The Balance of Body – horse and rider
This is our second blog in the body-series of ‘Get the best performance WITH your horse’.
As explained in my previous blog : “How to deepen your horse riding seat” this accomplishment needs connection and this is achieved through balance of the body, mind and soul of horse and rider.
As much as is the importance of the suppleness and comfort of the riders body so is that of the horse. I have no inclinations to teach you treatment techniques but my goal is to show you basic supplying body work that you can use to keep some of the most important muscles of your horse relaxed and support his body into a better alignment. By keeping him relaxed physically and comfortable in his body, you will deepen your connection.
Horse Massage Relaxation Techniques
There is no time limit to these techniques. Read your horse. See what he responds to. He will tell you if he doesn’t like something you are doing by tensing up or moving away from you. If he does, change your approach. Move onto a different technique and come back later. If he still doesn’t appear to like what you are doing, try again tomorrow.
What is really important while applying these techniques is deep breathing, a wide base, relaxed shoulders and keeping close to his body.
Permission and Awareness
As with any approach to horses in my view, ask permission before you attempt any sort of body work. Remember that asking is only one part, getting consent is the largest part. When I work with horses or people, I believe that you need to bring awareness to the area of target before you begin to work. This serves both neurological and emotional benefits. Wait until your horse softens before you continue.
Start with the Neck
Aim at suppling the large brachiocephalic neck muscle. Rock the muscle with the base of your hand as if you were moving the skin on the muscle in a downward direction. Avoid always pinching the muscle between your thumb and forefingers. This pinch is often how this muscle is tested for discomfort and is in my view rather unfair as I believe a hard enough pinch will elicit a reaction with most horses. Remember that your motion for your techniques should always come form your hips and not your hands. Keep rocking with the base of your hand, breathe and connect.
Moving to the lower back
Moving onto the lower back, once again ask permission to touch. Wait for your approval. With these techniques your base of support is still your hips. Mobilise your wrists up and down. Keep your shoulders relaxed, stabilise your core and breathe. Remember your core and always move from the hips. Constantly give praise, don’t forget to have fun. This is suppling 101 but it is also hugely about boding and breathing each other. Keep those shoulders relaxed. Stiff movement will lead to a stiff outcome.
Follow the tissue
Follow the tissue to where it wants to take you. Here I’m being led to the outside of the thigh. I add some firm stroking techniques to bring awareness to the new area. Remember to breathe, breathing helps him feel exactly what your intention is. Add more pressure to your stroking and with the base of your hand stretch the tissue of the lateral thigh.
Always show your Appreciation
Always thank you’re your horse for the privilege of letting you connect with his body, mind and soul.
For you and your horse
Please note that nothing I share with you in these videos is meant for your groom to perform while you are working late. This is aimed at deepening the bond between you and your horse while maintaining good musculoskeletal health and alignment. All these techniques are aimed at enhancing your relationship with your horse by learning to understand and respect each others body, mind and soul with the aim of better performance as a team.
Enjoy and have fun
Happy connecting.
Love and light.
Purchase My Rider and Horse Downloadable PDF Tutorials
In my years of practice, I have learnt some of the most important exercises to prevent injury and to rehabilitate post injury.
Download these purchaseable tutorials for the best guidance out there. More to come.
More From This Category
Peace of Mind for you and your Animals this Holiday
After a challenging year, you deserve to rest, and you should utilise the time for soul replenishment and family connection. To better this experience, ensure that the stresses at home are well managed. One thing you do not need to be anxious or guilty about this...
How to deepen your horse riding seat – 3 stretches for horse riders
The pelvic floor musculature are muscles not mentioned enough in the riding world. We all know one of the necessities of riding is sitting in the saddle! But some riders have trouble finding a deep seat and they are uncertain why.
Life’s challenges are our biggest paths toward growth.
I’ve come to learn that you need to delve in the valleys to reach the beauty of the mountains.
Many of us have overcome such challenges and experienced the power of growth from those hardships. I’ve personally experienced that in life, some doors have had to close to allow windows to open elsewhere. These windows have led me to my soul’s purpose.
0 Comments