Today’s video is Part 3 of getting your horse on the bit.
Part 1 and 2 were about how to manipulate the bit and basically teach your horse the idea of pressure and release—that if you put pressure on the bit, you want them to flex at the poll and give.
That’s only the beginning. We also need to think about impulsion and riding the horse forward and through to the contact.
So, why do we want our horse on the bit?
To be properly on the bit and connected, the horse needs to be engaged in the hind end and the back. The back should form an arc from the tail to the poll. Getting the horse to understand pressure and the bit is just the starting place. We need to think about the back and engagement of the hindquarters.
Your horse first needs to understand the concept of submitting to the bit before you start driving them into it. Once they understand that, you want them to stay soft in the neck and jaw while you add a little push from behind. Doing transitions, like walk-trot or trot-canter helps. The goal is for the horse to stay on the bit and maintain the same frame while you get more engagement in the hind end through the transitions.
This is a lifelong journey, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t happen right away. It’s an evolving process, but I hope Part 3 of getting your horse on the bit is helpful and useful to you guys!
Happy Riding!
Amelia
