A Recent Study by Guzzo Et Al at the University of Padova in Italy Was Prompted by The

A recent study by Guzzo et al at the University of Padova in Italy was prompted by the lack of previous studies on the comparison of bits based on different materials, and aimed to evaluate the effects of the use of snaffle bits made in either steel or titanium on some well-being indicators in sport horses during show jumping training.

Method

The method involved 8 riders and 18 horses, each using alternatively a traditional steel or a titanium snaffle bit in two subsequent days during a standardized training exercise. The horses all were of a similar age, training level in show jumping, normal mouth conditions and without mouth defects or alterations. Split into 18 rider-horse pairs, 9 tried first the titanium and then the steel bit, and the other 9 tried steel first and then titanium. At least 24 hours was left between the two training sessions to avoid carry-over effects, and also the riders were unaware of the material of the bit being used. The bits appeared identical, differing only in material.

The training included periods of flat work and jumping a course. During training, the subjects were videoed, and infrared thermographic images were recorded and evaluated as cutaneous (skin) temperature variation before and after the exercise. The temperature of the bits after the training exercise were also recorded and saliva samples were taken afterwards to measure the pH.

The riders were also surveyed to gather information about the level of bit acceptance, muscle de-contraction and quality of flatwork and jumping.

Results

Horses using the steel snaffle showed an average temperature higher than horses that used the titanium snaffle, after the training period.

The steel snaffle also caused a greater increase in the difference of cutaneous temperature in the mouth and neck regions before and after exercise than observed after using a titanium snaffle. This increase in the temperature of the muscles involved in the work suggests that a titanium bit is therefore preferable in order to reduce horse fatigue after show jumping exercises.

The higher temperature of the steel snaffle after training (about 2°C) than the titanium snaffle bit also suggests a greater muscle fatigue after the use of the steel snaffle.

Overall, the rider survey indicated a higher score after riding the horse using a titanium snaffle bit rather than a steel one – although this is a matter of opinion rather than scientific data. The horses seemed to accept the titanium bit more than the steel one, showing also a greater muscle de-contraction using the titanium. No differences in saliva production were found.

Conclusions

At the end of the training, the titanium snaffle bit has therefore provided:

A difference in temperature before and after the training significantly lower than that observed using the steel snaffle, as measured via infrared thermal camera in both target regions of muzzle and neck.

A temperature measured in the centre of snaffle after the training significantly lower than the one measured in the steel snaffle.

An overall greater satisfaction of the rider about the snaffle acceptance and muscle de-contraction of horse during the exercised as surveyed after training.