Almost every call I receive about a “problem” horse at some points includes “I have a box of bits. I’ll bring them all and you can tell me if I’m using the right one.” I usually say to go ahead and bring them, but we probably won’t use them.

Does that mean I am against bits? Absolutely not. At the right time in a horse’s development, the right bit used correctly for the right reason can be the kindest and most effective tool for the job. In most cases however, usually due to bad information, the wrong bit is being used the wrong way and for the wrong reason.

Through a program like ours and the Parelli program, a tool like a rope halter or hackamore can be used to teach all of the basic foundational skills a horse needs to be prepared for the refinement phase that often includes the introduction of a bit. Additionally, as the rider is learning his or her skills and dexterity, rope halters will significantly reduce the price our horses pay for our mistakes.

What we do not recommend, however, is that you go home, throw away your bit, put on a rope halter and hop up. If you are starting a young horse, hoping to help fix undesirable behaviors in an older horse, or just want to “go natural,” let us or other qualified natural horsemanship professionals help you build the language and communication necessary to make the transition.

If you’ve gone “natural” will you ever have to use a bit again? The answer is no, but there may come a time when you want to. If your goal is trail riding, even extreme trail riding, you may find the rope halter/hackamore remains your tool of choice forever. If you have performance discipline goals in your future, you may find that after building an excellent foundation, the proper bit is the tool for advancement.