Let's Talk Tack: Listening to Your Horse Through Their Gear
Jasper Bitless Bridle and Balance Rein
Bits, bridles, nosebands, browbands. Martingales, breastplates, saddles. The sheer amount of gear we can potentially put on our horses is vast. But how much thought do we really give to why we're using each specific piece, especially from our horse's perspective? Our goal should always be to choose equipment that allows for clear communication while ensuring our horse's utmost comfort, freedom of movement, and mental ease.
(A Quick Heads-Up Before We Dive In: Foundational Comfort)
This is a big topic, and this is just a starting point for reflection. For this discussion, I'm making a couple of key assumptions focused squarely on your horse's well-being:
Fit is Paramount: Whatever tack you use, I'm assuming it genuinely fits your horse comfortably and is fitted correctly every single ride. This non-negotiable baseline prevents unnecessary pain or restriction. If not, addressing this is your absolute first priority for your horse's sake.
You, the Rider: I'm also assuming you're a reasonably balanced rider, capable of maintaining your own self-carriage. An unbalanced rider can inadvertently cause discomfort or confusing signals through the reins or saddle, regardless of the tack used.
If these points aren't quite ticked off yet, that's okay! But working on your own balance is often the kindest thing you can do for your horse. If you are going to experiment with tack while still developing your balance, perhaps stick to gaits where you feel most secure, minimizing unintended interference for your horse. Poorly fitting tack or an unbalanced rider makes it incredibly difficult to truly understand how the horse feels about the equipment itself.
The Comfort Zone of Familiar Gear: Whose Comfort?
It's incredibly easy to get stuck in a tack rut. Do any of these sound familiar?
"I've just always used this..." (But does the horse still benefit, or has their need changed?)
"All my horses go in this setup." (But are they individuals with potentially different needs or preferences?)
"It's the tack the horse came with..." (But was it chosen for their comfort, or convenience?)
"He goes best in XYZ gear." (Okay, but when did you last ask him by trying something else? How do you know it's still the most comfortable or effective option for him?)
"My coach/friend uses this..." (Is their horse identical to yours in conformation, temperament, and training?)
"My instructor told me to use this." (Was that advice for this specific horse at this specific stage, considering their specific needs?)
A really pertinent question to ask yourself is: How long have you actually been using your current setup, and more importantly, why – from both your perspective and, as best you can interpret, your horse's?
Evolving Horses, Evolving Riders: Does the Tack Still Serve the Horse?
Here’s something to ponder:
As you refine your training, deepen your connection, and build more harmony, have you considered how your horse's physical and mental needs might change? As they develop more correct, functional muscles and movement patterns, could they perhaps manage more comfortably, move more freely, or understand lighter aids with different gear, or even less gear?
Similarly, as your balance, self-carriage, and confidence improve, could you rely less on equipment for perceived control and more on clear, quiet communication, allowing your horse greater comfort and responsiveness?
Maybe your horse is going the best they possibly can in their current equipment. Perhaps it's perfectly suited for their (and your) current stage. But is it still the kindest or clearest option in 6 weeks? 6 months? Does the gear need revisiting as you both progress?
The Invitation to Experiment: Asking Your Horse Questions
Have you ever thought about "asking your horse" by playing around with things?
Trying different bits – considering shape, material, action? Or even no bit at all?
Removing the noseband – does it change their jaw tension or breathing? Or the browband – any sign of relief around the ears/poll?
Taking off the martingale or breastplate – does their head/neck carriage change, do they seem freer?
Think of it as presenting different options and carefully observing your horse's response. What happens when you do experiment? Sometimes, you might try something new, see an initial improvement (perhaps relief from previous pressure?), but then, after a few rides, things seem to regress. Does the regression suggest discomfort with the new item, confusion, lack of understanding, or simply a need for adjustment time from both of you?
What do you do then?
Immediately revert? (Did you give the horse enough time to understand?)
Alternate? (Does this help pinpoint preferences or just confuse?)
Try another option? (Keep listening!)
There's no single right answer, but the key is observant listening: Pay close attention to their feedback – relaxation in the jaw, poll, back; tension or resistance; willingness to move forward; facial expression; breathing; overall quality of movement.
My Own Tack Experiments with Jasper: Listening to His Response
I've been down this road recently with Jasper. Currently, I have three different bridles:
Trust Inno Sense Flexi Soft Eggbutt: Often used for jumping/hacking.
Neue Schule Verbindend Loose Ring: Often used for flatwork, sometimes chosen if he seems braced in #1 (always checking myself first!).
Bitless Bridle (with Balance Rein/Neck Ring): I've just started experimenting again, and I'm loving the results – particularly the softness and willingness he seems to offer.
I've tried bitless before and didn't achieve the harmony I sought. This recent experiment, however, focusing on the balance rein first, has felt fantastic for both of us. I was so impressed with his positive response that we hacked out and jumped bitless.
Next ride? Probably bridle #2. I'm genuinely curious to see how he feels and responds after several bitless rides. (Two bridles have no noseband, two have no browband – constant adjustments based on what seems to work best for him at the time.)
(My personal disclaimer: Knowing Jasper well and controlling the environment was key. Introducing changes requires careful consideration of the horse's temperament and the situation.)
Reflections: Moving Towards Partnership Over Control
Thinking back, I remember feeling reliant on my martingale for my security. It took effort to trust myself and my horse enough to remove it. Similarly, using a gag felt necessary for my feeling of control then. Improving my riding allowed me to move to a simple snaffle, which was undoubtedly more comfortable and fair for the horse.
This season, seeing tight martingales restricting horses' ability to use their heads and necks naturally reinforces the importance of considering the horse's biomechanics and comfort.
"Bitting up" isn't always the answer. A horse might react negatively ("running," going behind the vertical) because they're trying to escape pain or find comfort from a bit that doesn't suit their mouth shape or the rider's hands.
The Rider's Responsibility: Ensuring Comfort and Clarity
Remember, any bit's effect depends on the rider’s hands. The goal isn't control, but clear, subtle dialogue. Does the bit fit his specific mouth? Does he seem comfortable carrying it? It should rest gently, not creating constant pressure on the sensitive tongue.
(Side note: That tongue connection is key! Constant pulling or holding firmly is uncomfortable for the horse and can inhibit their whole body, including hind leg movement! The horse’s tongue is connected to the hind leg via muscle chains and myofascial lines.)
My Underlying Message? Be Curious, Be Kind, Listen.
The real reason I wanted to write this is to encourage you to pause and truly question the tack from your horse's perspective. Why was it chosen? Does it still serve their best interest? Is it facilitating clear, comfortable communication? And most importantly, don't be afraid to thoughtfully and safely experiment, always listening carefully to what your horse tells you. Ultimately, choosing tack is about fostering that willing partnership, ensuring our choices prioritize our horse's well-being and perspective.
(Saddles are a whole other crucial conversation about horse comfort for another day!)