Horse Posture Resources

FlyingCircus

FlyingCircus

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What is the latest in useful resources for impacting horse posture?

The new boy spends his life like this:

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He's quite on edge/jumpy fellow generally. So hopefully in helping him relax it will lead to a better top line and not so much under neck muscle.

But what's the latest? ☺️ I'd love some resources I could read and follow.
 
My youngest cob is much the same - I pick bits I like and so far I've taken some from Ritter (it was their prepare for canter exercises which helped the most) & I also like Annie Dillon although she can get quite waffly

I joined Balance Through Movement when it was being bandied around everywhere and if you can find the free video on what they call pillar 1 I think that's helpful with these kind of horses. That focus on a soft under neck and getting the lift through the withers is something I'm a lot more conscious of in whatever exercise I'm doing and I start my warm up there.

Be interested in what you find works for you.
 
SEL said:
My youngest cob is much the same - I pick bits I like and so far I've taken some from Ritter (it was their prepare for canter exercises which helped the most) & I also like Annie Dillon although she can get quite waffly

I joined Balance Through Movement when it was being bandied around everywhere and if you can find the free video on what they call pillar 1 I think that's helpful with these kind of horses. That focus on a soft under neck and getting the lift through the withers is something I'm a lot more conscious of in whatever exercise I'm doing and I start my warm up there.

Be interested in what you find works for you.
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It's something I never seemed to get right with my older boy (now 19). So super keen to work on it from early as possible.

Do you find any physio/osteo/etc type work helping also? I've just set up some regular 8 weekly sessions with a specialist in horse biomechanics and massage therapy - so wondering if that will make some steady strides to helping.

Is a challenge when they're built like this from the outset and wired to be on edge/observing.
 
I'm Dun said:
I cant seem to articulate what I mean, but no chance he has ulcers? Something just says stomach/gut pain to me.
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He doesn't have any symptoms, other than maybe the being nervy. Doesn't mind being touched all over, isn't girthy, etc.

He was pretty lean when I picked him up 5 ish weeks ago, so still needs some more groceries 😊 He has improved, but definitely a ways to go. Maybe that's part of what you're seeing? He is a bit whippet like for my liking at the moment!
 
FlyingCircus said:
It's something I never seemed to get right with my older boy (now 19). So super keen to work on it from early as possible.

Do you find any physio/osteo/etc type work helping also? I've just set up some regular 8 weekly sessions with a specialist in horse biomechanics and massage therapy - so wondering if that will make some steady strides to helping.

Is a challenge when they're built like this from the outset and wired to be on edge/observing.
Click to expand...
I'm a qualified bodyworker so yes to regular bodywork although I did get my equine physio friend in for a couple of sessions too because I find it hard to be objective with my own horses! 8 week sessions sound great - hopefully with some useful exercises. I do a lot with poles.

ID's point on gut is a good one. I've had some tapeworm issues and I can tell when he needs worming because he starts to brace. I've worked my way through a lot of gut supplements
 
He's on a pretty ulcer friendly routine and diet (lives out 24/7 with access to ad lib forage, and low starch and sugar feed). But I will definitely keep an eye on any ulcer type symptoms, as that certainly won't help if he's uncomfortable. He has had a lot of change in the last 18 months, having come from Ireland and then I'm now his 3rd home since then, so definitely been through some potentially stressful situations.
 
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