Flexing my horse makes him turn his whole body

[Aabri]

I am currently working with an ex racehorse. When I flex him on the ground and in the saddle he thinks I'm asking for him to turn. How can I make it clear to him that he is able to flex whilst moving forwards? Maybe it's just me but I always seem to have this problem and find it hard to get around.

Any tips or ideas are appreciated

 

[JillA]

Do it alongside a fence so he can't swing his quarters out to turn? I do that when I am flexing from the saddle, and I lift my hand quite high too, don't know how you can replicate that on the ground.

 

[Aabri]

Thanks. I had the same idea about the fence but didn't want to encourage him to rely on the fence too much. Maybe I could try that at first just to demonstrate to him that it is possible then gradually take it away from the fence. Thanks again

 

[be positive]

Do carrot stretches on the ground so he comes round without any pressure from you, if they are really reluctant to stretch then take hold of the tail so they cannot keep moving, it should then be easier to get him to flex by asking from the rein and then when on top, be careful you are not expecting too much too quickly, accept just a little if that is all he offers initially as it will be very new and possibly confusing for him.

 

[Aabri]

Hi thanks for your answer. I couldn't agree more about taking time and not expecting too much. They're quick to learn but can get quite frustrated when us as riders and trainers don't explain it to them properly. Thanks again

 

[Barnacle]

Do it from the ground in an open space. Stand at the shoulder and start applying pressure on the rein. As soon as you feel the slightest softening, stop and give him a second. If he starts turning, just go with him around and around until he stops. Same principle in the saddle but do it on the ground first. They figure this out very quickly. You just need to keep at it and have good timing to reward anyf lexion and then build it up and ask for more and while moving forwards.