Mastering Horse Body Control Training: The Foundations of Flexion, Bending, and Shoulder Movement
- Phil Goodwin
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 22
Horse Body Control Training Insights from Leah Van Ewijk at Golden Glade Ranch
Are you looking to improve your horse’s responsiveness and overall performance, or searching for practical groundwork to develop a true partnership with your equine companion? At Golden Glade Ranch, renowned trainer Leah Van Ewijk breaks down the foundational techniques of body control, providing a step-by-step approach for both beginners and advanced riders.
Why Body Control Matters in Horse Training
Horse body control is at the heart of effective horsemanship. Whether you’re starting a young horse or refining an experienced one, teaching your horse to yield its shoulders, flex at the poll, and follow your cues is essential for safety, responsiveness, and performance in any discipline.
Leah’s approach focuses on the following key principles:
Flexion and Bending
Shoulder and Hindquarter Control
Responsiveness to Leg and Rein Cues
Developing Softness and Muscular Balance
Step 1: Teaching Flexion and the Circle
A core exercise is the small circle, where the goal is to “get her bent” and encourage the horse to flex through the body. Start at the walk, asking for gentle bend through the poll and neck. This not only builds suppleness but sets the foundation for all future movement.
“I do a little circle here. Get her bending.”
Step 2: Isolating the Shoulders and Hindquarters
Leah’s session emphasizes the importance of moving the shoulders away from the circle while maintaining the bend—a skill that prevents the horse from “falling in” or diving through turns. Teaching the horse to yield its shoulders gives the rider control over direction and body alignment.
“What I want to be able to do is push her shoulders away from the circle with her head bent.”
She explains that many horses will try to do what’s easiest, like diving in or looking out through the corner. The antidote is consistent, thoughtful practice:
“The way I do that is teach her shoulders to stay out… she just assumes she comes in, so she does what’s easiest for her.”
Step 3: Sequencing and Testing Body Parts
True mastery comes from being able to move the horse’s body parts independently, both left and right. Leah recommends checking:
Bend in both directions
Hindquarters in and out
Shoulders in and out
Each skill builds toward total body control, crucial for higher-level movements and safety.
Step 4: Using Your Leg and Rein Effectively
A consistent theme is using the inside leg forward to push the shoulders out, and positioning hands to guide the direction. This lays the groundwork for more advanced moves like spins.
“So I’m pushing her with my leg to say go over there. Its a little bit like spins, but in the opposite direction.”
Common Challenges and Solutions
If your horse struggles to yield the hindquarters or shoulders, don’t worry! Leah encourages patience and continuous learning. Some movements will be more difficult depending on the horse’s natural balance and strength, so keep sessions positive and progress at your horse’s pace.
Key Phrases and Tips to Remember:
Get your horse bending.
Push the shoulders away with head bent.
Use your inside leg forward to cue shoulders out.
Build softness and develop muscles over time.
Conclusion: Building a Soft, Responsive Horse
Every great horse starts with these basics. By focusing on circles, flexion, and the independent movement of shoulders and hindquarters, you set your horse up for a lifetime of success. As Leah says, “Continuous improvement through practice” is the real key—both for you and your horse.
Want more training tips or have a specific problem you’d like addressed?
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