while training my tb gelding in basic flat work I notice that he comes below the bit. When I try to correct this by a very gentle half halt I find he then comes to high above the bit. I cant seem to find that happy medium. Although his work and movement are very pleasing as he is such a delight to ride I am finding this is starting to become a problem as we move on to more advanced work. If you have any ideas I would be glad to try them all.
Thank you
Bryony
Hello,
your horse has obviously and successfully worked out a way to avoid the contact. I am not quite sure what you mean with "below the bit". It may be "behind the bit" with a super light "there's-nothing"- feel.... or perhaps he hangs on your hand and lets you carry his head?
Well, whatever, it is an ovasion. Also make sure, his tongue is not above the bit.
It is difficult to help without actually seeing what is going on, but as there is an indication your horse goes from one extreme to the other with the "help" of a gentle half halt, as you say, something tells me that it might be your hand that is causing the unsteadiness.
To continue the same way is unproductive as you would just continue to establish the responses in both of you.
Go back and analyse if you are riding him positively forward into a definite but feeling contact. Is it light, steady, even and consistant? Are your fingers and elbows elastic or ridgit?
If he is starting to draw in or hide behind the bit, experiment by giving him a bit more freedom - length of neck -(without giving the contact away - (a bit like pushing a shopping trolley that is already rolling....). Find the right amound of "drive" that gives you the feeling as if you have more horse in front of you than behind you.
Forget the "halt" in "half halt" as it implies shortening the rein, which you obviously do more than using the leg, as his response is to come above the bit.... so there is too much "here" and too little "there".
You need more consistancy. As ROM said: Let them find peace in your hand.
Once you have critically looked at what it is you are offering to your horse via your hands, try to relax and focus on something else for a while. Imagine you have elastic side-reins as arms that always provide a soft but steady connection to your horse's mouth. Something that the horse can rely on (not for support, but for consistancy) and focus on a steady seat and quiet, impulsion-creating lower leg. Listen to rhythm and "hear" engagement. Than come back and check the contact. You will probably find your horse has quietly worked on the bit since you stopped making noises.......
