Effects of the Bit

I came across this video on youtube, and I wanted to hear different people's opinions, so here it is

The concept is okay, I guess, but seems to be one of the mindset that bridleless is the ONLY way to ride a horse...that just doesn't fly with me, because that's just not feasable for so many riders; and everytime he showed a bit, it was in the hands of riders who were relying on the bit, and over exaggerating the pull, because they used the bit as 'the' tool to control the horse. Now, yes, just because horses have been ridden in bits for so many centuries doesn't mean it right or wrong, but the direction this video seems to go is that ANY riding with a bit is cruel...I just don't see it that way, if they are used properly, and not as the only means of control.

I believe this video was posted before, but I don't remember in what section. Well if you think about it if someone pulls on sidepull/hackamore/bitless bridle/rope halter it pulls on horse's nose pretty bad. For some reason my paint HATES pulling on her nose (she has very sensitive skin), so mildest sidepull (way more gentle then what's used in video) made her go nuts with nose in air constantly. What I'm trying to say is bits are not cruel, and bitless riding is not an option for all horses and (as it was discussed hundred of times on this forum) for certain training.

I agree with the above posters. While some horses are excellent sports about face pressure, others can't handle it and flip out.

I do not use bits for the reasons mentioned in the video. One of my horses just hung on to it anyway. I use a bitless bridle after the first couple of rides there is no difference in their response. I use my seat and legs more knowing there is no bit. That said I am not asking my horses to do high level Dressage movements. When I do accidently catch myself with my hands because I lost my balance I am glad to know I didn't hurt them (to bad :))

Here's the older thread, out of the Tack and Equipment section:
Read and Watch Please