This article first appeared in the July 2022 digital edition of Equestrian Life. To see what’s in the current issue, click here.
Charlotte Dujardin and Gio.
© Shannon Brinkman/FEI
Getting on the bit
By Dr Kerry Mack
Let’s get back to basics. We talk about our horses needing to be “on the bit”, but what exactly does this mean and how do we achieve it?
After the horse has learned to yield to pressure and understands the basic rein aids for stop, go and turn, he may be ready to start to understand that there is a more elastic connection with the rider.
Of course, that word “connection” is critically important. The physical connection between the horse and rider mirrors the connected relationship where the horse and rider sensitively and reciprocally respond and react together in a way that the horse develops the capacity to build better balance. The horse is “on the bit” when he reaches actively forwards into the bit, coming into rounder frame, his back lifting up. As his back lifts up, his pelvis tips under just a little, allowing the hind leg more freedom to step under the body of the horse. The nuchal ligament of the neck allows the muscles to be active but supple. The nose remains a little in front of the vertical…
Click here to read the full article FREE in the July 2022 issue of Equestrian Life magazine.
