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dressage and keeping horse "on the bit"



Beth Glace lb@nismat.org
Hi all,
I am wondering if some of you might clarify for me just how much you keep your horse on the bit during your trail rides.  Klassy and I are just returning to work after her Spring time bout of Lyme disease and her fractured pelvis.  We are working with an excellent dressage judge/instructor at a walk with limited trotting.  Coming from a hunt seat background, my idea of contact with the bit is quite light, and I think the horse was allowed to go in a "longer" frame, if you know what I mean.  In dressage, we are aiming towards a lot more roundness, thus requiring a good deal more contact with her mouth.  I know we want to avoid hollowing of the back while on the trails, but how round should the horse be kept mile after mile?  How much contact do most of you use while on the trail?  Do you ask for more extreme roundness in the dressage ring, but accept far less on the trail?  She is half Standardbred, and while on the trail and moving freely goes with a big, big open shouldered trot.  I am not sure how much I should eventually interfere with that in order to collect her.

Thanks for sharing any advice or insights,
Beth Glace,
Klass Act, feeling much more herself now




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