Fair point—you make a legitimate case for using music in the background… but maybe something less intrusive than “We Will Rock You” ? 
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Love the song but the playing of it was odd during Tim’s round. It was distracting and just not appropriate. Background music is fine but this was not quiet.
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I was worried non-horse people might start clapping along with We Will Rock You - was amazed that didn’t happen.
Holy heck what is that thing??!! Yikes!
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Keeping in mind that when they did the research, a Waterford caused less mouth trauma than nearly any other bit, I can’t help but wonder if it make sense (with an experienced rider with very experienced hands) to use the bit that is needed, to evoke the ability to quietly communicate.
Obviously I’m not thinking barbed wire, but it makes me wonder if a softer bit isn’t always kinder, especially when really no more training can be done with these elite horses. Horse 100% knows what a half halt is, without a doubt.
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We are learning so much more about bitting, the influence of bitting on movement and performance. We are learning so much more about the shape of horses’ mouths, which vary by breed and individual animal, and the importance of mouth shape in finding a bit the individual horse likes and that offers the communication that horsemen are seeking. I feel that with modern knowledge, bits as severe as the Citation don’t really have a role these days.
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I mean, we’re talking about a world class rider here. If the horse could go in a snaffle, or any type of “bigger” but normal bit, I’m sure that would be what we saw him in.
The bitting nutters who think that every horse should go in a loose ring snaffle never acknowledged the research done that the waterford, not known as a “mild” bit, was the one that caused the least amount of mouth damage. I’d be interested to know if that’s because of all of its joints, being unable to bind pieces of mouth-flesh against teeth and gums, or if it was because the riders did not have to pull so hard because the bit got the message across without needing force.
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Here’s the data table:
And the link to the study:
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Elisa is probably the most accessible rider in the sport. She also has one of the more diverse backgrounds with her experience with NH/mustangs/bridless riding.
If you want to know why she is using a Norton on Caz, all you have to do is ask politely on one of her many channels.
Seeing how you can watch endless videos of her riding her upper level mounts without saddles or bridles, I feel pretty confident her bit selection has a good reason. She shows the world on a regular basis that she doesn’t even need one.
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If she doesn’t need one then why does she need that one lol and for show jumping especially
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Because every horse is different. That’s why.
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I actually would be interested, in a non-trolling way, though asking a rider in a very public way about a bit can be a bit of a clusterfuck online. (I’d actually love it if it were a regular feature on COTH of riders in various disciplines to explain bit and tack choices, but probably moderating it would be such a trash fire in the comments, I can see why it wouldn’t be, er, practical!)
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Ok this is a weird thing to defend but go off
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Disagree personally, after studying the action of bits, some bits are still incredibly harsh even in soft hands. This horse has this bit because it is incredibly strong. If you look at its record, its incredibly spotty including a horse fall. It definitely needs a lot more training. She hasn’t had it long.
While it was successful here, its a bandaid solution. I’m hoping it’s temporary
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Not everyone feels this way about her. She routinely uses huge bitting set ups, and routinely is eliminated at HT level for having more than 5 rails in showjumping.
So there is a disconnect here. I’m glad it worked out this time. I’m sure she will figure it out in time, but I don’t support crazy bitting set ups just so someone can compete. I’m not saying everyone needs to ride in a snaffle, but if you need these huge rigs to get around (like Woods set up, ML, etc) there is holes somewhere that need addressing.
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I do love her and her horsemanship. So I expect she has a good reason, I’ve just not seen anything like that before. (not surprising as I’m a lowly amateur and would never in 1000 years ride an upper level horse 
)
Plus it’s like, not only is it a harsh bitting setup, it’s supposedly one of THE MOST SEVERE hitting setups one can have. To me that is a huge disconnect. I’d be very interested to hear what she has to say to explain that but she has such a zealous set of fans on social media that are ready to bully anyone who criticizes her lol I’m too scared to start that convo
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More information on the bit from Horse & Hound, which I usually consider to be a pretty good (non-dramatic) source:
It’s more commonly used as a racing bit, not eventing, and even then not common.
Jockey Mike Smith explaining why he uses the bit on a horse (for a more positive perspective): https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=972538056290658
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Ah I don’t follow the results all that much and really never noticed the bitting set ups. 
Completely understand… it’s a real thing lol
