Question:In the March/April '05 issue ("Weanling Work"), you referred to lateral flexion. I'd like to know more what you mean by lateral flexion, and why it's important in a trail horse. Also, how do I teach it to my 17-year-old Arabian gelding? Will he be able to flex as well - or at all - at his age?
Name withheld by request
Red Bluff, California
Answer:Lateral flexion (sometimes called doubling back) simply means side-to-side neck flexibility - that is, the ability to bend on either side between the poll and withers. Flexibility - and teaching your trail horse to bend his neck to the side on cue - will give you more control.
Horses of any age can learn to flex - I just taught a 16-year-old horse lateral flexion. But you might need to work longer with your aged horse than you would a younger one, and patiently wait for him to give you the correct response.
Before you start any new training program, have your veterinarian give your horse a thorough examination, including dental and soundness exams, and promptly address any problem. Continue to ride and train only if your horse gets a clean bill of health.
Here, I'll explain more about the importance of lateral flexion; then I'll explain how to teach your horse to flex while you're on the ground.
Why Flex?
You'll have more overall control of a supple, flexible horse than you have over a stiff, rigid one. This is because your flexible horse will physically be able to better respond to your cues. Also, when you teach him to flex in response to your cues, you gain control of his nose and neck. (The other three body parts you need to control are his shoulder, rib cage, and hindquarters, which we'll discuss in future issues.) Such control is extremely important, because your horse is bigger and stronger than you are.
Lateral flexion also helps you execute the one-rein stop. If you're on a trail ride and your horse spooks and bolts, he might not respond when you apply direct, rearward pressure on the reins. A stiff horse might put his nose straight in the air and continue on.
However, a horse that's learned lateral flexion will likely respond to a one-rein stop. In this maneuver, you'll slide one hand down the rein, bring your horse's nose into his shoulder, and pull him into a tight circle. (For details on teaching lateral flexion under saddle and teaching the one-rein stop, see "Spook Control," On-Trail Training, January/February '05.)
You can also use lateral flexion to head off a problem. If you're on the trail, and you sense your horse is getting ready to buck, rear, or bolt, bend his neck to the side or even circle him to stay in control and to keep his mind on you.
Step-by-Step Technique
Your goal is to bring your horse's nose to the side in each direction far enough to touch the shoulder. This will take time and patience. You'll start with just a small bend, beginning with his left shoulder. Here's a step-by-step technique.
Step 1. Outfit your horse in a halter and lead rope, and lead him to an enclosed area with good footing away from distractions, such as a round pen or arena corner.
Step 2. Stand on your horse's left side, parallel to his ribcage, holding the coiled lead rope in your left hand.
Step 3. Place your right hand on your horse's left hip and simultaneously apply light, lateral lead rope pressure to bring your horse's nose toward his left shoulder. (If he resists don't jerk on the lead rope. Apply a bit more steady pressure on the lead rope, if needed.) Note that if your horse moves his hind end during this step, that's fine. But if you'd rather he keep his hind end still, position his right side along a safe fence or rail.
Step 4. As soon as your horse gives to the lead rope pressure - even if it's only a half-inch - and relaxes, release the lead-rope pressure to reward him. Give him a soft pat on his shoulder, and praise him in a gentle voice.
Step 5. Repeat the bend cue several more times. Your horse will likely bring his nose farther toward his shoulder each time.
Step 6. After your horse learns to flex well to the left, teach him lateral flexion to the right. You need to teach him to flex on both sides of his body so that you'll have control on both sides of his body.
