Frame

“Frame” is the body position a horse assumes in order to work.  The frame that a horse chooses may not always be the best, most efficient frame for what he is doing.  That is why good riders school a horse to a frame best suited for conformation, breed, age and work planned.  Proper frame is part of collection and the two are simply inseparable.  It is also directly related to equitation or horsemanship so a rider can prevent/discourage a good frame or promote one by how they sit and apply aids.

Young, conformationally correct horses that do not posses the strength to maintain a correct frame often use their head to assist them in movement.  This means he may carry his head unnaturally low in order stretch his back muscles over his withers and engage his hind quarters.   This is a healthy way for a youngster to begin his career under saddle. He may also elevate his head at transitions to assist in gaining forward momentum.  Consistent elevation of the head without appropriate frame schooling can result in a “dip” or weak spot in front of the withers and/or what is known as an “upside down neck” where the top line of the neck is weaker and/or shorter than the bottom (and the bottom is muscled and thick, instead of soft).  Neither are effective or healthy steps in obtaining a correct, strong frame.  These faults can be human caused by hard handed, short reined riders.  However, allowing the horse to carry his head low encourages development of correct back muscles and strengthens the abdomen; essential steps in developing a correct frame.  If you don’t believe this bend forward at your neck and feel your stomach tighten and your back stretch.  When you bend your neck back (or hollow your back) your stomach simply sticks out without active muscle use and your back muscles shorten.  Good horses carry a rider on a strong, engaged top line, not just packing the weight in a hollowed out spot on his back!

A conformationally incorrect horse may find many ways to gain forward motion versus using a good frame as his body may be built in way that correct framing is difficult or impossible.  This includes “leaping” into gaits, falling on the forehand, extremely high or incorrect head carriage or simply refusing to carry a rider due to back soreness or other issues.  This is why initial horse selection is so critical.  We want the work to be as easy as possible for the horse with a goal of longevity and success.  Conformational issues can interfere with performance and soundness and should always be avoided if possible.

As for head movement and head set, both are breed, conformation and discipline specific.  Once the basics of a good frame are established, the head can be placed where appropriate.  Keep in mind that these positions may take YEARS to achieve for some breeds and disciplines!  Head position changes with show fads, discipline and work type but should never interfere with a good working frame. Head movement depends on the horse’s level of strength, conformation and work and can also be gait specific.  In general, many stock type horses seek a quiet, neutral head position while many gaited breeds encourage specialized movement or specific head positions to encourage gait quality.

 If you are unsure about your horses frame, ask an instructor/trainer for a lesson or assessment.  Find some basic warm-ups that encourage correct frame.  Check your horse’s mouth and bit to ensure dental health and bit fit as well as overall tack fit….all are essential for proper frame work.  Finally, watch horses that are working in frame.  Note their lightness and back strength.  Proper frame isn’t an option….its the only way to ride if soundness, longevity, strength and ride quality are your goals!

Photo 1

Chaco is at play in the round pen and naturally moves in a good frame due to nice conformation and quality schooling.  Note that the top line is long and stretched with an arc on the top side of the neck.

Photo 2

When prompted, Chaco momentarily slips out of frame.  Note the arc of the neck has moved to the bottom side and his back and neck have hollowed out.  This position does not promote lightness or back strength and Chaco rarely moves this way.

Photo 3

Robin’s seat and aids are lovely, assisting King to a framed position.  King is bent at the poll and engaging his hind quarters.

Photo 4

Robin struggles with King staying in a correct working frame.  Note that Robin herself is out of position, possibly contributing to the challenge.  King is an aged gelding who never worked in frame until schooling began with his current owners.  For older horses, muscle memory of an incorrect frame is a major challenge in changing the way the horse frames.