Signs of On The Bit

[Laya]

I am now lunging Justin with side reins under the supervision of my new trainer to get him "round and on the bit". Justin is going beautifully. he was of course confused the first day, but he's now picking it up. How do I know when he's on the bit? Is it when he lowers his head or tilts it in? I keep forgetting this. I know it's when he's bending at the poll, but when he lowers his head, is he on the bit? I've notice dhe isn't fighting the pressure of the side reins anymore.

[fionahogg]

the horse is on the bit when his hindlegs come further underneath and he's pushing from behind more. as a result of this his back becomes more raised and the back appears to have to shape of a bow (as in bow and arrow). his head should be vertical to the ground because his hindlegs are active. if he is just bringing his head in and not working well from behind, he's not on the bit. his neck should be long and he shouldn't be tense in his back (if he's trailing his hindlegs this will be the reason, also if he drops behind the vertical/comes above the bit etc). its easier to tell if the horse is on the bit when you ride him because you can feel the back lift and everything goes light.
hope this helps.
fiona