Behind the bit

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Day 2 - Behind the Bit
We are going to explain what the term “behind the bit” means and how it works biomechanically. Just like with Day 1 we analyze video footage and photos and explain how the horse is working and how this interplays with the “contact” and the horse being “behind the bit”. We will discuss how the horse operates as a holistic system in which the horse exhibiting being “behind the bit” is both a symptom and a result of other things going on in the training and the horse’s body.
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Thomas & Shana Ritter - www.artisticdressage.com
Now located in Portugal, Thomas is an International Clinician and author of "Dressage Principles based on Biomechanics" and "Long Reining: From the Beginning through the Levade" (published by Cadmos Press in both English and German) and countless articles in many publications. Shana is a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist. Together they create and orchestrate the Artistic Dressage program.
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[@melaniemiller9037]

Some parts are so difficult to watch. 😢 Thank you guys for continuing this movement to correct training. Keep up the good fight!!!❤

[@ArtisticDressage]

I know. It really is hard to watch. It was hard for us to watch, too, but occasionally we have to step outside of our bubble and be aware of what is going on out there in the rest of the riding world (speaking for ourselves- we tend to stay in our little bubble where we just concentrate on the work we do, etc.).

[@happyartmarti]

The footage you highlighted and your super clear explanations are incredibly helpful. I have a Mexican campo pony of indiscriminate lineage that likely falls somewhere below your "mediocre' classification that goes better - or at least with more back to front freedom and engagement - than some of those unfortunate equine souls ridden with little to no compassion or understanding by some of the, at the time, "top riders" in the world. GoldenBoy and I have a looooooong way to go but at least now you have confirmed that I'm not damaging him and may even be helping him stay healthy longer. Thank you for this absolutely clear explanation of the concept of what "Behind the bit" looks like and the damage it does. That blue tongue is going to haunt me. Poor, poor boy.

[@charlottemicheaux4321]

The 1st rollkür picture with the chestnut horse is not Gribaldi, it's Patrick Kittel and Scandic in London in 2012.

[@ArtisticDressage]

oh!! Thank you for that correction!

[@georginacraig8558]

Eeeek how can I turn off subtitles, it's really interruptive and when I cc turn on I get double visual verbage. "Off" still leaves words showing

[@ArtisticDressage]

sorry. I don't know. There must be a setting somewhere. Maybe someone here in the chat can help.

[@fayeconway5801]

Those riders have to be sadistic they must enjoy causing pain and discomfort there is no other logical explanation. It is obviously distressing for the animal yet they carry on. How judges, FEI ect allow this is inconceivable. Great video I’m really enjoying this series really informative I’m learning alot.

[@ArtisticDressage]

I am glad you are finding it helpful. It is hard to share these images because they are distressing to even watch, but it is important to raise awareness, too.

[@readwriteteach]

This is why eventing dressage remains our actual dressage. Those horses are race horses. All day, every day.

[@ArtisticDressage]

Yes, and also working equitation is basically just functional dressage.

[@shirleybroady]

I am still of the opinion that rolkur was derived from a misunderstanding or an unfortunate new twist on Ramener Otra supported by Baucher (and deKerbrect, General L’Hotte, and Beudant, etc). Anky’s husband Sheif Jensen (sp?) was a serious student of the students of Oliveria in Belgium and he introduced this method to Anky who claimed she had to learn to train horses “all over again” from him. Of course you know the history so I’m not saying anything new. The issue I have is that almost no one who criticizes rolkur so aggressively reveals this or believes it. How easy would it be for ambitious, impatient trainers seeking fame to discover and adapt Ramener otra to their own needs and further abuse an already disputable practice to their methods. Clearly, failing to acknowledge strong criticism, they succeeded. There is an element of Ramener otra, in theory, that “the horse cannot be ridden into resistance” and horses who yield to the bit or cavesson unconditionally accept and respond to the leg much better than horses who pull or drop the bit. This is acknowledged in traditional training as well. It should be noted that Ramener otra along with effect de ensemble were discarded in Baucher’s second manner and yet Nuno Oliveria and General DeCarpentry sought to develop a system that would incorporate the traditional German school with Baucher. Luis Valencia, Jean Claude Racinet and many other historical figures were known to be captured by Baucher’s ideas and tolerated them with an open mind. But hyper flexion is a razor blade in the hands of a monkey as you illustrate in the painful videos. Lacking skill and patience and serious study and evaluation to incorporate it into a useful and humane system, it is an example of the dark side of human nature. Your three part videos are a blessing to dressage students who don’t get your clear and comprehensive explanations from even very competent and dedicated trainers. “The problem with communication is the assumption it has been accomplished.” (George Bernard Shaw). The shorthand expressions in dressage and the need for detailed explanations combined with the student’s reluctance to admit he/she doesn’t understand are an unfortunate source of diminishing returns. Many thanks for your contributions!

[@ArtisticDressage]

Thank you, too!

[@Konstantinaroesch1973]

And rath as well

[@ArtisticDressage]

yes.

[@marielof275]

omg😡 I want to share this 😢😭😱😥

[@ArtisticDressage]

[@redmare1746]

Horrible to think this is done purposely 😢

[@ArtisticDressage]

yes, it is sad.