To teach head yielding to the side, grasp the horse's nose by the "handle" on either side of the nose (the bony bridge) and apply pressure in the direction you wish the horse's head to turn. The second the horse gives even an inch, release the pressure.  The horse learns to yield through the release of pressure, not necessarily the pressure, so get that release timing slit-second accurate.

 Keep working, encouraging the horse to bring the head over, releasing pressure when you get what you want, but accepting baby steps ("the try") to get there. Reward for the smallest try, the slightest change.

You can help the neck yield by applying pressure and rubbing on the opposite side of the neck if needed. Being rubbed on the "outside" helps a horse to release those neck muscles and yield better. These yielding lessons are simply the foundation, which will later translate over to understanding reins. Later, when in saddle, you can return to rubbing the outside neck to help with an opposite-side yield, whenever needed, and he will understand that cue better.

 Doc's neck gets softer and softer as we go here. It's taking less and less pressure as he's making the pressure/release mental connection. Don't force the head over. Simply hold the pressure steady and release when he "gives." However, never release the pressure when they are "fighting" against it (for example, if they are trying to jerk away), or else the horse will have learned through a release then that fighting-it works. Just hold the pressure and release when he gives, even if you have to circle with the "fighting-it" horse in the beginning! But even then, remember to perceive/release at the slightest give, the tiniest try on the horse's part. Reward the smallest try, the slightest change and you'll get there faster and easier. Take baby steps as acceptable!

Frequently, it helps to lower your head, lowering your stature, as well, in the area you wish to bring the horse's head over to; this helps the horse to understand where he's supposed to be going.

 Another "horse whispering" technique is, once the horse's head has yielded to where you want it to be, to breathe into his nose with your nose for reward.  Most horses absolutely love this! And if they've never had it done to them before by a human, they can completely melt in your arms in utter bonding delight.

Here Doc has yielded his head softly with no amount of pressure, so that he can receive the nose-to-nose breathe, which horses enjoy so much. It creates an intimate bond and builds a foundation of trust.

 Here, Doc finally gets it. Bigtime!  I have no real amount of pressure going on here whatsoever, just a simple touch and he brings his head over. And why not? He's going to get rubbed on and rewarded for it and he can't wait!

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