Just like us, all horses have a natural asymmetry. Some bend more easily to one side, some carry themselves more strongly on one rein than the other, and others may show slight differences in muscle development. A near symmetrical horse is what we are striving for and means the horse is more likely to be straight, move efficiently and correctly, expend a minimum amount of energy and distribute his weight evenly. While mild asymmetry is natural and as part of a correct training programme can easily be improved, significant and long-term imbalances can lead to performance issues, uneven wear and tear through the limbs and body, discomfort and even injury.
Having the skills to recognise and address asymmetry is fundamental for owners, riders and trainers and will help to promote your horse’s long-term health, soundness, comfort and performance.
What is Asymmetry?
Asymmetry in horses refers to an imbalance in structure, conformation, movement, posture, or muscle development. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, conformation, or as a result of trauma or incorrect training. It can be exacerbated by always pulling hay from a haynet in the same direction, being led, saddled or mounted from the same side, or by working more on one rein than the other when schooling. It’s important to remember that horses will always move in the way that is most comfortable and easiest for them.
Recognising Asymmetry
Identifying asymmetry early is crucial for effective correction. Taking time to watch your horse when you’re not riding and observe him moving from the ground will give you valuable insights. Horses generally lie on the same side and are better at rolling from one side to the other.
When grazing they sometimes adopt an asymmetrical grazing stance – usually with one foreleg further forward than the other. This makes them more prone to uneven muscle development which may affect movement and stride length.
Other signs to look out for include:
Uneven muscle development
Preference for working on one rein
Unequal pushing from behind
Uneven hindlimb protraction
Falling out through one shoulder
A preferred canter lean or favoured landing limb from a jump
Working on three tracks rather than two
Bending more easily in one direction
Saddle slip
Difficulty with lateral work
Uneven contact in the reins
The Pilates Exercise Planner is a great tool to help you assess your horse's symmetry, posture and movement and guide you through how to address it.
The Implications of Asymmetry
If left unaddressed asymmetry can have significant consequences on your horse, including:-
Increased risk of injury – Uneven loading can put excess strain on joints, tendons, and muscles, leading to lameness or discomfort.
Compensatory movement patterns – The horse may overuse one side to compensate, which can create further issues such as lameness.
Reduced performance – A lack of balance can hinder a horse’s ability to perform advanced movements, jump, or maintain straightness.
Rider impact – An asymmetric horse can influence the rider’s own balance and position, making it harder to ride effectively.
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Correcting Asymmetry
With awareness and a structured approach, asymmetry can be improved and here’s how.
1. Work with Your Horse’s Team
Regular assessments from your equine therapists can help identify and address imbalances.
Have the fit of your saddle checked at least twice a year with a qualified saddle fitter who will help ensure that your tack isn’t contributing to asymmetry.
Your farrier will check your horse’s hoof balance each time they visit you. Discuss any concerns you have when they next visit.
Talk to your vet too, chat about what you are seeing and feeling.
2. Groundwork and In-Hand Exercises
Straightness training – Work on straightness from the ground with in-hand exercises such as lateral work and pole exercises. A straight horse will be physically and mentally in balance, symmetrically and muscularly fit, supple, strong, able to round his back and carry the rider with ease. Having the ability to assess a horse’s straightness from in front and behind as well as the side is an effective method of evaluating symmetry and soundness.
Striving for Straightness is an on-demand recorded webinar that will give you a clearer understanding of the biomechanics of straightness and what techniques to use to assess and improve it.
Stretching and suppling exercises – Carrot stretches and targeted stretches can help improve flexibility and evenness. If you are eager to learn more about key exercises, take a look at The Complete Pilates for Horse Programme. Learn and understand about a range of different exercises that will make a real difference to your horse.
3. Ridden Exercises to Encourage Balance
Straightness training – Ride with a focus on straightness before lateral work.
Circles and serpentines – Work on bending evenly in both directions.
Transitions and rein-back – Help the horse engage and strengthen equally.
Polework– Improve symmetry by encouraging even weight distribution.
Lateral movements – Leg-yield, shoulder-in, and half-pass can help strengthen both sides as well as improve straightness.
4. Rider Awareness and Balance
As well as considering your horse’s asymmetry, don’t forget your own posture and balance. Asymmetry in the rider can contribute to asymmetry in the horse. Having regular lessons with a experienced coach or trainer will help to identify any weaknesses in your position in the saddle and also offer help and guidance to improve it.
Also, off-horse exercises such as pilates, yoga and core-strengthening exercises can help improve rider symmetry.
Asymmetry in horses and riders is natural, but if it's left uncorrected, it can lead to long-term issues. Learning to recognise imbalances early and using targeted exercises, bodywork, and correct training, you can help your horse to move more comfortably and perform at their best.
Thanks for reading this article. Do you have any suggestions for assessing or working to improve your horse's symmetry?
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