I think there is a fine line between encouraging the horse to use itself correctly by putting it in a gadget or using poles and leaving it to carry on going in an established way of avoiding using itself incorrectly due to pain, remembered pain or poor musculature following injury or just not working correctly. A horse may choose to continue carrying itself in it's preferred and established way forever if not given some guidance, if it has previously worked correctly it may choose to do so once it feels comfortable but most physio involves some help to build up the muscles in the preferred way.
This is such an excellent and correct comment. I can put a slightly different, but relevant slant on the comment.
I had surgery for BC back in March 2013, through pain I developed a stooped/tipped forward stance when walking. Even though the pain decreased my posture worsened especially as I got tired. Through the summer what was left of my muscles adapted to this stooped stance and it became normal for me. I didn't really notice it until I started to feel better over the last month or so. I now have to say to myself out loud, embarrassing if anyone listening !, to 'Stand up and take big steps'
A horse will never improve his way of going unless he is encouraged in the appropriate manner to do so.
I think there is a fine line between encouraging the horse to use itself correctly by putting it in a gadget or using poles and leaving it to carry on going in an established way of avoiding using itself incorrectly due to pain, remembered pain or poor musculature following injury or just not working correctly. A horse may choose to continue carrying itself in it's preferred and established way forever if not given some guidance, if it has previously worked correctly it may choose to do so once it feels comfortable but most physio involves some help to build up the muscles in the preferred way.
This is such an excellent and correct comment. I can put a slightly different, but relevant slant on the comment.
I had surgery for BC back in March 2013, through pain I developed a stooped/tipped forward stance when walking. Even though the pain decreased my posture worsened especially as I got tired. Through the summer what was left of my muscles adapted to this stooped stance and it became normal for me. I didn't really notice it until I started to feel better over the last month or so. I now have to say to myself out loud, embarrassing if anyone listening !, to 'Stand up and take big steps'
A horse will never improve his way of going unless he is encouraged in the appropriate manner to do so.
That is a good comparison a human can tell itself to stand up, go to the gym or do whatever is required to improve posture, or not if they cannot be bothered, where a horse does not have that ability or desire, it only needs to be a horse as long as it can eat and drink, is able to run when it has to even if not functioning to full capacity it will manage, it sees no reason to carry itself well, it cannot understand that by carrying itself well it will find everything easier, we have to show them first then they will gradually become stronger and find things more comfortable.
AA pleased you are feeling better, I am sure no one is listening or if they are they are probably admiring your determination.
