What really is a frame, why do you use it, and how can i teach it?

Question

I've seen some horses at my barn who will keep their heads tucked down close to their necks while they are being ridden, I asked about it, and someone said it was called "framing". Is this true? If not, what is "framing"? Is their a real purpose other than looks? Is it really hard to teach? Would it take a long time to teach?

Answer 1

No, that is not framing.  That is a horse bracing on the bit and not collected, which means the horse is not framing, but rather "false" framing...these horses are not moving correctly and risk permanent deformity through the neck if it is not addressed.  It's like the difference between being a movie star look alike, and being the movie star.  Anyone with a good eye will spot the difference.

Framing is true collection, which is the hindquarter lowered and under the horse, legs reaching forward, and forehand elevated with the head carried in balance and "on the bit"...not leaning on the bit, but accepting the bit. A collected, framed horse never has it's nose curled into it's neck/chest.

Answer 2

it is true. also called rounding (least i think so) when the whole body is working/moving the way it should. . .

good site that breaks it down(and has pictures! lol that i understand):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_(horse...

it's more for the back, but you can see that when the horse is rounded it's also in frame.

Answer 3

yeah it's called 'frame' like "put your horse into frame" it's for looks but it also helps build the muscle in they're neck and stretches other muscles as well

it's really good to put your horse into frame

Answer 4

the frame is important because it shows that the horse is centered and is supporting and lifting their back to make them lighter. It also shows they are on the bit.  yeah that is framing. It is hard to teach, but patience says it all!

Here i just answered another question like this here is the easiest ways i know to get a horse "framed"

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~

Answer 5

it is true. it means they are on the bit they are moving forward and in your hand. it is not only beautiful it makes them jump and move better. it takes lots or practice and time to learn.

Answer 6

Yes, what you've described is framing. It can also be called working in frame, going into frame, framing, riding in frame etc. Having a horse ride in frame not only looks pretty, but strengthens their neck and back muscles. A horse working in frame has a round back, and carrying the weight of a rider while working in frame strengthens the horse's back muscles, and can also stretch them out. Working in frame allows the rider to have a gentle but firm constant contact with the horse's mouth, and often a horse will become more collected, supple, and bend and flex more easily when circling, turning etc. Think about it, if you were on your hands and knees and carrying weight on your back, it feels better if you lower your head and round your back slightly. Whereas if you raise your head high, your back becomes concavely arched and hollowed, and you quickly become sore..

Dressage riders prefer for  a tighter frame, with the neck arched and the horse's chin tucked in. Western Pleasure and Hunter riders ride their horses in a more relaxed frame, with the neck stretched out long and low and the muzzle nearly brushing the ground.

However, some riders ask for an over exaggerated frame in which the horse's chin nearly touches it's neck. This inhibits the horse from moving freely, as well as blocks the horses as the eyes are pointed towards the ground.  This is called hyperflexion, and has caused much controversy in the dressage world. You should never ask a horse to work in frame for an entire riding session. A horse should be worked into frame gradually, and given time to stretch during the work period. A combination of exercises in frame and brief breaks will help to strengthen a horses muscles and prevent a horse from getting sore neck and back muscles.