Do What You Will

I want to make something crystal clear: I ride without a bit because Kestrel is currently happier without one in his mouth.

I’m not trying to come off as superior or anything, I’m trying to be the best partner I can for my horse. Given his mounting sensitivity with his face, as well as the actual size of his mouth, it felt like the right thing to do for him. 

And I feel like it's the right thing for me to do in order to be a better rider by focusing more on my body language and balance, as well as my mental clarity and emotional fitness. I'm holding myself to a higher standard than I have in the past because I have the awareness and the tools to do so.

I'm not trying to tell everyone to throw their bits away. What you do with your horse and equipment is your decision, which is to be respected, every situation is different. 

When I talk about doing something that goes against the grain of traditional horsemanship, I’m doing so because it serves me and my personal situation. 

If I quote somebody, it’s because I’ve found truth in their words, not because I think everyone needs to abide by them regardless of their situation. 

That’s not me. 

If your horse is truly happy with a bit, that’s great. But mine isn’t.

I’m simply here to speak my truth, not shove it down someone else’s throat. If you resonate with the words I share, then I’m happy that I touched a kindred spirit.

To Quote Emma Routian: 

“You cannot control how others receive your energy. You can inspire, influence, help, support, advise and love others, but you can’t control how any of it is received or understood. You have no say over what gets internalized, what gets triggered, or how the other person will react. Your work is to offer your best; their work is to receive it as best they can.”