Get Your Horse on the Bit!

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[@leahjespersen221]

he should really have his back lifted and engaged before he goes 'on the bit.' being 'on the bit' doesnt mean head down, it means his back is up which allows his head to comfortably go down

[@leahjespersen221]

that is my opinion on how i work things lol^

[@amandabonfante8863]

I think getting them to relax their poll and neck is the first step. Bc getting a horse to bend through their body and use their back is a longer process. They need to develop those muscles bc naturally they don’t move like that.

[@lindamuldoon8215]

Agree. Poll flexion is not "on the bit"

[@liz3511]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5fTaZyrmZdqb6csi=tsSNSXz8a7gbrbmp

[@liz3511]

For an explanation of why this approach is so wrong and unpleasant for the horse- kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5fTaZyrmZdqb6csi=tsSNSXz8a7gbrbmp

[@dawnstoker2258]

It's so interesting to watch the horse while Amelia is demonstrating pressure and release with the reins. Looks like he's listening by feeling and he's focused on what Amelia is asking. It's like a silent dialog! 😊

[@BreakerBarney]

Sorry but this is wrong and goes against good training practice. Flexing the horse at the halt is not done this way.

[@itsnina7989]

Happy birthday Amelia! Thanks for all the time you take to give the tips you do

[@seasands9644]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMELIA!🌷 I am so glad that Joseph and your mom shared your special day with us!!! Joseph shared information about you that we probably would have never known, only because you are so humble!!!! What a beautiful and treasured quality to have...What you bring to the horse community is a gift each time you upload...Please don't ever think it is not. By the way, LOVE the name of your facility!!!!🌷It fits you well. A gentle spirit full of love for horses and your fellow man. God Bless you in all you do!!!💞

[@ramirorosiles7448]

Awesome and clear explanation. Thank you Amelia.

[@ruthkeeling-holt2031]

Amelia, thank you for taking the time to film this "simple" task. You have done a great job of explaining the idea .... I am sharing this with my students.

[@christinebailey2757]

This is not wrong to show how to use your hands! It’s something I’ve found very difficult and this helped me enormously! No way is she say the horse shouldn’t be rhythmic, forward and supple first. ❤

[@sesagolu]

Great demonstration on how to get a horse on the bit but what about in a trot or canter? That's a bit more challenging. I can get my horse on the bit while standing but the minute he moves, I tend to pull back. Do you have a video that focuses on your hands when going from one gait to the other? this might be basic but I always struggle with that. thanks

[@hayley2457]

sesagolu impulsion and sit with the horse, the mouth is connected to the front legs so he sure not to block him with your seat/ hard hands:)

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Ha! Yes it is harder in the trot and canter but still the same ideas of pressure and release, but you must also then maintain the impulsion as well!

[@mirandareiley]

It takes time and more experience as well. I see you commented a year ago but just thought I'd put that out there.

[@jenniferhall2318]

In my experience (which is not a fraction of Amelia's) when my boy tenses up and hollows in any gait, I give momentarily with the inside rein, whilst keeping the contact with the outside and apply a little more pressure with my inside leg. He instantly relaxes and lifts his back - then, straight back to even pressure on both reins. In an upward transition, I usually maintain the same contact in both hands whilst asking them forward to harness the energy from behind, then give a little with the inside once they've 'popped' forward. My boy gets the hang of what I'm asking for after a while. I'm still working on the downward transitions though hehe. (I know it's an old post, but thought I'd contribute anyways! Never know, it might help :) )

[@AmyLouiseYT]

Nice video. Question... would the back send forth across the tongue be considered "see-sawing"? Also, it's probably in the next video, but I understood being on the bit actually comes from behind. The movement of the horses hind end driving them down into the bit?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes. Watch part 3. “See sawing” is when you are constantly grinding the bit across the tongue without relief. I’m suggesting to move the bit in the mouth but the movement stops when the horse gives to the pressure.

[@horse_addictforlife_ECuestrian]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage Phew I was a little worried when I noticed the see-sawing motion.

[@danielthomas3333]

The horse must be genuinely forward and the initial pressure is on the corner of the mouth. This involves lifting the bit, and the giving is forward and down. There’s more to it than she indicates. That sawing of the bit is absolutely the WRONG thing to do

[@hayati6374]

Daniel Thomas She also has the head way behind the vertical

[@gurunpetursdottir8360]

She is not sawing it is left right and release. He might get a little under the bit. But when energy comes he lifts his head and is on the bit. As I understand it.

[@sallyouellette4472]

Guðrún Pétursdóttir c to

[@jenniferkeeling1126]

Amelia I noticed you have a Baucher bit on your horse here. I have a very tight throat-latched horse with a big neck. I’ve heard these bits are great for correcting horses tight in the pole due to the my mentioned problems. What is your thoughts ?

[@rosalindpaterson2043]

Nicely demonstrated. Im hoping my horse understands rounding this way and also maintaining soft contact at walk. This takes approx how long?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

It really depends on the horse and the rider. The more consistent and clear you are, the faster it goes!

[@ArkWorldWide]

Can you please tell us the saddle you are riding in ? Thanks in advance

[@peggyoconnor4500]

Thx so much! !Your easy to understand ( delivery w camera closeness ) ! Please do a video on what is and why self carriage ?

[@silky2204]

Excellent lesson.

[@bbbeaucoup]

Part 2 will be interesting. This is just what I need to see today. Getting my draft horse round is not easy. She pulls back and roots down. Also confusing is the difference between contact and pressure. How to release and keep contact at the same time?

[@tamekaellard8171]

I am also finding the idea of giving to reward the right action but maintaining a contact hard

[@hayley2457]

i have the same issue !

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Good question! We hear all the time about "maintaining a steady contact" and while this is important, at the end of the day, the horse must be submissive to the pressure of the bit. If you take pressure on the rein they must give. If your horse roots on the rein, you have to be sure they don't get the rein out of your hand or pull you forward. Otherwise the horse will learn to be disrespectful of the bit.

[@tamekaellard8171]

Amelia Newcomb Dressage so this step first (accepting the rein aids) before contact?

[@clairemardesich8576]

Thank you so much for this (and ALL) your videos! I have learned so much from both your and Joseph's vlogs. I'm new to dressage and my horse is also so all your explanations are much valued here :) My horse resists the contact by both rooting and shaking his head so I'm thinking I might be releasing at the wrong times. Again, I can't thank you enough!

[@soulstar5161]

Seesawing horses mouth is not how you get a horse on the bit. I'm sorry bit its not.

[@liz3511]

Pretty much as soon as someone uses the phrase 'get your horse on the bit' I know they don't really understand what being 'on the bit' means. All she's doing is getting him to bend his neck. That's not 'on the bit'.

[@lislewing3379]

What is the bit you have on this horse?

[@libbylynett1923]

Lisl Ewing I think the bit is a Boucher

[@britneysilveria4820]

So then how do you teach a horse who the opposite tendency that curls and won't easily take contact (example the Sir Donerhall offspring have this tendency)

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

This video will help you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKCnZ4Rtpr5lh8U

[@lindamuldoon8215]

Disagree. This horse is less than 90 degrees in the gullett, is low in the poll and behind the vertical. All this has done has inflicted poll flexion. On the bit comes from the pelvis.

[@rosalindpaterson2043]

I identify with a rider unpacking a frame; its complex and its difficult to know where to start. I think sharing shows tremendous courage ; one is very vulnerable to criticism in these forums

[@user-zf3vk9us4c]

no idk i just feel bad to do that, how i do its working whit my fkn ass and working the horse down but you still have contact whit the bit and the horse.

[@nadenejansevanrensburg4211]

Pressure and release makes everything easier. Thank you !

[@christinafraser2114]

What bit is that? Is it legal for dressage? I ride my horse in a Mullen mouth but I need to switch it up and that one looks nice.

[@mickyms3999]

Eventer Strong it is but it is a harder/ stronger bit

[@christinafraser2114]

Micky MS I need a stronger one because my horse is 80% on his forehand and Id rather have a stronger bit and not have to pull as much! :)

[@hayley2457]

it’s not a stronger one !!

[@hayley2457]

it’s a hanging cheek/baucher when a contact is taken up the cheek lifts off the face avoiding poll pressure and there is an increased action on the tongue so it’s best used with french link/ mullen mouth style mouthpieces

[@hayley2457]

if your horse is leaning/pulling it may be worth training in a waterford at home or a french link at home + competitions (don’t think a waterford is dressage legal) so the bit collapses a bit when he leans so he can’t take a hold. don’t bother hitting up with poll pressure/leverage/ curb chain because it will leave you with more problems. just switch up mouthpieces to find the best options for horse + rider:)

[@joanafernandes9983]

Someone knows which saddle she is using? Sorry for my English

[@heathergero7457]

LOVELY horse!

[@teresawort9124]

Great Amelia thank you !

[@snickercappydo]

My trainer yells at me for that see saw motion.

[@PalmHavenMaven]

There is see sawing as punishment...that is wrong. But then there is using your reins independently ...that has its place. It is not punishment. It is a way to communicate.

[@ridinglessons1605]

@david fleming Well said.

[@geoffjowett3532]

THIS IS THE BEST VIDEO I HAVE SEEN for on the bit !!

[@JosephNewcomb]

Great vid. Clear explication of the simple things. Sooo good.

[@divan6279]

Instructors don't often want to spend time teaching these foundational tips that make all the difference in riding and progression of training. Thankyou for your clear explanations and demonstrations. A joy to watch.

[@lauremckinney7111]

For me this was more about suppling the jaw, being on the bit requires positive tension (from behind) into the reins. Just my opinion:)

[@heikepolleichtner9926]

we are in germany and this kind of bits are forbidden in shows . we must work with unspectacular snaffle bits without angles and so the way to follow is maybe onther one. thank you for sharing

[@shmeeden]

That's just a Baucher. They don't have leverage or do anything fancy. They're similar in effect to a full cheek snaffle.

[@danielthomas3333]

All you need is an ordinary snaffle or a French link snaffle. The way to follow is the same.

[@julieklett6751]

It's a Baucher. When used correctly, it can be softer than a standard snaffle. My horse is really comfortable going in his Happy Mouth double-jointed Baucher. It stays suspended and off the bars of his mouth.

[@boncha4]

How do u differentiate this from rein back aids?

[@dawnmcmenamin6192]

Helpful

[@harmonywilson1832]

This is absolutely KEY people rush too much

[@cindynoble2037]

Ah, the contact....it has been the hardest part of riding my Belgian Warmblood. Look forward to Part 2. Saw you in Dressage Today👍👏🐴 What is that music at the end of this vid? 💞

[@christinafraser2114]

Good For You- THBD

[@sunsetrider367]

Happy birthday to you and may your dreams come true!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank you!! 😍🦄

[@lauriebohanan2761]

I use to a birdle on the horse to release the pressure

[@christinebailey2757]

Best video if you are struggling with ‘feel’ that I’ve seen. Thank you! 🤩

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're so welcome!

[@monikamaloney9517]

Happy Birthday to You Amelia all the Best and good Health from Germany. One Love ........Love all you Videos . You help me allot thanks.....

[@flamboyantcrow9673]

6:08 is not pressure and release You're pulling, releasing, pulling, releasing The horse learns nothing from that

[@dogsmumm]

Thank you so much

[@dogsmumm]

If you got this out at my request, that was very kind of you and much appreciated. As a beginner English rider I'm just learning to feel my horse's mouth through the reins, and we're communicating better. It's very different from when I rode Western as a kid and the constant refrain was "let go of the reins!" The goal being almost no contact between the bit and my hands. Having a gentle connection with the horse's mouth is really something different. Knowing that I am doing it in the most useful way for both of us is great. Thanks again.

[@epona9166]

Hi Amelia, I've watched a number of your videos and it seems you frequently, if not always, ride your horses with a dropped noseband. I am curious why that is. My understanding is that those are to keep the horse's mouth closed, but all your horses seem to be trained beyond the point where that would be an issue. And if I'm not mistaken, they are not used in competition. Thanks.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hi! I ride my horses with a. noseband and a flash noseband. I dropped noseband is a different thing. I use the flash so that the horse doesn't learn that they can open their mouth and evade the pressure of the bit.

[@epona9166]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage Hi, yes, thanks for the quick response and correcting my error. I see what you're saying but you are such a good rider and so respectful of the horse, I wouldn't have thought evading the bit would be a problem. But now that you mention it, your horses are usually more than a tad behind the vertical. That's an evasion, isn't it? If it's true that horses open their mouths when they are uncomfortable, wouldn't you want to know that? So you can fix the problem?

[@michellewarrington8466]

This is the best video that explains it 😁 thank you 😁😁

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're welcome!

[@kamash4487]

It is how we should not to do that.... it is really wrong!

[@gurunpetursdottir8360]

She is not sawing it is left right squeeze not pull, and release. He might get a little under the bit first. But when energy comes he lifts his head and is on the bit. As I understand it.🙋🏼‍♀️

[@soulstar5161]

Same thing

[@dariaharruff7025]

Happy birthday have a fun day

[@goldenrosesassociation1031]

Next time when you will ride please think about horse

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

So seesawing.

[@Abs0lut3Cyner]

Don't.

[@shadabhusain7297]

Osm video 👍👍

[@danielthomas3333]

The passage at the end is a joke

[@gerrycoleman7290]

You seem to understand the concept and practice of pressure and release. So, why not use that knowledge through a rope halter or traditional hackamore. It will be much more comfortable for the horse. His performance will be smoother.

[@darceycarr6434]

Poor horse

[@hbond846]

🙄