FOLLOWING on from the recent Horse Sense article on the debates arising from bitless classes in Britain, we can now share that a Bitless Walk-Trot Showing Class will make its debut at this year’s Iverk Show and also at Bansha Agricultural and Industrial Show, offering horse owners another opportunity to compete in a class designed to celebrate partnership, horsemanship and horse welfare.

The class is sponsored by best-selling Irish equestrian author Elaine Heney and is open to horses of all breeds over 14hh, competing in a variety of bitless bridles, including rope halters, sidepulls and bosals. With a €350 prize fund and rosettes plus prizes awarded through to 10th place at Iverk, organisers hope the class will encourage riders from across Ireland to take part.

Interest in bitless riding has grown significantly in recent years, as more owners seek equipment that suits the individual needs of their horses.

Published research by Jeff Sanders has suggested that more than one in four horses may have mouth anatomy that makes a traditional snaffle bit unsuitable, with low palates, sharp bars and the location of their teeth where a bit normally lies, among the most common reasons. Elaine Heney, sponsor of the class, believes it is an important step forward for horse welfare.

“Every horse is an individual. While many horses are perfectly comfortable in a bit, others simply aren’t because of the shape of their mouths or previous experiences. It’s wonderful to see Iverk and Bansha Shows recognising that good horsemanship isn’t about the equipment you use, it’s about the partnership between horse and rider.”

She added: “This class isn’t about saying bitless is better than bitted riding. It’s about giving riders another option and celebrating kind, balanced, horse-friendly riding. I hope it encourages more people to come along, enjoy the class and discover that there is room for everyone in the showing world.”

For entry details, visit class 23a at www.iverkshow.ie and for Bansha Show it’s via www.banshashow.ie.