Getting a horse 'on the bit' questions :)

[xSkewbaldCob2x]

Hi, this may seem a silly question but I just wondered the term getting the horse 'on the bit' actually means and what is involved?, I have been trying to research it but there is so much info on the internet it's hard to find correct ideas about it. Im not thinking of doing it but see many people training their horses to do it. Why do people try and get their horses to work on the bit? Is it about how it looks or to gain control? Is uncomfortable/painfull for the horse to have their head like that and having contact with the bit?

Many thanks

 

[brighthair]

it's actually easier for the horse mostly. If they are hollow, then they are stiff over their back and often their back legs trail behind. A horse correctly on the bit would be carrying itself, working through from its hind legs and soft through the back, neck and poll
I find it a lot easier to make smaller adjustments to a horses way of going when it's working correctly, and it's a lot more pleasant for the rider. Plus obviously in dressage, you are marked on this, and also a horse needs to work with it's hind legs underneath for the majority of disciplines

sorry if that is very simplistic, I am typing in bed!

 

[JessandCharlie]

The idea is balance the horse, asking him to take weight on the hind limbs and lift through his back, gently arching his neck with his shoulders lifted and the poll at the highest point and his head at slightly in front of the vertical (or on) Imagine a bridge, (arched) its shaped in the arch because it forms a good, strong surface to bear weight on without supports in the middle. Essentially this is what your horse's back to do, to help him carry you. A truly 'on the bit' horse will be comfy and pleasant to ride, however for those that winch their horse's head in it will just be tense :s
Hope that makes sense