NHT Magazine Spring 2018
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Posture and Musculoskeletal Health<br />
by Gillian Higgins<br />
1. Positioning of the Hind Legs<br />
Posture is key to musculoskeletal health. Like humans different horses<br />
suffer from problems as a result of poor posture. There are many different<br />
postural variations, but the most common poor postural position of the<br />
horse’s back is extension or hollowing. This poor postural position is<br />
further exacerbated by carrying additional weight. As soon as we sit on our<br />
horse we compromise his posture, balance and movement. There are many<br />
ways we, as personal trainers, can encourage good posture and support<br />
the weight of the rider. At the seminar in September we will be looking at<br />
these in details. However here are 3 of the most important:-<br />
3. Perform core strengthening exercises with your horse every day<br />
Core muscles of the horse<br />
The further the hind legs come under the body the better the back is supported.<br />
Engagement from behind and impulsion therefore is vital for good posture. It is<br />
important even when hacking to ensure the horse is walking purposefully and<br />
engaging his hindquarters.<br />
2. Positioning of the Head and Neck<br />
This is a mechanical reaction influenced by the spinal ligament system.<br />
There are many different ways to stimulate the core muscles.<br />
This is an exercise taken from Pilates and Stretching for horses available from<br />
www.HorsesInsideOut.com<br />
Backing Up<br />
You can see in these two photographs when the head is down, the back is up<br />
and when the head is up the back is hollow and unsupported. This explains why<br />
it is so important to feed our horses off the floor and the benefits of work in a<br />
‘long and low’ outline.<br />
HORSES INSIDE OUT<br />
DAY SEMINAR<br />
FOR RIDERS AND<br />
COACHES<br />
GET THE BEST<br />
FOR YOUR<br />
HORSE<br />
PRACTICAL TIPS<br />
EXERCISES AND<br />
TECHNIQUES<br />
This is one of my favourite exercises. I think that all ridden horses will benefit<br />
from performing it on a daily basis. It is a superb for mobilising the back,<br />
lumbosacral and sacroiliac areas. It helps to strengthen the core muscles and<br />
those involved in supporting good posture, carrying the weight of the rider,<br />
carrying more weight behind and hind limb engagement. In many ways it is like<br />
collection in reverse!<br />
I have found that it is best to do this exercise in-hand rather than ridden. It can<br />
be performed just before you ride, just after you have finished your riding session<br />
or on the way to or from the field. Find a way of fitting it into your daily routine.<br />
For example pick a spot that you lead your horse past everyday and from now<br />
on always go in reverse!<br />
How much? Build up to 10 quality steps in succession and repeat 4 -5 times per<br />
day. Be patient! Give your horse time to learn the exercise. He may find it difficult<br />
at first or may not understand what you are asking of him, but once he has got<br />
the idea, through daily repetition you will see improvements.<br />
Ultimately he should be able to go backwards with long marching clean steps<br />
in a straight line, with his head down in a good outline, back slightly raised and<br />
rounded.<br />
LED BY GILLIAN HIGGINS<br />
10am – 6pm<br />
Saturday 29 th<br />
September <strong>2018</strong><br />
Moulton College Equestrian Centre, Northampton<br />
WWW.HORSESINSIDEOUT.COM<br />
After 3 weeks you may start to see a difference in his posture and core strength.<br />
Keep going and you should see an improvement in his posture regardless of<br />
the discipline.<br />
This is just one of many exercises which can benefit posture and musculoskeletal<br />
health. If you wish to learn more about how your horse works and practical tips<br />
and exercises to improve posture and performance come along to the Horses<br />
Inside Out Seminar for Coaches and Riders in September. We look forward to<br />
seeing you there.<br />
WWW.HORSESINSIDEOUT.COM<br />
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