Using Sharp bits in the mouth of the horse

Olympics, london 2012

Watching the Olympics jumping event yesterday, I noticed several riders using a very sharp bit on their horses. There is an old saying in the equestrian world "the bit is never sharper than the hand of the rider"- Which is absolutely true, but, and here is the big BUT, I noticed several riders standing up and leaning back, with all their weight in the reins, in an effort to slow the horse between jumps and there by putting an enourmous pressure in the horses mouth- combine that with one of the harsh bits they ride with, and you got a very sore horsemouth.

This also makes me question the sincerity of the FEI (once again) since their code of conduct clearly states:
At all stages during the preparation and training of Competition Horses, welfare must take precedence over all other demands.
a) Good Horses management
Stabling, feeding and training must be compatible with good Horses management and must not compromise welfare. Any practices which could cause physical or mental suffering, in or out of Competition, will not be tolerated.
b) Training methods
Horses must only undergo training that matches their physical capabilities and level of maturity for their respective disciplines. They must not be subjected to any training methods which are abusive or cause fear or for which they have not
been properly prepared.

But still none of these riders got any remarks regarding this, and none questions the use of this equipment? Also the guy (which I could remember which country and the horse name) pulling his horse hard before the watergrave (this was on the first day of the team jumping) the horse was slowed down because of this, but then he gives it a very hard whip on the behind- which could easily be heard how loud it was- This was not questioned either? It was completely the riders own fault that the horse didnt make the jump, because of what HE told it to do, and then he punishes it afterwards? Not okay in my book. (Yeah I have alot of books).

Luckily there was also several riders, that rode on a normal bit and you could see there was a soft connection between the horse and the rider, and that is for me, what riding is all about. Especially when you reach international levels. Thumbs up!

If you are going to put a sharp bit in the mouth of your horse, atleast have your horse properly dressaged and actually responding to your helpers, not having to sit and pull like a maniac, because then in my book, you really shouldnt be riding with a sharp bit at all. Even if you are a proffesional rider, riding on national and international levels. The horses have not chosen to be ridden, it is something we choose for them, therefore it is our responsibility to make sure they are treated ethically correct, and that we do not put them through any unnecessary pain, for our own benefits.

Some examples of sharp bits: