Getting a horse correctly on the bit.

Most people can't get their horse on the bit correctly because they release the wrong amount at the wrong time. In this video I talk in depth about how to correctly release contact.
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[@fleetskipper1810]

This is my favorite video of yours yet. I wish I had known that I needed to do this when I got my first off-the-track thoroughbred. His nose was always in the sky, but I didn’t understand that it was because racehorses don’t need to use use their hind ends to win races. They don’t have to carry themselves when racing, they just have to keep tipping forward and going faster. That’s why the jockeys are perched so far forward, with their centers of balance almost over the horses’ shoulders. Back then, I was instructed to pick up the reins and keep a light tension until my horse dipped his poll. Supposedly this was all I needed to do to get him to bend his poll instead of looking like a giraffe. Just like your mare here, my horse would dip his head for a second, then it would bob right back up. This happened hundreds, if not thousands, of times. I always wondered why the exercise did not cure the problem, as everyone assured me that it would. Now I understand that the problem didn’t go away because he just didn’t know how to engage his hind end or round over his back. He wasn’t being bad or uncooperative. He just never had to before. He literally didn’t know how, and if he did, he didn’t have the muscles to accomplish it. I don’t know how many months I spent just doing the hand-to-poll release and wondering why he wasn’t getting any better. I don’t know when things changed, but I’m sure that it took years longer than it would have, if I had been taught the skill that you are teaching in this video. And you are so right. You definitely can feel a horse’s back come up when they’re softening in the correct way and using their hind ends. It’s like a night-and-day difference. It’s comparable to the difference between riding in a Volkswagen beetle versus riding in a Cadillac. I guess I’ll have to add this to the pile of things that I wish I had known earlier. But I’m really thrilled to have you explain it to me now. Thank you!

[@joannam9232]

I can absolutely see it, and sometimes feel it. I wish they taught riding like this everywhere

[@jeanettearmstrong4241]

Having ridden English dressage for 50+ years it’s awesome to watch and listen to you doing this Western! I’m relieved to see I’ve been doing it ‘right’!

[@sheriharader2566]

When she rounded up, she looked like a different horse altogether as she traveled. It's really amazing.

[@Leenasims]

And even beautiful! 💓

[@MyPNWHomestead-dx2ec]

That is exactly what I was going to say. She looks entirely different when she rounded her back. She became beautiful.

[@user-wn8gf1to3q]

Just watching George work. I have a pony with attitude, broke to saddle and harness. My question is how do you get them to move at all forward without pulling or hitting them. She stops and refuses to move whether being lead, ridden or driven. Very frustrating.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Always ask, tell, and demand like I've demonstrated in other videos.

[@jaynechristy4590]

Very unusual twist of her off side hind as it lands

[@gloriasueb]

It's as it pushes off, and I can't believe a vet okayed that.

[@faithfarmforever4795]

What you are seeing is a confirmation issue..

[@gloriasueb]

@faithfarmforever4795 Of course it is. The question is, will it eventually cause soundness issues. In the 80s, I had a very nice TB mare with a similar way of going. She developed arthritis in her hocks, but I don't know if it was caused by that twist.

[@georgiascott5779]

Yes Tim, she looks softer and smoother when her face is on the vertical.

[@lydiagould3090]

Some of the best advice I 've seen about the subject we all want to do properly but probably don't! She was stretching under with her hinds, striding longer but not going faster.

[@CrazyDaisy8008]

I'm not a horse expert at all so all I can see is when she collects it does look like her back feet are more under her than behind her. Eager to see her progress Mr. Tim!

[@banditnelson7660]

Wow I see the change in her gate as she rounds her back. I had a horse 30years ago that did that with his back legs and never knew why. Now I know. Great education video. thanks

[@caobita]

Great video. I'm glad you explain to people why it's so important for the horse to travel in the correct position and how important the training is to build up the right muscles and to break old habits. Thank you for explaining all your cues and all the "whys". A friend recently bought a beautiful quarter horse / paso fino mix. She's 8 or 9 and I rode her yesterday. She has pretty much the same problems as Sapphire, with pulling with her head and speeding up. It took me at least 15 minutes to get her into a relaxed walk with her head softening and on the left hand it started to go pretty well, but she is quite stiff on her right side which was a bit of a challenge for me because it's not my "chocolate side" either. She will need a lot of training and it helps so much to watch your videos. I was using a snaffle bit yesterday, so it's good to know that it's not gonna be the right bit for her training. I will forward your video to the owner, so he has an idea of what he should do with Rubia. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Your videos are really very helpful 🖒🐎

[@Quezycoatl]

I really love watching you ride and teach these horses. Understanding horse biomechanics does a lot of the work of training them imo.

[@bettybakebake]

I absolutely bow to your knowledge but I do hope you watch her back right hoof the way it rolls when she is pushing off, though that might be exactly what you are saying. I am just surprised at how she moves. I had a mustang once who kind of sashayed when at a walk. she had a broken pelvis as a baby. my friend was culling and they had not realized she had a colt so when the mare fell she fell on the colt. my friend brought the baby home and bottle fed till they got mare to take her. so that is the only horse i ever saw who walked that way. vet said her pelvic bone might have been broken as a newborn, but healed on its own. anyway my little bit of two cents. probably completely wrong, so please dont waste your time correcting me, I know I am probably wrong but couldnt just pass on by.

[@sandrat3690]

Tim, you are teaching us things every riding school should teach, but seldom does. At least the english riding schools I know. Thank you so much! Which I‘d found you earlier 😊

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I think most people are better of instead of going to a riding school, they should get a business degree then go ride for a professional trainer. Mush more usable knowledge.

[@sandrat3690]

Right, but these trainers mostly don’t start with you from scratch, at least here in Germany 😊 Thanks to YT there are some out their, who share the knowledge.

[@AmandaDoll-hi4dr]

You do a good job with the horses and cows and calefs. Mr. tim she does a good job with that

[@wendylabonte9330]

It is very visible Tim...and your talking while doing is very informative thank you....she will learn how much easier it will be....

[@ilghad]

Love seeing her soften through her back. This is so hard for her given her weakness behind, yet you are slow and forgiving, thus allowing her to build a new understanding of using her body correctly. Love this video ❤

[@livesoutdoors1708]

She’s so VERY fortunate to be in your hands. Yes she’s incorrect and weak . But she’s never been taught correct carriage. She will get stronger and she will move better as she progresses. It just takes time and a great trainer to help her reach her potential. I’ve worked with so called “ problem” horses all my life and guess what? Most of the problems are the owners not the horses. That’s why we still have slaughter houses cause many a good horse is given up on or incorrectly trained and handled. I’m working now with an owner of a gorgeous saddlebred that was abused and thrown away. Once we got her diet nailed down and the owner started “getting it”, ( proper collection and just some really basic dressage ) the horse is a completely different animal. Happy, engaged and a joy to ride.

[@k.steelman2584]

Her weakness in the rear is almost painful to watch....... moving wrongly has become her default. Going to be an uphill battle....

[@gloriasueb]

I agree. A similar twisting in both hind legs when pushing off eventually caused hock problems in a mare I had years ago.

[@allensmith8905]

a humble observation... When she is elongated and extended the external "wobble" of each hock is at a maximum and occurs only at the most posterior (rearmost) of the gait . As you elevate her front, and her hind legs reach further underneath her (towards collection) her rear legs do not go as far as the point at which the hocks begin to extend laterally. As such the mechanics of her "quirky" rear gate begins to disappear. Concentrated work on collection and elevation should result in impressive changes!!!

[@blondeenotsomuch]

When she bends her neck the whole impression changes. I can't decipher all the mechanical changes. she changes from an erratic bouncing ball to a gliding ballerina. It's like some days you just clomp around, and every move takes tins of energy and it feels like you are going to trip and fall in your face. Then other, better days, you flow, you can access a fast fluid 11:54 walk, and you are in touch with your environment. Why tho. Maybe a physical therapist can figure it out

[@janetrandall5430]

Thank you for explaining about weakness in her back end. Clearly you know what you're talking about. Hate to see any animal in pain... probably why I was such a bad leader😢. You are absolutely the best when it comes to "reading" the animals' intension though. Blessings and high regards!

[@careycroft8648]

Very interesting watching you ride Sapphire and Sabre. Different horses requiring different solutions

[@sallyyanacsek6386]

Looks 100% better already

[@nadinehulbig5582]

Looking so much better when she softens 😊

[@adriennemiller1642]

Good explanation- thanks!

[@TheKirst12345]

Love this so much , building her up !!!

[@sandramiss4418]

I cannot imigine that this horse does not have a pelvis/area problem. Training wise your correct, just wondering if she can do what you want. Or she is simply very O-legged and than do you want such a horse be a riding or breeding horse?

[@hhlagen]

Amazing, I see the change. Thank you for your instruction.

[@lynndecker932]

Love this video! Very informative ❤

[@broeklien3817]

What a difference Very good video Thank you

[@careycroft8648]

I can totally see the difference.

[@sabbyd1832]

Great example today

[@georgiascott5779]

By the way Tim, a sprinkle of baby powder in the saddle crevices eliminates squeaks.

[@lauracox4009]

What you said about this horse has carried herself incorrectly for a long time - that's exactly what I thought from the first minute. She bobs the head, uses her hind end poorly and bows her hind legs with incorrect placement of feet. Looks totally lame!. But when you get her on the bit she starts to look much better. She can't help trying to go back to old habits tho. Needs much more correct riding.

[@slyfox4909]

All about proper impulsion from the rear end. Smoother, better balance, more maneuverable

[@brendarobinson9072]

Yes I see it 👍

[@foractivedogs9168]

Lack of conditioning in the rear end is one of the most common problems in canine athletes as well. I think that when people don’t intentionally condition their dogs, because the front and air is more weight. The rear end is the first to become weak. That and core muscles.

[@user-zc4rz8bo6y]

This is interesting to me as i have a horse that was really weak behind with no obvious cause according to vet and is still work in process.But is she not lame in left hind and she looks to me like she has a twist in her action in the lower leg?Im really interested to see how you strengthen her so please keep putting up videos as she goes.

[@user-zc4rz8bo6y]

Sorry right

[@10mileroadie]

Tim, can you please explain, "pick up a shoulder?"

[@donelookin3386]

they resist less if you keep them in some bend, if you take up some bend, you disconnect some of her muscles, straight she has all her muscles. You can also do this from the ground, if you have a snaffle on, just hold it with a finger, bend her toward you, jiggle it a bit and get her to soften and round and drop.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I explained in the video why I don't like doing it from the ground.

[@KalistaMoonwolf]

Tim, is this something an Equiband system might improve between rides? Especially with the band that goes behind their haunches? I feel like it would help build some muscle, but also be a slight discouragement of letting those hocks rotate as she strides; or at least build the muscle in the right area for her to help stop her doing it naturally.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

There are several gadgets that would help to build that muscle but none of them work as good as doing with your riding from the saddle. this way the horse learns to lift with your legs.

[@allriasvylen8257]

Hi Tim, towards the end of the video when you are traveling on the left side, I see you close your inside hand in towards her neck and lift, do you do this because she is pushing with her neck? I couldn’t quite figure it out, if you have another video with this mare I’d love to see it.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Great observation! Using my hands that way helps lift the horse's shoulder and ribs on that side to help build muscle.

[@allriasvylen8257]

@@timandersonhorsetrainingthank you for the info! My boy struggles with this so I will talk with my trainer today.

[@yessabell1707]

❤❤❤

[@georgiascott5779]

What about a horse that responds to the bit, gets vertical but soon thereafter drops his nose to the ground and trots on?

[@kathleenredick275]

She bobs her head when the R hind hits the ground. I noticed it before, too. Any thoughts on that, @tim. It's probably the 'release' you're talking about. It was just weird that it was on that one stride.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

You are focusing in on that one part and missing a lot of other important clues. Look at the whole horse as it moves.

[@laurakerley8774]

Tim, do you ever post the trot? I only see you sit the trot. ??

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I never post.

[@debraclogston9379]

What is the owners ability to ride? I'm probably wrong but she looks like she knows or knew what you are asking for. What is her story?

[@johankannemeyer7284]

Hi Tim, what did the vet say about her right hind twisting when pushing forward?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Same thing I said.

[@bettybakebake]

Now at six minutes her hoof is not rolling so you were able to get her to walk properly. my bad.

[@cathiwim]

You are correct! I see that! Who knew!

[@gloriasueb]

I still see it, on the left hind. Also in the trot I see a twist when the right pushes off. I had a thoroughbred mare that did this all her life and ended up with arthritis in her hocks.

[@deepcover9894]

As soon as she gets into the right position, she steps under with her hind much better.

[@sharonburgess9488]

She really twists that right hock. Don't know if there is a fix for that. That might be the reason she doesn't like one lead. Has she ever had an old injury?

[@juliesorick]

Are you using a chin strap on the bit. I keep looking but I don’t see it.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Yes it is there.

[@jjones9536]

Hi very interesting. I got my horse 5 years ago she was neglect case. This is the first winter I have manage to keep the weight on her. She's very weak hind. She's an exracer/ broodmare mare. I did start working her she had a lot of issues that you are showing with this mare. Her hind quarters are weak and on a corner she can loose a leg at the trot or canter. I had that issue with my old mare but once I got her balanced and working of the leg her hinds improved dramatically. This mare is now in her 21 year. And I am crook waiting to have both my hips replaced so I can't do anything with her for maybe 9 months I am also an old lady. Do you think in a years time it would be to much to ask her to develope a stronger hind. I am also a bit concerned about her ability to improve greatly because she has a sunken anus. I just thought that is because she has a hind issue. I did think if I got the weight back on and built up the muscel in the hind the anus issue might sort it self out. When she first came she would mess all her hinds up but that has stop now so to me that must indicate some muscel improvement. Sorry to present you with this less than attractive subject but I believe you have seen an awful lot of horses with a lot of different problems. Hopefully you can find time to advise me. All I can do at the moment physically is keep feeding her to gain weight and plan gir the day I can get back on. She's a great ride not a bucket or a bloter she has a lot of potential. Regards Janet.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

In general the older a horse is the harder it is to build muscle but even at that whatever you can do will help.

[@pamprendergast3176]

I used a snaffle Tim ; by bending my horse’s body to the left and right , transitions , then asked him to go forward with legs he came into bit naturally. Had a famous junior from Germany said I did it correctly by driving my horse forward and have him naturally go round.

[@opalwind8042]

Her right rear leg and ankle are twisting around. You didn’t say how old but she’s got problems on her right rear. Don’t you notice it?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I said how old she was in this horse previous videos and talked about that too. Each horse their own play list. In their first video I talk about why I have them and what the issues are then the other videos follow their training progress.

[@caciliawhy5195]

I like you Tim, but why not do the rounding work in a snaffle? Teaching a horse to properly lift its back comes from the stretching into the hand and you need a snaffle to do that, not a curb. A curb is not meant for contact when properly used.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

A curb is absolutely meant for contact and is better suited for what I am doing here.

[@patriciafarran9742]

I can see the difference in her whole body when her nose is down. Those rear fetlocks though; could you talk about them next time?

[@KimBTown]

Flat croup

[@jenniferthomson8988]

I think my horse is a faker. She has come with lots of bad habits, althought none serious. I will be watching closely how to stop her fooling me into thinking shes getting softer when she is actually finding ways to push into the bit harder.

[@nicolecourt7829]

She is badly lumping behind ! Right leg ? No ?

[@nicolecourt7829]

Both side .. stiff

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

No she is not. As I said in the video vet gave her all clear. Don't look for a vet issue when there is not one.

[@nicolecourt7829]

@@timandersonhorsetraining ok thank you for the answer.

[@nicolecourt7829]

@@timandersonhorsetraining thank you for your answer. I did not catch she had see the vet before. Just thought she walks in a strange way….

[@JerelynDuncan]

She has a really weak left hind, with a strange twist at the ankle. Looks weird.

[@catherinebryant1952]

she's too weak in he pasturns

[@johnjacobs4207]

The horse was born with crooked legs get a new horse. Watch the hind legs come down and then twist when she pushes with them. You will never get collection with that curb bit. She needs to be ridden with principle of bend for years. But then it would be a waste of time and money because of the crooked legs. She can't get her front feet up off the ground and will be in danger of tipping over. Watch her toss her head with each pull of that curb bit. The principle of bend is the only way to prevent that. That right rear fetlock almost breaks with each push off the ground.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

After my 12th world title I started applying what I learned to make every horse see their potential. It's a shame that so many people "throw away" horses like this. Too bad you don't think this horse deserves the opportunity to see her potential.

[@KalistaMoonwolf]

If she's been vetted sound - "sound" meaning she's not in pain - then why on earth would you throw out a whole animal when you have the opportunity to make her life better? If her owner just wants to ride her for pleasure/trail, then this will only help and may give them many enjoyable years together. May you never have the hardship of overcoming a disability that makes people feel you're not worth the effort.

[@pennymost-if5qs]

She does not necessarily have crooked legs. She could be more than likely fixed pretty easy and quick by the right farrier. If not corrected probably will be having hock issues and then stifles will go pretty soon. This is a common issue. Vets like these. Most end up getting those pricey injections.