Top 5 Myths in Riding

At Equimade, we’re passionate about dispelling common riding myths. Many riders still cling to outdated beliefs, often repeating the mantra “Heels down, shoulders back! The driving seat, look up, tighten your core.”

While some traditional advice holds merit, it’s time to challenge misconceptions that may harm our equine partners. In this post, we’ll explore five prevalent myths in riding and provide evidence-based alternatives to improve your horsemanship.

Do Horses Need Domination?

The Myth of Horse Breaking

At Equimade, we reject the outdated idea that horses need domination for control. This misconception stems from old-school “horse breaking” methods that relied on force and fear. Modern horsemanship has evolved beyond these harmful practices.

The Pitfalls of Dominance-Based Training

Dominance-based approaches often create stressed, fearful horses who comply out of self-preservation rather than willingness. This results in unpredictable behavior and damages the horse-human bond. Research demonstrates that some contemporary training and restraining techniques may lead to confusion or abuse in ridden and nonridden horses.

Building Partnerships Through Trust

We advocate for building partnerships based on mutual trust and respect. This approach (often called “horse starting” rather than “breaking”) yields more reliable and willing equine partners.

Positive Reinforcement Techniques

Positive reinforcement methods, like clicker training, have gained popularity for good reason. Here’s a simple way to start:

1. Select a marker (a click or word) to signal correct behavior.
2. Pair the marker with a reward (usually a small treat).
3. Use the marker to pinpoint desired behaviors during training.

The Value of Patience

Building a partnership takes time. Don’t rush the process – invest time in understanding your horse’s body language and responses.

Rejecting the myth of domination and embracing evidence-based, partnership-focused training methods creates stronger bonds with our horses and achieves better results in the saddle. This modern approach to horsemanship aligns perfectly with our next topic: the impact of equipment on horse comfort and control.

Are Tight Nosebands Really Necessary?

At Equimade, we often encounter riders who believe that tightening a noseband will give them better control over their horse. This myth is not only incorrect but can also harm your equine partner. Let’s explore why no noseband or a loose noseband is actually more effective and how to properly fit this piece of tack.

The Dangers of Overtightening

Excessively tight nosebands can cause serious issues for horses. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that tight nosebands can cause pain and possible tissue damage as the horse fights against the noseband in attempts to seek comfort. Researchers observed that horses with overly tight nosebands showed more stress-related behaviors and had elevated heart rates compared to those with properly fitted nosebands.

Enhancing Communication with Proper Fit

Contrary to popular belief, a looser noseband can actually improve communication between horse and rider. When fitted correctly, a noseband should allow for two fingers to fit comfortably between the leather and the horse’s nose. This space ensures that the horse can still move its jaw naturally, which is essential for comfort and responsiveness to the bit.

How to Fit a Noseband Correctly

To properly fit a noseband, follow these steps:

1. Position the noseband about two finger-widths below the cheekbone.
2. Fasten it so you can easily slip two fingers between the leather and the horse’s nose.
3. Check that the horse can open its mouth slightly and chew comfortably.

A well-fitted noseband should never interfere with the horse’s breathing or cause visible indentations on the skin.

The Role of Education

As riders, we must stay informed about the latest research in equine welfare. The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) has been at the forefront of promoting evidence-based practices in horse training and management. Their guidelines on noseband use recommend that 1.5–2.0 fingers should fit between the upper margin of the noseband and the horse’s nose.

The myth of tight nosebands is just one example of how traditional practices can sometimes conflict with modern understanding of equine welfare. This shift in thinking about equipment naturally leads us to question another common misconception: the idea that bigger, harsher bits provide better control. Let’s examine this belief in our next section and explore more effective alternatives for communication with our equine partners.

Do Bigger Bits Really Offer Better Control?

The Myth of Harsh Bits

Many riders believe that using a larger or harsher bit will give them more control over their horse. This misconception not only fails to address underlying training issues but can also cause pain and damage to the horse’s mouth.

A study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science found that poor horse handling practices result in poor horse welfare and undesirable horse behaviour such as avoidance and aggression. This suggests that using harsh bits may lead to negative outcomes rather than improved control.

Understanding Bit Mechanics

To debunk this myth, it’s important to understand how bits work. Bits don’t control horses through pain or force. Instead, they serve as a communication tool, applying pressure to different parts of the horse’s mouth to signal desired actions. A well-trained horse responds to subtle cues, not brute force.

Alternatives for Better Communication

Instead of reaching for a harsher bit, riders should focus on improving their horse’s responsiveness through proper training. Here are some effective alternatives:

1. 1. Bitless options: Many riders find success with neckring, bitless bridles or hackamores (which apply pressure to different areas of the horse’s head).

   2. Softer bits: Consider a thinner bit or maybe leather, rubber or plastic-coated bit for horses with sensitive mouths.

   3. Training aids: Tools that reinforce ground manners can help improve overall responsiveness.

The Importance of Proper Training

A horse that’s truly “on the bit” is one that willingly carries itself in a balanced frame, not one that’s forced into a position through harsh equipment. Proper training techniques and clear communication will develop a more willing and responsive equine partner – no severe bits required.

Equimade’s Approach to Horse Communication

At Equimade, we prioritize the horse’s wellbeing to achieve optimal performance. Our Easy Connect system, for example, helps users to work and travel with horses in a horse friendly way without resorting to old school methods like chains or other dangerous tie-ups and equipment. This innovative approach aligns perfectly with our philosophy of providing wellbeing for performance in horses.

Final Thoughts

We challenged several long-standing myths in the equestrian world throughout this post. The old mantra “Heels down, shoulders back! The driving seat, look up, tighten your core” may have merit, but we must understand the reasoning behind these instructions. We need to adapt them to each horse’s individual needs for optimal results.

Evidence-based horsemanship forms the cornerstone of modern riding practices. Scientific research and prioritizing horse welfare help us develop stronger partnerships with our horses. This approach improves performance and enhances the overall well-being of our equine companions.

At Equimade, we support this evolution in horsemanship. Our Easy Connect system exemplifies how innovative thinking can improve safety and comfort for horses and handlers. We encourage you to stay informed about the latest developments in equine science and welfare to create more positive and productive environments for our equine partners.