Time to call halt to the traditional snaffle bit for horses?

the rider may be having difficulties controlling the animal a snaffle bit can present a welfare challenge causing pain and irritation.
A recent letter to the Vet Record highlighted the fact that this was visible during the recent wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Several horses were seen on television tossing their heads mouthing and chomping and drooling in possible oral discomfort. The letter writer suggested that the Royal horse brigade should get with the times and put animal welfare and respect before blind tradition
A bitless bridle has been available for many years and has become increasingly popular. Traditionally the most obvious reasons for using such a device would be a mouth injury which would make a snaffle bit painful or if a horse was sensitive in the mouth. However many owners now use bitless bridles routinely because they believe that its just a kinder way to ride a horse.
While its true that going bitless may not be the right answer for every horse and every rider it may be a more humane option. Proponents claim that its use encourages horses to be more forward going with greater freedom of movement and improved jumping technique. And at a welfare level the bitless bridle tends to result in a happier and more willing horse that has closer more sensitive contact with the rider. Riders who are familiar with the bitless bridle learn to use their seat and legs more when communicating with the horse becoming less reliant on the reins to control the animal.
We should be guided by animal welfare and science when we decide how to work with animals traditions may feel secure and natural but if they have an adverse effect on animal welfare surely its time to think again?