10 things all good horse people know, but maybe couldn’t tell you … about confident handling from the ground

10 things all good horse people know, but maybe couldn’t tell you …  

about confident handling from the ground

If you are lacking in confidence in handling your horse, mastering these ten exercises will dramatically improve your level of confidence.

Lack of confidence in handling your horse is not something to be afraid of, it’s something to be embraced.  Before you even think about getting on your horse, there are so many fun and interesting things you can do with him from the ground to build your confidence and improve the relationship between the two of you! 

These exercises assume that you have an experienced horse who has a thorough understanding of what is expected of him. If this is not the case, please seek practical help from an expert you trust. No special facilities are required, but a 12ft lead rope is useful, and you may find that using a Dually halter gives you greater control (you can get these from the shop at www.thehorsephysio.co.uk).

1.              Standing still: Teach your horse to stand still at the end of a loose 12ft line

So much of horsemanship is based on the ability to stand still. Without this foundation solidly in place, it is likely that cracks will show elsewhere in your relationship with your horse. Ask your horse to stand. Notice exactly where each of his feet are so that you can correct him if he moves them, by moving each foot back to approximately where it started from. Facing your horse, back away a couple of steps, being careful to keep the line (lead rope) loose, as any slight pressure could be interpreted by your horse as you asking him to move towards you. Aim to stand for at least a minute. If your horse moves a foot, instantly correct him by moving him back until the foot is where it started from, then immediately release all pressure and take a couple of steps back again. Timing is key - the quicker you correct and the quicker you release, the quicker your horse will learn what you are asking of him. Use a level of pressure in your corrections that is proportionate to the level of mistake he's made, so if he's just crept forwards then gently ask him to move back. As you progress, take another step back, then another, until you are at the end of a loose 12ft line. Repeat consistently until you and your horse are able to stand relaxed for up to ten minutes.

2.              Picking up feet: Teach your horse to stand quietly while you pick up each of his feet in turn, in the order you decide

Allowing you to hold his foot up is a sign of your horse's trust in you, since he is giving away his option to flee. Picking the feet out as quickly as you can or not picking out the hind feet altogether to avoid problems can often degenerate into further difficulties. Have someone hold him to start with, or tie him up - although eventually the goal is to be able to do this exercise with your horse loose in the stable or field. Start with one of his front feet. Position yourself safely so that you are standing beside his shoulder facing his tail. Always touch his neck or shoulder then run your hand down to his leg, rather than surprising him by touching his leg first. Run your hand down the back of his leg to the fetlock and ask him to pick up his foot. Be calm but firm, insist that he gives you his foot, even if only for a second. Don't give up because he's resisting or fidgeting, unless safety is a concern. Once he's given you his foot and you've chosen to release it, make sure you reward him with something he enjoys, perhaps a scratch on the withers (the use of food as a reward here is not appropriate). When you are confident with both front feet, follow the same procedure with the back feet. Again be careful to put your hand on his quarters and slide it down to his leg rather than surprising him by touching him on his leg straight away. Over time, vary the order in which you pick up his feet. Build up how long you can hold each foot for, up to a minute or so (if you are holding his foot up for more than a few seconds keep it fairly close to the ground to avoid placing undue stress on the joints by flexing them).

3.              Moving one foot at a time: Cause your horse to move just one foot

This might sound simple, but most people don't find it so easy when they give it a go! It doesn't matter if you're moving the foot forwards or backwards. The key is in the communication you and your horse must have to achieve such a precise goal. Start with your horse standing still, with you facing him. Ask him to move just one foot backwards. Watch really closely - in my experience people often don't notice that two or even three feet have moved! Experiment with how much pressure you need to use to ask for the initial movement, and how quickly you need to release any pressure so that he only moves one foot, as opposed to several. It's likely that you'll find you need to 'reward the thought' by releasing the pressure as you see / feel him thinking about living one foot, because of you leave it any longer than this you'll have triggered the movement of a second or third foot. This a great exercise in teaching you how to listen to your horse, and almost more importantly, in reaching your horse that you are listening to him and responding to his actions. Once you've mastered moving one foot backwards, try moving one forwards, or a front foot sideways towards you, or a hind foot sideways away from you.

Above are the first three of ten tips due to be illustrated and published at a later date – sign up for free with your name and email address at www.thehorsephysio.co.uk to be the first to hear more!

This list is not by any means exhaustive, and there are plenty more options to consider. Trust your instinct and the feedback you get from your horse, rather than what you read on the Internet, what the person in the next door stable did, or what you hear from well meaning friends. Get professional help from someone well qualified, experienced, and fully insured - remember that often you get what you pay for. Write down your goals, and believe that you will find your way to them by following a path that is right for you and your horse.

For practical help with your horse's behaviour please contact your local Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associate at www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk.

If you are concerned that your horse's behaviour might be pain related, contact your vet, or your local Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist at www.acpat.co.uk.

To find your local BHS qualified instructor please visit www.bhs.org.uk.

To find out more about Sue, her books, DVDs, and the courses she offers for you and your horse, visit www.thehorsephysio.co.uk, and while you're there please sign up to receive her regular FREE e-newsletter at www.thehorsephysio.co.uk and follow her blog at www.brainorpain.blogspot.com. You can also join Sue on Facebook at The Horse Physio, or on Twitter at @thehorsephysio.

Well done Lynda Birke and Casanova!

International rider Lynda Birke riding Casanova, a regular client of mine, at a show last week. Well done you guys, what a huge fence!!!

"If it's tight, relax it. If it's stiff, move it. If it's sore, relieve pain."

"If it's tight, relax it. If it's stiff, move it. If it's sore, relieve pain."

As a Chartered Physiotherapist, Sue's aim is to encourage the body to fix itself. Sue says "I want to 'press the right buttons' to trigger the body's own healing response. I'm not a surgeon so I won't take anything out. I'm not a medical practitioner so I won't put anything in. I believe that nature knows best, and that if the body is able to heal itself then it will do so given the right conditions and encouragement. 

My ethos in life is one of no violence, and I will not try to force the body in any way. I know that stress reduces the ability to heal. For this and other reasons I work with the horse rather than against him, aiming for relaxation as part of the treatment process." 

Much of Sue's work comes through word of mouth, and so the results speak for themselves. Many clients choose the option of regular treatment sessions for performance enhancement, to give comfort when there are known underlying conditions, or simply for peace of mind as a preventative measure. All assessments and treatments are tailored to the individual.

Techniques used include:

Massage: Massage involves working and acting on the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids.

Joint mobilisation: Joint mobilisation is a manual therapy intervention, a type of passive movement of a skeletal joint. It is usually aimed at a 'target' synovial joint with the aim of achieving a therapeutic effect. When applied to the spine, it is known as spinal mobilisation.

Soft tissue mobilisation: Soft tissue mobilisation is the hands on mobilisation of soft tissues, including fascia, muscle, tendon, ligaments, and more.

Craniosacral therapy: Craniosacral therapy (CST), or cranial-sacral therapy, is a form of bodywork or alternative therapy focused primarily on the concept of "primary respiration" and regulating the flow of cerebrospinal fluid by using therapeutic touch to manipulate the synarthrodial joints of the cranium. To do this, a practitioner will apply light touches to a patient's skull, face, spine and pelvis.

Myofascial release: Myofascial release (or MFR) is a soft tissue therapy for the treatment of skeletal muscle immobility and pain. This alternative medicine therapy aims to relax contracted muscles, improve blood and lymphatic circulation, and stimulate the stretch reflex in muscles.

Spinal mobilisation: Joint mobilisation is a manual therapy intervention, a type of passive movement of a skeletal joint. It is usually aimed at a 'target' synovial joint with the aim of achieving a therapeutic effect. When applied to the spine, it is known as spinal mobilisation.

Stretching: Stretching is a form of physical exercise in which a specific muscle or tendon (or muscle group) is deliberately flexed or stretched in order to improve the muscle's felt elasticity and achieve comfortable muscle tone.

Neurodynamics: Neurodynamics is related to communication between different parts of the nervous system.

Muscle energy techniques: Muscle energy techniques are used to treat somatic dysfunction, especially decreased range of motion, muscular hypertonicity and pain. Historically, the concept emerged as a form of osteopathic manipulative diagnosis and treatment in which the patient's muscles are actively used on request, from a precisely controlled position, in a specific direction, and against a distinctly executed physician counterforce. 

Joint manipulation: Joint manipulation is a type of passive movement of a skeletal joint. It is usually aimed at one or more 'target' synovial joints with the aim of achieving a therapeutic effect.

Exercises: Physical exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness. It is performed for various reasons, including strengthening muscles and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance, and merely enjoyment.

Gait analysis: Gait analysis is the systematic study of animal locomotion, more specifically the study of human motion, using the eye and the brain of observers, augmented by instrumentation for measuring body movements, body mechanics, and the activity of the muscles.

Heat: Heat therapy, also called thermotherapy, is the use of heat in therapy, such as for pain relief and health.

Ice: Cryotherapy is the local or general use of low temperatures in medical therapy.

Electrotherapy (TENS): Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the use of electric current produced by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes.

Advice and education

The definitions above are mostly taken from Wikipedia in May 2015.

Do as I say, or else... Clinical practice versus research

'Evidence based medicine' is a phrase these days. The concept began in the 90's, and was originally defined as the best available option combining evidence from clinical practice with evidence from research. It seems to have morphed into a debate between those who believe clinical expertise is more important, and those who believe research is more important.

How can we apply this to our practice with horses, either in behavioural work or in physio assessment and treatment? Like everything with horses, I believe the judgement should be made on an individual basis. 

I remember studying veterinary physio at the Royal Veterinary College and having to study a section on horse behaviour. It was taught by, in my opinion, very research based scientists as opposed to clinical practitioners (ie by university lecturers as opposed to by those working with horses and their owners on a daily basis). I had worked in and studied horse behaviour for nearly 10 years, and been an instructor / groom / horse problem solver for another 10 years before that. I found myself wondering whether these lecturers had ever actually tried applying the techniques they were teaching in the real world (ie with horses and their owners, rather than with horses and students in scientific trials). When it came to exam time I struggled to answer the behavioural questions because none of the multiple choice answers fitted my experiences!

I do believe that research is of huge value, and should underpin the majority of our practices. I say 'majority of' rather than 'all of' because the fact is that there will never be enough funding for equine / equestrian research, except in conditions that affect racehorses. So it is impossible to base all of what we do on what the science recommends. But what science there is available to us should not be ignored.

Nerves that fire together wire together

"Nerves that fire together wire together"

This is a comment from a physio podcast I was recently listening to, and it's a phrase that really got me thinking. There is plenty of science available now demonstrating the plasticity of the brain, it's ability to adapt over time. Monty Roberts has often mentioned what he calls 'muscle memory', in particular in relation to loading - where the more times the horse goes up the ramp successfully the more his muscles will remember that pattern. 

In the podcast they were discussing chronic pain, and how in some cases the brain still signals pain even though the original injury is long healed. The interviewee explained that if you spent a couple of years intensely learning to speak French, for example, you couldn't just 'unlearn' it. I felt that was a great way of explaining how some people continue to suffer long after it seems they should have recovered.

How does this apply to horses though? I'm not sure. I think that in far too many cases, a horses attempts to communicate pain or discomfort are dismissed as being 'remembered pain'. The classic is the horse whose saddle didn't fit, and once the saddle has been adjusted he continues to grump about the saddle being put on. Is that because the pain from the old saddle hasn't resolved, does the new saddle not fit as well as it should, is he displaying 'remembered pain', or was the original problem actually not about the saddle?

It's a really tough one, because we can only pick practitioners we trust and respect and go by what they say. Personally I believe that in the huge majority of cases, the horse is genuinely trying to communicate. Sadly this doesn't necessarily make it any easier to decipher what he's trying to say! 

"Expectation is the root of all heartache"

"Expectation is the root of all heartache"is a quote that has been attributed to William Shakespeare (but this is not confirmed as no one has been able to find a reference in Shakespeare's works to these words).  As I listened to the quote on a recent Physio Matters podcast however, it struck me how strongly it relates to our relationship with our horses, both in behavioural work, performance / competition work, and in health matters (including physio assessment and treatment).

Monty Roberts talks about having plan A, plan B, plan C, etc.  To me this indicates that I shouldn't have fixed ideas about how I'm going to achieve a certain goal with my horse.  My work, schooling, or treatment, should be 'horse led', i.e. it should follow a route that is appropriate for my horse as well as for me.

He also mentions that I should break my goals down into bite size pieces.  It's all too easy to see the end goal but not know how to get there, leading to frustration for both me and my horse.  If I can look at my end goal and break this down into 3 or 4 smaller goals, then break each of these down into 3 or 4 smaller goals, and so on, then in no time at all I will have a goal that I can work towards right now that I know puts me in good stead of eventually reaching my end goal.  Of course, taking note of the aforementioned and being willing to adjust my plan if necessary means that my end goal might change as time goes on!

Expecting my horse to behave in a certain way, or to perform to a certain level, or to reach a certain level of rehabilitation, can lead to disappointment.  Asking my horse to give me his best is reasonable, but no one can give their best all of the time.  Being realistic with what we can achieve together will help me to set appropriate, achievable goals, leading to contentment for both myself and my horse.

The Million Dollar Question

If you were given a million pounds to finish today something that you are meant to finish, could you do it? If not, any reason you give for not finishing it is just an excuse. Which is fine of course, as long as you realise that.

I think the same could apply to working with horses. If you were given a million pounds to find a way of teaching your horse to stand still without using violence, could you do it? I bet most of us could. So often in behavioural work, the solution is for the owner to spend more time with their horse which in turn leads to better understanding and communication (which includes listening to him). And I don't mean a few more minutes each day, or visit him 6 times a week rather than 4 times. I mean spend hours with him every day. Spend time hanging out in the field, do some groundwork in the school, lead him out on a 'hack', groom or massage him, ride him in the school or out hacking or both, ride him bareback, bath him, check his feet, take a good look at his saddle fit, do some stretches with him, ride him again, and so on... all in one day, then again the next day and the next. I don't mean gallop or jump him until he's tired, but slow and steady just be with him. My initial learning was through conventional pony club and riding club - we were lucky enough to keep our horses at home so I got lots of time with them. Then a huge proportion of my learning came from my time living for 5 years with a gipsy horse dealer. We lived on a small holding in a caravan amongst the horses, and I was with them every daylight hour. The horses were my teachers, and if you could spare the time, your horse would be your teacher.

Sadly, of course, very few of us are lucky enough to have that opportunity. The realities of life get in the way - working to pay the bills mostly, or running around after the children. But if you could find the time, just imagine how much you could learn...