Thanks, Rapparee - these seem much less cruel:

The mechanical hackamore may seem less cruel but in fact is often constructed in a way that makes it more painful for the horse. I've seen it used on "intractable" horses where it caused more pain without permanent injury than any "cruel bit" that could be used without permanent harm. The "cruel" versions of this device are prohibited in some places and kinds of events simply because they can be abusive.

Bits also come in quite a variety, some of which can cause severe pain, and others that are, in ordinary use, relatively innocuous so far as the horse is concerned.

A competent rider should never need to "pull on the reins" to guide a properly trained horse. Merely moving the reins to one side or the other will direct the horse to go in the direction the rider selects.

If it's offensive to you that the horse has something in its mouth, I'd suggest a walk through any business office an looking at the number of thoroughly chewed pensils in the cups/trays on the desks. Not everyone who has something in the mouth (or who slobbers and drools) is in pain.

The horse is (usually) bigger than the rider, but the rider is presumed (not always justifiably) to be more intelligent. Under most circumstances it's not necessary to use "pain" for the rider to tell the horse what should be done. It is always a possibility, however, that the horse may be distracted, frightened, or otherwise rendered inattentive to the wishes of the rider, and ther rider then is responsible for getting the horse's attention and maintaining proper control. The equipment used must be capable of providing communication with the horse, and of "getting its attention" in the event of any inappropriate behavior. It need not be painful, or even uncomfortable, to the horse in ordinary riding.

The rider is responsible for selecting the equipment that suits both normal and "emergeny" contingencies, with due respect to the horse; and is responsible for using the selected equipment appropriately.

Although, unlike pigs, horses do sweat some, slobbering and drooling is quite normal, both for purposes of cooling and as an indication of nervousness or excitement - which does not necessarily indicate pain or discomfort, or that the bit is irritating them.

John