Articles
Bentley Horse and Rider Training Technique - Straightening From Behind
Christian's and Annie's story
Bodywork practitioners know that the human body is naturally crooked - and they know how our day-to-day lives compound the problem. Their services help us adapt to our bodies' quirks, aches, pains, and asymmetries.
Unfortunately, bodywork therapy is not yet part of our traditional riding establishments. If it were, we would understand how our bones and our horses' bones are put together in their own unique way. We would learn how both our and our horses' tendons, muscles, and ligaments are all connected and work in ways specific and individual to each of us.
We're all unique and different - horses and riders both. And we need to work with that in mind. Imposing a picture-perfect ideal position on riders and their horses doesn't create what we're hoping for. Instead, it only adds an extra layer of crookedness on top of the existing wonky foundation.
Does your horse tend to drag his right hind? Left hind?
Does he lean on one shoulder?
Do you feel like you've hit a brick wall when you try to turn?
Does your horse always jump to the right side of the fence - or is it the left side?
Does your saddle slip out to one side?
Does your horse hollow his back, refusing to round up and take contact?
Those are all symptoms of one-sidedness. And if you don't address them, sooner or later they lead to soundness problems - for your horse and for you.
On the other hand, when you understand how every rider and every horse has their own physical quirks, and you learn to see and feel those quirks and work with them, as Christian and his horse Annie found out, it becomes surprisingly easy to address issues that riders (and their horses) have struggled with for years.
Your opportunity to try Correction in Movement
Christian and Annie are lucky - as Christian's already told me in words, and Annie has told me by her response to the work. They're lucky because they live close enough that we can work together. Now, no matter where you live, you have the opportunity to try Correction in Movement for yourself. Because I'm launching a brand new DVD Correction in Motion training program on the 1st July.
This is unlike any other home-study program you may have looked at or tried. It starts with 2 DVDs packed full of clearly-demonstrated, easy-to-follow exercises for you and your horse.
The first DVD shows how you can straighten and re-align yourself. (These are the dismounted exercises that Christian found so helpful.) The second DVD illustrates mounted work you'll use to bring yourself and your horse into alignment together.
And the program includes a one-on-one consultation with me. Based on a videotape/DVD of you and your horse (I'll let you know what I need to see), we'll talk on Skype or by phone. You get a personal assessment of your specific challenges and how to customise the exercises to get the results you want.
The full program is 12 months, with 2 DVDs and a personal consultation each month. And you get to try the first month, including the videotaped assessment and Skype consultation, for just £55. This gives you the opportunity to dip your toe (and your horse's hoof!) in the water without having to jump in at the deep end.
This course will be available from the beginning of July. If you are interested in finding out more please let us know as soon as possible by e-mail because I will be assessing each horse and rider personally and therefore places will be limited. If you would like to sign up now you can do so by this link http://www.jonibentley.co.uk/Home/horse%20and%20rider%20events.htm you will find the PayPal button for this course on the right-hand side of the page at the top.
If you have any questions, feel free to email or you can call me on 01442 402756, or mobile 07771 811561.
©1995-2010 Joni Bentley training. All rights reserved.
Sylvia Scott Whispering Way NH Newsletter - Spring 2009
www.naturalhorsetraining.com/WhisperingWayNewsletter-Spring-09.htm
Sylvia Scott is the founder of the: Whispering Way™ Natural Horsemanship Training Program
Her specialty areas are: horse problems, teaching Natural Horsemanship, and helping horse owners to have a deeper and more productive relationship with their horse.
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Just click the Movie Icon at: www.wranglerjayne.com.au/?p=9 to watch this inspiring one minute video clip!
Wrangler Jayne’s tips on keeping horses happy (October 2007)
Wrangler Jayne has written an article on Equine Influenza and how to occupy horses that cannot go out. These tips could help you if your horse is ill, you can’t ride for a while and in all sorts of other situations where boredom could become a problem.
To read it, paste this link into your browser:
http://www.wranglerjayne.com.au/pdf/Article.pdf
Equestrianism - an important part of our communities
Horses on the Road
Why?
Ideally we would ride on the roads as little as possible – car drivers don’t want us there and we don’t want to be there. We can all agree that our roads just aren’t safe. Unfortunately over the last 20 to 30 years the off-road riding network in many areas has been reduced to almost zero. Most of the footpaths in small parishes used to be bridleways, but over time they have been downgraded or made impassable. There is virtually no off-road riding left and the little that we have is constantly under threat, and can only be reached by riding along the roads. Many Parish Councils are exploring ways to increase the off-road riding network and improve local road safety. Help this by writing “constructive” letters to the parish, borough and county councils to encourage them to increasing off road access and facilities.
Riding Two Abreast
Unfortunately it is another contentious issue that appears to generate a great deal of resentment from motorists. However, riding two abreast is strongly advised by both the Police and the Highway Code, as an important safety precaution. Motorists SHOULD pass horses at a maximum speed of 15mph (regardless of which direction you are passing the horse) whist giving at least the same amount of room as if you are passing a small car. Unfortunately with the speed, congestion and attitude of an increasing number of motorists, this rarely happens. It is often necessary to ride 2 abreast to slow the passing traffic and to force them to give the required space, for the safety of both rider and motorist.
Saying “Thank You” to motorists
It is always polite for riders to wave “Thank You” to motorists who drive slowly and considerately by giving horses plenty of time and room; being responsive to drivers is strongly encouraged by Equestrian organisations. Unfortunately it is not always safe or practical to say thank you, as the rider often needs to keep both hands on the reins. If a rider fails to acknowledge you they are not always being ignorant, but often factors which the motorist is unaware of, such as strong winds, unusual noises in gardens, loose dogs, litter etc. require the rider’s full concentration. In these circumstances, riders will be even more grateful that you drove considerately even if they can’t express it at the time!!
Horse Muck on the Roads
We are aware that this is a highly contentious issue. Unfortunately there is very little that we can do about it – imagine the complaints and chaos that would ensue if riders tried to dismount and “clean up” every time, the roads would be at a constant stand still! And, due to the volume of traffic through the villages, it is generally not worth going back to clear up after a ride, as the muck is often squashed, and as it’s made of grass, soon dries out and blows away. However we must point out that unlike dog mess, horse muck is NON-TOXIC so presents no health risk, is generally odour free, extremely biodegradable and very good for your garden!
Road tax and insurance
“Horses should pay tax and be insured to be on the road” is an often heard complaint. The greater majority of horse owners DO CARRY INSURANCE (often paying more on their horse insurance than they do for car insurance!) With the current state of the roads a rider would be foolish not to carry at least some basic 3rd party cover. Although we want to be on the roads as little as possible, many riders would gladly pay the same yearly road tax as a 50cc scooter just to relieve some of the animosity of the motorists (remember most riders are motorist as well!). This however is a question of national government policy and out of riders’ hands.
Horses on the pavement
Why?
Occasionally, and unfortunately, horses are required to move onto the pavement. This generally happens to alleviate other serious traffic problems and situations (e.g. if a rider is holding up the flow of traffic whilst trying to negotiate a line of parked cars, it is easier for all – IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO – to ride a little on the pavement to ease the congestion). Going onto the pavement can also be an important safety issue. It is occasionally necessary to move off-road to make room for large, noisy and fast moving vehicles - particularly tractors with trailers, the increasing number of HGVs, and double-decker buses; especially when these vehicles are attempting to negotiate lines of parked cars. Riders should only be on the pavement for as long as necessary, and should only use the pavement if it is clear of pedestrians and safe to do so.
Horse muck on pavement
Due to the traffic situation it is occasionally necessary for horses to be on the pavement. An unfortunate - but rare - consequence of this is horse muck on the pavement. If the horse is moved onto the pavement to avoid a dangerous traffic situation one of its stress reactions is to “produce”; and as such is unavoidable. Equestrian organizations actively encourages all riders to return after their ride and clear any muck off of the pavements, whenever it occurs.
Horses in the Housing Estates
68% of the respondents in one particular Parish Plan survey in Leicestershire cited traffic volume and speed as the major problem. Many horse riders prefer to “cut through” housing estates as it is a much safer option, and it helps to reduce the traffic burden on main streets. We are sorry that some residents find this practice inconvenient or offensive, but it is an important safety consideration. Also many of the children and residents like to see the horses go by.
“Are horse riders posh, rich and snobby”?
Many people still labour under the misapprehension that horse riders are all rich and think that they are somehow “better than everyone else”. Anyone that has actually met us knows that this just isn’t the case (although we wish the rich bit was!) Many, many years ago horses were the pursuit of the well off, but those times are long past. Most horse owners/riders are average people on average wages, scrimping and saving, running old cars and skipping holidays to fund a pastime that they are passionate about. All we want is to ride and be with our horses as safely, quietly and causing as little inconvenience to others as possible.
Conclusion
Rural villages are not town or city suburbs, or racetracks for motorists. Horses are an integral part of the rural landscape along with tractors, countryside smells and mud on the roads! Many residents love to see the horses and appreciate the added character that they lend to the villages. Horses are also an important part of the local economy. Most of the complaints voiced about horses by a minority of villagers come down to:
1. The villages’ serious traffic problems.
2. A lack of off-road riding and bridleways
3. A misunderstanding between “horse people” and “non-horse people”
Of these, point 3 is the easiest to rectify – just stop us and talk to your local yard owner. Points 1 & 2 are harder to rectify, but the constructive support of the villagers can help riders to create a safer environment for all. Remember roads that are safer for horses are also safer for children, pets and all villagers!
Excerpts taken from WESRRA article
What is McTimoney Treatment For Horses?
Like people, horses can suffer from back, neck and muscoskeletal pain and can benefit from having McTimoney treatment.
When to get your horse treated
Most owners will notice a change in behaviour and notice signs of pain and discomfort. As a guide you should consider seeking treatment if your horse displays any of the following signs:
- Striking off incorrectly in canter
- Signs of discomfort when being groomed on their backs
- Cold backed and discomfort when being girthed up
- A reluctance to move forward
- Stiffness or pain after exercise
- Bucking, rearing or napping
- Loss of performance when competing or training
- Signs of discomfort or pain after an accident - where alternative causes have been ruled out
Misalignments can be caused by
- Badly fitting tack
- Trauma such as a kick or fall, becoming cast in the stable
- Compensation, eg: an elderly horse who is slightly stiff might walk differently and end up with a back pain as a consequence
- Competing on slippery surfaces, performing tight turns and jumping twisting courses
- Conformational defects, such as a long back
What does the McTimoney treatment involve?
A full assessment of your horse will take place along with a full case history taken. A further assessment will be carried out, focusing on the spine, pelvis and other relevant joints. Misalignments are then treated using only the hands and therefore the treatment is non-invasive. The treatment is relatively gentle and aims to restore and maintain health, soundness and performance.
Before any treatment takes place, you need to consult your veterinary surgeon, as it is illegal for a non-veterinary practitioner to treat an animal without approval. Most veterinary surgeons will happily give their permission.
Information from Kate Lord, McTimoney Animal Practitioner (07816 821863) and www.mctimoney-animal.org (where you can also find your local practitioner)
Why Natural Horsemanship Is What Your Horse Would Choose
Your horse is a horse - not a dolly to dress in pink, not a boyfriend substitute or a working machine with no feelings - just a horse doing what a horse does and feeling horse (not human) emotions. There are many ways people train horses. Some use kindness and some use force, but we all have the objective of getting our horses to do what we want, when we want and, if eventing or showing, doing things in a particular or ‘correct’ way.
Natural Horsemanship is different because it’s a principle that helps us learn to think like a horse, not force horses to think like us - regardless of whether our preference is Western, English or otherwise.
We learn to work with horses’ flight or fright emotions and help them develop trust in us as leaders - which automatically improves communication and ensures they see us as partners, not predators.
Basically, if you let your horse push you around, he or she probably isn’t respecting you very much. If you have to kick to go or heave on the reins to stop, your horse just isn’t listening to you. But, being ‘nice’ isn’t always the most effective goal - being respected is.
Problem horses can respond very well to Natural Horsemanship and if you have tried many ‘bits and whips’ to control your horse and failed - give it a go, I bet you get better results as you start to ‘play’ with your best friend. It’s working for me and thousands of other people around the world, I hope it works for you too.
Author: Kay Irvine