Updated: Stiff and stubbron; do chiros or stretching exercises work?

[JB]

@slc2;3226610

but the fact that he does bend to the right under saddle suggests that this is a training issue rather than a physical pain or muscle shortening issue.

He doesn’t bend as desired, but he does bend. He ‘cheats’ and tips his head rather than bending more in the neck, I think this is an indication that the issue does lie in riding and training, and originates further back, rather than in an injury that prevents the horse from bending right, or even a muscle tension/tightness.

While I don’t disagree this CAN be a riding/training/saddle fit issue, it is not guaranteed. Read my last post for an explanation of how it really can be a real physical issue.

Horses “cheat” by tilting their head either because it’s just plain ol’ easier, and that is a training/riding issue, or they cheat like that because it is very difficult, or impossible, for them to physically keep their head vertical and flex laterally at the poll. If the atlas is tipped, it can be very easy to flex laterally and remain vertical one way, but absolutely impossible to go the other way correctly.

[Kathy_Johnson]

To answer the first question, I usually get a diagnosis from a vet, who will then tell me which additional therapies might be most beneficial.

Here is one problem with most, if not all, of these one sided horses. At some point in their past, they have had an injury. The learned to carry themselves this way to compensate. It is pain or fear of pain, not necessarily stiff and stubborn. They almost always learn that going right (in your case) means bending right. Bending right hurts, or used to hurt. Therefore, going right is difficult and they are so braced in their mind and body that it is a continual fight going right, mental as well as physical.

I would start under saddle with counterflexions, going left, the way the horse likes to go, then bending right. I might counterflex on the circle or with a legyield along the wall. Counterflexing seems to make the horse’s brain short circuit, and I will have half the battle because the horse is not conditioned to fighting to the left, and will give the bend much more easily.