a few words... Please come here!!!

[riding_star05]

I don't understand what these words mean or what it is.

1. On the bit? What does it mean if your horse is on the bit or above the bit???

2. Collection? what does it mean for your horse to be collected?

3. Vertical? I have no Idea what this is??

[Tootsie4U]

All of them describe how the horse is carrying himself.

They apply to "intermediate" level riding. If you've just started riding, I trust you'll get to the point where you'll be learning about it.

Verticle refers to the position of the horses' head. His brow should be perpendicular to the ground as he travels.

Collection is a very big term. It very basically means that the horse is not rushing around the arena strethced out like a wet noodle. His rider "collects" him together by asking him to put his weight in his back end, to push from his back end, while staying light and correct in the front.

On the bit... a form of collection. Its enabling a "conversation" with the horse. There is the right amount of contact through the seat and reins, on both the horses' end and the riders end.

[Tootsie4U]

This is for example only...

Even though he is without a rider, this is my horse "above the verticle" - meaning is brow is *above* the perpendicular line... (its the only picture I had handy to show you the difference)

[Tootsie4U]

Now, this is my horse "on the verticle" - his brow (flat area on his face) is straight toward the ground.

[riding_star05]

Thanks both of you!!! And the pics REALLY helped me understand!!!!