Schooling/Exercising

I have been riding for over 25 years and almost always on someone else’s horse.  Everything from riding school ponies to hunters, polo ponies and eventers with a fair few in between – well into triple figures.

I can help you keep your horse fit if you are running short on time, bring them back into work or help work on their schooling and jumping.

I can help your horse improve their balance (vertical and horizontal) and to work in a correct body posture, by this I mean using their abdominal and back muscles as well as engaging their hind end.  By striving to work the horse in a correct frame we are encouraging and showing the horse how to use their body in a more efficient and easier way which ultimately will not only make them a pleasure to ride but will also reduce their risk of injury.

I ride with sympathetic hands and like to feel what the horse can do and how they move first.  Horses are either left or right bent and by working with this knowledge can alter their training, improve their balance and how they are able to perform. Any imbalances may be subtle or obvious but until they are working in balance they are not performing to their best.  A balanced horse will be able to move their body more confidently as they are physically and mentally relaxed, will enjoy their training and learn more easily.

A lot can be achieved working in walk and is often underutilised. Walk has the greatest range of movement and rotation through the thoracolumbar spine and it can help release tension in the back. By having a regular, rhythmical walk will set the foundation for all other gaits and movements.

A thorough warm up and cool down is paramount to any training session, warming the muscles up beforehand increases circulation, relaxes the muscles by releasing tension and prepares them for the work to be done. Cooling down afterwards removes any lactic acid build up as well as stretching the muscles thereby preventing your horse from becoming stiff or sore.

As a therapist I combine observing a static horse and noting their muscle development, its texture, where certain areas hold tension or move freely, atrophy or hypertrophy as well as observing the horse move in-hand which builds up a complete picture of how your horse moves, why and the affect it’s having on their body. I have found including riding myself allows me to feel what you can feel, perhaps one rein feels heavier than the other, your horse has difficulty turning to the left or to the right or perhaps if you’ve felt your horse is just a bit ‘off’ I can help pinpoint what feels ‘off’. We can work together as part of your horse’s team.

A massage after your horse has been exercised and thoroughly warmed up can allow me to work a particular area, perhaps a ‘problem’ area, more than I may otherwise be able to as the muscles have had a chance to warm up and relax.

If you are experiencing any ridden problems with your horse e.g. bucking, rearing or napping you should consult your veterinarian and trainer.