When Horses Behave Badly

to control. 
A saddle that consistently puts pressure on the horses reflex points known as cranial nerve 11 is not only uncomfortable for the horse but could eventually cause injury. For example what happens when you give your horse the signal to move forward? If the saddle tree angle is too wide or the tree width is too narrow the tree is putting too much pressure on the reflex points and the horse cannot really comply. When the saddle hits the reflex point it hinders the horses ability to move. The horses actual instinctive reaction at this point is to drop his back locking the shoulder and rotating the pelvis. Despite best intentions the horse instinctively will not and more importantly cannot move forward. He wants to obey his riders desire to go forward but needs to obey his own instincts to stay still.
It is a losing proposition for the horse physically and psychologically as the rider thinks his immobility is simply stubbornness and starts using spurs and whip.
Cranial Nerve 11 CN11
Horses evolved in North America over millions of years adapting and evolving with their habitat. As climates cooled forests retreated and grassland dominated. Horses became grazers and learned that herding and living in small groups enhanced their chances of survival. Social behaviours developed as well as combative behaviour among stallions. To protect harems and defeat opponents stallions developed the instinct to bite their opponents in the wither area and literally bring rivals to their knees. 
Stallions will also bite mares in the same area in preparation for mating to stop them from moving forward in order to mount them safely. Predators will also attack in this same region of the neck to hinder the flight response and bring the prey down. 
This reflex point in the wither area is known as cranial nerve 11 CN11 and nature has determined three survival mechanism reflexes for this vulnerable spot. If the mare or the rival horse is bitten at that point the nerve sends a signal to the brain that the movement in the upper arm and shoulder blade be blocked. The second signal ensures that the longissimus dorsi muscle the long back muscle the saddle sits on and the largest muscle in the horses body contracts dropping the horses back so that the vertebrae fall into each other as in kissing spine syndrome. Kissing spines constitute a condition in which