While bits have been a main piece of equipment for controlling horses for centuries, modern times have brought many new ways to communicate with horses that don't require bits, and national and international equine governing bodies should keep up with the new times.
Many people do not need bits to work with their horses, and they should not be required to use one in competition when they have found a better way for themselves. Collection is supposed to be free and not forced by the bit, so to make a bit necessary in matters of either communication or collection is contradictory to horse education ideals.
We the undersigned believe that bits should not be required for USEF competitions, nor should competitors be penalized for using them in the case of their acceptance, as many do not train with them or need them to communicate with their horse.
Collection is not meant to be forced by the bit - the idea is that the bit is only there for fine communication, and should not be necessary for the horse to be move in correct collection. Requiring bits goes against these fundamentals of horse education, and we believe bitless bridles should be accepted for those who choose to school their horse this way.
