horizontally over flexing of horses necks

[tiggerette]

Does this make anyone else really cringe? Is it the latest 'fashion' to make horses touch the riders toe with their noses? To a lesser extent you see show jumpers bend their horses necks continually from one side to the next. I understand that they are trying to make their horses necks softer, but I'm sure I saw a Richard Davidson demo once where he explained the damage being done to the muscles of the horses neck by such practice. Gentle flexing using correct bend then incorrect bend, especially on a circle, plus working the horse in a poll high frame then allowing it to stretch into a longer frame, surely that is far more beneficial?

 

[rara007]

It doesn't make me cringe

Only as given any chance it is what Pip does, he would far rather keep straight whilst looking at my toe than bend when we get a miscominication. I know I should ride/drive him better etc. but somtimes it just happens...

 

[Rollin]

I am a novice with young horses but have a young horse I am riding with some supervision. My trainer does not attempt to ride newly backed horses 'on the bridle' at all.

My youngster is long reined (with two reins) each day before being ridden and is naturally starting to lower his head.

This is what 'Waldemar Seunig' writing in 1941 recommends. Very loose contact with the bit.."...since the rider refuses to provide any support...the horse is compelled to carry itself in natural posture and must utilize all the previously tightened muscles for the jobs they have to do in correct locomotion - it must "uncramp" them.

Also he says ..'it is important that we do not provide the horse with any "crutch" in the mouth and ride with reins that are entirely loose".

He is talking about schooling newly backed horses but what he says is contrary to what I have been taught.