Lateral Flexion

How to get Lateral Flexion

In a nut shell lateral flexion is when the horse turns his head left and/or right while keeping his feet still.

Why do you need this…?

-Emergency stop

-To supple your horse

-Support transitions

-Is the key to vertical flexion

This can be taught to the horse on the ground or under saddle. I will describe it on the ground first, as I always teach concepts on the ground first. We will start at the horses left shoulder

Step 1: Stand at your horses shoulder

Step 2: Hold the lead rope in your right hand, with slack in it and rest it on the horses wither

Step 3: Slide your left hand down the rope and take up a soft grip

Step 4: Gently pull your left hand up towards your right hand

Step 5: As SOON AS you feel the horse flex, even if it is just a mm, drop the lead and give him lots of slack

Success tips

-Do not expect them to fully flex in the beginning

-Re-read our pressure and release suggestions post from the blog

-Ask gently to begin with get firmer if the horse does not respond

-Release the rope VERY quickly when the horse flexes a tiny bit

-Make sure the horse feels good about himself

-Try not to stop flexing when you horses moves (which will probably happen in the beginning)

This is one of the many concepts I teach during lessons and clinics.