Flexion vs Bend

Flexion vs Bend

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ For the sake of clarity of this post, and specifically equine education, I am going to generalize by saying that people misunderstand/confuse the terms Flexion and Bend. These terms are used interchangeably without clear comprehension or clear execution during training.

FLEXION REFERS ONLY TO THE POLL. BEND REFERS TO THE ENTIRE BODY, INCLUDING THE POLL

FLEXION Flexion refers only to the change in position of the joint found just behind the ears and poll – Atlas axis joint. Flexion refers to the decrease in angle between 2 related body parts (bones). From the point of origin to the point of insertion. Only one joint is involved.

BEND Bend refers to a change in position or curve throughout the horse’s body, nose to tail. Bend is when several subsequent muscles along the same line of direction are equally contracted/activated, resulting in the body/body parts creating a curve. More than one joint is involved.