This afternoon while I was journaling, I started thinking about my lesson with Kora and decided to put on paper what a good bend really looks like. It’s easy to get the wrong idea, especially confusing “behind the bit” with being “on the bit.” When a horse is on the bit, the neck shows and has a soft curve, the poll is the highest point (behind/between the ears), and the body follows that curve from nose to tail. But when the horse goes behind the bit or overbends, the poll drops, the frame tightens (stiffness) , and the rest of the body becomes unbalanced. A proper bend keeps the horse balanced and engaged, with the inside hind stepping under and the body forms a smooth C-shape around your inside leg. That’s what allows the horse to stay supple, light, and moving in rhythm. (Excuse the quality of the paper 🤣)