BODY WORK

The most important thing to remember when working with horses is that there is no such thing as the symmetrical equine. Horses, like humans, have a stronger side, are uneven through the body and develop postural habits and traits at a very early age.

The posture of the horse directly influences behaviour and performance and many unwanted problems such as bucking, bolting, rearing, napping, biting etc can be traced to specific patterns of uneven tension and blocked awareness in the body.

By learning how each part of the horse's body directly affects performance and behaviour you can take steps to improve every aspect of your horse's life safely and effectively. You can make the impossible possible, the possible easy and the easy elegant. You can minimise the natural one-sidedness of your horse, help him to stay sound or recover from an injury and enable him to realise his full potential whatever your goal whilst enjoying the benefits of a happy and harmonious relationship.

Understanding how posture relates to, and influences behaviour in horses can give you valuable information about how and why your horse reacts the way he does in certain situations. This can be a helpful tool when thinking of taking on a horse when you have to rely on the information given by the previous owner or when faced with problems handling or managing the horse already in your care. Questions can be answered and frustrations removed. Even if your horse has simply become 'stuck' in his training or is inconsistent in his performance you can help him achieve freedom of movement through applying simple and proven techniques.

Body work can be used to release tension, reduce stiffness, improve circulation, increase body awareness and improve mobility and performance. It can enable horses to overcome a fear of contact, change an expectation or memory of pain, and helps horses to be easier to handle and train. Body work also helps to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, encourages deep and rhythmical breathing which boosts the immune system, improves sensory integration, reduces stress, improves performance and promotes a sense of well being in the horse.

Slow movements on the horse's body help to promote a sense of well being and relaxation

Gentle Abalone TTouches combined with a back lift helps to release the top line

Circling the legs helps to release tight shoulders and tight hind quarters

Pictures © Sarah Fisher

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