I had my riding lesson on Minky last night, and I finally got Minky to do something really special...
It has been about six months now since I started my riding lessons, and when I first started doing them, Minky was a mess! she would pull, stop, back up and spook at almost every thing!
(but now Minky doesn't do any of that)
What I'm so happy about is for the last six weeks, I have been training Minky to go on the bit and stay on the bit, and last night without any fuss, Minky slowly turned her nose in and went on the bit for a whole lap without me even having to asking!
By the end of the lesson Minky looked like she had jumped in the dam because she was saturated in sweat...my poor baby :(
I am so proud of my Minky that she will have to expect a few more pressies under the tree this year!
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11 comments:
What does went on the bit mean??
Very cool, Katie, sounds like both of you deserve a round of applause re getting her on the bit! Bravo!
Mary, Lucy's mom
Its when you put pressure on the reins and if you do it right and your horse responds dorrectly, it will look much rounder, its head will go furthur down and it will also show you that your horse is listening to you.
A horse is 'on the bit' or 'on the bridle' when it happily accepts the contact from the rider's hands, and holds a physical position and momentum that reflects that.
When truly 'on the bit' you could draw a vertical line from the horse's nose to his forelock when viewed from the side.
But to qualify to be 'on the bit' the horse must:
- consistently hold this vertical position with it's head at all gaits
- in all transitions
- exhibit a rounded outline (back and neck)
- engaged hind quarters
- and be stepping forward with impulsion.
Well done Katie you have certainly come a long way with Minky :)
Good job, Katie and Minky! Being on the bit is a little more work for the horse if she's not used to it, since once a horse is on the bit, her hind legs also come a bit more under her - which is good for impulsion and will make her stronger. At first, though, it'll feel like a workout for her!
Ditto what Whatshername said, but if you're riding a stock horse (Hamerican Paint Horse, Quarter Horse, Appaloosa), being on the bit (or "framed") means that the horse's neck has dropped to or below an imaginary line drawn straight out from its withers (or so). Go to dreamhorse.com and do a search for Hamerican Paint Horse and you'll see what I mean! Western Pleasure show classes want weird things with gaits, but that's another story.
Mary, Lucy's mom
Congratulations to you and Minky! Her for going on the bit and keeping herself there, and you for being persistent enough to keep asking her for it!
Three cheers and three cheers more! Once a horse starts to accept your hand like that you are well on your way to some real training. Everything you do with Minky will become easier. You have every right to be proud!
Here's hoping both you and Minky get all kinds of the best pressies under that tree, but do remember the very best present is the love and trust the two of you are learning to share.
Merry Christmas to you both! And happy riding!!
Thankyou Jean it was alot of hard work to get her there, but hopefully she will behave herself alot more now :)
Thanks for the explanation - I appreciate it.
Glad all is going well with you and Minky - it must be very exciting for you!
Merry Christmas Katie!!
XXOO
thankyou Buddy, have a happy christmas aswell.
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