Riding on the bit: How does it help you and your horse?

First, let’s establish what riding on the bit means. While riders strive for their horses to have the round neck look with the horse’s head tucked, riding on the bit means that your horse is using its full body. Oftentimes when simply trotting or cantering around the ring, the horse puts a lot of pressure on the forehand. This is where the horse lazily moves with its weight on the front end of its body instead using its entire body to carry itself, especially its hind end. 

Moving on the forehand creates a lack of balance, puts pressure on the front feet potentially causing pain in the lower leg, restricts mobility in the hind end and allows the horse to lean on the bit. 

Putting your horse on the bit is both beneficial for both the rider and the horse. When the horse is on the bit, it's balanced and carrying itself with its full body making it more mobile and nimble creating a greater connection with the riders. Horses on the bit are forced to use their hind end which creates more power and impulsion without moving faster. The horse’s neck and head are softened giving the rider more control. Riders are more in tune with the horse’s movements and energy and vice versa. However, because the horse is using its whole body to carry itself, it requires a lot of focus and athleticism so horses should not be worked on the bit for an extended period of time and often. For them, it's a full body workout- which also makes it a great way to develop muscle, increase flexibility, and increase their agility. 

Riding on the bit enables the horse to use its full body and creates a stronger connection with the rider as it increases control and communication.