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Fjords are not the only horses "which are by nature very strong
and well muscled horses." The warmbloods that are controlled in dressage
by the snaffle bits at lower levels are also pretty mighty.
The snaffle bit has no leverage so that the horse learns to yield
to the bit, relaxing their jaw. It is not a means to stop the horse, but
to communicate forwardness and impulsion, along with your legs and seat.
The horse learns to listen to all of you and you learn to listen to all
of him (where is that right hind anyway?). It is training, training,
training. It is subtle and not painful. It is a dance. It takes forever.
When you get to FEI levels, you can move to a double bridle
(snaffle (bradoon) and curb bit.) This is because the horse is so
sensitive at this point and you are communicating so well, you need more
of a communication device with more subtle changes than a snaffle
provides.
There are rules to be followed. If you want to make up your own
rules, then you are disregarding all the thought and reasons the dressage
people made the rules in the first place. A horse can't do an intro test
in a pelham bit. If you are not safe in the ring without it, you have to
practice until you are, or take up another discipline. A horse can't be
evaluated in dressage unless he goes by the rules. We can't say our
Fjords are as good as warmbloods in dressage, except we need a
kimberwick.
I think being a purist is what it is all about. You can't change
the rules just because you can't do it.
Valerie
Columbia, CT
