09/27/2026
👀 Framing & Collection - why’s it important no matter what discipline you compete in?
❗️The red line is in the same spot on this horses neck.
🛑 On the left picture you’ll notice that red line is significantly closer to the horses pad. Caused by the horse riding “up side down” meaning head/neck up, back hollowed out, hock out in the tail, & spine smashed together (fantastic recipe for KS). Also, often causing interruption in nervous system causing anxiety/prancing.
🟢 Picture on the right you’ll notice that line is a lot further from the saddle. Due to the horse carrying himself correctly with head/neck long & low, back elevated, space between vertebrae in spine, hip driving forward & square from behind, longer stride, & reaching vs climbing. This is true collection.
Then conversation leads to vetting. Why are we injecting & seeing more lame futurity horses or young horses?
🐎 Yes s**t happens, horse do dumb things that cause injuries. BUT riders/jockeys are also causing a lot of these issues from incorrect body position and improper training.
Need stronger stifles? Long trotting, ground logs, lifted logs, yielding hind quarters, sidepassing.
Hocks carrying fluid? Backing (in hand) on flats, up & down a SMALL incline - slowly but correct, yielding hindquarters.
Dropped back or “dips” behind scapula? Check saddle fit, backing circles, collection, head drop
Sore loin/ SI (lower back)? Tight saddle fit over scapula and compensating to hind quarters, poor rider position, backing, collection.
Weak hamstrings/hind end? Riding tail to nose to ensure horse reaches hind legs up under belly button, long trotting, ground/lifted logs, backing (in hand and saddle) 100’, hill work, collection.
A framed topline & hip? Nutrition, backing, hill work, logs, collection, loading HQ.
Just a couple scenarios & exercises to help with problem areas that I’ve experienced over the years of training outside horses.
Are there tons of variables? Yes
Should you be doing a lameness exam & vetting on your athletes? Absolutely
Does your farrier & vet need to be communicating? Of course
As horseman & horsewomen can we do better? Yes, yes, yes, yes
If you have any questions, you need to be asking your vet, farrier, trainer, mentor, coach until you understand.
