You can differentiate between flexions around the horizontal and vertical axis. A flexion around a horizontal axis includes descriptions such as \u201cbehind the vertical\u201d. A hyperflexed neck, or Rollkur, is an extreme flexion around that horizontal axis. Looking at the horse from above, you wouldn\u2019t 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 \u201cBiegung<\/strong>\u201d (noun) or the horse is “gebogen” and a small flexion that involves only the jawline, that is called \u201cStellung<\/strong>\u201d (noun), or the horse is “gestellt” where the rest of the horse remains straight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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I bring this up, because when I speak about a give at the jawline, I refer to the German \u201cStellung\u201d, which is a very small flexion around the vertical axis at the level of the jawline and poll. It\u2019s 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. 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\u2019t get anything, you can click and reinforce an exhale. You don’t stay there long but it helps to get the behaviour going.
We want to get the release at the jawline because that\u2019s 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
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The Feldenkrais-inspired flexion is an advanced lesson for the trainer. The horse doesn\u2019t 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 \u201cpressure\u201d being more intentional than physical. It\u2019s not a targeting lesson.
It is called “Feldenkrais-inspired” because the trainer\u2019s hand is only suggesting and feeling. <\/strong>There is no \u201cmaking it happen\u201d 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\u2019s 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<\/mark>.<\/strong>
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 \u201cgive\u201d to the very subtle pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This lesson is quite intense, so keep the intervals short. You can repeat them often but don\u2019t stay with it for too long.
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Think of your hands as listening hands<\/mark><\/strong>. 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\u2019s head. There is some intention to how you hold your hands but your thoughts<\/strong> 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\u2019s flexions. In the beginning they were big and jerky.<\/p>\n\n\n