How do I get my green horse to bend correctly?

oxNemoxCubbiexo: How do I get my green horse to bend correctly?
I have a 4 year old Paint horse named Cubbie. He was trained by a college but now I am giving him his show experience. I have never really had a horse that can bend. Anyway how do you make a horse bend correctly? Also what are some good tips for making my left leg stronger when riding? My right leg is the strongest leg, but now I need to make my left leg stronger so what should I do? Thank you!

-Meg.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Ron Sr.
Your horse was not trained, but broken to ride. If he was trained he would have been taught to bend at the poll. Tye a lead from his halter to the girth ring so he has to walk in tight circles. this will teach him to bend at the poll.

Answer by Chrome Barrel Racer
Pressure is all it takes, release it off it is key.

Answer by Dressage Chick <3
You need to lead him in a tight circle on a lead rope, over and over again. Once he’s doing that correctly, ride him around in the tight circle just like that. You can gradually increase the size of the circle, and eventually he’ll start to bend correctly!

Hope this helps!

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Answer by i love love
start with having him flex….
i can explain it but clinton can explain it so much beter…

then work on him responding to pressure..
https://www.equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/training/general/flex_neck_ground_100208/
and finally giving to the bit (not technically collected)…

and collected:
https://www.horsetrainingvideos.com/stop1-5.htm

Answer by zakiit
If you have lunge lessons you will find the exercises you do on those will strengthen your legs.

As to bending, it is not clear whether you mean that he does not bend to look in the direction you want him to go.

Or do you mean arching his neck!? If you do, forget that. A young horse is likely to be heavy on the forehand and will stick his nose out to compensate. Once you have built up the back muscles, walking up and down hill, which is also good for teaching him balance, and improving wind without hammering the horse. You must never saw him in the mouth just to suit your vanity, he will just become dead to the bit and come to rely on your hands to prop him up. Half halts with the outside rein will help him keep himself together.

Trotting poles will help him step up behind which, combined with hill walking will improve and he will start to work more uphill and learn to carry himself better. This will take time and as he is only a baby and likely to be still growing. Changes of rein, changes of pace, asking for a quicker response will help him. Use your seat more too.

You have a young horse there who has a lot to contend with, learning balance, adjusting himself to new instructions, carrying you and not being overly fit will all make him a bit heavy on the forehand.

You have a wonderful opportunity to teach an unspoiled horse. Be firm, be patient, be understanding and vary his work to keep him interested.

I wish you well.

Answer by Jenny
What do you mean when you say bend?

If you mean Flex at the pole (headset) or collect. Then you can start on the ground on the lunge line by putting a set of draw reins on him and lunging him in those often until he builds the necessary muscle tone in is top line and neck and learns to give to the pressure and begin to relax and set his head. And you also need to lean how to teach him give the the bit and practice that while you are riding him.

For showing him you will need to work on collection which means you will need to encourage forward movement and be able to drive him up into the bit from his hindquarters. Your goal is to have a soft and supple horse with a soft mouth.
I would encourage you to look for a trainer for lessons. That is really the best way to go about it.

Good Luck,
Jenny