Teaching how to encourage your horse onto the bit.

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misterjinglejay

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I have to give a lesson later in the week to a woman who has hacked for years, and is a good rider, but doesn't 'do' dressage.

She has a showing competition coming up and wants me to help her ride her boy on the bit - okay, thats fine, but by her own admission, she has doesn't know what a half halt is, how to use her seat, etc. Plus I haven't taught for years, and have probably for gotten everything!

How should I approach this? My plan is to take her right back to basics - transitions, flexing etc, and hope that she's happy with that.

Does that sound about right?

I hasten to add, I am not charging her for this first time (if she enjoys it, and gets something out of it - hopefully she'll come back for more!).

Thanks
 
There are a few basics that you could focus on - rhythm, impulsion, softness, lightness, elasticity... (I forget the rest of the list - anyone?!)

Remember that a true outline comes from the engine behind - a pretty head carriage should be the last thing to slot nicely into place. :)

Edited to add that i don't think I could describe through words alone what I would do to teach "how to get a horse on the bit" but my general plan might include watching them warm in and assess how relaxed and rhythmic the horse is at all 3 paces, whether they can collect and extend, how forward going or lazy they are, and then take anything that's not great and see if we can improve it.
 
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IMHO there isnt going to a be a quick fix to get her horse on the bit for the show! I would stick to teaching the correct principles of riding the horse forward in a rythm etc and see what she can achieve in the lesson. If she is anything like the majority I expect she'll want to grab the front end to get its head down to impress the judge at the show unless taught otherwise..
 
Just a quick update; the lesson went very well, she worked very hard and concentrated well, and her horse was a dream.

Her use of the outside rein, and understanding of flex, is lovely, and she had him stepping through nicely.
The horse, bless him, responded to everything asked of him, although by the end, wanted a long stretch and snort!

she;s booked another one for Friday - whoo, I'll charge for this one!
 
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