Osteo vet

[Ceriann]

Came out this week to see my previously broken mare - hind medial branch injury about 18 months ago. Rehabbed well, branch fixed but still a niggle not using herself properly. Tom Beech came out and was incredibly thorough. We have two issues - one fairly common (around SI area) with tried and tested ways of tackling, with lots of suppling, back releasing work required - to keep that area as as soft and relaxed as possible. All this to be done through focused in hand work and then correct work on hacks (no gadgets). Bit gutted schooling is off the menu (She will default to current defensive posture and go backwards) and it feels like a step back but positively he’s confident we can hugely improve her for the long term. Anyone used any online in hand training for straightness etc or a book? I got loads of info but there’s nothing like seeing exercises. Focus is correct posture, backing up correctly, pole work (all in hand). Thanks

 

[BBP]

I think if you change your mindset to think that your in hand work *is* schooling, then your horse won’t go backwards or revert in her posture. I’m in a similar boat and I’m actually really enjoying the in hand work. Whether it’s in hand near the head, or long reining or on the lunge, I’m always working on maintaining straightness, forwards, balance. Where are the shoulders, is he open in his frame or backing off, are his back muscles lengthening or contracting. And it’s just as much a conversation with my hands, voice and whip aids as when I was riding, only now I can both feel and see him move and what the muscles are doing, which is great.

I’ve been reading the horses inside out books which are helping me to understand what I am influencing and what I am aiming to achieve. The posture and performance book is good.

I incorporate trick training too, to add variety if I get stuck.

 

[Ceriann]

I think if you change your mindset to think that your in hand work *is* schooling, then your horse won’t go backwards or revert in her posture. I’m in a similar boat and I’m actually really enjoying the in hand work. Whether it’s in hand near the head, or long reining or on the lunge, I’m always working on maintaining straightness, forwards, balance. Where are the shoulders, is he open in his frame or backing off, are his back muscles lengthening or contracting. And it’s just as much a conversation with my hands, voice and whip aids as when I was riding, only now I can both feel and see him move and what the muscles are doing, which is great.

I’ve been reading the horses inside out books which are helping me to understand what I am influencing and what I am aiming to achieve. The posture and performance book is good.

I incorporate trick training too, to add variety if I get stuck.

I’m embarrassed to say I overlooked long reining! Thanks for this - I’ll take a look.

 

[Trouper]

If you have a look at Tom Beech's FB page he often has articles from the other professionals with whom he works which might give you some ideas on specific exercises.