Horses Back

[Chloe1]

i am very interested in learning more about the muscles in the horses back and neck etc and knowing what exercises etc are good for each muscle group.

I wanted to know if anyone has read the book "understanding your horses back" and if this covers this subject in great detail or any other books I could read.

[Showjumper]

I haven't read that book but it's meant to be very good. So yeah, read it and see what you think. The Pony Club Manual has some information in it...

[catherineb]

Yes, that is a good book. Another one you might find interesting is 'The Injury-Free Horse' by Amanda Sutton. It's not just the back but the whole body with info about muscles, massage techniques and stretches. More info on the web site http://www.animaltherapy.co.uk/

[fletch2ya]

HI I agree it is not just the neck and back... It is the whole horse. You might look into some of the message tech. that might help your horse before and after training. Besides it is just good for the bonding part with your horse and it makes him feel good.


Ros.... you are right about the saddle fit. I have seen some very valuable horses but to waste because of poor, no terrible saddle fit. Some of these horses were owned by people who could well afford a good fitting saddle, but just did not know better. I work with people every day on how there saddles fit. If it is not right you are going to cause your horse harm. Just because it looks good, feels good to you does not make it a good saddle.

[ros]

I'm sorry, I haven't read any of the books mentioned, but can I just say that I think probably the most significant causes of sore or injured backs must be poorly fitting saddles and bad riding. If all our horses were properly kitted out and we all rode lightly and in balance we wouldn't need to read books about massage and therapy and all that stuff. And I've been guilty of both over the years - wittingly or unwittingly - I'm afraid.

[intouch]

If you are thinking of learning a technique which you can use to help horses, why not investigate the Equine Touch, the Bowen technique for horses. It is quite easy to learn and amazingly effective for all sorts of pain & injury. There is a course in Glastonbury in October. Check out www.equinetouch.co.uk for further info.