Thursday Fluidity II Finesse Day Four

Thursday's topic for the classroom with Tina was Longitudinal Flexion, otherwise known as topline or flexing from the tail all the way to the nose. This is the first step towards vertical flexion and collection.

Longitudinal flexion is fluidity throughout the whole of the horse's body (with stiffness there can be no fluidity and with no fluidity there can be no collection). L.F. helps to improve the horse's posture and therefore their fluidity. Saddles, bits, emotional blockages and stiff riders may cause tension that inhibits fluidity. The horse may exhibit tension responses such as high head, short gait, inability to maintain gait, stiffness and poor foot traction. The question is whether this tension is mental, emotional or physical?

There are 3 steps to achieving L.F.:

1. Confidence in zone 1 (no blocks or opposition reflexes)
   
2. Topline stretch (lift back)
   
3. Lengthen stride (tracking up or over-tracking)
   

The fluid rein technique helps to achieve the 3 steps - it should be taught at the walk and then the trot (do not teach at the canter as this will encourage horse to go on the forehand). This is a principle technique, not purpose, so it should be used only in short bursts. The correct tools to use for fluid rein is the confidence snaffle (2 joints for 2 reins) with the finesse reins. The halter, hackamore and single jointed snaffle (1 rein) are not suitable. After teaching steps 1-3 and the horse gives positive responses to the fluid rein, then the cradle bridle can be used.

How do you do fluid rein? As if you are swimming front crawl, reach down with one hand and comb both reins back towards yourself, then the other hand and so on. The combing 'drag' should be consistent and steady. When the smallest positive change occurs you should release the pressure for step 1 and for step 2 and 3 lessen the pressure.

Unfortunately I was unable to practice this with Roget today as I have been suffering with a little backache (everyone say 'Ahhhh!') and thought it best to rest so I can fully participate next week ;-( It is important to remember that I am doing the course so I can come home with knowledge to further my horsemanship journey with Dillon and that riding Roget is secondary to that!