Flexing at poll

[SueAllen]

My horse is reluctant to do this sideways (is that laterally?), particularly to the left, although right is a bit of a struggle too. Any exercises anyone could recommend to help with this. Thinking of lots of carrot stretches and some lungeing to help but as I need him to do it with me on board I would appreciate any advice as I think this might take some time. He really is quite resistant on the left and carries his head sometimes with a tilt to the right. Think I may need his poll looking at? Thanks again.

 

[spike123]

I think you are probably right there in that there is something unconfortable somewhere.You could try giving him titbits from onboard.We use this method with youngsters when we first start working them so as they are not worried by us on board.

 

[Andelusional]

Could be a heap of reasons for the lack of lateral flexion. I would start with a session with the physio and then if that is clear I would lunge in a de gogue to see what happens to the hind feet...ie is he stepping correctly into his fore foot prints or out to one side. Head tilting is a form of evasion to the straightening aids to which the answer is shoulder in..shoulder in and more shoulder in.