09/09/2025
Is Relaxation Important?
In short. YES.
Without relaxation, we have tension.
When we have tension, we may get restrictions.
When we get restrictions, we may start to see changes:
- Physical changes such as altered strides, changes in muscling/compensatory patterns, decreased performance, etc
- Behavioural changes including: aggression, anxiety, "laziness", stubbornness, unpredictability, etc
These physical and behavioural descriptions of horses help me in identifying potential areas of tightness - but they also tell me a lot about how the horse is feeling within their current routine/environment before I set eyes on them.
When I meet a horse who is described as high anxiety, unpredictable, or hot and has a poorly developed top-line, over developed brachiocephalic muscles (under neck), and is sensitive through the girth area and/or poll - I do not see a horse who is comfortable in their routine/environment or body.
And in all honesty, there is only so much bodywork can do to improve this.
If a horse is consistently or frequently in fight or flight mode, they are going to continue to hold tension throughout their body. If they continue to remain in this state, we may start to see compensation patterns develop, responsive behaviours may continue to worsen, and ultimately, we may see changes in performance.
Yes, I can come in and massage these tight areas, but at the end of the day, if we cannot determine WHY this horse is unable to come out of that fight or flight state, we are going to continue to see the same issues arise again and again.
When we can help our horses down from this state, we will start see positive changes within their body. Only once they can relax, can we really, properly, target specific muscle groups that will allow them to better perform the tasks we ask from them.
And quite frankly, there's a good chance they'll be happier to be a participant in them.
