My  life around horse exceeds a half of a century. Some of the techniques I witnessed  that “horseman” asked of their mounts to create behavior and physical changes border on cruelty. Obviously, approaches to any discipline are handed down and the negative ones become ingrained. I have witnessed “trainers” using methods to get their horses to pick up their knees while jumping that instilled fear in them to where jumping became a frightening and painful experience where the horse avoided jumping altogether which  then cascaded into more training techniques that I consider not only cruel but stupid! I have witnessed Park horse that were asked to exaggerate their knee movements using shoeing techniques and tying annoying things around their feet so that the horse lifted its feet abnormally high because they were frightened of what might get “attacking” their feet. 

Using fear and pain as tools in horse training is not only ethically questionable but can also lead to long-term physical and psychological harm to the animals. Positive reinforcement and humane training methods that focus on understanding the horse’s natural behavior and using it to shape desired responses tend to yield better results in terms of both performance and the horse’s overall welfare.

 In either case, where the knees aren’t being raised up and held up, or held up  long enough in a jumper’s case. It might be as simple as a muscular imbalance. Maybe, just maybe, there is an issue with the triceps and the serratus thororacis that could be addressed simply by manual intervention of these muscles. And if there is no apparent issue in the presence. Working those muscles could prevent future problems. It’s quite simple to address those muscles and find out if there is a potential that they are involved in the problem.

As the equestrian community evolves, there is a growing emphasis on science-based, horse-friendly training techniques that prioritize the well-being of the animal. Many trainers and riders are adopting methods that prioritize building a positive relationship between the horse and rider, and that focus on clear communication, trust, and the horse’s natural abilities.

Continuing to raise awareness about these issues, sharing your insights, and advocating for ethical and responsible training methods can contribute to positive changes within the equestrian world.

 

Bill Berryman was a highly experienced and skilled farrier from Wales who immigrated to Colorado  in the early part of the 20th century with a unique background and a deep understanding of horses and their movements. His years spent driving teams of horses hauling the red slate rock that was used in the building of the University of Colorado from the Lukenon Quarry in Lyons to Boulder, Colorado which was 17 miles in each direction gave him a unique perspective on shoeing. Really in many ways he was the last of breed of horsemen (and maybe I should include women) who used horses to haul freight over rough dirt roads for years on end, and had the ability to observe long hours of the horses movements and the use that knowledge to the best of his ability to craft shoes to enhance their movement and protect their feet.

Farriers who have spent considerable time observing and working with horses in real-world situations often develop a keen eye for confirmation and a deep understanding of equine biomechanics. This knowledge enables them to provide customized shoeing solutions that address the specific needs of each individual horse, whether it be for general maintenance, performance enhancement, or corrective purposes. Such experienced farriers are valuable assets to the equestrian community, as they play a crucial role in maintaining the health and soundness of horses across various disciplines and activities as we all know. I also believe even the best shoeing job isn’t as good as nature intended, unless the horse has some very challenging confirmation problems. That is why I believe the various forms of myofascial manipulation and cranial sacral therapy can be a perfect addition to the horse overall well being and performance if the shoes might create some imbalances in the lower leg that would translate in to the shoulder and then through the entire structure. [Read more…]

Facia, fascia, fascia everywhere and why you should care! Its quite a buzz word these days as it should be. But, when Dr. Ida Rolf was trumpeting its value in human health way back in the 1950’s and 60’s it was falling mostly on deaf ears!  This system of surrounding connective tissue of strands and layers, forms a complex whole-body network. For a long time, the fascia was believed to be no more than just a silky covering on the muscles. Fortunately, in recent years, science has brought it more to the foreground and brought to our attention how important fascia is to health and performance. 

Fascia is now classified as its own organ. Pull out all the other tissue and you will still have the form of the subject… sort of that is. In other words, the fascia forms a suspended network that pervades the entire body. That’s what the name implies: fascia means “bind” or “band” and “binding together” is exactly what this important organ does. The connective tissue varies in strength: it can range from very, very thin to a thick layer; as for example, in a horse’s superficial and deep flexor tendon (where it is as thick as a finger). Or at the lumbar area of a human. Believe me I know after 35 years working with mostly human and horse fascia. There is fascia throughout the entire body, from head to hind to hoof, which penetrates and encloses the bones, muscles, muscular connectors, organs, blood vessels, and nerve pathways. Muscles and fascia form one interconnected communicating network. Fascial tissue is comprised from 60 to 70 percent water. This fluid works like as a lubricant between the layers of fascia, so that the muscles can glide over one another without rubbing. Quadriceps and hamstrings often get stuck together and can’t do their “jobs” as well if there were no adhesions between them. The fascia connects multiple joints and muscles together at the same time: straight, crossing, diagonal, and spiral in form. So, too, organs are surrounded by fascia, which keeps them in the correct position within the abdominal cavity.Fascia is extremely strong and impacts  the horse’s stability and mobility. It also possesses receptors and sensors, making it one of the most important organs in the body for communication. More on the importance of that fact that in a later post.

I have also observed for 35 years how this complex organ is also plagued by dysfunction. If it wasn’t,  I wouldn’t have had a job!  Among other things, when fascia gets “stuck” this impacts its structure and function often detrimentally to the horses well-being. An adhesion can come about through injury, overuse, underuse (think standing in stalls for hours a day), mental stress or too much pressure on the tissue. Imagine how a poor fitting saddle and an imbalanced rider impacts the tissues below them. When the fascia is “stuck” as we called it at the Rolf Institute, the fluid between the layers of tissue dissipates leaving the fascia dry, tough and inflexible. In a horse with chronic back pain, there’s always a change of the large, thick fascia of the back. That is why I spend more time there then probably anywhere in the body. This  definitely limits their movement capability; it prevents the lifting of the back properly, which again limits the forward and backward movements of the limbs. So, if fascia is a unit of tissue in the horse’s body from front to back, but also from outside to inside, you might now be grasping the picture of what Dr. Ida Rolf said, the source of pain isn’t always where you think it is. Fascial health is important in the maintenance of strength and stability. We can impact the dysfunction in the fascia with our educated hands and elbows, (Dr, Rolf was known as Mrs. Elbows) and impart a more healthy emotional and physical response in our horses. Injuries are less likely to occur and more freedom in movement means better performance and recovery when the fascial regains or maintains its elasticity. All this can be achieved with an educated touch, an attitude of love and respect for these noble animals who give us such joy day in and day out. And in many cases, despite dealing with abusive “owners” who don’t even recognize the suffering they are causing their steeds. More on that issue in the next post!

In my past I cared for 52 horses in Colorado for a few years and 9 Arabian stallions on a Virginia breeding farm. All stalled unless they were turned out. If you have any intuitive intelligence whatsoever or better yet intuition and empathy, you know the impacts on them are in many ways disastrous. In our efforts to care for our beloved horses, it’s essential to consider their natural behaviors and instincts. One crucial aspect that is often overlooked in stall confinement, is the need for horses to have their heads down, moving freely for extended periods. This seemingly simple, yet vital behavior plays a significant role in their mental and physical well-being. Let’s take a closer look at why denying horses the opportunity to spend time with their heads down can lead to imbalances.

In the wild, horses spend a substantial portion of their day grazing, which involves keeping their heads down to forage for grass and plants. This natural behavior is deeply ingrained in their genetic makeup and has shaped their physiology over thousands of years. Grazing provides a steady intake of small amounts of food, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system and prevents digestive issues such as colic and gastric ulcers. For horses, the act of grazing is not just about fulfilling their nutritional needs; it also offers mental stimulation and relaxation. The process of searching for and selecting food engages their minds, providing a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Moreover, grazing allows horses to feel more at ease and less stressed, as it mimics the natural rhythm of their daily activities in the wild.

When horses are confined to stalls for prolonged periods, we deny them the ability to engage in natural grazing behavior. As a result, they are at risk of developing physical imbalances. For instance, limited movement and standing with their heads elevated for long hours can lead to issues with their neck, spine, and overall posture. This lack of natural movement can contribute to muscle stiffness and joint problems, impacting their overall flexibility and comfort.

Horses are highly intelligent and sensitive animals, and the deprivation of their natural behaviors can lead to psychological distress as well. The inability to perform innate actions like grazing can cause frustration and anxiety. This may manifest in undesirable behaviors, such as cribbing, weaving, or other stereotypic habits, as the horse attempts to cope with the lack of mental and physical stimulation. Depressed prisoners! in many ways. Horses choose their natural partners in the field, and avoid others. We oftentimes overlook the fact in a stable that their neighbor in the next stall might not be their natural neighbors. Ears flat back, charging at the other “neighbor” or kicking the walls in anger because of their constant presence until their legs stock up are just one of the many challenges in stable management. Given the choice they wouldn’t be in close proximity which is evident if you turn a number of them out together in a large pasture.

To address these issues, horse owners must prioritize providing horses with ample opportunities to graze and move freely. Regular turnout in spacious pastures, where horses can engage in natural grazing behavior, is crucial. If turnout options are limited, implementing controlled grazing or using slow-feeding methods can also be beneficial. Additionally, regular exercise and training sessions outside of the stall can help keep horses mentally stimulated and physically active.

Furthermore, introducing environmental enrichment within the stalls can encourage natural behaviors. Providing hay in small-hole hay nets, feeding on the clean stall floor so their heads are stretched down and forward lengthening their entire spine or using treat-dispensing toys can mimic the act of grazing and alleviate boredom. Regular grooming sessions and different alternative touch therapies has an amazing benefit because positive loving  human interaction can also provide mental stimulation and help reduce stress.

In conclusion, the need for horses to have their heads down, moving for a significant portion of the day, should not be underestimated. Denying them this essential aspect of their natural behavior can have adverse effects on both their physical and mental well-being. By understanding and respecting their inherent instincts, and providing opportunities for free movement and grazing, we can ensure that our equine companions lead balanced, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Let us prioritize their welfare and strive to create an environment that nurtures their innate needs, helping them thrive as the majestic creatures they are.