'on the bit'

[Patricia Hodges]

Heather, I have a new dressage teacher (i've only had two lessons with her) who insists that even before moving on the horse at all, I should soften his jaw and make him 'submissive'. This is done, apparently, by tweaking (fairly hard on the horse i'm riding at the moment) the bit through the reins. She insists all work is done this way. I find this quite difficult to do physically and feel an enormous amount of weight on my hands which she says is OK. However, I have read various books where the writer says that the horse goes on the bit through the legs and encouraging energy this way and then he would naturally go on the bit. This actually has worked for me once or twice when out hacking and I find this more effortless for me and more sympathetic to the horse. I remember you encouraging me at your school to vibrate the inside rein in this way but I can't remember exactly at what stage. I'm totally confused on this subject and hope you will enlighten me!

[KarlR]

I know that it's a fairly common technique used by dressage riders. I will refrain from saying what I think about it!

[Heather]

Patricia,

Have you got a copy of my book yet? This explains in considerable detail about how to get the horse on the bit. The hands do have to initiate it, because unless the horse's lower jaw is relaxed, he will never be able to work 'through' from behind. Get down on all fours, hands and feet, not hands and knees, now raise your head, which will hollow your back, and try to 'walk' forward. Difficult? NOw lower your head, which will raise your back, and try again. Easy? Now you will be able to step under your body with your 'hind' legs. The hands must never be used to saw at the horse's mouth, as many dressage riders advocate, nor to set the hand and push the horse up onto the contact. My book very clearly explains the use of the fingers, not the hand, to relax the lower jaw, which will then allow the horse to round and use his back end.

Hope this helps

Heather

[Patricia Hodges]

Thank you so much Heather. Yes this helps a lot. I have ordered your book already and I hope to have it early next week. Please keep us informed of any other books or videos you publish. I wish I could come to you more often but I'm so far away! Thanks again.