Mindful Dressage

I have moved from USA back to the UK, so no longer available for lessons.

A good explaination of a basic principle.

The circle of energy should flow from;

1️⃣ the active hind legs,
2️⃣ over a swinging back,
3️⃣ arriving in the mouth,
4️⃣ traveling along the reins to the rider’s hands, where it may be modified to create movements, transitions, half-halts etc,
5️⃣ through the rider’s supple body and adhesive seat to the rider’s driving aids (legs),
6️⃣ into the activity of the hind legs.

And so on, round and round.

You can find out more about this here - https://howtodressage.com/dressage-theory/back-to-front/

MINDFUL DRESSAGE Promoting Softness and Harmony with your horse.

YVONNE ATWOOD BHSII

Gain an understanding of rider biomechanics (based on RWYM) and so improve your riding skills, body awareness and feel.

Develop softness, confidence and suppleness in the mental and physical state of your horse, through effective ground work.

Improve your horses gymnastic abilities through dressage exercises and pole work.

Set attainable goals whether riding for pleasure or competitive sport.

I travel to you.
Available for clinics and lessons (private, semi-private and small groups).

240-529-8707

Home Classical dressage training and teaching for all levels of riders and horses, including horse management, horse care, and biomechanics to improve the balance and relationship between horse and rider, developing better communication and understanding of the rider's influence on the horse. Developing....

This photo shows how the horse's hoof angle can effect the pastern angle.

I use phrases and images and a hands on approach to help riders activate their correct muscles to help elevate the horses thoracic sling.

The equine thoracic sling is a hot topic at the moment, but what exactly is it and what is all the fuss really about?

Unlike us humans; horses (and many other quadrupeds) lack any bony attachment (collar bone) between the forelegs and the thorax (body). Instead, the thorax is suspended between the forelimbs by a ‘sling’ of muscles, known as the ‘thoracic sling’. Exactly which muscles should be included under this term is an area of some debate. In future articles I will take a more detailed look at the most commonly discussed structures; how they should function to aid efficient and healthy locomotion, and how disfunction may be impacting our horses.

The thoracic sling is made up of various muscle groups, these include:
• Muscles of the chest including deep and superficial pectoral muscles
• Muscles of the shoulder including omotransversarius, subscapularis and subclavian
• Muscles of the ribs including ventral Serratus and latissimus dorsi
• Muscles of the wither and upper neck including rhomboid and trapezius
• Muscles of the lower neck including the brachiocephalic and sternomandibular

When conditioned effectively these muscles enable the horse to elevate the thorax (body) independently within the shoulder girdle. This much coveted phenomenon can make the difference between a horse who appears croup high / ‘on the forehand’, and one who floats effortlessly with their withers and back raised, and freedom through the shoulders.

While for some horses this may seem to come naturally, conditioning of the thoracic sling requires regular activation of the correct muscles. Many horses develop poor or weak posture from a young age, this may be due to conformational weaknesses or injury; but I believe that lack of active engagement of the thoracic sling muscles in daily movement is also a significant factor.

Modern management practices often leave horses stood for prolonged periods in stables or small paddocks, with limited variation of terrane and forage. This can result in horses who no longer use their bodies as nature intended; to balance up and down hills, stretch to reach browse nor walk for vast distances in search of food.

Over time muscles which are not regularly used will weaken and atrophy, resulting in overall postural changes and reduced performance. It is therefore essential that we assess the impact modern husbandry may be having on the development of our horses, and consider the implementation of environmental enrichment where ever possible; as these can have a greatly beneficial impact on long term movement patterns and postural development.

The muscles of the thoracic sling enable the forelimbs to move inwards or outwards from the body, shifting the centre of mass or balance from one forelimb to the other. This allows the horse to turn and manoeuvre efficiently at speed and when effectively conditioned, enables the horse to perform lateral movements from a basic leg yield, to the canter half-pass and pirouette.

In addition, these muscles control the movement of the scapula; both forwards and back, up and down (as well as towards and away from the body), while maintaining the integrity of its connection at the wither, absorbing concussive forces from limb impact and (in the case of the thoracic serratus ventralis) storing and returning elastic energy to aid efficient movement. It is therefore of vital importance that the thoracic sling is able to work effectively; without restriction or discomfort.

Regular assessments from a qualified body worker can help pick up any tension or restrictions which may be occurring through the muscles of the thoracic sling. Addressing issues early on will reduce the risk of injury occurring, and enable the horse to build healthy posture and maintain long term soundness.

https://www.facebook.com/100010041526388/posts/1714834942194540/?d=n&mibextid=xn5Upu

Well written article and interesting interview.

Wonderful words to ride with …

"The reins should feel like silk in your hands. There should be a float in them. You should feel weightless.
See how little you can do.
Bring the horse to a walk without using the reins. It should be in your body.
See how slow and soft life can be without letting things die.
Now pick up a feel and speed your horses up. Don’t sit there like a gut shot bird.
Your legs are more important than your hands.
When I’m on a horse he becomes my body, feet and legs.
The reins are really hooked onto my feet and the horse is between my legs, arms, and hands.
Don’t brace in the stirrups or he’ll brace back...............and there’s usually a buck in that brace." - Ray Hunt

Image of Ray is by Mindy Bower.

What is collection truly?
Collection is not a head set, it is not “tucking the chin” and it is not the restraining of the head and squeezing of the body.

To simplify, collection is the availability of the horse’s body. It is the ability of the hind limbs to bear weight equally and of the shoulders to be free, supple, and directable.

You cannot simply get this by bringing the horse’s chin in, you cannot get this by simply squeezing the horse via the legs into a restraining hand, and you cannot get this with tie downs, side reins, Martingales, or other restrictive gear. Muscles cannot be supple by method of any restrictive positioning - muscles must be stretched, posture must be changed, the horse must be released, relaxed, and given time to understand and develop.

The only way to develop collection is through systematic athletic development over time. It is not done in a weekend clinic or even in several months. It is done by an educated seat and hand, and adherence to classical principles - guiding the horse toward equal weight bearing hind limbs and straightness through the body. This is the essence of classical dressage - the development of the horse as an athlete and partner, and to enhance his natural ability and create longevity and wellbeing.

Photo is of Manolo Mendez

Such a good article.

Navicular Syndrome [Most veterinarians define Navicular Disease as the presentation of heel pain (also called caudal foot pain) combined with radiographic changes to the navicular bone. If the horse has caudal foot pain but navicular bone remodeling is not visible on radiographs, they tend to call it Navicular Syndrom...