What frame should you ride your horse in? This is a common, on-going discussion and a question I get asked a lot. The truth is – it depends on your horse!
In this week’s video, I’m riding Mercurio and will be talking all about the correct and incorrect frame! The most important thing to remember is that you should be able to adjust your frame as you need to depending on what you are doing. Your horse’s frame should always be adjustable left and right and long and short, etc. So, let’s look at a few different types of frames – correct and incorrect!
But before I jump into it, I wanted to remind you that enrollment has opened for my 30 Day to Round Challenge. This was my top attended course last year and I was thrilled with the amazing transformations I saw from riders. In the 30 Day to Round Challenge I give you the step-by-step process I use to teach every horse how to get supple, soft, using their topline- and of course: Round! Plus, as an added bonus, I’m giving $10,000 away in prize money to the riders with the biggest transformations. Check out all the details here.*
*Sorry! You’ve missed this course enrollment. Don’t worry thought! Click the link and put your name on the list to be notified the next time the course opens again. We would love to have you.
And now, on to the video!
Show Frame
This is the type of frame that we want to ride in most of the time, and the one you would ride your test in at a show. In this frame, our horse is “on the bit” with their poll the highest point, and their nose on or slightly in front of the vertical. As the rider, you can see the top-line of the neck engaged in a nice arc, and the top of the bridle between the ears.
Inverted/Above the bit
It is common for our horses to invert or come “above the bit” in a frame to evade using their hind end. When your horse is inverted, their head is high with their nose above the vertical and their underneck engaged. They will lose impulsion and it will be uncomfortable for both you and the horse.
Curling/Behind the bit
This is another common evasion within your horse’s frame. When your horse is curled or “behind the bit” their nose is behind the vertical, it may look like their nose is on their chest, and you might see that they are broken at the 5th vertebrae.
Stretching Frame
Though you want to ride the in the show frame most of the time, it is good to allow your horse to stretch down sometimes during your ride. Riding in a stretching frame can really help build your horse’s topline strength and improve suppleness. In the stretching frame, your horse’s head and neck should be below the withers and your horse should stretch their nose out and seek the contact. Make sure you think of putting your hands forward to let them stretch out.
These a just a few examples of some different frames and evasions within frames. Your frame should always be adjustable. If your put your hands forward, your horse’s neck should get longer, and if you ask for bend or counter-bend, your horse should be able to do it.
In terms of frame, conformation also plays a role and your frame may also need to vary throughout your ride! In general, you want to do the opposite of what your horse wants to do. So, if your horse wants to put their head in the air all the time, you want to encourage a longer, lower, stretchier frame. If your horse wants to stretch down all the time, then you want to encourage a higher frame.
Throughout your ride, you also want to test the consistency of your frame. Transitions are a great way to do this! Want to learn more about your horse’s frame and how to get them round? Check out my popular 30 Days to Round Challenge! Enrollment is open now!*
I hope these tips help you! Let me know in the comments what your horse likes to do – do they prefer to go with their head in the air, or stretch down to the ground? Do they evade by going inverted or by curling?
Happy Riding!
Amelia
PS- Don’t forget about my 30 Days to Round Challenge. At the end of September, will you be seeing amazing results…or kicking yourself that you didn’t start now? Discover the Challenge.*
*Sorry! You’ve missed this course enrollment. Don’t worry thought! Click the link and put your name on the list to be notified the next time the course opens again. We would love to have you.
