Karrie's horsey page

06/16/2022

06/01/2022

Let’s talk about head-shy horses.

It’s still usually viewed as a behavioral problem that needs to be trained out.
While sometimes that may be the case, it certainly isn’t always.
At the very least, there are measures that can be taken to make the training process much easier.

Even if, let’s say, a horse endured physical abuse to their head at one point in time.
Maybe they were hit or handled roughly, maybe they were ridden in ill-fitting bridles, maybe they were worked in biomechanically incorrect postures for long periods of time (behind the vertical in particular), maybe they have a history of pulling back when tied, or even just pulled back once.

We may think of the emotional trauma that they likely still carry with them that keeps them from feeling safe in their own head, but what about the residual physical restrictions?
It’s something that’s often overlooked if there aren’t obvious signs of trauma.

Let’s also not forget that the birthing process itself can—and often does—create restrictions in the head and neck, if not the whole body.
This is why this work is so helpful for the youngsters!

Take a look at this simple sketch of the cranial nerves I snagged from google, which doesn’t even entirely show the intricacy of the these nerves.
This doesn’t show the veins and arteries that weave themselves throughout the head.
It doesn’t show the spinal cord having to make its way through the atlanto-occipital joint, aka the poll, without restriction.
It doesn’t show the fascia.
It doesn’t show the vital glands that live in the brain.
It doesn’t show the skull itself and all the bones it’s comprised of, including teeth.
Let’s remember, all of these components must have their own free motility in order to function properly.

Think of how our halters and bridles are hanging right on many of these tissues, across the most highly innervated areas in the body.
The nosebands that are often too tight.
The flash nosebands that have no business being on a horse at all, in my opinion.
The horrible posture that we commonly see horses ridden in, even in supposedly high levels, for extended periods of time.

There are so many reasons for horses to be head-shy that it’s amazing to me there aren’t more of them.

So you’ve got a head-shy horse?

This work is thorough in seeking restrictions, whether they’re physical, emotional or energetic. Usually there are all of these components involved.

There are lots of great modalities out there, though I do lean toward craniosacral therapy and indirect osteopathic techniques, as they address all of these tissues.

The restrictions are in the clear?

Proper education is incredibly important.
My go-to recommendations for this are without a doubt are Patrick King, Warwick Schiller, Amy Skinner and Justin Haefner, all of whom take into consideration the emotional and physical state of the horse as they develop them.

In the meantime, I just encourage you to consider the intricacies of the horse.

05/19/2022

Work the pieces individually before putting them all together if you're struggling to stay out of the penalty box during a rollback.

05/17/2022

Memorize your pattern without overworking your horse by using this easy tip. You won't be stressing out over your pattern with this tip.

05/13/2022

05/10/2022

All horses – no matter how much training they’ve received – will spook from time to time. There’s no getting around that. What you are in control of is how you react to the situation. Having the know-how to safely handle a spook, even if it’s caused by a boogieman only your horse can see, can be the difference between ending up in the ER and using the situation as an opportunity to train your horse and make him a better partner.

More importantly, having a go-to plan to use when your horse spooks gives you something to focus on rather than reacting to your horse’s fear and panicking with him. Your horse is looking for a leader, and when he’s unsure of a situation, it’s more important than ever for you to step up and take charge.

When your horse gets frightened of something, he uses the reactive side of his brain and is full of nervous energy. Rather than letting that nervous energy explode into a dangerous situation, put it to good use.

If you feel like you are not in control of the situation, or if you are unsure of your riding ability, do a One Rein Stop to regain control of your horse. The One Rein Stop is your emergency brake: Anytime you feel out of control, you can slide your hand down one rein and pull it up to your hip and your horse should instantly stop.

In order for the One Rein Stop to work, it has to be an ingrained habit for both you and your horse, which means you have practiced it a lot in a controlled environment. Knowing the theory of a One Rein Stop won’t do you any good on the trail if you haven’t ever taught it and practiced it with your horse.

Once you’re back in control of the situation, put the horse’s feet to work. Using one rein, bend him in a series of serpentines. It’s impossible for a horse to use the reactive side of his brain when he’s constantly stopping and redirecting his feet. When he’s focused on you, put him on a loose rein and head back down the trail. Anytime he gets jumpy, put his feet to work. Soon he’ll be so focused on you he won’t have time to find potential objects to spook at. – Clinton

Want more training tips? Become a member of the No Worries Club www.noworriesclub.com

05/10/2022

Learn how to stay secure in the saddle while riding with these three tips.

05/09/2022

Trainer and judge Jill Newcomb offers tips for executing a square corner when called for in a pattern.

05/05/2022

05/04/2022

We’ve all been there.

Recently, APHA Amateur Wendy Brown mused, “Why am I here? My horse and I aren’t good enough. I could be doing _____ right now.”

“THEN someone, typically another codependent equine obsessed friend, notices you may be having an internal meltdown and talks you off the ledge.

….you then realize you are behaving like an ungrateful Veruca Salt. You pull up your breeches and get back in the ring. When low and behold ONE judge, that likely needs glasses, gives you a ribbon and you’re back to eating Mac N Cheese and mailing off your World Show entries.”

Read more of this relatable and laughable blog here:
http://www.equinechronicle.com/why-am-i-here-again-a-heartfelt-amateur-blog/

05/01/2022

If your horse has a blemish or swelling on his body or legs, should you call the vet? Arm yourself with information to make the right choice for the best horse care.