How to get your horse on the bit

When thinking about ‘getting your horse on the bit’ it is important that your horse is working correctly. Here’s a selection of points to consider when asking yourself whether your horse is on the bit: [subscriber-content] A happy horse Before you start schooling, your horse needs to be going in good form. This relates to both the mental and physical state of your horse, for example whether he has had his teeth checked recently. A correct outline A correct outline means that the poll is at the highest point and your horse’s face is vertical, or just in front of the vertical. His neck should arch along the top line, however the jaw and muscle underneath his neck should be relaxed and soft. The back and loins should be supple, the shoulders should be able to move freely and the front and back leg joints should flex and move equally. There should be no tension. On the bit If you have a correct outline and good form, asking your horse to go on the bit should simply involve asking him for more engagement from behind, encouraging the forehand to lift and lighten. Being ‘on the bit’ begins in the hindquarters and flows forwards into your hands. Accepting the bit You should encourage your horse to seek the rein contact by taking a positive, consistent feel. Do not be heavy on the rein or unnecessarily strong. Work your horse forwards in a good rhythm, ensuing your paces are balanced and you’re riding him straight before picking up the contact. What can go wrong? Ability Age, level of schooling and conformation may all affect how easily your horse finds it to work in an outline, engage his hocks and stretch through his topline. Account for this and don’t ask too much too soon. Seek lessons from an experienced instructor. An incorrect outline A ‘false’ outline is when your horse tucks his nose into the position it should be, but pretends to be on the bit as he isn’t using himself correctly. If this happens you should go back to basics and school him to correct this problem. It’s a good idea to rule out pain, fear of a lack of understanding first. Overbending If your horse overbends you’ll find that he takes too much contact. Be sure that you are not heavy in your hand – work your horse on a lighter contact. Behind the bit If your horse is behind the bit he will not accept the contact and will tuck his nose into his chest. You will find that the poll isn’t in the highest point and his face is behind the vertical. Be sure that you are asking your horse to collect with impulsion. Above the bit If your horse is above the bit he will hold is head high, meaning that he will hollow through his back. This will cause the hindquarters to trail. Work on his schooling and allow him to relax. Search upcoming events at www.equoevents.com Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits. [/subscriber-content]

How to get your horse on the bit

You may like...

Stay motivated this winter with our exciting new training series

How to encourage your horse to stretch and relax

How to ride a winning dressage test