"Just give it a good smack!"

Recently I was chatting to a top level event rider, explaining that I specialise in looking at performance or behavioural issues from both a physio and a behaviourists point of view. I mentioned that in my opinion, almost all ridden difficulties have an element of physical pain contributing to the problem. Her response was 'But I suppose a good rider can beat them through it'. Posting this on my Facebook page has caused uproar.

The trouble is that she's right, although I would say 'strong' rider rather than 'good'. If the rider inflicts more pain than the physical issue, then in most cases it's the rider the horse will respond to. Horses have, after all, evolved to mask their pain with adrenalin in order to survive.

In reality, most of us have some aches and pains, and yet we still function effectively and often successfully. I suspect its similar for horses. The difference is that horses have far more limited options when it comes to saying 'That's enough now, that hurts too much'. And so it's up to us as their guardians to be their 'voice', and do our best to treat them as we would hope to be treated ourselves.