Onyx Equine

Onyx Equine An Equine Trainer using LIMA training techniques and Enlightened Equitation instruction We also print and embroider our own range of gifts and clothing.

Based in Brentor, we work with a range of clients to help create their brand identity with machine embroidery and DTG printing. Please visit our website www.bramblevalley.co.uk to view our products. New items are added on a regular basis so please keep in touch!

You can fly away for some much needed family R&R......but never fully leave the equestrian in you at home......🐎
03/06/2025

You can fly away for some much needed family R&R......but never fully leave the equestrian in you at home......🐎

31/05/2025

THE BIOMECHANICAL IMPACT OF TIGHT NOSEBANDS

Tight nosebands, though commonly used in many equestrian disciplines, can cause significant biomechanical disruptions in the horse that extend far beyond the face. While the primary intention of a noseband may be to stabilize the bridle or limit evasive behaviors, when fitted too tightly, it can interfere with the natural movement and function of the jaw and surrounding structures, triggering a chain of compensatory effects throughout the body.

The horse’s jaw needs to move freely to maintain balance and comfort during work. Movements such as chewing, softening of the mouth, and subtle oscillations of the jaw play an important role in muscle relaxation and the regulation of tension through the head and neck. A tight noseband prevents this mobility, locking the mandible and increasing pressure through the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is a key area of both movement and neural feedback, it connects closely with the cervical spine and plays a role in coordinating head and neck posture.

When the TMJ is restricted, the horse may begin to develop tension through the poll and upper neck as it attempts to compensate for the lack of mobility in the jaw. This often presents as stiffness in the cervical spine and can lead to a change in how the horse carries its head and neck, typically with a more braced or inverted outline. These changes affect the alignment and movement of the entire body, especially the way the horse uses its back and shoulders.

Facial nerves, lie just beneath the skin where nosebands often apply pressure. When compressed, these nerves can become irritated, causing discomfort or even numbness. This neurological stress can result in subtle signs of evasion, like tilting the head, reluctance to bend, or general inconsistency in contact. Over time, it may also contribute to behavioral resistance or long-term hypersensitivity in the facial area.

Changes in head and neck posture feed directly into the function of the thoracic sling. If a horse begins to carry tension through the base of the neck, scapular movement can be limited, shortening the forelimb stride and reducing range of motion through the shoulder. These compensations can make the horse appear stiff in the front end or reluctant to lift through the withers, often mistaken for training or conformation issues rather than biomechanical restrictions.

The chain of compensation doesn’t stop at the front end. Because the spine is a continuous system, disturbances in cranial and cervical mechanics often affect the horse’s ability to lift the back and engage the hindquarters correctly. Horses may begin to hollow through the back, trail the hind legs, or show signs of discomfort in transitions or collected work. Over time, these compensatory patterns can place abnormal stress on joints and soft tissues, increasing the risk of strain injuries or uneven muscular development.

Scientific studies using motion analysis and muscle activity tracking have shown that horses ridden with tight nosebands demonstrate restricted movement patterns and changes in muscle activation. These biomechanical shifts may not always appear dramatic to the eye, but they indicate underlying discomfort and adaptation away from the horse’s natural way of going.

In essence, a tight noseband disrupts the horse’s ability to use its body freely and functionally. While it may produce a quieter mouth or a more polished appearance in the short term, the cost to comfort, movement, and long-term soundness can be significant. To preserve biomechanical integrity and promote sustainable performance, tack must always be fitted in a way that respects the horse’s anatomy and allows for natural movement.

The illusion of control it creates masks the very dysfunction it causes, ultimately working against the principles of balance, suppleness, and symmetry that underpin all forms of evidence-based training.

This perfect explanation of learning theory by Aliyah Woodland from the The NAC - Applied Animal Science .  It can take ...
28/05/2025

This perfect explanation of learning theory by Aliyah Woodland from the The NAC - Applied Animal Science . It can take a while to appreciate and understand the concept, but when you do, it's a "light bulb moment"!

Some light beach side holiday reading.....thought of my friend Larissa when I bought it 🥰
24/05/2025

Some light beach side holiday reading.....thought of my friend Larissa when I bought it 🥰

Procrastination is certainly the thief of time! First time under saddle since May and first time in over a year since Gr...
03/11/2024

Procrastination is certainly the thief of time! First time under saddle since May and first time in over a year since Grace rode Beebop. A very gentle short ride on our bitless journey with this boy. Foot perfect and stress free, on the end of the buckle, all at walk, while G effortless remembered her Enlightened Equitation training.

Plenty of R+ during the ride to mark vocal cues. Appetitive of choice......pony nuts!

Moby modelling his new halter from Handcrafted Horseware .....🥰🥰🥰
26/10/2024

Moby modelling his new halter from Handcrafted Horseware .....🥰🥰🥰

Perfect opportunity for some R+ work around spooky obstacles. We have to walk past these twice a day this week.  Today t...
22/10/2024

Perfect opportunity for some R+ work around spooky obstacles. We have to walk past these twice a day this week. Today there was a grab lorry to navigate too as well as workmen head to toe in hi viz!

CertNexus CyberSAFE assessment passed 😁
02/10/2024

CertNexus CyberSAFE assessment passed 😁

This photo was taken 5 years ago at a hunter trial,  at the time is was so proud of myself, taking my ex racehorse to a ...
30/09/2024

This photo was taken 5 years ago at a hunter trial, at the time is was so proud of myself, taking my ex racehorse to a cross country event. As an Equine Trainer and Coach I now see it with very different eyes. I see a horse that looks so anxious, he hasn't a clue what is happening, so he just stands there, wearing a martingale, a dually halter and I even travelled him in his bridle in case he was a handful when I unloaded him. He's not settled or relaxed, he just stands there. We have no connection or trust so he just stands there. This horse set me on my path to understand horses and their behaviour, I owe him everything.

01/08/2024

Everybody likes a bit of "Matchy Matchy".....even our horse's. This year we are trying out WeatherBeeta UK summer sheet combos as an alternative to fly sheets. Seahorses it is for our unicorns. Have to find an alternative for our mini Shetland though 🫤

16/04/2024

After clearing out my emails I realised that the lovely Brett from ABC Service sorted my new email address out months ago and I hadn't realised!!!

So if you receive an email from Onyx Equine it really is me and not a spam!

08/01/2024

When it's that cold you have to step out looking like the Michelin man to hay the horses! 🥶

At least it's not raining 🤩

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Brentor
Devon
PL190NF

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Based in Brentor, we stock an inspirational range of embroidered garments and accessories as well as local Hand-crafted items. Please visit our website www.bramblevalley.co.uk to view our products. New items are added on a regular basis so keep in touch!