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Robert McDowell's Herbal Treatments 18th May 2002 HOW DAY-TO-DAY RETRAINING CAN BECOME REHABILITATION FOR YOUR HORSE Historically, the domestic horse has played a significant role in man's technological acheivements. Through the ages, the horse has been depended on to provide us with transport and power, and it was those who mastered the art of horses in warfare that were able to conquer nations.... It was in our better interest, then, in those days to preserve and maintain the muscular and skeletal health of horse, and minimize the impact of daily wear and tear through man's influence. As a result of this requirement, a training system evolved over hundreds of years that did preserve the horse's health, and maximize the horse's potential. This system is classical dressage. This system certainly evolved with man's financial interests in mind, most likely not from any genuine love for the wellbeing of the horse. Those who did have the love of the horse in mind, and the resources to study training in depth became the masters of dressage. It is only through the innate understanding of the horse's mind, acknowledging the horse as a sensitive and feeling animal, and knowing yourself as part of the problem in the horse's long term health that Dressage has become an art. Modern Horses Modern performance horses (including race horses) suffer stiffness, muscle soreness, tendon and bone injuries, as well as back problems more than any other complaint. Aside from conformation and environmental influences, these can all be attributed to the impact of a person riding a creature that was never meant to be ridden! Genetic and environmental influences It should be considered that a horse is the product of its heredity as well as the environment. Heredity determines the limits of an individual's potential(physically and academically). Environmental influences will determine how much of the heredity potentials will actually be displayed in performance. A checklist for heredity considerations:
What are we attempting to do in our Rehabilitation? Charles de Kunfey, in his book "Menage Patterns" discuuses that the aim of Dressage should be first and foremost rehablitative, then therapeutic,and only after these stages, is it possible for the horse to become atheletic. Rehabilitative and therapeutic work comprises of the never-ending task of making the horse ambidextrous. De Kunfey discusses how,the horse born naturally crooked(as we all are) must be straightened by the rider to prevent injury and breakdowmn. "This effort must include beyond spinal alignment over the pattern on which he tracks,the evenly forward loading of his two hind legs. Straightening is not always geometrically literal.Rather it refers to the effort of always moving parallel with his spine to the path or pattern of his progression against the ground. the concept of straightness includes the even use of the two hind legs both in length and in height of stride. The motion of the hind legs should be directed towards the hoofprints left by the horses forehand on the corresponding side. In conclusion: By correct riding and training gymnastic exercises we can minimize injury and breakdown. Further to minimizing we should be working to prevent injuries and rehabilitate present problems. It should also be noted that a lot of rehabilitation work could be achieved on the ground without the rider. This can take the form of lung work, correct long reigning and general freedom of movement encouraged by the free running horse in a large safe paddock. The Influence of the rider If we are to practice this form of rehabilitative riding, we must take responsibilities for our own inadequacies as a rider, learn new methods and be disciplined in our approach. Only then can we influence the horse to his benefit. It is through this ideal that I have studied (and continue to study) my riding and training techniques so that I may be of benefit to my trusted friend, the horse. At Kellosheil Park we will use the classical rehabilitative form of dressage to maintain the health and wellbeing of all our horses. In conjunction with Robert McDowell's Herbal Treatments, using holistic principles, a program can be developed for each individual horse. We believe that we can optimize healing and create happy healthy horses with our balanced approach. For the love of our horses, Catherine Cox We hope you found this informative. For any further information or help email info@herbal-treatments.com. To purchase your copy of 'Herbal Horsekeeping' click here.
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