Bending and Flexing.

Beastie89 · 06-30-2009, 06:08 PM

I know there are numerous threads on here about bending and flexing your horse. Getting him light to the bit or halter. I've tried flexing my horse form the ground and getting him soft and light. I've done it with several horses in halters and bridles and have been very successful. But I've been trying to flex my horse and he just ignores me. Sometimes he'll give slightly and I immediately release and praise. But most of the time he just ignores me. I've tried in a halter and he just doesn't care. I'm trying everything I can think of he is just so heavy. When I ride he only steers off of my hands. I've tried using leg and seat and then slowly taking away the hand but he just ignores my leg and seat. He is green broke but I've trying to start him right and he doesn't seem to get it. I guess I'm coming at it from the wrong angle? I don't know what bit he was started in but I think it was heavier than the one I'm riding him. I'm riding him in a sweet iron loose ring snaffle.
So my question is how do I ge him lighter and going off of my leg and seat. I want to be as light and forgiving as I can so that he can be responsive and quick to listen to my cues.

Thank you very much for the help and advice.

KristinJ · 06-30-2009, 06:21 PM

Groundwork - you were on the right track about bending on the ground - keep doing it. Make sure the timing of your release is PERFECT and QUICK so he understands. If you ask for the flex and he 'hangs' on the rein/rope DON'T give in! My horse used to just hang out there or pull the opposite way, it was EXHAUSTING and my arm killed me after some of these 'sessions' but it was well worth it and I kept up the pressure and he learned. Once he is perfect with the groundwork, ask for the bend to your foot in the saddle. Once he does that he will be lighter to your seat and legs and you will be able to push him up and into the bit, engaging his hindend.

Beastie89 · 06-30-2009, 06:24 PM

I've gone back to the ground with it, no riding until we get it on the ground.

He does just hang there. It drives me nuts. As soon as I feel any release or even see the slightest movement of giving I release and praise. But then it takes forever again to get him to give.

Blistering Winds · 06-30-2009, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beastie89

I've gone back to the ground with it, no riding until we get it on the ground.

He does just hang there. It drives me nuts. As soon as I feel any release or even see the slightest movement of giving I release and praise. But then it takes forever again to get him to give.

Just keep doing it. It can be frustrating as some take "forever" to get it down.

Some never get quicker until spurs are added, however I would be sure that you and the horse is ready for that stage.

As for bending and flexing, make it a daily routine. bend/flex constantly. Before being fed, before coming out of the stall, before riding, before turning out. give them lots of rubbing and feel good things as you go.

the more enjoyable it is, the faster they seem to pick it up.

Also when riding, have the horse follow another horse as you work on your leg cues. Some horses it works better. You engage the legs and not the face, the horse picks it up.

to be honest, it took almost a year to install half a clue for leg cues on Blister, but I didn't start him young with leg cues either.

Remember, take your time. Don't worry about how long things take. Just know that when it is solid, it will be SOLID.

Beastie89 · 06-30-2009, 06:37 PM

Thanks for the encouragement. It just gets so frustrating sometimes because I feel like I'm missing something. But I don't really think I am. Maybe he's just a little denser than some I've ridden.

He's a lot more quiet and slow than other I've had. Which is a good thing at times and a negative thing in other aspects. I'll just keep trying. I thought about adding my shorts little english spurs and when he completely ignores my leg after asking a million times to just make it simpler but applying pressure with my leg and slowly increase... if he still ignores me then add a little spur to wake him and get him light off of my leg and not the spur.

Does that make sense? Thanks again. Any more input is greatly appreciated.

lbhugg · 06-30-2009, 07:43 PM

As long as he understands the concept of giving you can do a couple of things. First what kind of halter do you have on him? A rope will give a little more bite so it isn't as comfortable to lean on.

First thing you can try is ask really light if no response bump him with the lead using mild pressure till he gives then back to soft. And keep repeating give him a reason to give a little faster.

Second thing you can do is again ask very light if no response take the blunt end of hoof pick or even thumb and bump him in the belly at the girth area he may move around at first just follow and keep his head torward you as soon as he stops and gives release asap. Again as long as he understands he is supposed to give, give him a reason to do it right away. Make sure you always ask with the lightest pressure first. Then increase or else he won't really lighten up

pittmd · 07-01-2009, 06:25 AM

What type of halter are you using when you try to flex? A rope halter with knots on the nose may speed things up for you.

Oops! Sorry I did not read the post above all the way before posting this.

Giddy Up Gal · 07-01-2009, 01:14 PM

There is two things you can do that I have done that helps a horse give, one is following a feel and one is using a surcingle. I will make a separate post for both as the second one may be long.

The first one teaches your horse to follow a feel on his/her own. Here is what to do
1) make sure you have a very long lead line.
2) hook the lead line to one side of your horse (say the right side), cross the line over his/her back and stand on the opposite side of your horse (so the left side).
3) apply slight pressure (pull lightly) on the line
4) the horse will have to bend and turn around to relieve the pressure, as he/she circles around collect the loose line as he turns around (leave a little slack in the line you dont want it tight the whole time he is turning around) and make him stop facing you.
Because you are not on his side where the pressure is coming from you are leaving a window for him to turn into and blocking his opposite side so he will turn into the pressure and give. When the horse bends and turns he gets instant slack which is his reward, this teaches your horse to not only give to the line but to stop and face you when his feet arent moving, so you have taught him to follow a feel and you have made him move his feet and face you making you the head leader.

Giddy Up Gal · 07-01-2009, 01:15 PM

The second thing I do is use a surcingle. K this may be long LOL. You will need a surcingle, lead line, elastic side rein or I use a blanket leg strap that clips at both ends, and halter or bridle (depending what your working with). Here is what to do.
1)First off make sure your horse is comfy with a sucingle on his/her back.
2) make sure your working in a small incloser so you can watch your horse
3) take the horse blanket leg strap (that has clips on both ends) tighten it all the way so it is very short but it is still stretchy and clip it to the end of the lead line, or pass this step if you have a elastic side rein.
4) take your elastic rein or the end of the lead line and tie/clip it to a middle ring on the 'SIDE' of the surcingle. The ring should be about level with the point of the horses shoulder. Dont clip any higher on the surcingle than that, if you have to go lower.
5) Next bring your horses head towards his shoulder and clip the leg strap end of your lead line or elastic rein to the side of your horses halter or to your horses bit. Start of with a light bend of his neck to his shoulder, you dont want to start off with your horse flexed all the way to his side, you want him to stay comfy and not fighting the tension because you have asked for to much to fast.
After a couple of lessons you can bring his head and nose in closer to his shoulder.
6) stand back a little bit and watch your horse. If your super lucky your horse will bend his head to the side and clue in and give right away and stand with a nice bent neck, but chances are he will start to follow his head and turn in circles, he may even pull the other way a bit. This is okay let him he will eventually learn that when he turns his head he can stop his feet and just bend, soon you will see him start to give and soon he will stop walking in a circle and stand with a nice bent neck. He has just learnt on his own to give with out you pulling on him. He has learnt that hey I dont have to work if just bend my head and give. You havent had to fight him, get sore, maybe miss a slight give by him, ect.. and he taught himself to give, awesome in my mind. Want a bonus, when he is circling watch his body, you will also start to notice that after a bit of circling he will start to circle with with a nice bend of the body and his legs will start to cross under himself, this is also teaching him to properly turn and bend his body for a turn or circle BONUS. 7) some quick notes: If you do have a horse that stands there with his neck bent and giving that is great, let him stand there and be comfy. On your third lesson though I would make him move a little to get used to bending his body and accepting while moving. Keep the lessons short about 10 min. Do both sides of the horse. ALWAYS use something stretchy on the end hooked to the halter/bridle, this eliminates a hard bump in the mouth when your horse pulls. Watch your horse closely, if he starts to throw a fit you have either made the side rein to tight or the side rein is to high and are asking to much to fast. Lastly be safe.

My horse is super light in the mouth because of these things and I only have to use slight pinky movements to turn him. Sometimes I will do this every once in a while as a warm up or reminder and he is like butter when I get on him.

lbhugg · 07-01-2009, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giddy Up Gal

There is two things you can do that I have done that helps a horse give, one is following a feel and one is using a surcingle. I will make a separate post for both as the second one may be long.

The first one teaches your horse to follow a feel on his/her own. Here is what to do
1) make sure you have a very long lead line.
2) hook the lead line to one side of your horse (say the right side), cross the line over his/her back and stand on the opposite side of your horse (so the left side).
3) apply slight pressure (pull lightly) on the line
4) the horse will have to bend and turn around to relieve the pressure, as he/she circles around collect the loose line as he turns around (leave a little slack in the line you dont want it tight the whole time he is turning around) and make him stop facing you.
Because you are not on his side where the pressure is coming from you are leaving a window for him to turn into and blocking his opposite side so he will turn into the pressure and give. When the horse bends and turns he gets instant slack which is his reward, this teaches your horse to not only give to the line but to stop and face you when his feet arent moving, so you have taught him to follow a feel and you have made him move his feet and face you making you the head leader.

this is good however it is a little more advanced if you start doing this and getting his head toward you it is a little easier and you don't have to worry about getting in the way

06-30-2009, 06:08 PM	#1
Beastie89 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: in the boonies Posts: 868 Images: 187	Bending and Flexing. I know there are numerous threads on here about bending and flexing your horse. Getting him light to the bit or halter. I've tried flexing my horse form the ground and getting him soft and light. I've done it with several horses in halters and bridles and have been very successful. But I've been trying to flex my horse and he just ignores me. Sometimes he'll give slightly and I immediately release and praise. But most of the time he just ignores me. I've tried in a halter and he just doesn't care. I'm trying everything I can think of he is just so heavy. When I ride he only steers off of my hands. I've tried using leg and seat and then slowly taking away the hand but he just ignores my leg and seat. He is green broke but I've trying to start him right and he doesn't seem to get it. I guess I'm coming at it from the wrong angle? I don't know what bit he was started in but I think it was heavier than the one I'm riding him. I'm riding him in a sweet iron loose ring snaffle. So my question is how do I ge him lighter and going off of my leg and seat. I want to be as light and forgiving as I can so that he can be responsive and quick to listen to my cues. Thank you very much for the help and advice. __________________ RIP Lilly- 7/12/08 Finnegan- Appendix QH My knight in shining armor

06-30-2009, 06:24 PM	#3
Beastie89 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: in the boonies Posts: 868 Images: 187	I've gone back to the ground with it, no riding until we get it on the ground. He does just hang there. It drives me nuts. As soon as I feel any release or even see the slightest movement of giving I release and praise. But then it takes forever again to get him to give. __________________ RIP Lilly- 7/12/08 Finnegan- Appendix QH My knight in shining armor

06-30-2009, 06:37 PM	#5
Beastie89 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: in the boonies Posts: 868 Images: 187	Thanks for the encouragement. It just gets so frustrating sometimes because I feel like I'm missing something. But I don't really think I am. Maybe he's just a little denser than some I've ridden. He's a lot more quiet and slow than other I've had. Which is a good thing at times and a negative thing in other aspects. I'll just keep trying. I thought about adding my shorts little english spurs and when he completely ignores my leg after asking a million times to just make it simpler but applying pressure with my leg and slowly increase... if he still ignores me then add a little spur to wake him and get him light off of my leg and not the spur. Does that make sense? Thanks again. Any more input is greatly appreciated. __________________ RIP Lilly- 7/12/08 Finnegan- Appendix QH My knight in shining armor

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06-30-2009, 06:21 PM	#2
KristinJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: New York Posts: 1,247 Images: 4	Groundwork - you were on the right track about bending on the ground - keep doing it. Make sure the timing of your release is PERFECT and QUICK so he understands. If you ask for the flex and he 'hangs' on the rein/rope DON'T give in! My horse used to just hang out there or pull the opposite way, it was EXHAUSTING and my arm killed me after some of these 'sessions' but it was well worth it and I kept up the pressure and he learned. Once he is perfect with the groundwork, ask for the bend to your foot in the saddle. Once he does that he will be lighter to your seat and legs and you will be able to push him up and into the bit, engaging his hindend.

06-30-2009, 07:43 PM	#6
lbhugg Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 534 Images: 9	As long as he understands the concept of giving you can do a couple of things. First what kind of halter do you have on him? A rope will give a little more bite so it isn't as comfortable to lean on. First thing you can try is ask really light if no response bump him with the lead using mild pressure till he gives then back to soft. And keep repeating give him a reason to give a little faster. Second thing you can do is again ask very light if no response take the blunt end of hoof pick or even thumb and bump him in the belly at the girth area he may move around at first just follow and keep his head torward you as soon as he stops and gives release asap. Again as long as he understands he is supposed to give, give him a reason to do it right away. Make sure you always ask with the lightest pressure first. Then increase or else he won't really lighten up

07-01-2009, 06:25 AM	#7
pittmd Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Pine Island, Minnesota Posts: 710 Images: 15	What type of halter are you using when you try to flex? A rope halter with knots on the nose may speed things up for you. Oops! Sorry I did not read the post above all the way before posting this.

07-01-2009, 01:14 PM	#8
Giddy Up Gal Full Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 74 Images: 6	There is two things you can do that I have done that helps a horse give, one is following a feel and one is using a surcingle. I will make a separate post for both as the second one may be long. The first one teaches your horse to follow a feel on his/her own. Here is what to do 1) make sure you have a very long lead line. 2) hook the lead line to one side of your horse (say the right side), cross the line over his/her back and stand on the opposite side of your horse (so the left side). 3) apply slight pressure (pull lightly) on the line 4) the horse will have to bend and turn around to relieve the pressure, as he/she circles around collect the loose line as he turns around (leave a little slack in the line you dont want it tight the whole time he is turning around) and make him stop facing you. Because you are not on his side where the pressure is coming from you are leaving a window for him to turn into and blocking his opposite side so he will turn into the pressure and give. When the horse bends and turns he gets instant slack which is his reward, this teaches your horse to not only give to the line but to stop and face you when his feet arent moving, so you have taught him to follow a feel and you have made him move his feet and face you making you the head leader.

07-01-2009, 01:15 PM	#9
Giddy Up Gal Full Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 74 Images: 6	The second thing I do is use a surcingle. K this may be long LOL. You will need a surcingle, lead line, elastic side rein or I use a blanket leg strap that clips at both ends, and halter or bridle (depending what your working with). Here is what to do. 1)First off make sure your horse is comfy with a sucingle on his/her back. 2) make sure your working in a small incloser so you can watch your horse 3) take the horse blanket leg strap (that has clips on both ends) tighten it all the way so it is very short but it is still stretchy and clip it to the end of the lead line, or pass this step if you have a elastic side rein. 4) take your elastic rein or the end of the lead line and tie/clip it to a middle ring on the 'SIDE' of the surcingle. The ring should be about level with the point of the horses shoulder. Dont clip any higher on the surcingle than that, if you have to go lower. 5) Next bring your horses head towards his shoulder and clip the leg strap end of your lead line or elastic rein to the side of your horses halter or to your horses bit. Start of with a light bend of his neck to his shoulder, you dont want to start off with your horse flexed all the way to his side, you want him to stay comfy and not fighting the tension because you have asked for to much to fast. After a couple of lessons you can bring his head and nose in closer to his shoulder. 6) stand back a little bit and watch your horse. If your super lucky your horse will bend his head to the side and clue in and give right away and stand with a nice bent neck, but chances are he will start to follow his head and turn in circles, he may even pull the other way a bit. This is okay let him he will eventually learn that when he turns his head he can stop his feet and just bend, soon you will see him start to give and soon he will stop walking in a circle and stand with a nice bent neck. He has just learnt on his own to give with out you pulling on him. He has learnt that hey I dont have to work if just bend my head and give. You havent had to fight him, get sore, maybe miss a slight give by him, ect.. and he taught himself to give, awesome in my mind. Want a bonus, when he is circling watch his body, you will also start to notice that after a bit of circling he will start to circle with with a nice bend of the body and his legs will start to cross under himself, this is also teaching him to properly turn and bend his body for a turn or circle BONUS. 7) some quick notes: If you do have a horse that stands there with his neck bent and giving that is great, let him stand there and be comfy. On your third lesson though I would make him move a little to get used to bending his body and accepting while moving. Keep the lessons short about 10 min. Do both sides of the horse. ALWAYS use something stretchy on the end hooked to the halter/bridle, this eliminates a hard bump in the mouth when your horse pulls. Watch your horse closely, if he starts to throw a fit you have either made the side rein to tight or the side rein is to high and are asking to much to fast. Lastly be safe. My horse is super light in the mouth because of these things and I only have to use slight pinky movements to turn him. Sometimes I will do this every once in a while as a warm up or reminder and he is like butter when I get on him.