15/05/2022
So true, everything needs to be holistic in its approach to create a sound and healthy horse.
There is a direct correlation between horsemanship, training and bodywork.
These should be symbiotic in my opinion. However that is not always the case.
The physiological response of the horse’s body is direct feedback of how they are worked, ridden and trained. When the horse retains recurring tensional patterns, injuries, triggers, anxieties - this is an internal mirror of external stimuli.
When you have horses being contorted into training aids, not focusing on building the right muscle groups, ridden too long or too often, poor tack, harsh bits, behind the vertical disengaged, being pushed too far too fast, an inadequate feeding regiment, improper hoof care etc. etc. these horses need more maintenance than just a bodywork session, a chiro or some injections. They need a fundamental change. A restructuring of their entire regiment. Unfortunately a lot of people aren’t willing to make those changes bc it may cost them a win or time out of the saddle. Their horse is going so well right now they don’t want to change anything, or medal finals is right around the corner.
Do these riders love their horses? I’m sure that they do. But that doesn’t change the fact that ultimately they are not making the most humane decision for them. I encourage you to take a step back and assess what your program looks like for your horse. Not just in the sense of, are you getting bodywork/maintenance done for them but also: Are they getting adequate rest? Does their tack fit? Are they being ridden in a humane way? Have you figured out why they are spooking or bucking? Are you actually addressing structural problems, or just covering them up? Are you putting the horse first or are you putting your agenda first?
These are the questions that we need to be asking ourselves. Until then it’s not about the horse.. not really, it’s about the human.
