Galliberti started all his horses in a cavesson or hackamore. He did not even
use a snaffle until his horses were ‘made.’ Significantly, he rode his horses entirely from seat and leg.
Gawhyler and Drummond propose a much better translation of the original French for Article 410.6
when they suggest,” The horse in all its work, even at the halt, remains obediently under the influence of
the rider’s aids …” As they say, “this would be much closer to the true French meaning and removes
the fixation to the hands, the bit and the front of the horse, and leads to a more integrated approach of all
the aids …[emphasis added].” They recommend that the phrase “On the bit’ should be banished
forever and I agree. There are so many alternatives, all of which convey the required meaning so much
better … terms such as “Acceptance of the Aids,” “On the Aids,” “Throughness,” “Connection,”
“Lightness,” “Self-Carriage,” “Relaxation,” “Balance’ and “Engagement.”
Conclusion and Recommendations
The phrase “on the bit’ does not merit its sacred status. By banishing the phrase a purely semantic
obstacle to reform would be removed. The FEI and national federations would be free to consider the
evidence for permitting a more humane option to a Bronze Age instrument. But rather than wait for the
FEI rules to be edited and the offending phrase replaced, the reform could be introduced immediately if
only committee members would think in terms of “on the aids.” By so doing, they could claim credit for
introducing a reform that, in the future, will rank as one of the most important contributions ever made to
the welfare of the horse. In addition, they will be thanked by riders who can now achieve true harmony
with their happy horse. Litigation will be avoided, accidents reduced, safety enhanced and the pleasure of riding returned.
References and further reading
Most of the author’s articles are available online at www.bitlessbridle.com
Cook, W.R (1999).: Pathophysiology of Bit Control in the Horse. Journal Equine Veterinary Science 19: 196-204
Cook, W.R (2002).: Bit-induced asphyxia in the horse: Elevation and dorsal displacement of the soft palate at exercise. Journal of
Equine Veterinary Science, 22, 7-14, Cook, W.R (2003).: Bit-Induced Pain; a cause of fear, flight, fight and facial neuralgia in the horse. Pferdeheilkunde, 19, 1-8
Cook, W.R (2006): ‘Traditional (pain-based) bitless bridles. Available online at www.aebm.org.au
Cook, W.R (2007a).: Tradition and the Status-Quo or Science and Advance?” Veterinary Times, 29th January 2007, p16-18
Cook, W.R (2007b).: “Bit-Induced Fear Part 1; From Human Hand to Horse’s Head. Veterinary Times, April 9, 2007, p 18-23.
Cook, W.R (2007c). : “Bit-Induced Fear Part 2: Bits and Diseases They can Cause.” Veterinary Times. April 30 2007. Vol 37, No. 15, pp 22,23,25
Cook, W.R (2007d). “Bit-Induced Fear Part 3, Use of the Bit and Bad Behaviour. Veterinary Times. May 28, 2007.
Cook, W.R (2007e) “Why is Rollkur Wrong.’ A 51 page monograph published in the February 2007 issue of “Horses For Life. Available online at www.horsesforlife.com
Cook, W.R. (2007f) “The FEI and the bitless bridle: Correspondence about a rule change proposal. Available online at www.bitlessbridle.com/FEI%20Proposal.pdf
Cook, W.R (2008): “Metal, Myth and Equine Misery.” Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law Veterinary Association Journal, In Press January 2008
Cook, W.R. and Strasser, H (2003) “Metal in the Mouth: The Abusive Effects of Bitted Bridles.” Sabine Kells, Qualicum Beach, BC Canada, 2003
Cook, W.R, Strasser, H, and De Beukelaer, E.R.J.M. (2007) “Compliance with physiology as the foundation for animal welfare
guidelines: Exemplified by the rehabilitation of the horse's foot & mouth.” Proceedings of the University Federation of Animal
Welfare/British Veterinary Association Ethics Committee International Symposium “Quality of Life: The Heart of the Matter.”
Royal Society, London, UK Abstract published in Animal Welfare 2007 16(S) 166-167
Gahwyler M and Drummond B (2002): The Definition of “On the Bit.” Eclectic Horseman magazine #6
Self, M.C (1946): The Horseman’s Encyclopedia. A.S.Barnes and Company, New York
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