On The Bit - What Does It Mean And How Do You Do It?

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Getting a horse "on the bit" used to be a huge mystery to me so if it is for you too I hope this video helps! 🙏

[@JeffAboularage]

Sorry for the delay in Acknowledging this video, Josie! Thank you for the explanation. There are definitely some similarities when it comes to having light stable hands, or messing with the bit in the horses mouth. So as I understand it, you ride with a short rein and constant flowing contact with the horses mouth, following the horses movements with your hands while keeping contact. The western version of this is to be able to put the horse where you want him, by engaging that contact with the same care, but releasing slightly when they hold the position you want, and then taking up slack in the reins to correct the horse. So I have been learning to get softer and softer when I pick up to take the slack out of the reins “ my hands only move a couple of inches to my hips or just above the horn, basically in a box” feel the horses mouth, wait for the response and release.

[@wetdewlap8741]

I can not tell you how invaluable your content has been for me!!!! I just started riding again after 25 years . I’m so glad life brought me back to horses. I was so nervous to get back in the saddle and all of your videos have helped re-educate my muscle memory.. now if my bottom can do the same, I’ll be a seasoned rider. ( still working on that part) muscles aren’t quite there yet. Haha thank you!

[@BasicHorseTraining]

You are so very welcome. I'm glad you are riding again. 🙂

[@dustinkeele9378]

I love your humility and the way you work to make the concepts as accessible as possible. I've learned so much from you!

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Awesome! Thank you! 😊

[@annareichelt5997]

4:25 BALANCE is so huge with this. I have been researching and practicing excessively the last couple of months to figure out how to do it. I knew the aids, I knew the theory, I knew it all but whenever I executed it, it never seemed to work. Until one day, a new trainer told me to sit the fk up straight, and the second I did, the horse went on the bit. The second I got crooked again, the horse lost his posture. I tried this with all horses that I'm riding, and this one thing, just sitting the fk up straight, solved my issues with ALL OF THEM. Now its not a mystery anymore. So please guys, if you're struggling, if your horse dosnt respond softly to your legs in particular, please check if youre actually sitting straight before going on to using spurs or anything like that. It really may be just that simple.

[@trishevans9265]

Thank you for the info “riding on the bit.” I’m a western riding cowgirl and could never understand getting the horse on the bit. I love your attitude about excepting other’s opinion. So many think there opinion in regards to how to ride is the gospel. Well, I’m a firm believer we are learning every day when we get on a horse. There’s never an end to it. God Bless and as always, have a safe ride.

[@naomidumesny4692]

Wow ive just found this video of you explaining about ON THE BIT & what it's not & what it is. I love how you have explained & also show us what it realy is and i gave to say i never new. Im getting back into my riding my self and yes im scared in a way of coming of it hit me after i started having children & then a drought hit bad i had to sell my first girl just broke me so bad as well. So been out of riding for to meany years now & im trying but think i might need someone's help & guidance to make shore I'm doing things right. So ive been looking up a lot of history on like your basic riding train 4 people like me wanting to get back into there riding & having horse's again are so rewarding in so meany different ways it's beautiful having them back in my life i for got how it felt inside i love it. Thank you so much for your help your beautiful darl THANKS HEAPS. Love from Naomi Dumesny XXX

[@CarinBright]

Thank you, Josie. I just discovered your videos today and am busy sharing them with my granddaughter who has been learning to ride and asking these very questions. Great easy to follow descriptions and seeing them put into practice and how your beautiful horses respond is inspiring and demystifying. I have subscribed and look forward to not only broadening my own understanding of horsemanship but hopefully encouraging a new generation to a lifelong love of these magnificent animals and how to work with them. Thank you again.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Thank you for subscribing and sharing 🧡

[@branigan1777]

You are correct about the western not "on the bit" the same as English, however, Ranch riding and Western Dressage are now relying heavily on being on the bit and lots of push from behind while collecting more naturally than Western Pleasure or reining. Thank you! I am starting my western dressage journey and your videos help so much!

[@BasicHorseTraining]

I'm glad they help

[@nancybergin5465]

Your analogies really helped me understand the difference between connection and on the bit. I like the little string that would break if I use too much hand.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

I’m so glad they help. 😊

[@rajeevbhardwaj8514]

Very informative and useful for new entrants

[@N2Dressage001]

Brilliant explanation - so helpful in my training. Thank you!

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juliecramer7768]

I am having trouble with half halts. I rode today and it’s been awhile. Ugh. I will watch more of your videos.

[@vetrivelg5014]

Your videos are with clarity. It's easy to understand & imbibe to improve riding skills. The concepts will go a long way. Feeling the movement of hind legs through the rein.. awesome!

[@BasicHorseTraining]

I’m glad you find them helpful. Thank you for letting me know 😊

[@catherineramiah5559]

Absolutely love this- basic and brilliant! Thanks so much x

[@BasicHorseTraining]

You are welcome Catherine. Thank you for letting me know 😊

[@barbaralippert9639]

Thank you for your videos! I learn so much from you- I love your simple explanations and the way you do your best to demonstrate both the correct way and the incorrect way to ride. I am struggling with the canter. I watch and rewatch your video about sitting back- I know it's the key but I'm struggling with my balance when I sit back. When I exaggerate sitting back, I get the best transitions but then I struggle to keep the canter going. I just started riding a different school horse- he has a rocking horse canter that feels strange to me. Any tips for how to ride that kind of canter? Thanks again for your wisdom!

[@tamjones8902]

You demystified that so well for me. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this. Great video. Thank you!

[@BasicHorseTraining]

You are so welcome!

[@cherylyingstbartel1457]

Thanks for this excellent video Josie. An excellent explanation. I liked how you explained it is not a particular frame, but a particular way of moving from the hind end. A key concept

[@BasicHorseTraining]

You're very welcome!

[@savannahlazo]

Your videos are the best! Would also love some fun ones like a barn tour, your favorite grooming supplies, favorite tack, information on bits, what your breeding program is like, updates on Grayson etc. :)

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Will do soon Savannah! 🙂

[@ne8116]

I dod exactly what you said we shouldnt do😅 thank u for this video

[@calnaidoo9667]

Your videos are excellent 👏, I have learned more from you as you show the good and the bad, love it

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Happy to hear that!

[@rubiesmilo7128]

That was a great explanation. Thankyou so much.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

You are welcome 🤗

[@jackdiodato2465]

Thats why they invented the flash nose band. To force a horse to be on the bit. Western reins are used very lightly using the weight of the reigns and the length of the bits shanks. (I hope I remember that pice correctly).

[@BasicHorseTraining]

You can’t actually force a horse on the bit as it is a feeling and it comes from the horses acceptance of the bit - the flash has nothing to do with that. The flash is there to “support” the bit and stop excessive movement. There is nothing wrong with a flash but I’m sorry to say that can’t alway be said about the hands that do them up! Some people do them up way too tight because they don’t understand the principle of connection and “on the bit”. ☹️

[@christinafragis7224]

Great video, so well explained - thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

My pleasure! 🙂

[@katemartinau]

Thanks so much for this! You explained it so well.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@willa21629]

Just wondering at what point in a horses traiing would you begin asking them for collection?

[@havlinreka5088]

Your videos help me soo much🙏🏽

[@BasicHorseTraining]

I'm so glad! 🙂

[@michelekanefsky7511]

This was so great! Thank you!

[@BasicHorseTraining]

You are welcome 🤗

[@siobhanelizabeth8006]

I wish you were in the uk 😅 Any tips for a horse rooting?

[@juliecramer7768]

Thank you!

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Your welcome 🙂

[@mirandy1014]

Hi. Which rein are you asking with while on a circle?? My first trainer taught me to use inside rein and now my last two trainers are telling me to 1/2 halt w outside rein on a circle to get on the bit. Can you please tell me which rein you use? And is it that same way for every horse? Could it be that last 2 trainers say use outside rein bc that’s how their horses were trained. No one is clear about which rein to 1/2 halt with to go on the bit. I’ve been trying to understand this for 3 years! I reallyyyy hope you answer. It’s been a big frustrating struggle 😕🤦🏼‍♀️

[@amberzhu8091]

Hi, Josie. i'm your flower from China. I really really love your posts. Unfortunately, people are not able to use KZbin and get your videos because of network limitation. I hope your video can be seen by more people. Would you mind if I share your videos on social media in China? I will tag your original video link and clearly mark your name and your producer identity. looking forward to your reply. Anyway, love your videos so much and thank you.

[@patricialeighty1614]

Western style...same principles however we use one hand unless when training. Think holding split ruins in the middle with one hand, if we tighten our index finger by closing it softly we signal additional instructions through the bit to the left. Squeeze our ring finger slightly we communicate through the bit for right movement. Our ruins only control head and shoulder. The rest is through seatbones and leg yields just like english.

[@mirandy1014]

Which hand say while traveling left? Inside or outside?? No one will reply to me 😞

[@naomidumesny4692]

I would love to ask you what does it meany when a horse is trying to put the bit under there tough? Sorry im not a good speller at all i hope you understand my bad txting sorry. Thank you. Love from Naomi Dumesny XXX

[@casszuydam8822]

What does behind the vertical mean?

[@mrs.c5471]

You are correct in your explanation of a western headset.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Thanks for letting me know I appreciate it. 🙂

[@benitascott3533]

Yes, you're good Josie, thankyou! I've watched a few of your videos now & do find you helpful! Do you think getting the horses "head down" for an unschooled horse is an essential component? Or does it happen naturally when a horse does accept the bit; will they develop that head carriage as they accept contact & step into the bridle? Or is the head carriage a pre-requisit to the contact. I'm working with 2 horses, training myself on the way. ( I have my partners help - he's a good horseman, but not dressage trained.) I'm going very gently & slowly. I'm really just discovering dressage, the training scale. I'm big on groundwork, have very good trusting relationships with my horses, so that helps alot. What's yr feeling on the Chambon, for example, as a training aid? I find your explanations logical & relatable. Will b grateful for further input, thankyou Josie & Rebel 🐎🙏

[@mirandy1014]

You don’t say which rein sponges. Do we hold outside rein and sponge the inside?

[@KingsMom831]

Why hello Rebel! Hello Josie!👋🏼😁

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Hello!!! I hope you are all settled in to your new home 😊

[@KingsMom831]

@@BasicHorseTraining how do you keep track of all of us? Lol you’re amazing! We are getting there. Down to the last of it. We just have to move all the beds and a couple big pieces of furniture. Then begins the daunting task of unpacking😬🙄😭🤯🤬😂😂😂

[@BasicHorseTraining]

@@KingsMom831 You are always kind, you have been with me since the beginning and you are so supportive. How could I not keep track of you 💟.

[@KingsMom831]

@@BasicHorseTraining I think the world of you! You selflessly do ALL THIS just for us!! We are the luckiest subs to have you! You always read all the comments and reply and your videos are often specifically made/directed towards answering someone’s question. I have thoroughly enjoyed this channel and will gladly continue to watch it’s evolution. Someday you will have so many subscribers you won’t be able to keep track of us anymore😂

[@dachater1]

Can a polo horse at 16 years of age be trained to go on the bit? As far as I understand polo horses are trained in a manner that doesn't require them on the bit.

[@gracejohnston3367]

I use a bitless bridle! will it work the same way?

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Hi Grace, That is a great question 😊. I don't ride bitless so I am not 100% sure BUT here are my thoughts. It should work to some degree as you have a connection with the horse's head/nose. Where I am wondering if it will be different is when the horse is further along in his training we get a lot of really subtle feedback from the mouth of the horse. In particular, I feel the relaxation and give of the jaw when he flexes correctly. I am not sure if you would feel that and/or get the intricacies that we get with a bit. The basic "On The Bit" though should work.

[@gracejohnston3367]

@@BasicHorseTraining Thank you! I will give it a go today! We don’t do dressage or show at all, she’s a bit green and I just enjoy having a play with her.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Please come back and let me know how you go. I would love to hear 😊

[@BettyFoster-o6o]

my horse is new to a bit she always bites on it when its in her mouth.other wise she does good with it.

[@donnabackus8283]

It is the same in western dressage in lower levels

[@mrs.c5471]

Rebels dawdle is a western pleasure normal way of going.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Then Rebel would make a great western pleasure horse .. he loves to dawdle 😂😂

[@donnabackus8283]

The upper levels are by seat and aids 🎉

[@lindsayCswain]

Not a snowflakes chance in hell 😂😂😂❤

[@sammyjof1]

This was super helpful! Thank you,