RE: dressage and keeping horse "on the bit"

["Bob Morris" <bobmorris@rmci.net>]

Your trail work should be the opportunity for the horse to relax and BE A
HORSE while under saddle. I would suggest riding part of the time with out
the reins. Drop them and ride with out any contact. Not only does this let
the horse relax but it gives you to chance to get more balanced in your
riding. Do this at all gaits especially the trot. While riding in this
manner do some exercises like "windmilling" with your arms. Hands over the
head. Both hands behind the back etc.

The horse will appreciate this.

Bob Morris
Morris Endurance Enterprises
Boise, ID

-----Original Message-----
From:	guest@endurance.net [mailto:guest@endurance.net]
Sent:	Sunday, September 12, 1999 9:19 AM
To:	ridecamp@endurance.net
Subject:	RC:  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




=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net,
http://www.endurance.net.
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.    
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp   
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=