How do you get a horse into a frame?

Question

I've been riding for six years at a hunter barn so we do 'flat' but not really any hardcore dressage. So I've never learned how to get a horse into a frame, but I think it makes them look really pretty and I wanna learn how. Does a horse have to be trained to frame. Should I try to frame with supervision and/or assistants?

Answer 1

Try doing many small cirled to the left and then to the right it should get the horse to bend more and have more of a frame!

Answer 2

The best way to begin training for collection is to work in an arena and practice lateral movement....two track, shoulder in, shoulder out.  Before you can do any of these the horse must do leg yields.

When your horse can be cued forward and laterally with ease, you can begin to establish collection .  so, instead of going into that next step, I will leave it at that .  If you already have these trained, add it to your post and I always check back within a day or less.

Answer 3

Getting a horse into frame is not something that happens overnight. And you do have to train the horse to understand what you are asking for. Work in a 20 meter circle and keep your outside hand very steady and your elbow bent. It should't move around. Push or jiggle your inside leg to ask him to go forward and step under himself and ging forward but keep the outside leg there so he doesnt' fall out of the circle. This will make him use his rear end. With your indside rein do a few half halts and then bend his head very slightly to the inside and hold it there(you are just holding his head there not pulling him)  while you apply the inside leg. As so and he gives his head down even the slightest bit, release your inside hand and soften and give the horse lots of praise. This will teach him to go to the bit and use his rear end to create a round frame.

Answer 4

keep pressing them forward with your legs at the walk and then wiggle the reins back and foreth GENTLY in your hands so that he begins to arch his neck and if you are doing hunter let him bring his neck all the way down and lossen your reigns if you are doing eq then let him arch it and keep them short. next bring him up to a trot and let him stay in the same position and then a canter. when your horse is foaming at the mouth he is on the bit!

Answer 5

It take LOTS of practice. Start at a standstill. Take one rein and wiggle it with your fingers. Have the horse bend its head in that direction. Then do the other side.

At the walk, keep nudging with you feet to keep the horse at a constant pace. Then start with one rein and gain contact and wiggle your finger until the horse gives and brings its head down. then do the other rein. It takes a long time, so be patient. Keep the contact to the mouth soft and bend your wrists inward. Then everytime you feel the horse harden its mouth wiggle your fingers on that rein.

good luck

~2htoohorse~