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"A posture that is considered to be on the bit by rider A may be considered to be above the bit by rider B. What rider B considers on the bit may be considered behind the bit and on the forehand by rider A."
Most people have a very hard time agre...
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On the Bit 1.0
©Thomas Ritter 2009
I want to explore the notion of riding the horse “on the bit” in the next few entries. It is something that most riders struggle with for a long time. It is something that is considered to be of central importan...
On the Bit 1.0
©Thomas Ritter 2009
I want to explore the notion of riding the horse “on the bit” in the next few entries. It is something that most riders struggle with for a long time. It is something that is considered to be of central importan...
Profile Information
- About Me:
- Dr. Thomas Ritter studied in Germany with Egon von Neindorff and Dorothee and Thomas Faltejsek of the famous Classical Riding School, Reitinstitut Egon von Neindorff. Since arriving in the USA, Dr. Ritter has studied extensively with several riders of the Spanish Riding School. He competes through FEI and teaches clinics throughout the U.S. and in Europe. He is a prolific author and his articles have appeared in many publications throughout the world.
- Website:
- http://www.artisticdressage.com
- Topics of Interest
- Dressage, Training
Comment Wall (2 comments)
- At 4:23pm on November 4, 2009,
Maria C said… - Hi Thomas, I have enjoyed the the discussions on your Classical Dressage list for nearly ten years. Your thoughtful and informed posts and the valuable information on your website are always enlightening. I am delighted to see you have joined the Barnmice community. Maria
- At 12:05pm on November 4, 2009,
Jackie Cochran said…
- Thank you for your excellent blog. Welcome to Barnmice.
Thomas Ritter's Blog
Thomas Ritter: On the Bit 1.0
On the Bit 1.0
©Thomas Ritter 2009
I want to explore the notion of riding the horse “on the bit” in the next few entries. It is something that most riders struggle with for a long time. It is something that is considered to be of central importance in dressage. Yet, it is not as well defined as one should think. Opinions on what being on the bit is or looks like diverge. A posture that is considered to be on the bit by rider A may be considered to be above the bit by rider B. What rider B consi… Continue
©Thomas Ritter 2009
I want to explore the notion of riding the horse “on the bit” in the next few entries. It is something that most riders struggle with for a long time. It is something that is considered to be of central importance in dressage. Yet, it is not as well defined as one should think. Opinions on what being on the bit is or looks like diverge. A posture that is considered to be on the bit by rider A may be considered to be above the bit by rider B. What rider B consi… Continue
Posted on November 27, 2009 at 8:34am — 2 Comments
Thomas Ritter: Work Space
Work Space
©Thomas Ritter 2009
I want to say a couple of things about the proper work space for the training of a dressage horse. It is very important that the arena footing has the right consistency, neither too deep, nor too hard. Footing that is too deep can easily lead to suspensory ligament and other soft tissue injuries. Excessively hard footing will eventually contribute significantly to the development of arthritis. The consistency of the footing must be the same throughout the arena. I… Continue
©Thomas Ritter 2009
I want to say a couple of things about the proper work space for the training of a dressage horse. It is very important that the arena footing has the right consistency, neither too deep, nor too hard. Footing that is too deep can easily lead to suspensory ligament and other soft tissue injuries. Excessively hard footing will eventually contribute significantly to the development of arthritis. The consistency of the footing must be the same throughout the arena. I… Continue
Posted on November 20, 2009 at 10:09am — 1 Comment
Thomas Ritter: Turn on the Forehand in Motion with Accompanying Videos
Turn on the Forehand in Motion
©Thomas Ritter 2009
The turn on the forehand in motion is an excellent suppling exercise for the horse’s hips. It also has a suppling effect on the abdominal muscles and the neck, if the rider applies bending rein aids. It is a basic exercise that can be ridden with relatively young horses, and it remains useful throughout the entire rest of the horse’s career.
The turn on the forehand in motion goes back to Pluvinel’s work around a single pillar. The pillar was… Continue
©Thomas Ritter 2009
The turn on the forehand in motion is an excellent suppling exercise for the horse’s hips. It also has a suppling effect on the abdominal muscles and the neck, if the rider applies bending rein aids. It is a basic exercise that can be ridden with relatively young horses, and it remains useful throughout the entire rest of the horse’s career.
The turn on the forehand in motion goes back to Pluvinel’s work around a single pillar. The pillar was… Continue
Posted on November 13, 2009 at 9:00am — 7 Comments
Thomas Ritter: Accepting the Bit
©Thomas Ritter 2009
The term “accepting the bit” is frequently encountered these days. It usually refers to a quiet mouth and steady head and neck carriage. The Old Masters didn’t really mention the “acceptance of the bit” very often – probably because these qualities have very little to do with the bit or the horse’s attitude towards the bit. Instead, they have everything to do with suppleness, balance, and straightness. The rein contact in general is a reflection of the posture of the horse’s… Continue
The term “accepting the bit” is frequently encountered these days. It usually refers to a quiet mouth and steady head and neck carriage. The Old Masters didn’t really mention the “acceptance of the bit” very often – probably because these qualities have very little to do with the bit or the horse’s attitude towards the bit. Instead, they have everything to do with suppleness, balance, and straightness. The rein contact in general is a reflection of the posture of the horse’s… Continue
Posted on November 3, 2009 at 12:11pm — 19 Comments
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Four Norwegian TV hosts compete in Pony riding. No ponies or humans were harmed during this. Enjoy! let me know if you need anything translated ;)
So glad to hear this Marti.
Stiffening up and won't go 'on the bit' except in a pelham, gets 'pissed' with the pelham (just the pelham?)....I think the best thing to do is get help from a dressage instructor who can show you the way.
Ideally, we only use a pelham for 'contr...
For all of us who are amateur dressage riders. This is our place to share tips, experiences and just to hang out.
You should hear then, that Heuschmann came out shortly before the book, and stated publicly that hyperflexion was not only harmless, it was beneficial.
Remember...the tortoise won the race!
International Horse News
Group treatment not a sound deworming strategy - expert
Not enough horse owners are thinking about the parasite burden of individual horses when it comes to giving them worming treatments, an expert in the field suggests.Dales pony foal showed signs of Fell Pony Syndrome
Fell ponies are not the only breed to be affected with a syndrome involving immunodeficiency and anaemia syndrome, according to researchers. A similar condition has been reported in a Dales pony.Vaccine lead from research into foal pathogen
Research into a pathogen which can cause serious illness in foals has produced a promising lead for a vaccine.FEI split possible as doping fallout continues
The possibility of a split in the International Equestrian Federation has been raised as fallout continues from the body's introduction of new drug rules.Scholarship set up to honour Patrick Swayze
A scholarship has been set up by the Arabian Horse Foundation in honour of the late actor Patrick Swayze.Music
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