Table of Contents

Liverpool Driving Bit vs. Crossunder Bitless Bridle  [2008]   by Madeleine Calkoen, with annotations by Rd. Robert Cook
A comparison of a bitted driving bridle with the Bitless Bridle drving bridle, with supporting measurements of temperature and heartrate.  Liverpool Driving Bit vs Crossunder Bitless Bridle

Deep Throat and the Horse [2008]   An explanation of the physiological effects of bitting and eating and how that compromises a horse’s ability to breathe.  Deep Throat And The Horse

DIY Surgery on the Horse in Motion  [2008] This letter to the editor of Veterinary Times, UK, was written by way of comment on an article that appeared in the September issue, 2008, with the title, ‘Bit Problems: confusing to equine practitioners, even those who ride.’  The article was authored by a veterinarian and written for the guidance of veterinarians but it contained so much misinformation that a comment seemed necessary.  Sadly, the editor of Veterinary Times did not choose to publish the letter but my comments may be of interest to riders and drivers.DYI Surgery On The Horse In Motion

Bitless Benefits for Pony Clubs [2008]  A short discussion of the benefits of the crossunder bitless bridle for Pony Clubs and other youth-oriented organizations. Bitless Benefits for Pony Clubs

Metal, Myth and Equine Misery [2008] When we talk of horses the word ‘technology’ does not immediately spring to mind.  Yet there are two technologies that have been intimately associated with the horse for so long that we overlook their invidious nature and accept them without question: the bit and the horseshoe.  The good news is that harmless alternatives to both technologies have now been developed, tested and widely practiced.  The bit can be replaced with a cross under design of bitless bridle and with simple management changes a horse can go barefoot.Click here to read article in PDF Format:  Metal, Myth and Equine Misery

See The Happy Athlete [2008]  A bit of satirical verse (pun intended) inspired by the following quote:
“The object of dressage is the development of the horse into a happy athlete through harmonious education.”  (FEI’s Rules for Dressage Events, Article 401, Object and General Principles of Dressage)  See The Happy Athlete

HRA Report [2008] A supplemental report by Dr. Cook to the Horse Racing Association on a six-month trial of the crossunder bitless bridle by trainers in the UK. Click here to read the report in PDF format.

Is It Time For a Hoof Care Revolution? [2008] Dr. Cook discusses the current state of hoof care – many misunderstandings prevail. To read this article in PDF format, click here  Is It Time For Hoof Care Revolutuion?.

Barefoot vs. Shod [2008] by Marcia King
A point/counterpoint discussion on the controversial issue of whether horses need to wear shoes. Click here to read in PDF Format: Barefoot vs Shod