NHT Magazine Spring 2018

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