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HORSELOGS.COM - Schooling Advice from Holly MacDonald...
Roundness Examined, November 2005

Often times, I hear plights from riders of all levels needing help in achieving a 'head set' with their horse. Usually they are referring to a lowered head or collection, and are at a loss for the tools necessary and the knowledge to accompany them in order to achieve this frame. A martingale or draw reins? Snaffle or shanked cathedral? Hands low and bumping, or held high and steady? What will help them to achieve this sought-after frame that is so mystifying? Truth be told, there are many paths to success in horsemanship and not one tried and true method that will work for all horses, or more importantly - all strengths of riders. There are however, some techniques and variables that I believe we can control in order to achieve the best performance possible from our horses.

Eradicating 'Head Set'

First and foremost, I think it's important that as educated horse people, we eradicate the theory of 'head set'. To me, the term head set refers to a horse that is trained to drop his head on command and pack it there, with little consideration to the other vital working parts of his body. This is an antiquated concept that should instead be replaced with an educated understanding of how the equine can improve his performance by manipulating his body in a soft, rounded frame!

By enabling this, we create self carriage which as a result improves functionality, performance, and the 'look' of a quality western horse that many attempt to mimic. I refer to this as roundness.

Roundness is a term to describe a horse that elevates his back and ribcage up toward the saddle. He pushes his croup down, moves with his hocks deep underneath tightened abdominals, and flexes at the poll. The best analogy I can give is that this feels like sitting on a giant exercise ball.

Roundness puts the horse in the optimum balanced position to carry himself with a rider on his back, and also facilitates maneuvers that would otherwise be difficult. His body is coiled and prepared to handle any task at which he is aimed. In addition to being benefitial to your ride, it also adds a pleasant over all presentation! With this understanding of roundness, one can see how it is advantageous for all breeds and disciplines.

The Effects of Conformation

In examining roundness, I put little or no thought into how high or how low the horses' head is, as this varies so much with conformation of each animal. Provided they are using themselves as described above, head carriage should fall into a place naturally suited for each individual horse.

Not every horse is anatomically designed to travel with it's head hung long and low, or capable of holding in a 'head set'. The height at which the head is carried is actually a very poor indicator of roundness for this very reason! In fact, a horse that moves with his head lowered can also be very hollow, strung out, and heavy on the forehand...picture sitting on a bicycle driving down-hill. This is the effect seen in many pleasure horses of yester-year, an image that has since evolved thanks to careful training and a constantly improving knowledge of the horse and his function.

Likewise, a horse that is higher necked can still be formed into roundness. Any horse can be taught to travel round, as this is not variant on conformation as 'head set' is.

Any horse can use his body in a way to improve his style and performance; from the backyard Clyde/Arabian cross to the World Championship qualifying American Quarter Horse.

That said, a horse who is naturally built with a flat, level topline will be more inclined to travel with his back elevated on his own, and is generally an easier ride when looking to achieve roundness. Others with a more upright head carriage will still be capable of this 'exercise ball effect', but may struggle to elevate through the back and wither more than others.

Regardless, the resulting form will still be a functional one that is suited to the animal's conformation.

The Technique

Techniques used to achieve roundness/collection differ from horse to horse, and trainer to trainer. True roundness takes careful training and perfect timing. There are varying degrees of this seen in each breed and discipline.

My personal preference for creating roundness in a horse is to keep my leg and seat very active in the process. For me, the objective is to elevate my horse's ribcage and back first. As a result, his hind end will engage, and his front end will become light and elevated. This will also result in flexion at the wither, and will encourage him to lower his head to the position for which he is designed.

In asking for roundness in the beginning, it's important that a horse has an understanding of lateral give to each rein. He should also be comfortable with the simultaneous dual pressure of both reins, and be comfortable packing your weight at a walk, jog and lope. I will begin this in the early stages of my horses' training while they are still geared in a snaffle bit.

Begin to gently and rhythmically drop your leg on the horse's side, as though encouraging him to lift his back up toward your seat. At the same time, starting with your hands slightly elevated from your typical rein position, hold steady, consistent pressure. As the horse responds by lifting his back, release the pressure and stop your dropping leg for reward.

With consistency and good timing, most horses will easily learn to round off the slight command of a rhythmic leg drop, followed by a slightly elevated rein. This will continually develop and improve over time, and allows for easy translation into one handed riding as required in senior horses and for aged events.

I cannot emphasize enough how vital it is that the rider's legs and seat take on an active role in asking for roundness. Hand-only commands, or excessive hand without enough leg to back it up, will result in either a resistant, upset, high-headed horse, or a horse with a 'head-set', not true roundness.

Remember that roundness is a taught and learned form and will take time to develop. As with anything, a rider new to the concept of roundness will do best on an experienced horse under the watchful eyes of a trainer or coach who can point out the intricacies of timing and consistency in seeking the round frame. This in turn will help you develop feel for what roundness truly is, and will allow you to aim for the same on less experienced mounts.

Remember that it's not innate instinct for a horse to understand commands for roundness (or other concepts) without our guidance. This is an art that takes skill and practice, but is certainly worthwhile given the benefits you will see in your horse's ability and performance in the end.

Questions about this article or have another training challenge?
Write Holly at meadow_pond_stables@yahoo.ca.
Who Is
Holly MacDonald? Email Holly
Holly MacDonald is a coach, trainer, clinician and open show judge operating out of Meadow Pond Stables in Liverpool, Nova Scotia.

Understudying with many notable professionals over the years, Holly worked numerous apprentice positions where she gained industry skills and was allotted the opportunity to begin her career showing, coaching and training. With numerous titles behind her, Holly attended the Equine Science Program, Major of Western Training at Olds College, Alberta.

Holly had the opportunity to work beside the legends of reining while riding out of Gainesville, Texas. She has competed at the NRHA Futurity & World Championship Show in Oklahoma City under the guidance of renowned author and trainer, J.P. Forget, President of Reining Canada.

Horses Holly has ridden can be found through out Canada, the United States and now Europe. They are Futurity & Derby Champions as well as competitive Youth & Non-Pro mounts, piloted by her many successful students.

With tailor-made programs for each horse and rider, Holly's commitment to continual learning and excellence in horsemanship provide the basis for success in her horses.