Dynamic Balance Saddle Fitting & Equine Therapy

05/07/2025

I was going to say something about this on here, but I think you should just watch this and the words will come to you on its own

Lara

The 24 Behaviors of the Ridden Horse in Pain is a film that dares to challenge the way we look at "badly behaving" horses, and promotes the notion that lamen...

18/06/2025

🟡 Yellow Flag: Subtle Syntax in Saddle Fitting

Not every horse reacts to saddle discomfort with obvious signs like biting, bucking, or ear-pinning.

Some go quiet.
Some turn their head to the wall.
Some stand still and stare through you.
Some seem calm, but they’ve actually shut down.

This stillness can be misread as acceptance or even good behavior, but for many horses, it's a sign they've given up trying to communicate their discomfort.

💛 This is a yellow flag. A subtle syntax.
It’s not loud, but it matters.

If your horse seems strangely still or has a sudden change in demeanor from being interactive to becoming robotic or if your horse seems TOO flat or TOO detached while being tacked up, don’t ignore it.
They might not be fighting. But they’re definitely not fine.

16/06/2025

✅ This is a green flag.

It tells us the saddle may be fitting well.
That your horse isn’t anticipating discomfort the momemt you put weight in the saddle.
You may still experience issues when in motion, but a quiet horse at the mounting block is a solid start.
It shows that their mind and body are in a calm, cooperative place.

Of course, one green flag doesn’t tell the whole story, but it’s a sign you’re on the right path.
Celebrate it. Build on it. Your horse is telling you something good.

13/06/2025

🟥 Red Flag: Reacting to the Saddle

Some horses grind their teeth or bite.
Some stomp.
Some lift their head sharply the moment the saddle is placed on their back, or even before it touches them.

And yet, too often, we brush this off: “He’s just dramatic.”
“That’s just her personality.”

But it’s not drama.
It’s clear communication.

⚠️ When a horse shows tension before or as the saddle even touches their back, it’s not about attitude. It is the anticipation of discomfort.

If your horse resists the saddle, it’s worth asking why.

We need to stop labeling pain as personality.

Let’s rather receive this behavior with curiosity and not just dismiss it.

18/03/2025

✨ Shoulder Release Transformation! ✨

Tight muscles and fascial restrictions can cause discomfort and limit mobility, but the horse’s body naturally seeks balance. When given the right support, it will instinctively return to a state of ease and homeostasis.

This is a perfect example of just how much a horse can shift in just one session! You can see the difference in the shoulder before and after—more freedom and relaxation, which would result in improved mobility.

Supporting the body’s natural ability to release tension is truly incredible to witness!🐴

Jen