There are no vertical ribbons. This is not as easy as in pre-ribbon versions. However, there is quite a bit of power available.


You can add macros and other features to the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT).
Modifying the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) in Microsoft Word
Note, if you put your macros in custom groups on a custom Ribbon tab, you can add those groups to the QAT.


For more flexible and powerful ribbon modification, you need to go to XML editing.
Customize the Ribbon (It doesn't take rocket science) by Greg Maxey