Lots of give & take lol at each gait . Starting at the stand still , walk etc . Lightly see saw the reins until the horses breaks at the poll then release . Did it a lot . Eventually you can hold it more & more .
Break it down even more the above reply and focus on just getting 1 side of the mouth to give then go to the other side, this works really quick and helps a horse to understand when your not focused on both sides dropping.
I like to take a firm contact with the mouth - not hard, just firm. Then add leg and push them up into the bridle. When they break, make sure you really release. Making your hands a "wall" and pushing them into it until they back off it is how I've always thought about it. I find the trot to be the easiest gait to achieve this at.
Slobber straps will really highlight the release for them.
Posts: 13315 Location: East Tennessee but who knows?!
I start out by a skin them to back from the ground. I don't release until they release and give me a bit of softness. Once I get that, I'll go to the surcingle. Using a surcingle and elastic side reins has always been the most effortless way for me when it comes to teaching and maintaining vertical flexion while they're moving. They basically teach themselves and it's easy to teach them to move foreward with it from the ground. Then I carry that to their saddle work. You've already got the lateral give and that's the foundation. Of course, when you use a surcingle you start out loose and very gradually work your way tighter. You''ve got to watch your horse and not put on too much pressure through the reins or from the ground.
I like to take a firm contact with the mouth - not hard, just firm. Then add leg and push them up into the bridle. When they break, make sure you really release. Making your hands a "wall" and pushing them into it until they back off it is how I've always thought about it. I find the trot to be the easiest gait to achieve this at.
Slobber straps will really highlight the release for them.
This my friend, is because you understand that collection devoid of impulsion is merely pulling their head down :)
ETA: Puts me in mind of the day you found the "STOP" button on Fessor. lol
Vertical flexion
