Numpty question alert! What does "on the bit" mean?

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alcraw

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Someone asked me if my loan horse "went on the bit" straight away, or if she needed work on it. I've heard this phrase before, but don't actually know what it means!

She works into the contact, doesn't try to snatch the reins and doesn't toss her head or evade contact... it that going on the bit?
 
The short answer is that a horse is on the bit when its accepting the contact and the front of its face is verticle.

The problem with the shorter version is that people then just use their hands to try and get their horse's heads down without thinking about what's going on behind. The back end is the powerhouse so if they are working through properly from behind and you have a nice contact (the contact should be primarily through the outside rein, not the inside) they should 'go on the bit' without much needing to be done on the front end.

Does that make sense?
 
This isn't a numpty question at all - and it's difficult to answer. Different riders will have very different views depending on their level of experience and the way they have been taught.

12 years ago, I'd have confidently answered this question, and told you that if a horse's neck is arched and the front of his / her face is about vertical then he or she is on the bit.

But I've learned a lot since then! Now I would say that for a horse to be on the bit they need to be moving freely forward, stepping under and springing with the hind legs. The back should be lifted and swinging, with the horse engaging its tummy muscles to lift the rib cage. The whole body should be supple and free from tension, and the pace rhythmic. The horse should be accepting all the rider's aids. With regard to the contact, the head and neck should be making a 'round' shape rather than sticking up in the air or poking the nose out. This would include a longer, lower outline when working in and stretching, a round but still fairly long novice outline, or a short and high advanced outline. The horse's face should be on or in front of the vertical (not behind).

This takes a paragraph of explanation, but if you have ridden a horse who works like this, then trust me you will recognise the feeling of power and suppleness that all these elements combine to produce.

ETA: crossed posts with katikins.
 
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