The basis of virtually every training method out there is teaching the horse to yield to pressure. But what does yielding mean? – simply to accept and give to pressure with minimal resistance. This sounds like a huge subject, and it is. If you are struggling with something in your riding, you are probably meeting with resistance from your horse. Is it a lack of training? A pre-conditioned response? Or are you directly causing it by applying pressure inappropriately? The way to find out and solve both horse and rider sides of the issue is to practice yielding.
So where do we begin?
The best place to begin is at a standstill. From here we can start explaining to our horse that the reins alone should NOT cause his feet to move. I will often start off on the ground a few times on each side. Facing the horse’s shoulder, take ahold of the rein or leadrope with the hand closest to his head. Then draw the horse’s nose towards the saddle, or back of the shoulder blade.
If the horse braces his neck or pulls away, continue to hold steady, light pressure until he gives a little, then release. Many horses will try to walk or move their feet rather than yielding. They remain tense in their neck and jaw and choose to move their entire body to seek release. In this case also, continue to hold light, steady pressure and move with the horse as needed to do so until the horse stops moving his feet and gives his nose, even a little bit. Immediately release your pull and let him have the reward of being left alone for a moment. By repetition the horse will come to understand that turning his head makes the pressure go away and he will give more readily.
This exercise is commonly known in western training as “flexing” the horse. You do not need your horse to give his nose any more than a 90 degree angle from this body. Many horses will offer more, but some horses be unable to give more and it is pointless to argue over more than a 90 degree flex. Even that is more flexion than required for any functional riding maneuver. You should get your horse comfortable with this both with a halter and bridle separately, and equally on both sides.
Progression
Once your horse is yielding on the ground, do it from the saddle. Pick up only one rein and draw your hand towards the front pocket of your pants. Then release once the horse softens. I like to bookend this exercise at the start and end of a ride when teaching it. Again, the horse should keep his feet still when being flexed. If he moves his feet sit quietly in the saddle making sure to keep your legs still and not encourage the movement. Continue holding the light, steady pressure on the rein until your horse stops and gives to the rein.
Flexing can be done at the walk, trot and canter, however the rider will need to use their legs quite well to achieve these. For the purpose of today’s post we are really just focusing on the foundation of flexing a horse while standing.
How Flexing Helps
This builds the principle into your horse that the rein only to directs movement, not create it. After all, if the reins creates movement then how can the reins also stop it? Have you ever ridden a horse with no brakes? – this is the fundamental lesson that they are missing! Other factors may contribute to the problem, but teaching the horse to stop his feet and turn his head to rein pressure is a good place to start.
Much like stretching as part of an exercise routine for people, you are using an exaggerated action to strengthen, limber and educate your horse. Flexing teaches the horse to relax his neck, jaw and mind to accept the rider’s cues. For horses who don’t bend, or insist on “bending” the wrong direction, flexing is the first layer of information your horse needs to be corrected. Flexing is also a good limbering exercise for aged or otherwise stiff horses.
If you have thoroughly familiarized your horse with flexing, it is a fabulous back to basics reminder when things get sketchy. It’s also very near a one rein stop, so you are continuously re-installing that emergency brake for the real emergency shut downs. In fact, when properly used, flexing alone can prevent many explosive moments. Ultimately yielding exercises lead to an honest, soft horse that follows your riding cues and is increasingly more controllable.
Trouble shooting
When you meet with resistance from your horse it is common for riders to begin tugging sharply or increasing the pressure on the rein to try to force the horse into submission. Nearly every time your horse will react opposite by jerking up and away from you or spinning around and moving his feet quickly to evade the attack. Again, the goal is to get your horse to RELAX through his jaw, neck and mind. You simply cannot force a horse to relax, and attempts to do so cause tension and mistrust. Be persistent rather than harsh or sharp.
Horses who continue to be reactive or defensive of their mouths handled through the rein, in spite of your progressive patience, may have reasons for their behavior. The horse may have issues with his teeth or may be offended by a poorly suited bit. Neck and back pain also cause resistance to flexing. Horses who have simply not had their mouths handled or have learned to mistrust the rider’s hands should improve steadily with consistency. If steady progress is not happening, start looking for other causes.
Conclusion
If your horse already does this like a champ, congrats! You get an A. And now you know it is a test you can pass with your eyes shut. But whatever amount of practice you need to ace this training challenge, you are guaranteed to benefit from the time spent.
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About the Author
If you fight with a horse, you are teaching him to fight. If you communicate with your horse you are teaching him to listen.
