My horse Nico had a leg fracture just going on 2.5 years ago which has left him with some muscular issues. I also was beginning to feel that our relationship also had a fracture. Nico is a bit crooked, too much on the forehand, and his personality is fascinating but a bit stubborn. The front shoulder and leg that had the fracture is in a sense a bit turned in now, his hind weak and he is too much on the forehand — pulling himself along the trail instead of pushing off the hind. The result little impulsion and forwardness, dropping the shoulder.
One of my veterinarians, Diane Wagner, DVM (Elemental Equine Services) specializes in equine chiropractic and acupuncture. After we worked together to structurally correct him and help with some nerve issues she suggested that in-hand work would help reprogram his muscle memory and rebalance and strengthen his body. Riding was not quite getting to all the issues.
I also broke my leg two years plus, skiing. In comparison we both were going through the same type of recovery. I had to really work to get my muscles, hips and pelvic floor on track. And through Pilates with Julie Leiken, Equibalance, we straightened and strengthened my body too!
I wasn't quite sure how to begin. Friends recommended Lauren Carver. I have seen her clients and their horses, both young and old, prosper through the summer so I thought lets try.
We began last week with some lessons in respect, moving his body away from my circle and change of direction, then we moved on to leg yielding. Lauren noticed his right shoulder gets stuck which makes sense with his past injury, he falls in and his head is bent to the outside in the right circle. Getting him to use it correctly will be one of the challenges. But slowly we can correct this issue, strengthen his hind and back, and reprogram his muscle memory.
We begin each lesson with a rope halter and do the basics every time, add a bridle and surcingle with side reins for lunging and work about 45-60 minutes, then call it a day. I already see and improvement, and so enjoy watching him move and dance with me from the ground. Our relationship has changed already and I feel the fracture is closing where we will be able to make that wonderful horse rider connection once more.
So take some time and play with your horse, you might get a new perspective from the ground where all seeds are sown!
For more information on Diane Wagner, DVM, please visit her website at www.elementalequineservices.com.
For more information on Julie Leiken, Equibalance, please visit her website at www.julieleiken.com.
