What does "on the bit" mean?
This is when a horse is working from behind pushing the hindquarters forward into your hands with a soft lower jaw.
The horse's back, behind the saddle should be soft and supple and slightly raised.
The neck is gently arched and the front of the face should be in line at a right angle with the ground.
Over bent
When the horse is over bent his neck is rounded but the front of his face is not perpendicular, instead it is behind the vertical.
The problem is usually caused by the rider's riding strong rein contact.
The horse becomes over bent as he tries to avoid the discomfort and will also lean on the hands.
Behind the bit
When a horse is behind , his head is raised quite high with arched neck.
The front of his face is behind the vertical, so not perpendicular to the ground, so the horse is avoiding the bit.
The horse will behave this way to avoid pressure from the bit due to
Sensitive mouth – the horse might need a kinder bit.
Rider has heavy hands and also could be using the reins for balance.
The horse could have a sore mouth, it could be bruised and you are not aware of the situation.
Above the bit!
The neck needs to be slightly arched to be on the bit but a horse which is above the bit could be down to rider stiffness and tension and also too much use of the riders hands whilst lacking in enough leg.
Make sure your horse has a regular check up with an equine dentist.
Problems can also occur when a rider puts pressure on the reins and the horse is experiencing tooth pain.
Have your own horse show
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Mountin the green horse for the first time.
Riding the green pony on a lung line.
Training the young horse to halt square and half halt.
Riding the young horse off the lunge line.
Backing a horse
Cantering the newly backed horse
Horse training voice commands
Backing a horse with a saddle
