27/10/2025
I've just read this brilliant post below 👇
I see so many horses who are dropped through the thoracic sling, but luckily, I have several tools in my belt to help. As a The Masterson Method, Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork Certified Practitioner I can work with the body to help release the restrictions which can lock your horse into this downhill pose, as a Master Saddler & Qualified Saddle Fitter I can ensure that not only does your saddle fit correctly but also your girth, any breastplate you may use, and your bridle. Any discomfort from tack is not going to encourage the horse to lift. I can also recommend some great exercises and resources to help your horse build the strength needed to carry themselves more correctly.
Contact me if you would like to talk further about the services I can offer ☺️
How to Recognize and Restore Thoracic Balance
Signs and Solutions: Recognizing Thoracic Collapse and Rebuilding Lift in the Horse
The thorax is the horse’s central suspension bridge — connecting the power of the hindquarters to the precision of the forehand. When this system loses integrity, the effects ripple through posture, gait, and even breathing. Recognizing the early signs and knowing how to restore lift can transform a tense, downhill mover into a light, elastic athlete.
Key Signs of Thoracic Collapse or Sternum Drop
1. Visual and Postural Changes
• Chest appears narrow or sunken between the front legs.
• Horse looks “downhill” in front, with the withers lower than the croup.
• Sternum feels hard, tight, or asymmetric when palpated.
• Elbows drawn inward or back toward the girth.
• Ribcage appears rigid, with minimal lateral or vertical motion during breathing.
2. Movement and Performance Clues
• Shortened forelimb stride and reduced shoulder freedom.
• Heavy contact or weight on the forehand.
• Inconsistent or one-sided lead changes.
• Uneven girth pressure or girth resistance.
• Saddle bridging or sliding forward.
• Shallow or stiff breathing, especially during transitions or collection.
3. Behavioral Indicators
• Girthiness or defensiveness during grooming near the sternum or ribs.
• Reluctance to stretch forward and down.
• Resistance when mounting or moving off.
• Fatigue or lack of enthusiasm for familiar work.
Restoring Thoracic Lift and Function
1. Manual Therapy for Release
Massage and myofascial release are powerful tools for restoring thoracic mobility and balance.
Focus areas:
• Deep and ascending pectorals: Free the sternum’s pull on the ribcage.
• Intercostals and thoracic sling muscles: Encourage rib spring and scapular glide.
• Re**us abdominis and obliques: Support upward lift through the ventral line.
• Back, wither, and neck musculature: Release restrictions that limit extension and lift.
• Medial shoulder and axillary region: Mobilize the inner shoulder muscles (subclavius, subscapularis, deep pectorals, and surrounding fascia), which often become tightly bound when the thorax collapses. Restriction here locks the horse into a downhill or braced posture.
• Related fascial lines: Address any adhesion or tension running through the chest, shoulder, or ribcage fascia.
Gentle myofascial work along the sternum, intercostals, pectorals, back, and shoulder fascia helps restore symmetrical rib motion and balance between the two sides of the sling, allowing the sternum to lift naturally.
2. Movement Therapy for Retraining
Once tissue restrictions are released, targeted movement retrains postural tone and neural coordination.
• Long walk warm-ups: Begin every session with at least 15–20 minutes of purposeful walking to lubricate fascia, warm connective tissues, and prepare the thoracic sling for lift.
• Terrain variety: Incorporate gentle inclines, uneven ground, and even variations in grass height or footing texture. These subtle shifts stimulate proprioception, engage stabilizers, and wake up the sling muscles.
• In-hand lateral work (shoulder-in, leg yields, ribcage bends) promotes thoracic rotation and sling engagement.
• Shoulder mobility exercises: Controlled protraction/retraction and small, slow circles emphasizing medial shoulder glide maintain freedom and prevent re-tightening.
• Micro-movements such as rocking, weight shifts, and core “wake-up” transitions improve body awareness and control.
• Carrot stretches toward the outside of the knees and ankles activate the oblique and ventral sling lines.
• Cavaletti and raised poles encourage dynamic sternum lift.
• Hill work develops coordinated hindquarter engagement and forward lift through the thorax.
• Transitions:
Halt → walk → halt.
Halt → walk → turn left → halt → walk → turn right.
Walk forward → halt → step sideways → halt → walk forward → halt → step opposite direction → halt → back → halt → step sideways → halt → repeat.
These slow, deliberate transitions build thoracic stability and encourage balanced engagement.
• Controlled stability work (straight-line backing, small circles, slow transitions) strengthens postural integrity.
3. Management and Daily Habits
• Maintain proper saddle fit and even girth pressure.
• Encourage free movement turnout to keep fascial tissues hydrated and responsive.
• Support fascial health through balanced nutrition and hydration.
• Incorporate breathing and rib mobility checks during grooming — observe how evenly the chest expands and the ribs swing.
• Include frequent walking on different footing throughout the week — sand, grass, gravel, and gentle hills all nourish thoracic resilience through low-impact variability.
Key Takeaways
• The thorax is a living suspension system — when it collapses, posture, breathing, and limb loading all suffer.
• Consistency is key — small, regular sessions build lasting postural change more effectively than occasional intensity.
• Slow walk work matters — deliberate, mindful walking restores fascial glide, joint hydration, and nervous system balance.
• Watch for asymmetry, shortened stride, girth sensitivity, and loss of lift as early red flags.
• Mobilizing the medial shoulder is critical to freeing the thoracic sling and restoring true forehand elasticity.
• Long walks and terrain variation are the horse’s natural tools for rehydrating fascia and retraining postural control.
• Combine manual release, movement retraining, and thoughtful management to restore functional lift.
• A supple, elevated thorax allows the spine to decompress, the sternum to align, and the horse to move with effortless lightness.
• Technique Matters: HOW your horse walks over poles, reaches for a stretch, steps sideways - these things all matter if you want your work to be effective.
https://koperequine.com/the-bow-the-string-and-the-corset-how-equine-ligaments-and-myofascial-systems-support-movement/
