Howdy Folks,
This weekend I
had the joy of chatting with a Facebook friend in England about her horse. Of
course we had lots to talk about. You know how we horse people are! We
discussed a few things going on with her and her new horse and one in
particular. Does your horse know where her feet are?
Reconnecting your
horse to her feet. They know all about forward momentum. They see and know
where they are going, but because of many things we do, from training, to housing, diet, hoofcare, and other things, they can actually lose
the ability to know where their feet are. This will help.
I'd like to share
an important exercise Diane Sept taught me years ago, that I believe goes a
long, long way to helping any horse become sure footed and light on the
forehand. It promotes a proper healthy posture … She calls it the,
"One-Step." And I teach it in my, "Therapy For Therapy
Horses," clinics. It's easy and fun to do.
Stand in front of
your horse and ask for, "One Step Forward," – This means the left
front and right hind, and a soft whoa. When your horse stops, ask her to,
"Rock Back Off Her Forehand." And allow her to feel and process this.
Then ask for, "One Step Back," the same feet and then rock back, wait
and process. Do this 3 or 4 times each side, always asking for the "Rock
Back" and allowing time to process. Some horses prefer to start with
"One Step Back," first … I never swing into Kessy's saddle without
doing this (and other pre-ride exercises).
You might find
your horse has great difficulty taking only "one Step." This is
because she has lost connection with her feet. This little exercise will fix
that. And will also help improve body carriage and engage the hind end. Just
take your time, go slow and allow your horse to, "feel the change."
Let her find her feet again.
Another great
exercise to add to this "One Step" is the "One Step over a row
of Cavileties." Lead your horse slowly over the cavileties, but pause and
rock back, at each one, each step. Allow a second or three at each pause for
your horse to process. It won't take long until you will notice a difference in
how your horse places her feet. When you've mastered this, back through the
cavileties, one step at a time.
 |
| Kessy & Dutch demonstrating "Rock Back" |
What is the
"Rock Back?" … Look at your horse from the side, really look. Study
where she carries her weight. Does it look like she has most of her weight on
her forehand? Leaning slightly forward? Very gently touch her chest and ask her
to shift her weight back, off her forehand. That is correct healthy posture.
Not a step back, but just a "Rock Back." Do this after every step in
the "One Step Exercicses."
Kessy and I hope
you'll make this fun exercise part of your routine. It also goes a long way to
helping a horse look for soft cues. And helping us become softer in giving
cues.
Gitty Up
Dutch Henry
barefoot horses will have an easier time with this than a shod horse, as their sensories are more active. Grounding can be difficult in horses with hoof pain, whether it is from shoes or from infrequent/incorrect trims. Assess your horses hooves with your farrier/trimmer, and use these exercises to help your horse be more stable and willing to put his best foot forward :)
ReplyDeleteI am a huge barefoot advocate, Heidi, blog frequently about it. I wish every horse could enjoy the shoeless life. And yes, you are correct, barefeet are able to "see" better. This simple exercise is just so wonderful for any and every horse. It not only reconnects them to their feet, it also builds confidence.
DeleteHi Dutch! My horse is barefoot and has been for 7 of his 12 years. Thank you for this exercise. I've been trying to learn to teach him how to get off his forehand for a few months now, but can't really seem to get the hang of it.
ReplyDeletePatti
Patti- Great that you are Barefoot! ... Try this exercise, and the rock back, when you ask for the rock back it is very soft & subtle, just move energy, not feet ... once your horse masters it, you can do it in motion & under saddle ... Please feel free to email me if you would like more help ....
DeleteYou are too kind, Dutch. When I get to the barn tomorrow I will try again and then again on Friday with my sister-in-law, who it has taken her years to master it and she says I'm getting better at it. I think not, but I'll see how it goes. If I need a question answered, and I know I will, I'll return here to you. What a gift you have to know horses so well, Dutch. I came VERY late to this horsey thing - in 2002 maybe - and bought Maximus in 2004 and have had him ever since. He's a love and a half, but he's BIG - a 1.425 pound Friesian, right off the plane from Holland. I love him to death.
DeleteFriesian's are great horses. Sounds like Maximus is a great friend & teacher. What a wonderful thing.
DeleteJust getting folks to spend this minimal "one on one" time with their horse, before just piling on and riding off, so improves their relationship with their faithful steed! I see people who treat their horse like it was a dirtbike, motorcycle or inanimate object, all the time ~ it makes me (and their horse) really sad. Thank you, Dutch, for all you do to improve the lives of equines. Stay safe & be well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kit for loving horses & being a Coffee Clutcher!
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