[Ne0n Zero]

What exactly does it mean to 'give to the bit'? I always hear everyone talking about it but can someone give a .. clear(ish) definition?

What does it mean for the horse to give to the bit, and what do you do in response.

[LifeIsGrand]

When the horse gives to the bit, they dont brace against it meaning they dont try to evade it... meaning their head is dropped and they are relaxed.

Sometimes it means they just drop their head, sometimes it can mean they are rounded, relaxed and moving through the hind end with their head dropped.

[Fire]

Giving to the bit is when you pull the reins or move them in any way, the horse's head follows instead of giving you resistance. That's as best I know how to explain it.

[farmeress]

To me...in Dressage (which carries over to my H/J)........a horse truly "gives to the bit" when his longitudinal relaxation/flexion is strong/supple enough to support true engagement through its' back into the hind end and lateral flexion with balance, alignment, tempo, rythm, a supple, flexed poll and soft jaw.

This encourages a soft communication by the rider using the riens as more of a "guide" while riding the horse more of the seat/back/pelvic/legs.

[John]

Originally Posted by farmeress

To me...in Dressage (which carries over to my H/J)........a horse truly "gives to the bit" when his longitudinal relaxation/flexion is strong/supple enough to support true engagement through its' back into the hind end and lateral flexion with balance, alignment, tempo, rythm, a supple, flexed poll and soft jaw.

This encourages a soft communication by the rider using the riens as more of a "guide" while riding the horse more of the seat/back/pelvic/legs.

He has to give all that??

[Banat]

To me (we all have slightly different definitions) it initially means that the horse actively puts slack in the rein. Not following along- but actually moving the nose enough to put slack in the rein. Handing his face to me instead of me moving it for him. After they get better I want them to hand their nose/head/body to me on a loose rein - without me having to take the slack out.
Later it means that the horse actively and energeticaly moves any part of it's body I am asking for when I pick up the rein.

[farmeress]

Originally Posted by John

He has to give all that??

Yep....with a large Tim Horton's- triple cream

[farmeress]

Originally Posted by Banat

To me (we all have slightly different definitions) it initially means that the horse actively puts slack in the rein. Not following along- but actually moving the nose enough to put slack in the rein. Handing his face to me instead of me moving it for him. After they get better I want them to hand their nose/head/body to me on a loose rein - without me having to take the slack out.
Later it means that the horse actively and energeticaly moves any part of it's body I am asking for when I pick up the rein.

Seeee.....Banat....I see almost the same definition....only different articulation


The "end" result of your training steps described above brings the horse "truly" onto the bit with the hind end as power and the reins as "guides" for turning/backing/ect. aided by the leg/seat and not just balancing points.

Is this what we are both saying

[Debbie z.]

Desensitizing the horse to learn that pressure on the bit means to do nothing. No head jerking ,pulling away from you or fighting to get a release of the rein. Be consistent in your cue and reward and your horse will do the same in his response. Your horse will hold neck and head collected in the right position for longer periods of time while your riding. You can actually do ground work to give to pressure first then at the walk,trot, and canter one step at atime. Practice makes perfect good luck.

[cowgirl8792]

I always see "giving to the bit" as when you move the reins your horses head follows and doesnt fight/brace against the bit. It can also be when they round their neck and relax (Thats what my boy does)