Table of Contents

Tradition and the Status Quo, or Science and Advance? [2006]  Irrational respect for tradition is currently proving an obstacle to welfare reform. Evidence that the cross-under bitless bridle provides an effective method of communication, reduces the likelihood of accidents and is more humane than the bit is being overlooked by the FEI, the international regulating body of horse sport. An article originally published in “Veterinary Times” UK November/December 2006   Tradition and the Status Quo, or Science and Advance?

Cook and Dean letters to the editor of “Your Horse” magazine [2006]  This UK magazine published a somewhat negative article on the Strasser method of hoofcare that required a rebuttal. The first letter was written by Ysabelle Dean, a member of the Australian Equine Barefoot Movement Inc. and was published. The second letter by Dr. Cook was not published.  Cook & Dean letters to the editor of “Your Horse” magazine   Click the title to read the article in PDF format

On the Absence of Evidence for Equine Temporomandibular Disorder [2006]  Bit-induced pain is a differential diagnosis for TMJ disease and substantially more common. (Published in the Equine Veterinary Journal)  On the Absence of Evidence for Equine Temporomandibular Disorder  Click the link to read the link in PDF format.

The Evolution of Bitless Equitation  [2006]  The history of bitless riding from the early days of domestication to the present day is reviewed, focusing on the emergence of the cross-under principle of bridle design. (In Press: National Equine Student Journal of Equine Studies) The Evolution of Bitless Equitation  Click the link  to read the article in PDF format.

Four Reasons Racehorses Bleed [2006]  An abstract of the evidence supporting the hypothesis that lung “hemorrhage” in racehorses (so-called EIPH) is caused by any obstruction of the upper airway. Fuller accounts of the evidence are available in earlier publications. See, for example, the 1999 articles, “Asphyxia as the cause of bleeding” and “Why do horse’s lungs bleed?”; the 1998 “Death in the afternoon”; and the 1997 “EIPH or AIPE?” (Unpublished)  Four Reasons Racehorses Bleed  Click the link to read the article in PDF format

Give Your Horses a Break: Dr. Cook’s Bitless Bridle [2006]  A product review by Julie Goodnight, Program Director of the Certified Horsemanship Association. (Published in “The Instructor”)    Give Your Horses a Break: Dr. Cook’s Bitless Bridle   Click the link  to read the article in PDF format

How Can You Tell if a Horse is Happy? [2006] An answer to a question posed by Professor David Morton, a UK veterinarian specializing in ethical issues. Morton asked the question as he prepared a paper for an upcoming welfare conference. (Unpublished).  How Can You Tell if a Horse is Happy?   Click the link rto read the article in PDF format.

Frequently Asked Questions: a journalist’s queries [2006]  Written answers to the questions posed by Tessa Van Daalen in preparation for the article “Use of a Bit = Abuse of a Horse”  Frequently Asked Questions  Click the link to read the article in PDF format

Use of a Bit = Abuse of a Horse. (2006) By Tulp, Marjan and Van Daalen.
The translation of an article based on written answers that Dr. Cook supplied to the journalists’ questions. (Published, in English, in the Dutch journal “BIT”)   Use of a Bit = Abuse of a Horse.   Click the link to read the article in PDF format

UFAW Poster: Bitting Reclassified as Cruel [2006]Poster presentation by W.R. Cook, H. Strasser and E.R.J.M De Beukelaer for the above conference. A Power Point presentation of the poster is available. (Unpublished)  UFAW Poster: Bitting Reclassified as Cruel    Click the link to read the article in PDF format.

Compliance with Physiology as the Foundation for Animal Welfare Guidelines, Exemplified by the rehabilitation of the horse’s foot and mouth.   [2006]  Abstract by W.R. Cook, H. Strasser and E.R.J.M De Beukelaer for the University Federation of Animal Welfare’s/ British Veterinary Association’s Ethics Committee International Symposium “Quality of Life; the heart of the matter” held at the Royal Society, London, UK 13-14 September, 2006. Advances in knowledge reveal that horseshoes and bits are harmful and can be replaced by recently developed methods of management that are physiologically acceptable Cruelty is defined as the infliction of avoidable pain and suffering. As shoes and bits cause pain and suffering, and as both are now avoidable, this obliges us to reclassify them as cruel. (In Press, Animal Welfare)

Compliance with Physiology as the Foundation for Animal Welfare Guidelines, Exemplified by the rehabilitation of the horse’s foot and mouth.
Click the link above to read the article in PDF format.