Hi,
In German equitation, we differentiate between various types of bend and flexions. It is difficult to transmit these nuances in English, where all of them are covered by the same term “flexion”.
You can differentiate between flexions around the horizontal and vertical axis. A flexion around a horizontal axis includes descriptions such as “behind the vertical”. A hyperflexed neck, or Rollkur, is an extreme flexion around that horizontal axis. Looking at the horse from above, you wouldn’t see any bend or flexion – only a very short neck.
A lateral flexion, on the other hand, refers to the bend or flexion around a vertical axis, which you can see from above.
In German terminology, we differentiate a lateral flexion that involves the entire spine, called “Biegung” (noun) or the horse is “gebogen” and a small flexion that involves only the jawline, that is called “Stellung” (noun), or the horse is “gestellt” where the rest of the horse remains straight.
I bring this up, because when I speak about a give at the jawline, I refer to the German “Stellung”, which is a very small flexion around the vertical axis at the level of the jawline and poll. It’s not about flexing the neck, which is a lot easier for horses. In fact, they will undoubtably offer a flexion at the base of the neck first before they offer the flexion at the jawline.
We want to get the release at the jawline because that’s where the relaxation happens. Horses can flex the neck and remain tense throughout their bodies. But when they can give you a softening of the poll and jawline, then you get relaxation.
The Feldenkrais-inspired flexion
The Feldenkrais-inspired flexion is an advanced lesson for the trainer. The horse doesn’t need many prerequisites other than generally accepting a gentle human hand on their face.
The lesson is based on the principle of pressure and release of pressure, with the “pressure” being more intentional than physical. It’s not a targeting lesson.
It is called “Feldenkrais-inspired” because the trainer’s hand is only suggesting and feeling. There is no “making it happen” feel to it because that in itself would create tension, which is the opposite of what we try to obtain: relaxation.
You start by shaping your horse’s acceptance of your hand on her face. Your hand can be gently cupped over the outside nostril or above the nostrils depending on your horse’s preference.
When she accepts having your hand there, you can add the other hand under the chin. When she accepts both hands calmly, you can wait for a give at the poll or jaw line. Expect a very small and subtle movement. A give is a small thing.
Initially, it can help to use your forehead as a pivot point for the lateral flexion. It makes it easier for your horse to understand, where it should “give” to the very subtle pressure.
At the very beginning, I am not yet particular about the direction. If it is a give at the poll which results in a slight drop of the head (instead of lateral), I click and reinforce that. If you don’t get anything, you can click and reinforce an exhale. You don’t stay there long but it helps to get the behaviour going.
This lesson is quite intense, so keep the intervals short. You can repeat them often but don’t stay with it for too long.
Think of your hands as listening hands. They are there to make you aware of the slightest movements, that your eyes may not be able to perceive. They are not there to turn the horse’s head. There is some intention to how you hold your hands but your thoughts about the desired movement is enough. The more pressure you add, the higher the risk of tension. Do as little as possible.
Remember to remove your hands, when you click and reinforce.
Here is the very first crude version of Blondie’s flexions. In the beginning they were big and jerky.
After refinement, they became glorious.
As you can see in this clip, we can even reverse the movement. There are directional transitions and she remains soft throughout.
Blondie is a real expert now and offers these flexions as a default behaviour which is superb.
Since this is such an important lesson, Malou was also introduced to it. I started in her paddock and later used it to improve her leading skills with halter and lead rope.
Once you have this, you can play around and take it into movement.
Here you can see Blondie taking the flexions into movement without contact.
And here is Asfaloth taking the flexion into movement with contact.
When you have developed a steady contact in movement, you can even influence the hind end and create a lesson that is called “Übertreten” in German. Another name for this lesson is “Pluvinel volte”, it’s basically a leg yield on a small or big circle line. This is probably Anja Beran’s most favourite lesson. She says it improves the mobility of shoulders and hind quarters and helps to release tension. I am also using it a lot with all my horses.
Here you see Blondie’s very first steps in this direction. (“Übertreten” was a difficult lesson for her because she was so tense. But, eventually, she became quite good at it).
The goal is to transfer this request for a give from our hand to the lead rope or reins and eventually to riding.
I leave that for the next email.
Happy horse time,
Michaela