The Science Of Equestrianism

17/01/2021

ok, so lets get a little technical - The hyoid apparatus is a structure to which the tongue is attached and makes up the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The Brachiochalicus and other interlinked muscles and flexor tendons within the horses’ muscular structure are connected to the scapular, humerus and sternum, which assist in protraction of the forelimb. so, you can see there is a direct link between all these structures from the head to the forelimb.

Thus, it makes sense doesn't it? ..... by restricting movement of the jaw or applying too much pressure on the tongue, you will see it in the horse’s forelimb action, and then as we all know what we see at the front end may have an effect on the back end. This doesn't mean all ridden problems/ issues / struggles come from the bit or bridle but..... its definitely something to think about... right?

Everyday is a learning day! :)

Allowing movement in the jaw from the bridle and room for the tongue is something i talk about a lot to clients, not just as a bit fitter but also as a therapist and a coach. we are all told the '2 finger rule' when fitting a noseband and flash and most people keep hearing he 'needs more room for the tongue', but why?

i'll tell you .....

Allowing sufficient room in the bridle and fitting the correct bit in accordance to your horses’ personality and anatomy helps his jaw stay mobile in order to relieve muscle tension that may build up when in collection or extension.

ok, so lets get a little technical - The hyoid apparatus is a structure to which the tongue is attached and makes up the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The Brachiochalicus and other interlinked muscles and flexor tendons within the horses’ muscular structure are connected to the scapular, humerus and sternum, which assist in protraction of the forelimb. so, you can see there is a direct link between all these structures from the head to the forelimb.

Thus, it makes sense doesn't it? ..... by restricting movement of the jaw or applying too much pressure on the tongue, you will see it in the horse’s forelimb action, and then as we all know what we see at the front end may have an effect on the back end. This doesn't mean all ridden problems/ issues / struggles come from the bit or bridle but..... its definitely something to think about... right?

28/10/2020

Daily reminder!

21/08/2020

Exactly! Own your personal successes!

08/08/2020

Exercise your mental muscles!

It’s often quoted that up to 90% of sports performance is psychological. Even it it’s not quite that high, how much time do you spend working on the mental and emotional parts of your rides?

07/08/2020

02/08/2020

So true ❤

“How much weight can a horse carry?

In my experience, a horse can carry an infinite amount.

They can carry the weight of broken hearts, broken homes, and broken bodies. Countless tears sometimes comb their tangled manes. Moments when parents and friends cannot be there to help and hold a person, horses embrace and empower. They carry physical, mental, and emotional handicaps. They carry hopes and dreams; and they will carry the stress from your day when you can't carry it anymore.

They carry graduations, they carry new careers, they carry moves away from everything familiar, they carry marriages, they carry divorces, they carry funerals, they carry babies before they are born, and sometimes they carry the mothers who cannot carry their own baby. They carry mistakes, they carry joy, they carry the good and they carry the bad. They carry drugs and addictions, but they also carry the celebrations.

They will carry you to success when all you have felt is failure. They will carry you, never knowing the weight of your burdens and triumphs.

If you let them, they will carry you through life, and life is hard, life is heavy. But a horse will make you feel weightless under it all.”

Author unknown

05/04/2020

Love this image!

To visualize the role of the outside aids...

Envision them as the banks of a river. The horse’s energy is the river, and the banks contain and direct the flow of the energy, whether the river (horse) is going straight or around a corner. —Susan Jaccoma

🎨 Illustration by Sandy Rabinowitz

28/03/2020

I have a forthcoming book coming out and I am working on the final content edits before heading to the copy editors. I am reading this book, and the concept of emotional labour in equines is fascinating to consider:

"In a similar way, I posit that the terms emotional labour and emotion work are relevant. After studying flight attendants' work, Arlie Hochschild argued that the performed emotions as a regular part of their jobs. Emotional labour is now used by many labour scholars, particularly those studying work in service, retail, and other interactive industries which require people to physically present a particular emotional image, regardless of how they are actually feeling or being treated...I argue that animals, including horses, perform emotional labour in many contexts." -Equine Cultures in Transitions: Ethical Questions

14/03/2020

Repeat this.

10/03/2020

There is a way to help every horse and pony become soft and supple in your hand that is both easy and natural.

07/03/2020

Did you know that you can actually rewire your brain and become a better rider, without ever getting on a horse? Did you know that there is extensive scientific evidence that shows athletes with positive and optimistic outlooks outperform those that have negative self-talk? How are you talking to yourself? Come join us this Sunday at the Double Shoe Arena to learn how to rewire your brain and become a better rider! https://www.facebook.com/events/215060419641766/

Did you know that you can actually rewire your brain and become a better rider, without ever getting on a horse? Did you know that there is extensive scientific evidence that shows athletes with positive and optimistic outlooks outperform those that have negative self-talk? How are you talking to yourself? Come join us this Sunday at the Double Shoe Arena to learn how to rewire your brain and become a better rider! https://www.facebook.com/events/215060419641766/

06/03/2020

Relax your tongues!

02/03/2020

25/02/2020

A girth that is too tight or too restrictive can have a huge negative effect on your horse.

From Dr. Russell MacKechnie Guire at: http://www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR1zK22qlPs6SNna4PspOi-nyiASF3Dc22LI4OhMPoACCj2ZuOqb-O6V2eU

09/02/2020

Mechanisms of shock absorption in the hoof.

06/02/2020

If you put anything in your horse's mouth, you must watch this!

05/02/2020

Testing for tonight! So much awesome content!

05/02/2020

If you put a bit in your horse's mouth, you won't want to miss this webinar tonight at 7pm CST!

02/02/2020

A little PSA from Cali and I before our ride on this lovely Sunday morning! Listen to your horse. They all have idiosyncrasies, and the more you listen, the easier it is for you and them. Cali, for example, holds tension in the lumbar area naturally. Therefore, I make sure I warm her up thoroughly, focus on stretching this area, and when I feel her release, I know she is ready for her workout. If I do not take this time, she is very tight, tense, and resistance. If I warm her up and allow her to stretch and listen to her, our workouts are much more fruitful. All horses hold tension in different areas. Find yours and have a happier horse 💕❤🐎

01/02/2020

By: Julia Merritt Certified Equi-Bow Practitioner We all know the importance of keeping muscles, tendons, and joints healthy. An issue with any one of these can impact the overall health of the body, and if there is too much tension in one area, the body will compensate in others, creating discomfor...

29/01/2020

Learn about the vagus nerve and golgi nerve and the science behind why "I think I can" actually works! https://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/the-science-behind-why-i-think-i-can-actually-works

Your brain's number one priority is self-preservation. If it doesn’t function your body dies. So above all else, it prioritizes it's own protection.

29/01/2020

This page is dedicated to dispersing information about the science behind equestrian sports. This ranges from the biomechanics of horse/rider movement to sports psychology. There will be webinars directed by Andria Pooley, an accomplished equestrian athlete and educator. Sample webinar topics include: "The physiology of the equine athlete: peak performance and injury avoidance," "Overcoming Fear: Steps to let go of anxiety and previous trauma," and "Equine Behavior: Understanding and overcoming the flight response." These webinars will be one hour long, will include power point and live demos, and will be live-streamed so viewers can ask questions and interact from the comfort of their own home. Andria has competed to the FEI levels in both dressage and eventing, and studies biomechanics and sports psychology. She believes that attaining better performance should start in the classroom and show in the arena. Come join us!