How do you know?

[Deefa]

How do you know a horse is working correctly?
Harry does some movements and works in an outline, collects extends, but he is always qiute heavy on the bit compared to some, whatever is put in his mouth. Is this what he is like? He doesn't pull or lean really its just like he is resting if you can understand that lol. If i release the rien a bit he will lower his head and strech out his neck untill you agian take up your reins.
I really struggle with the self carriage although he is very active and responsive

 

[jnet]

I suppose the easiest way to describe it is that you'll feel that your horse is actually working for you and not against you. My pony is competing well at Elementary dressage, but she still does not 'carry' herself fully in my opinion, she can tend to fall on the forehand and as you say, does not lean on the hand, but is not light either. She is getting better through transitions in our schooling sessions though, and I'm a firm believer that if something is working, stick with it.

Do you have an instructor that can give you an opinion/help from the ground, I feel that always helps.