There is no better way to visualise and understand how the horse’s anatomy is affected by the rider and doing different movements than to see it in action. If you have been to one of Gillian's live painted horse lecture demonstrations you will know just what we are talking about.
Our demo at Moulton College in September was no exception - jam-packed full of fabulous information, tips, exercises - you name it, this demo had it. The complex subject of equine anatomy and biomechanics brought to life and made so easy to understand thanks to Gillian's unique ability to explain things in a fun and easy to understand way.
This demo marked the end of our live lecture demonstrations for 2024 - and the team and Horses Inside Out would like to thank everyone who has attended one of our demos this year. If you weren't lucky enough to join us, here are just a few take home points for you.
Posture, posture, posture
Any of you who are regularly followers of Gillian and Horses Inside Out you will know that good posture is key to helping the horse to maintain his comfort and well-being.
The horse has evolved to carry weight - not the rider, but their internal organs that weigh approximately 150kg. It is important that we do everything we can as owners and riders to support the horse’ spine and encourage good posture to help the horse to carry the weight of the rider.
Posture can be defined as the position the horse carries himself. In a moving horse, he needs to have good balance in order to carry himself efficiently and easily.
Good posture is when the thoracic and lumbar sections of the spine are straight or slightly curved upwards. It is common to see the back in extension and this means the spinous processes will be closer together.
Doing exercises from the ground, in-hand and ridden to work the horse with their back in good posture is essential for the health and comfort.
Understanding the four main ways to support good posture helps the rider and the horse to train more effectively and these are.
1. Positioning of the Head and Neck
2. Positioning of the Hindlegs
3. Positioning of the Thorax
4. Contribution of the Flexor Chain Muscles
Each of these were discussed in detail in a previous article – you can read this in full here
The hindlimb is made up of large, strong bones. The hindquarters is the powerhouse of the horse. It’s the angle of these bones is important for posture.
Look at the leg that’s on the ground when assessing a horse not the one that’s in the air. It’s the leg that on the floor that’s supporting and doing all the work.
The ribs play an important role in bending. The barrel of the ribs swings to the outside due to the position of the hindlegs.
Timing of the aids is important. It should be given at the correct time during muscle contraction for maximum effect. In walk, this is when the horse's belly swings away from your leg. This is particularly important when riding lateral work. If you apply the leg aid when the muscle is elongated, it will have minimal effect on the horse and is just annoying to them.
Close your eyes to help you feel the swing of the ribs and when to apply your leg aid.
The Wonders of Walk
Walk is the pace where you see the greatest thoracolumbar rotation and lateral flexion - making it great for mobilising the back. The larger the steps the bigger the movement. Watch for the swing of the tail and symmetrical head and neck movement as an indicator of good back movement. Spending plenty of time in walk, particularly at the beginning of a session, is really beneficial for loosening up the joints, back and muscles.
All muscles work together to create a symphony of movement
Polework Power
Polework is a like a training aid that doesn’t use any force, it teaches the horse about where his feet are and has a positive effect on posture.
Walk poles should be done slowly – don’t be tempted to rush the horse. Let the horse slow down and give them time to lift their legs up and over the poles in a balanced manner. This is best done with the rider riding on a long rein so they aren’t tempted to interfere with the horse.
If the horse rushes through the poles, halt in front of them, rein back for 3 or 4 steps and then ask them to move forwards again over the poles. Halt again after the poles.
If the horse has a habit of tapping the poles – slow down and check your distance.
If the stride length for trot poles is too long it will encourage spinal extension, when then negatively impacts the horse’s ability to lift over the poles.
Trot poles encourage the horse to push evenly from behind so they are more symmetrical in their movement.
Canter is like doing a sit up. If the horse has long, weak abdominal muscles – do more canter work.
Join a Lecture Demo from Home
Want to experience a Horses Inside Out lecture demonstration for yourself? Well now you can - and from the comfort of home.
Earlier this year our lecture demo at Hartpury was recorded and is now available from the Horses Inside Out Academy!
Watch the complete demo, discover the techniques to improve your riding, training and equine management with this on-demand live painted horse, lecture demonstration. Learn how understanding about anatomy and biomechanics can help to improve your horse's posture, movement, comfort and performance. This demo features Olympic dressage rider Laura Tomlinson and 5* event rider Simon Grieve.
You can watch the Horses Inside Out Extravaganza time and time again - you're bound learn something new each time you watch it.
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