I love this so much I just had to share. Would like to add that the jaw is actually very delicate and containers tiny bones and a lot of soft tissue. It is directly linked to the emotional parts of the horse as well as physical. We cannot force our will upon the horse, it's emotional and physical submission is a delicate gift wrapped in a powerful body. We must prove to be deserving of the gift before we can influence the body. - not always easy, but definitely worth the effort.
- Sarah Orloff, Still Waters Equitation
"There is quite a good metaphor to summarize what we have just looked at. The head and neck are the "door" through which we take possession of the horses "house". The mouth is the fragile "lock" to the "door" ...and the "cession de machoire" (release of the jaw) is the "key" itself. You only need your legs if you want to break down the door - in which case you can not expect to be made welcome. In any case, forget the crowbar and blowtorch... I don't break and enter into a friend's house!
Limiting the concept of mise en main to flexing the poll is mistaking the end result for the means. I not having the "key" to the problem, we are forced to solve the problem with various training aids, crank nosebands, etc. Over bending and blocking mouths occur when we break down the "door" and smash the "lock" - because a horse stretches into its reins by opening its pole and showing relaxation by mobilizing its tongue and it's lower jaw."
- Phillips Karl