THE HORSE GAZETTE
Training without force
what is “on the bit” and what is not
By Mary Rose, FBHS © 2008
On the bit is such a if he will not, or cannot, do it, horse an understanding of the
misunderstood term. For one or grabs at the reins, his back half-halts.
thing it is an incorrect trans- will go flat and then hollow. When the horse is
lation and should really be This tells you that you have put in balance he will seek the bit.
rendered as “on the aids”. If we the horse into collection by the He will reach forward and hold
can stop ourselves thinking that opposing forces of the hands the bit lightly and softly in his
“on the bit” has anything to do and legs. mouth with a supple and relaxed
with the reins we will be on the Nuno used to say “Let jaw. This, to me, is “on the bit”
way to a better understanding your horse look towards the - even when we ride on a totally
of what we want. floor and follow his back with loose rein the horse can, and
To be “on the bit” your back.” and today the USDF should be, “on the bit” because
or rather “on the aids” the tries to foster that idea in dres- he is reaching forward seeking
horse must be balanced. To sage riders by including the to hold the bit and maintain his
be balanced the horse must circle with the loose rein and light contact with his rider’s
be ‘forward’, ‘relaxed’ and stretched forward and down hand.
‘rhythmic’. Forward is that neck in every lower level test, So, being “on the bit”
state of mind when the horse is yet how seldom we see it done has nothing to do with how col-
listening to his rider and ready correctly. lected the horse is and certainly
and willing to respond to the Rhythm is the regu- nothing to do with having a
lightest aid to move - it is NOT larity of the beat. It is important strong feel or weight in our
rushing hurriedly about with to encourage every horse to go hands. It can only be achieved
no rhythm. freely forward in good rhythm by riding the horse in balance,
A horse is ‘relaxed’ and it is up to the rider to rec- from the hindquarters forward
when he will lengthen and ognize what is the best rhythm and receiving his contact softly
It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before!
stretch his neck when you give for each particular horse at the in our hands. To do that we
the reins. You must ask for this stage of training he has reached. must develop a seat which is
slowly and progressively and The rider sets the rhythm. By the perfectly still and balanced and We’re not just a feed store, or western wear,
not allow the horse to lengthen correct riding of circles, corners relaxed or we will end up using
his neck by snatchin For the and shoulder-in we develop our hands to strap-hang and
hardware, tack, house wares, lawn and garden or
horse to lengthen and stretch regularity of the rhythm and keep ourselves on the horse. gifts...we’re ALL of that and MORE!
his neck forward and down through transitions (particularly
when you give the rein is a downward transitions from trot
For more informa-
sure sign that you have worked to walk and trot-canter-trot
tion visit www.MaryRoseDres-
him correctly and his back is transitions) we shift some of
sage.com or call 512-894-4536
There’s something for everyone Callahan’s!
relaxed and round. Equally, the weight back towards the
or e-mail: maryrose@txwinet.
hindquarters and develop in the
com.
Someone here knows how to custom
Law Office of Lisa C. Smith
shape hats, kill fire ants, thread pipes, season cast iron...
we’ll be glad to share that knowledge with you.
Lisa C. Smith
Attorney At Law Equine Law
Don’t forget, we also carry fresh hay & Capitol Feeds!
519 S. Presa Phone: 210- 863-7472
501 Bastrop Highway - Austin, Texas
San Antonio, Texas 78205 lisacsmith@satx.rr.com
Phone: (512) 385-3452 - Toll Free: (800) 950-8602
Fax: (512) 385-0932
Website: www.callahansgeneralstore.com
Classic Equine Equipment
Call our Texas Division and ask for Don Buyse
830-537-5268
or Toll Free
888-538-8518
Visit: www.classic-equine.com or E-mail: don.buyse@classic-equine.com
Visit us at: www.HorseGazette.com Page 3
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