On The Bit
"The Classical Way"

Duration Approx. 60 minutes

There is no doubt that a horse cannot develop correctly and with good gaits until he has learned to accept the rider's aids without resistance. An easy acceptance of the bridle should be the end result of the horse moving 'through' from behind. This in turn promotes correct joint and muscle function with the horse working in harmony with his rider.

On The Bit - A horse is said to be 'on the bit' when:

• the hocks are correctly placed under the quarters
• the neck is gently raised and arched (according to the stage of training)
• the contact through the reins feels light and soft
  the head remains steady, with the nose just in front of the vertical
• the poll is supple and the highest point of the neck
• no resistance or tension is offered to the rider
  (FEI Dressage Rules, 2001)

Most people know what a horse on the bit looks like, but many people have never felt it for themselves. Too often, a pulling match ensues between the horse and rider, leading to resistance and a loss of trust. Many horses just don't understand what is required.

In this video we see how it is up to the rider to show the way.
Demonstrating with different types of horse, Sylvia Loch international trainer explains how gentle hands and a softly-softly approach will ensure success. We will see how resistances are overcome and how horses with a naturally low or over-high head carriage are re-balanced. This video makes compulsive viewing for anyone who has ever experienced difficulty in achieving lightness, roundness and harmony with all types of horse and different types of bit.