BIT INVASION and EVASION - The problems that are created by an ill-fitting bit or problems with the teeth can set the stage for a myriad of problems and unhappiness for both the rider and the horse. Try these few tips if any of this applies to you. First of all, don't rule out your rider skills as a culprit, because this lays the true foundation for bit evasion.
We invariably and unnoticeably ride with our hands in tandem with our body, or the hands move with the movement of the horse. The horse in some cases will learn to lean into or on the rider's hands to lessen this or to stabilize himself and lessen the jarring and movement from the hands and trying to balance himself while carrying our big behinds. There's a lot going on up there from the horse's perspective, and all he's trying to do is maintain balance while moving forward with this huge "cat" on his back, pulling and yanking him every which-a-way.
Riding "on our hands" instead of independently from them (as opposed to riding with our seat) is done unconsciously, and awareness of this is something that has to be concentrated on and effortly and repititiously practiced. The horse will be moving with his balance on his front when he rests against the hands of the rider. Anything going on in the front, in his mouth, due to what the rider is doing, will cause the horse to not balance his weight between his front and rear legs, i.e., drive from the rear.
You have to practice at keeping your hands steady, and not move with the movements of the horse. Once the horse can relax enough because the rider is relaxed through relaxation and steadiness of his hands (as well as seat), the more he can be freed up to drive from his rear, and automatically "reach" into the bit, which is what you want. They will generally find their comfortable niche.
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