There's been much controversy about spade bits. Are they abusive, helpful, how do they work, when should they be used, by whom and on what horses, etc...

(photo taken from nrsworld.com)

We here at Saddle Up did some research, to further our understanding of spade bits as well as help educate others and dispel some of the fog surrounding the issue.

We came to a very simple conclusion: spade bits should only be used by a rider who has very quiet hands, knows what they're doing, and only be used on a horse that is very well trained and is ready for a high level of subtle cues.

The spade bit operates by applying pressure to the top of the mouth. It only takes the tiniest of movement of the rein to start the pressure, so soft hands are a must.

Because the spade bit is so sensitive it can show off the great communication between horse and rider as well as the level of training they have achieved.

It can take up to 5 years of training for a horse to be ready for a spade bit, not to mention the rider must be very advanced and know how to ride with a spade bit.

In summary, a spade bit can be a great tool if used properly on a horse who is very well trained and ready for the use of a spade bit. The rider must also be well trained in how to ride with a spade bit.

A spade bit is not something to just pop into your horse's mouth to see what will happen. If you don't know how to use it, it can and will cause serious damage to your horse's mouth. If your horse is not ready for it, it can cause serious damage physically as well as mentally/emotionally for your horse.

(photo taken from westernhorsereview.com)

"Anything forced and misunderstood can never be beautiful. And to quote the words of Simon: If a dancer was forced to dance by whip and spikes, he would be no more beautiful than a horse trained under similar conditions." -- Xenophon, 400 B.C

~ Saddle Up