Pastel and Colored Pencil on paper

16 x 20

 

The term "on the bit" means that a horse under saddle is balanced and centered under it's rider and listening to the subtle cues that indicate what it should do next.  For a horse to have 'acceptance of the bit' he must have total trust and be relaxed with the rider's hands and for the rider to acheive that level of control is the objective of all Equitation.  This horse had a beautiful head and the shining chestnut color was brought out by the bright sunlight of the afternoon.