The equipment used to control horses during riding and driving can cause pain, mouth injuries, and chronic stress if misused or poorly fitted. Bit welfare is an active area of equine research.
Equine oral pain from bit misuse or poor fitting is often misinterpreted as training problems, leading to escalating force rather than equipment changes. Riders and trainers who recognize and respond to pain signals prevent significant suffering. Transition to bitless or softer control systems where feasible, combined with dental care and proper fit assessment, substantially improves horse welfare.