I totally agree! ❤️ The passion and love for these creatures, brings revelations, and humility to learn the magnitude of what gifts they are from the Creator of all things. That knowledge is almost a perfect balance in life in general. I pray I never stop learning from this passion. It infiltrates every area of my existence, and everything that is value in my life. Makes you want to be the best, not just for yourself, but for everything and everyone around you.💝
A good and qualified trainer can be hard to find or unaffordable. I really wish some options were given on best practices or exercises we can do with our horses to help maintain the health of our horses spines. I was so excited when Carrie started to talk about what we can do only to be let down with the qualified trainer as the only feedback. I do LOVE the information in all of your videos! Just wish there was some "this is how you fix it"
I just started The Masterson Method with my horse. It's totally amazing and you can learn it yourself. It's based on releasing tension in the joints and helping the horse retrain the nervous system from this tension. It's not hard. I am seeing results immediately.
This is complicated.... But thank you for educating people like me, who had no idea, that there's such a wide range of problems, that common unexperienced rider might cause to any horse.
One never stops learning,if you love learning about that which you love,you are living a joyful life of purpose.i adore horses,have done so all my life @ continue to do so,partnering with my beautiful 4 hooved fellow creatures -my TB gals my angels. All the best to you @ yr equine adventures. You sound like a soul with integrity @ humility.🐎🐎🐎🇭🇲🇭🇲🇺🇸🇺🇸
What I would give to have such professionals on hand, unbiased towards breeders, racing and other branches of the equine industry, who observe the horse with knowledge and as priority. I would travel the country no questions asked. However, we have no such people in Australia unfortunately at this time.
This is very, very helpful and informative! It shed light on several issues my 17 yo quarter horse gelding has and I now feel I have a better understanding of not only the condition, but also the cause. Thank you! I have been thinking about joining and this video sealed it for me.
Caroline, I am so thankful to you for bringing these concepts of truth and continued education for the welfare of the horse into an accessable platform for all of us ,who are truly dedicated, and are always open and hungry to learning more about horses . I hope you are receiving many awards for what you've done here .. As an avid equestrian my entire 47 years since I could walk ..I would honestly be pleased to say that yours is the most comprehensive and tuned to and for the horse above all that I have ever heard, or seen in all my years . ..Thank You . I am forever a student and will be tuning in to your program until I cannot.. I hope all other horse people realize the value it what you've created and provide willingly to the public... You deserve the Nobel prize in my mind ...Again , thank you. Sincerely, Dixie Grue of Missouri, USA.
Thank you for your kind words Dixie. It is a long term project to try to change the culture of the horse world and encourage the acquiring and vetting of knowledge based information that is of a whole horse/whole rider nature. We will persevere:)
Wow this was really interesting! I’m so glad I stumbled across this and it opened my eyes to my own horse and her condition. Sadly I think she is out of wack and pretty sore now 😢 I would’ve enjoyed maybe more ideas on how to help them get stronger, I know training is important but, maybe stuff the owner can do on their own too. Going to check out more of your videos maybe I’ll find one! This is good stuff, thank you 👍🏻
Yes, kind of left us hanging. Would love at least 5 things we can do from ground/in the saddle to bring horse back into proper structural health. What body work is indicated for this syndrome?? Massage, chiropractic?
April Battles, Holistic horseworks. Look it up. If fixes a majority of these problems. It all comes down to muscles. Fix muscle scar tissue that restricts movements, fix deep-lying muscle tension. Then do the same under saddle, and you'll never have a problem. You'll also avoid 90% of common injuries, such as suspensory injuries.
Balanced and clarity helps the confidence in the rider and the riden, I realize that word sounds wrong in ethics, but when you realize what your riding is trusting on the unnatural weight on the back, you gain perspective in true balance and perfect athleticism these creatures deserve to thrive on. How important it is to know the anatomy of good overall health. I love your videos. Thank you
This is an excellent video with a lot of detailed analysis. Is there another video(s) that detail the exercises therapy to correct these issues? That’s the true gem.
That is the tough part and there is no one size fits all. Each horse and rider situation is unique and will have specific underlying reasons for lack of topline development - injury, saddle fit, incorrect biomechanical training, hoof imbalance, rider crookedness or lack of skill etc. The key is gaining knowledge, getting to know your horse and understanding what is going on in all of these areas. It takes a lot of effort, time and patience. Finding the right team to help is also key, but equally challenging. The more you know, the more you know what is going on with the horse, the better you can qualify professionals who can help:)
It seems to me that the root cause of these back issues is taking a relatively long-backed warmblood and trying to turn him into an Iberian. Closer-coupled horses are built for collected work such as Grand Prix or classical dressage; warmbloods can do it, sort of, but it doesn't come naturally and they risk injury if it's overdone. Their backs are too long and too weak.
THANK YOU! I almost got attacked online for suggesting & questioning why more Friesens & Iberian sporthorses weren't used. I asked aren't they actually physically built for dressage than longer bodied 1/2 thoroughbred 1/2 draft horse hybrids? Warmbloods are for hacking cross country & roads hence their sturdier build. No?
@@scheherazadenoir5950 as I understand it, warmbloods were originally caisson horses, used to haul artillery pieces into a battle. As such, they were bred for a longer body and stamina. Iberians were bred for mounted combat and parade work, and are simply better conformed for haute ecole. Warmblood fanciers can think what they will.
@@comesahorseman I agree. I'mma stand behind you though when it comes time to discuss it. 😁 The guy who jumped on me for even asking about Friesian sporthorses acted like he wanted to fight. 🤣🤣 "Friesians are slow & plodding and NOT suited for dressage." And on & on, I think there can't be any discussion about it, rationally when someone is more worried about selling horses for a sport they're not best suited for than the ethics of forcing animals to perform movements that cause injury & pain & lameness. And Rollkur simply must be outlawed.
Great video with excellent illustrations. Wondering if you could elaborate on some of the treatment that horse owners can do on their own to help alleviate and prevent these injuries from happening. A knowledgeable trainer is helpful but pretty expensive. I typically stretch my horse after every ride; but what are some of the specific exercises and body work we can do? That would be super helpful.
Hi Sherry - it is difficult to make any specific recommendations without seeing the particular horse to evaluate the suitability of any exercises, training etc. If you have access to a good body worker who can work with you on developing some mobilization exercises and stretches for your horse, that is your best bet:)
Very true. One thing that I do every time I ride my horse is that I do stretch out their front and laughs and rides I pull them out work just to stretch your mouth I do pick up their hind legs and I stretch them out as well. After that I always bathe my horse and when I'm bathing him I do massages body I do use Absorbine when I'm done bathing my horse or washing my heart I get a 5 gallon bucket I had a little bit of zorbing and help stimulates the blood flow it's something I've always done I even use it for myself sometimes when I'm sore and it works for me so I assume it works for the horses since it's made for horses then I'll let my horse stand until he is dry again I pick up the front legs stretch them out along with the hind legs I saddle my horse up and as soon as I I am sitting on the saddle on top of my horse I always Flex their necks to keep them I guess on point I'm flexing so that they know that when I mount them it is not okay to go forward they know that when I mount them on the saddle they know what is next because of muscle memory I always Flex my horse for two or three minutes I sit in the saddle for about the same time 2 or 3 minutes and then I 4 C to walk off with my horse at a slow pace and I'm always look at you feel something different before I start doing any riding or exercise with a horse or any training is that muscle memory of how I felt this and I felt that or I can feel this and I can feel that I look at their ears I'm always looking for something always trying to find something wrong I don't know why that's just in my nature 98% of the time I don't find nothing wrong the horse is good but the 2% of the time when I do find something wrong I catch it on time and after being a entry from going further and getting worse but giving a horse a good massage every day they will enjoy that I have a lot of horses and they are racehorses they are quarter horses but I have to pleasure riding horses and they get the same treatment that my race horses get and all of my horses are happy I do have the vet come out once a month the owners pay for the vet check and this vet is not like some other ones that always finding something wrong always want to pull the Bonito out and give them medication I told his back look I'll have you come out once a month check every single one of my horses out if there's nothing wrong with the horse then there's something wrong with the horse but if there is something wrong with the horse we will address it 100% but don't make me and the owners of the other horses spend more money than what we need to do these are Performance Horses and I will be faithful to you as long as you are faithful to me and the horses and the owners but most of all and most important the horses they are the athletes and they come first he's been real truthful and faithful about any horse and any injury there's times where he won't even charge me for what he's doing he just loved that particular horse more than the other ones I don't know why there's times where he's wanted to breed his mare to one of the horses and the owner of the horse puts a fee on the stud fee and he pays for it we were testing him out he paid for it and when the Colt was born and it survived a month later the owner of the horse that he started out to his mare refunded his money he didn't tell him why he just told him that he couldn't take his money for the stuff for you because he had been so good with our horses and it was in his heart to give him his money back and that if he ever wanted to breed his mayor back to his stud he didn't have to pay him for the stud fee it would be free and you would think out of all the horses that we have very good blood lines that this is that would go out and buy good mares and get his mares pregnant for free but he doesn't he just wanted that one baby for his daughter and that was it I have a nice dud he has 16 wins first place in a row he's undefeated he has track records on the track Louisiana Texas New Mexico Houston Texas I'm not going to put this name out there but he's a hell of a horse and I've offered him to breed my horse to his man once I take him off the track next year and he said he would think about it and I said what you mean you don't like my or she goes you have a gorgeous horse he goes I just think he's too much horse for my mayor I looked at him she smiled at me he got his truck and he's laugh and I never understood what he meant by that because my horse is a very calm horse very gentle and he's a stud I just don't know what he meant by that to be honest but it is what it is God bless everyone have a blessed day amen!
@@leilawitherspoon503 when I drop the comment I was speech texting and some of my words did not get applied directly to the comment. But absorbine is something that people that races horses on the racetrack or they use them as cutting horses or neck raining or Jumpers you mix it with water I usually do let's say per gallon of water I use about 6 to 8 oz of absorbine and I hope I'm spelling it correctly but you can look it up on Google it helps stimulate the book flow and it also promotes healing when they horses injured it relaxes the nerves and tendons and it's basically like the gel mint that the chiropractor uses on a human when they go in for adjustments of their bodies and they massage your back legs and arms and neck and it has a strong mint smell to it and the absorbine does the same thing it gets cold and then it gets warm and then it gets cold when you take a shower and after you have completed your shower you can get a small bucket add water to it warm water and add like I said 6 to 8 oz per gallon and you get a sponge that will absorb the absorbing and it will take away any and all body aches and pain and also it relieves pain from arthritis in your joints hands fingers knees elbows wrists and it's not that expensive here in Texas a big bottle will cost you about $13 if you get it on Amazon you'll pay glass and they do have I believe a 1 gallon bottle but it does the same thing for the horses it relaxes in takes their aches and pains away and it gets the blood flow going to the muscle tissue and it promotes healing at the same time but you can look for it on Google or on Amazon and it's spelled a s o r b i n e and I highly recommended when you order it and when you get it it is a green color and when you mix it with water it changes to like a light green color but it works wonders I love it I use it everyday to be honest with you it's very seldom that I don't use it to the times that I don't use it is because I run out and I have not went to the feed store where they sell it or Tractor Supply and they have it there but they also sell them at the pharmacy but it is called Jr. Absorbine it's not as potent as the one for the horses but it does work but I prefer to use the one for horses because it is more concentrated it is more stronger and it last longer and I highly recommend it to you for your equine or even your dogs or any other pets it won't harm them at all and you can use it after you take a shower or if you're taking a bath and soaking your body you can add some to the water and relax in your bathtub while you taking your bath and let's say you take a bath for an hour and when you come out you'll feel kind of cold because both the mint it makes your body feel cold for like maybe 30-40 seconds and then you'll feel warm around your whole body and you can feel the difference within 10 minutes after you're done with your bath and you will sleep like a baby I'm surprised that you've never heard of it but I'm glad to be able to share this information with you if you have any other questions there are some other things that I use to help with my body aches and pain because I work in construction another one that I use but I don't take a shower with it and I just rub it on my body it is called joint flex or Flex joint something like that I haven't used it in about a year but don't use a lot just use a little bit and it works wonders I love it and they're both about the same price but because I have horses I use the absorbing before I ride them so they can relax in their body can be not so much as in being a key and I used joint flex or Flex joint after I ride them and I shampoo them down and once they're dry I apply the joint flex or the flex joint to their wrist elbows stifled and on their neck and wherever I think the horse may have some pain and it's one of the best two items out there for relieving aches and pains and bruises on horses and it does not cause any cancer like DMSO or other items that they have on the Shelf to help with pain and aches and bruising but if you have any questions let me know and I will answer them I have and I know how to make and concoct a lot of stuff for pain for horses and dogs and even for us humans and I will be gladly to share my recipes with you. Have a great and wonderful day may God bless you and your family always!! All the way from Dallas Texas Mister Jose Zaragoza Sr.
If you are interested in exercises you can do with your horse on the ground, to help strengthen the hind end, thereby lessening the load on the front legs and lifting the back, check out www.straightnesstraining.com/
I'm not a horsey person but I like to think I know a sick or injured animal. Wow am I wrong, this fellow looks so healthy but has so many conjoined problems. What an amazing and informative video.
I am a horsey person and lemme tell you it's VERY difficult to spot these things. A lot of people with YEARS of experience are still constantly learning new things.
When I purchased my TW gelding, he had a severe pointed out hoof. causing his whole diagonal to be severely off. Apun inspection and ferrier care, we could fix it a little but the rest was just going to take time in proper strength training
All this was extremely interesting. Can you do a version of this for horses that move to a four beat, or gaited type horses, ( Tennessee Walking Horse, Rocky Mountain Horse, Missouri Fox Trotter, Kentucky Saddle Horse)?
Wow!! What such good information do you guys have provided! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication after taking the time to make this video and explain to us the viewers about the reasons and causes of course pain especially in your spine they're Negra hindquarters how they should be ridden in order to be written pain-free and what to look at that what you look for I commend you on this are you guys I bet this is the first time I've ever seen your video or a video similar to this but you guys are dedicated to this. May God bless each and everyone of you involved in this video and for those feature people that are going to be involved with the horses and there's always an explanation for everything we just have to put online together and figure out what's causing the problems and it looks like you are on the right path we will never stop learning no matter how much we think we know about a horse I thought I knew everything about a horse I got slapped in the face when I saw this video I will be checking each and every one of my race horses tomorrow those that are mine and those that aren't mine that I trained I love all of my horses. Horses or the horses that I have now up until five years ago they saved my life and I will always always have respect for horses I was in a very very very deep depression to the point to where I wanted to commit suicide and the day that I decided I was going to go through it well I went by the groceries paid all of the bills I got a hit on my bills to or three months ahead pay my electric bill I even overpaid on my electric bill and water bill about a lot of groceries drink napkins paper plates cut my yard washed the vehicle's and I went to the gas station to do the very last thing after I change the oil on each and every vehicle and I had tune-ups that I had done on them during the week well this day that I thing I had to do was to fill up my truck with a full tank of gas as the other cars and vehicles already had a full tank I pulled up to a Shell gas station and this guy with a big trailer had some horses and something truly today's horses and not touch one on their nose and I began to rub that area they were so soft with his lips he live with my hand and I felt a sensation of I just going to be blunt love any feeling went through my body of love I've had it the horse on the face rub its face the guy came out he said what a gorgeous horse huh and I said yes he's a gorgeous horse and I walked away. I pay for my gas with my debit card and I proceeded filling my tank got my tank full went to the driver side of my door and the gentleman waved his hand at me and he spoke to me he said what do you do for a living and I said oh nothing much at this time it looked at me and he said would you be interested in a job I said what kind of job Kinko's helping me take care of the race horses these are athletic race horses these are athletes and my heart started pounding and I told him I don't think I have that much time to invest and help you with your horses and he told me he goes look I don't know what made me stay here in this truck but something is telling me to tell you that you have time but you don't want to make the time he goes now I don't know what I mean by that sir but I'm just telling you whatever you're going through Let It Go come help me with the horses see if you'd like it I'll pay you $600 for the first week 8 hours a day Monday through Friday he goes today is Monday you can start today and I'll pay you for the full day why don't you follow me to my property and weekend talk to her and you can Overlook the property in the horses and tell me if it's something you want to do I followed him I walked into the barn where all the Stalls were at with these beautiful gorgeous horses and I said what do you want me to do Migos have you ever clean stoves I looked at him and I said yes but human stalls not horses he smiled or laughed he said you got a sense of being funny I said no I just being honest I've never done this type of work I said but I'm a quick learner and I will do whatever I'm asked to do I said but I just need you to have patience with me she goes what do you mean you just told me you are a quick learner and you are a hard worker but I don't understand the last part of your sentence that I have to be patient with you and I said well I'm in a better deep dark place at this point in time in my life I am severely depressed that's what my doctor told me I sent him to be honest with you I was filling up my gas tank to my truck because I was going to go home and end my life but you have saved my life these horses have saved my life and I am willing to give it a try I saw videos on RUclips where people where the press and they got you working around with horses and they came out of their depression I said I'll try this for two months you don't have to pay me for 2 months but if in two months this is not for me then I'll just walk away from it and you'll never see me again he said okay deal and we sure can little did I know this man was also dying of cancer I was at 9 of cancer I was depressed to make a long story short he showed me everything he knew about horses with the time frame that he had I work with this man for a year-and-a-half and he worked me hard hard hard hard and he would get mad throw a fit and he said you can do this why are you not picking this up write this stuff down make a video on your phone and I did and I picked up on it we went to the racetrack we started winning and thanks to horses and thanks to John Culver may you rest in peace my life was spared. Thanks to God Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit I renewed my faith and now I am a happy person in life full of joy and happiness and now I took over the burn and and now I took over the barn and the race horses the owners did not take their horses anywhere else I am bilingual and we get along just fine I know how to pick out horses I know what to look for but I just wanted to share my story God bless you all have a blessed day amen!!
Django Jango how wonderful to have made that connection with John Culver and his horses. Even better you let yourself be guided by Spirit. You are blessed, thank you for sharing - so many need to hear that there is Spirit in our lives if we listen.
May Jesus continue to bless you, Brother! These are God's creation and deserve our love and respect above our own pleasure. Thank you for sharing your story.✝️💖
Dawn austin yeah but are very rarely used for that purpose anymore. So while being ridden how is a rounded back achieved with such a high headed horse? Hard question.
Abby B expect problems and breakdowns. The only real way to develop that back is up&down hills and backing up on a gentle incline, cavalletti, not while being under saddle. Even then, it’s natural conformation comes into play. It’s just not possible. The solution is to pick a horse that is suitable for your discipline. The riders that choose Friesians to ride are doing them a great disservice. Sure it’s all flash and pretty but is it right for the horse? The temperament of the Friesian is so excellent that they just put up with stuff. Other solution is to pick an well built outcross.
The basics of proper muscle function is the same for every single breed. A muscle has to be free of scars and injuries, and be able to lengthen and contract to allow for full range of motion of joints and bones and best support. The problems you see in this video are caused by muscle tension and/or scarring. That pulls the body out of alignment, and causes more and more problems down the line. The basics are the same on every horse regardless of breed. The signs are always the same :)
@@abbyb282 -- Same way as any other horse. By first of all ensuring that all muscles are relaxed and able to contract and expand properly. Ride long and low to whatever point it is for the particular horse where you feel the muscles of the back begin to engage, then asking the hind end to step a bit further under - which causes the stomach muscle to engage to lift the back. Before you can achieve this, though, you have to make sure that all the rib heads can properly lift and move :). Then work the horse's muscles in a gentle way that works in line with the muscle's natural movement. I'm working on a video series to explain this better. Hopefully, I'll get it done soon.
No kissing spine is when the tops of the vertebrates touch and rub together. They don't develope bony growths. If a horse had it, it should be addressed because it can be quite painful for them
What are requirements to give horse massage for pay in California? I am a certified massage therapist ( since 2004 ) for humans, and a tai chi & zhan zhuang qigong practitioner since 1989 which i also provide lessons in. And want to include massaging horses, but unclear what is required to do so and be paid for it. I saw a horse massage course for about $250 ( which is a lot less cost than the human massage programs Ive taken ) but there was no clarification whats required education and certification wise for giving massages as a profession.
In my opinion many of these disorders could be prevented by a more natural lifestyle. Turn out instead of stalls, riding in more natural tack, starting colt at an older age, using true hackamor instead of painfull bits could go a long way toward preventing these musculoskeletal problems.
jeanette b I have an 8yo part bred Andalusian. He was gelded and broken in at 6yo, and has lived in a paddock all his life. He’s had very little work since he was broken in. He is exhibiting all of these signs. He is not trained for advanced anything. He’s barely trained at all. So unfortunately your opinion isn’t completely accurate, and indicates you don’t know a lot about horses.
@@kymharris269 Keeping horses naturally doesn't mean that the horse will be neglected immediately. What you described is negligence. Besides a paddock isn't a lot better, because the horse can't graze
I agree that turning out is important and that natural is a good thing. I just freaking HATE the claim that bitless is always better. A horse at the barn I'm boarded at was ridden bitless by their previous owner. This horse ended up with a BROKEN NOSE from that bitless riding. The nose bone is very sensitive and very vulnerable to damage, and going bitless isn't the one-size-fits-all solution a lot of people seem to think it is. Sidepulls that are fitted properly are the only bitless bridles I can really get behind. Hackamores especially are actually really harmfull because of the leverage effect they have, and because they don't release pressure when the rider's hands do. I've seen too many horses with damaged nosebones from nosebands and bitless riding. Of course bits have the potential to be cruel! But an average simple snaffle bit is no more or less cruel than an average sidepull. Listen to each individual horse, and stop preaching natural tack and bitless as being the only 'right' way to do things while condemning other ways.
Please mention that a a sinking topline is not be due to malnutrition especially when the rest of the horse scores well in a fat index. Some horse are inactive and the the back undevelopes.
@@laviniamartin1619 Yes, I can feel it myself-- I have to work hard to stay in shape at 63... My boy is nearly 27 and we don't do anything hard but we play and hack and he seems to be in great shape fortunately...
Why in the world would one choose a long backed Warmblood for dressage? I don’t mean lower levels that any horse should be able to perform but for higher levels and competition. That spine and long legs are for covering ground
Why not? Dressage is supposed to be correctness. Any horse of any breed should be able to do it. So, the back muscle is longer. That just means it takes a little longer for the stomach and back muscles to grow strong enough to hold collection for longer periods of time. But to say a long-backed horse can't do dressage is like a saying a tall person can't do ab crunches.
Sylvana Thornton you are correct. However, the inference was for competition. Any horse can can be correct to a degree. Some horses because of their body type cannot achieve the roundness and collection that higher levels require. Dressage is simply “training” but one has to consider the physical limitations of the body type. Gymnast are of the same body type And so are high jumpers because each athletes’ body type favors the activity.
The best explanation is in the novel and movie Black Beauty that was written to bring attention to horse abuse. Dog and cat abuse is easy to spot but horse abuse by all sorts of cruel contraptions are only visible to a well trained eye. Bearing reins don't cause too much pressure if they are not to tight but if you watch horses pulling when they stop for some reason they must stretch their neck and when the rein is too tight they start trying to flex their head up and twist their neck to relieve some sort of cramp. The Budweiser Clydesdales are now using bearing reins and have been having "incidents" and now for parades the horses need people to walk along in front of the horses because with a big bearing rein bit up high in the mouth the smaller steering bit is practically useless. Some people have been killed and many injured, they try to keep accidents quit but with utube word and videos are getting out. It's just like the Tennessee walking horse cruelty, they say they don't hurt the horse but someone undercover got some videos. Utube has videos of Tennessee walking horse feet burning and bearing rein accidents and horse people are very good at convincing non horses people and horse people with different breeds that they are not seeing what they are seeing. Harness racing horses are now using bearing reins but they have someone at the gate who unhooked practically before the horses even get stopped because if they don't the horse will flip out. In harness horse shows at the end of the class the horses line up in the center and you can see which hoses are too tight. They bob their heads and won't stand still and have too have someone hang on to them. The problem is the horses with the tightest reins always win so every one keeps making them tighter to try to win next time.
It pulls the chin to the chest causing strain in the poll, neck, and back. Its made to make the horse look regal by hyperextending the neck. The only way to get that look is to naturally work with the horse but they can only do so much naturally
@@TheHamadanners the horses that pull the royal carriages in England are not subjected to bearing reins. In almost all modern countries bearing reins are banned. A spokeswoman for one of the major draft horse said that bearing reins cause horses to be swaybacked in later years. I believe that because I used to go to horse actions alot and saw very few swaybacked horses and they were mostly Saddlebreds and morgan types that are used in cart classes at shows.
Look up April Battles, Holistic Horseworks. Discovered her videos a few years ago. I've been able to help countless horses with that by now. I work with sport horses, show horses, mostly jumpers and dressage, but some western horses also.
How about letting a horse move as it is born to move, and not pulling the chin into its chest constantly... Let it out into the pasture with other horses.
If a horse is ridden properly, it will achieve the proper position on it's own accord. That's because it's engaging all the proper muscles in a way that optimally carries it's own weight as well as the rider's weight. Pulling a horse's chin to their chest is a massive transgression and anyone who does so at a competition or clinic or whatever gets disciplined. I suggest you look up proper engagement of the horse's hind quarters under the rider if you want to know how a horse achieves this "chin to chest" thing on their own accord.
Oh wow. Oh wow. The implications of this. Oh wow. I've never imagined that people were this dedicated to ending the abuse in equine sports & pursuits. Maximizing the horse's physiology instead of more training or more severe bitting.... Like I said, the implications 😳 all of those TV trainers cranking necks, yanking & ENDLESS lunging.... The horses aren't resisting they're probably unbalanced and in pain.
EXACTLY!!! Finally someone who is willing to look beyond what's shown on TV, and condemn all horsepeople as animal abusers! I'm sorry if I seem odd, but I'm so glad to see that there are still non-equestrians willing to listen to arguments other than "horse riding is abuse!" The majority of people involved with horses are constantly looking for better ways, trying to improve, and fighting against the ancient ideas and training styles that are slowly going exctinct. Again sorry if I put you off or anything, I'm just so relieved to hear that there's still people out there willing to listen.
Since when is "long-bodied and narrow" good conformation? Overbending causes muscle tightness? Who would have thought? You breed for these traits and allow them in the ring, so you have problems. You overwork your horses. Real dressage is a wonderful thing, but there are a lot of pretenders out there.
The rider sure contributes to Dreamer's topline syndrome, among other things. Her posting trot is too bouncy, her seat not deep enough due to insufficient thigh contact in the saddle. Repetitive bouncing of a rider will slowly wreck that horse.
When are all these experts that know so much and love so much horses lower their prices to make themselves more affordable and accessible to the horses that need them?
How? They spend many years at university, which likely results in a debt that needs to be paid back. They need expensive tools, they need an office, a treatment space for the horses. They need to fund research. They need to have a decent car that is reliable so they can get to locations in time. And also they need to make a living
Wow really? How about you spend years becoming an expert with all the money, blood, sweat and tears it takes to achieve that title then lower your prices to serve all those needy horses... get real. Most ppl who have these types of sport horses can afford those services. Those of us who have POS throw aways and can't afford this level of care get on the internet and learn. That's what I did! Took me 2 years to get my rescued TB to where I can ride her comfortably and correct her feet - and I had to do it all myself bc I'm a broke ass. Do what you have to do and don't expect others to hand you solutions.
The main cause of this is bad riders and bad instructors. Every Joe-Schmuck that has ridden 1st Level professes to know dressage and teaches others, what themselves don't understand. Very good analysis in this video, except they should emphasize more the rider and /or trainer problem.
Dressage always seemed more about human vanity than anything else. Same with racing and rodeos. None of these "sports" appear to be in the best interest of the horse or it's longevity.
When you really are being honest about animal's and their needs, none of these injuries should endure a rider on the horse. Humans who have these anatomical injuries can barely endure their own pain. Oh, but since they're just captive animals without a choice, let's force it to carry on for ourselves. Humans are selfish making animals slaves for their pleasure and egos.
@Maynard Runkle and you believe that, right? None of these should be ridden in this condition and no amount of money thrown at any of these people will make a painfree animal in this condition. Like I said, if the same pain were in humans, they would be classified as permanently disabled. Don't make the helpless pay for greedy human pleasures.
@Maynard Runkle Not necessarily the abattoir, although very likely as they discard them very similarly and just as easily hunters with their dogs. They can be rehomed, rehabilitated, etc. That costs money and is time consuming. The biggest problem as I see it is excessive breeding of horses, without any concern for their well-being and what may be of them should they not perform as expected. A very clear picture of human greed, the horse 'industry', as it is very aptly and openly called.
@Maynard Runkle What difference does it take if the person doesn't ride until the horse is recovered?? Like except for the fact the horse will heal faster. If I noticed anything on my horses, I'd not ride them until they are 100% healthy again, and no one should. If someone doesn't have the money to wait for the time until the horse recovers and not ride at all, then they shouldn't get a goddamn horse
A good bit of overinformation in this video. You complicate alot of things from my 18 years of experience as an equine osteopath. The information isnt wrong but its way more then 99% of all riders can handle.
All these vets here, and not 1 of you talks about the horrible way this horse’s mouth is kept closed with pressure, and the fact that dressage is not a humane sport. Shame on you all!
I am a hard-core rider. But I am looking at this video thinking WTF. That we have such expendable time and money that we can mess around wondering what is making our horses uncomfortable. Got to say. That goes beyond being frivolous
Frivolous? You think it's frivolous to want your horse to be happy and comfortable doing the job you are asking him to do? Jeez - I'm sure glad I'm not one of your horses: must be a miserable life for them.
@@jennyandersson6238 Blindingly obvious, I would have thought, but it seems some folks still don't get it. Might be an unseen injury or imbalance as well - we have a brilliant horse therapist visit our horses regularly twice a year and more often if necessary. It's our responsibility as animal keepers to make sure they are well, comfortable and happy doing what we ask them to do for us. They give us so much, it's only right that we give as much in return.
Janet Barkwith exactly! I get so mad when people can’t take/ or won’t take care of their horses because of selfishness. Thinking that the horse should obey them rather then get a connection with the animal.
so much to learn about horses. the more i learn , the more i need to know
It's a fun Rabbit Hole though
I totally agree! ❤️ The passion and love for these creatures, brings revelations, and humility to learn the magnitude of what gifts they are from the Creator of all things. That knowledge is almost a perfect balance in life in general. I pray I never stop learning from this passion. It infiltrates every area of my existence, and everything that is value in my life. Makes you want to be the best, not just for yourself, but for everything and everyone around you.💝
A good and qualified trainer can be hard to find or unaffordable. I really wish some options were given on best practices or exercises we can do with our horses to help maintain the health of our horses spines. I was so excited when Carrie started to talk about what we can do only to be let down with the qualified trainer as the only feedback. I do LOVE the information in all of your videos! Just wish there was some "this is how you fix it"
I agree I wish too there were examples, options, the how too, etc on fixing and maintenance of the spine the neck shoulders etc...
I just started The Masterson Method with my horse. It's totally amazing and you can learn it yourself. It's based on releasing tension in the joints and helping the horse retrain the nervous system from this tension. It's not hard. I am seeing results immediately.
Dreamer's saddle doesn't fit, it's flapping on his back when the rider rises, which is probably contributing to his topline issues too.
This is complicated....
But thank you for educating people like me, who had no idea, that there's such a wide range of problems, that common unexperienced rider might cause to any horse.
Your RUclipss are so full of information, This one in particular is one of my favourites and something everyone should watch.
Wow amazing video everyone is so focused on the legs, but the entire body needs to be addressed just as we do. Very informative! Thank you ❤️
Grear videos. Thank you for making them publicly available
One never stops learning,if you love learning about that which you love,you are living a joyful life of purpose.i adore horses,have done so all my life @ continue to do so,partnering with my beautiful 4 hooved fellow creatures -my TB gals my angels. All the best to you @ yr equine adventures. You sound like a soul with integrity @ humility.🐎🐎🐎🇭🇲🇭🇲🇺🇸🇺🇸
What I would give to have such professionals on hand, unbiased towards breeders, racing and other branches of the equine industry, who observe the horse with knowledge and as priority. I would travel the country no questions asked. However, we have no such people in Australia unfortunately at this time.
Same!!! That rider is so lucky to have her horse evaluated like this.
This is very, very helpful and informative! It shed light on several issues my 17 yo quarter horse gelding has and I now feel I have a better understanding of not only the condition, but also the cause. Thank you! I have been thinking about joining and this video sealed it for me.
Thanks so much for your support. Much appreciated. Hope you find our content helpful:)
Caroline, I am so thankful to you for bringing these concepts of truth and continued education for the welfare of the horse into an accessable platform for all of us ,who are truly dedicated, and are always open and hungry to learning more about horses . I hope you are receiving many awards for what you've done here .. As an avid equestrian my entire 47 years since I could walk ..I would honestly be pleased to say that yours is the most comprehensive and tuned to and for the horse above all that I have ever heard, or seen in all my years . ..Thank You . I am forever a student and will be tuning in to your program until I cannot.. I hope all other horse people realize the value it what you've created and provide willingly to the public... You deserve the Nobel prize in my mind ...Again , thank you.
Sincerely,
Dixie Grue
of Missouri, USA.
Thank you for your kind words Dixie. It is a long term project to try to change the culture of the horse world and encourage the acquiring and vetting of knowledge based information that is of a whole horse/whole rider nature. We will persevere:)
Wow this was really interesting! I’m so glad I stumbled across this and it opened my eyes to my own horse and her condition. Sadly I think she is out of wack and pretty sore now 😢 I would’ve enjoyed maybe more ideas on how to help them get stronger, I know training is important but, maybe stuff the owner can do on their own too. Going to check out more of your videos maybe I’ll find one! This is good stuff, thank you 👍🏻
Yes, kind of left us hanging. Would love at least 5 things we can do from ground/in the saddle to bring horse back into proper structural health. What body work is indicated for this syndrome?? Massage, chiropractic?
April Battles, Holistic horseworks. Look it up. If fixes a majority of these problems. It all comes down to muscles. Fix muscle scar tissue that restricts movements, fix deep-lying muscle tension. Then do the same under saddle, and you'll never have a problem. You'll also avoid 90% of common injuries, such as suspensory injuries.
@@Awenda18 www.straightnesstraining.com/ Lots of good info on groundwork to strengthen the hind end. :)
Balanced and clarity helps the confidence in the rider and the riden, I realize that word sounds wrong in ethics, but when you realize what your riding is trusting on the unnatural weight on the back, you gain perspective in true balance and perfect athleticism these creatures deserve to thrive on. How important it is to know the anatomy of good overall health.
I love your videos. Thank you
Thank you so much for having done a video like this ! This is very clear and helpful and the world of riders need this kind of informations !
Forcing a horse to hold his head like that is criminal.
This is an excellent video with a lot of detailed analysis. Is there another video(s) that detail the exercises therapy to correct these issues? That’s the true gem.
That is the tough part and there is no one size fits all. Each horse and rider situation is unique and will have specific underlying reasons for lack of topline development - injury, saddle fit, incorrect biomechanical training, hoof imbalance, rider crookedness or lack of skill etc. The key is gaining knowledge, getting to know your horse and understanding what is going on in all of these areas. It takes a lot of effort, time and patience. Finding the right team to help is also key, but equally challenging. The more you know, the more you know what is going on with the horse, the better you can qualify professionals who can help:)
Excellent programme.
It seems to me that the root cause of these back issues is taking a relatively long-backed warmblood and trying to turn him into an Iberian. Closer-coupled horses are built for collected work such as Grand Prix or classical dressage; warmbloods can do it, sort of, but it doesn't come naturally and they risk injury if it's overdone. Their backs are too long and too weak.
That is a good observation. Goes along with the thought "are you using the horse for dressage, or are you apply dressage to the horse?" :)
@@KayeHandlonSPEq yes, indeed!
THANK YOU! I almost got attacked online for suggesting & questioning why more Friesens & Iberian sporthorses weren't used. I asked aren't they actually physically built for dressage than longer bodied 1/2 thoroughbred 1/2 draft horse hybrids? Warmbloods are for hacking cross country & roads hence their sturdier build. No?
@@scheherazadenoir5950 as I understand it, warmbloods were originally caisson horses, used to haul artillery pieces into a battle. As such, they were bred for a longer body and stamina.
Iberians were bred for mounted combat and parade work, and are simply better conformed for haute ecole. Warmblood fanciers can think what they will.
@@comesahorseman
I agree. I'mma stand behind you though when it comes time to discuss it. 😁 The guy who jumped on me for even asking about Friesian sporthorses acted like he wanted to fight. 🤣🤣 "Friesians are slow & plodding and NOT suited for dressage." And on & on, I think there can't be any discussion about it, rationally when someone is more worried about selling horses for a sport they're not best suited for than the ethics of forcing animals to perform movements that cause injury & pain & lameness.
And Rollkur simply must be outlawed.
Great video with excellent illustrations. Wondering if you could elaborate on some of the treatment that horse owners can do on their own to help alleviate and prevent these injuries from happening. A knowledgeable trainer is helpful but pretty expensive. I typically stretch my horse after every ride; but what are some of the specific exercises and body work we can do? That would be super helpful.
Hi Sherry - it is difficult to make any specific recommendations without seeing the particular horse to evaluate the suitability of any exercises, training etc. If you have access to a good body worker who can work with you on developing some mobilization exercises and stretches for your horse, that is your best bet:)
Very true. One thing that I do every time I ride my horse is that I do stretch out their front and laughs and rides I pull them out work just to stretch your mouth I do pick up their hind legs and I stretch them out as well. After that I always bathe my horse and when I'm bathing him I do massages body I do use Absorbine when I'm done bathing my horse or washing my heart I get a 5 gallon bucket I had a little bit of zorbing and help stimulates the blood flow it's something I've always done I even use it for myself sometimes when I'm sore and it works for me so I assume it works for the horses since it's made for horses then I'll let my horse stand until he is dry again I pick up the front legs stretch them out along with the hind legs I saddle my horse up and as soon as I I am sitting on the saddle on top of my horse I always Flex their necks to keep them I guess on point I'm flexing so that they know that when I mount them it is not okay to go forward they know that when I mount them on the saddle they know what is next because of muscle memory I always Flex my horse for two or three minutes I sit in the saddle for about the same time 2 or 3 minutes and then I 4 C to walk off with my horse at a slow pace and I'm always look at you feel something different before I start doing any riding or exercise with a horse or any training is that muscle memory of how I felt this and I felt that or I can feel this and I can feel that I look at their ears I'm always looking for something always trying to find something wrong I don't know why that's just in my nature 98% of the time I don't find nothing wrong the horse is good but the 2% of the time when I do find something wrong I catch it on time and after being a entry from going further and getting worse but giving a horse a good massage every day they will enjoy that I have a lot of horses and they are racehorses they are quarter horses but I have to pleasure riding horses and they get the same treatment that my race horses get and all of my horses are happy I do have the vet come out once a month the owners pay for the vet check and this vet is not like some other ones that always finding something wrong always want to pull the Bonito out and give them medication I told his back look I'll have you come out once a month check every single one of my horses out if there's nothing wrong with the horse then there's something wrong with the horse but if there is something wrong with the horse we will address it 100% but don't make me and the owners of the other horses spend more money than what we need to do these are Performance Horses and I will be faithful to you as long as you are faithful to me and the horses and the owners but most of all and most important the horses they are the athletes and they come first he's been real truthful and faithful about any horse and any injury there's times where he won't even charge me for what he's doing he just loved that particular horse more than the other ones I don't know why there's times where he's wanted to breed his mare to one of the horses and the owner of the horse puts a fee on the stud fee and he pays for it we were testing him out he paid for it and when the Colt was born and it survived a month later the owner of the horse that he started out to his mare refunded his money he didn't tell him why he just told him that he couldn't take his money for the stuff for you because he had been so good with our horses and it was in his heart to give him his money back and that if he ever wanted to breed his mayor back to his stud he didn't have to pay him for the stud fee it would be free and you would think out of all the horses that we have very good blood lines that this is that would go out and buy good mares and get his mares pregnant for free but he doesn't he just wanted that one baby for his daughter and that was it I have a nice dud he has 16 wins first place in a row he's undefeated he has track records on the track Louisiana Texas New Mexico Houston Texas I'm not going to put this name out there but he's a hell of a horse and I've offered him to breed my horse to his man once I take him off the track next year and he said he would think about it and I said what you mean you don't like my or she goes you have a gorgeous horse he goes I just think he's too much horse for my mayor I looked at him she smiled at me he got his truck and he's laugh and I never understood what he meant by that because my horse is a very calm horse very gentle and he's a stud I just don't know what he meant by that to be honest but it is what it is God bless everyone have a blessed day amen!
@@djangojango3170 what is zorbing ?
@@leilawitherspoon503 when I drop the comment I was speech texting and some of my words did not get applied directly to the comment. But absorbine is something that people that races horses on the racetrack or they use them as cutting horses or neck raining or Jumpers you mix it with water I usually do let's say per gallon of water I use about 6 to 8 oz of absorbine and I hope I'm spelling it correctly but you can look it up on Google it helps stimulate the book flow and it also promotes healing when they horses injured it relaxes the nerves and tendons and it's basically like the gel mint that the chiropractor uses on a human when they go in for adjustments of their bodies and they massage your back legs and arms and neck and it has a strong mint smell to it and the absorbine does the same thing it gets cold and then it gets warm and then it gets cold when you take a shower and after you have completed your shower you can get a small bucket add water to it warm water and add like I said 6 to 8 oz per gallon and you get a sponge that will absorb the absorbing and it will take away any and all body aches and pain and also it relieves pain from arthritis in your joints hands fingers knees elbows wrists and it's not that expensive here in Texas a big bottle will cost you about $13 if you get it on Amazon you'll pay glass and they do have I believe a 1 gallon bottle but it does the same thing for the horses it relaxes in takes their aches and pains away and it gets the blood flow going to the muscle tissue and it promotes healing at the same time but you can look for it on Google or on Amazon and it's spelled a s o r b i n e and I highly recommended when you order it and when you get it it is a green color and when you mix it with water it changes to like a light green color but it works wonders I love it I use it everyday to be honest with you it's very seldom that I don't use it to the times that I don't use it is because I run out and I have not went to the feed store where they sell it or Tractor Supply and they have it there but they also sell them at the pharmacy but it is called Jr. Absorbine it's not as potent as the one for the horses but it does work but I prefer to use the one for horses because it is more concentrated it is more stronger and it last longer and I highly recommend it to you for your equine or even your dogs or any other pets it won't harm them at all and you can use it after you take a shower or if you're taking a bath and soaking your body you can add some to the water and relax in your bathtub while you taking your bath and let's say you take a bath for an hour and when you come out you'll feel kind of cold because both the mint it makes your body feel cold for like maybe 30-40 seconds and then you'll feel warm around your whole body and you can feel the difference within 10 minutes after you're done with your bath and you will sleep like a baby I'm surprised that you've never heard of it but I'm glad to be able to share this information with you if you have any other questions there are some other things that I use to help with my body aches and pain because I work in construction another one that I use but I don't take a shower with it and I just rub it on my body it is called joint flex or Flex joint something like that I haven't used it in about a year but don't use a lot just use a little bit and it works wonders I love it and they're both about the same price but because I have horses I use the absorbing before I ride them so they can relax in their body can be not so much as in being a key and I used joint flex or Flex joint after I ride them and I shampoo them down and once they're dry I apply the joint flex or the flex joint to their wrist elbows stifled and on their neck and wherever I think the horse may have some pain and it's one of the best two items out there for relieving aches and pains and bruises on horses and it does not cause any cancer like DMSO or other items that they have on the Shelf to help with pain and aches and bruising but if you have any questions let me know and I will answer them I have and I know how to make and concoct a lot of stuff for pain for horses and dogs and even for us humans and I will be gladly to share my recipes with you. Have a great and wonderful day may God bless you and your family always!! All the way from Dallas Texas Mister Jose Zaragoza Sr.
If you are interested in exercises you can do with your horse on the ground, to help strengthen the hind end, thereby lessening the load on the front legs and lifting the back, check out www.straightnesstraining.com/
I'm not a horsey person but I like to think I know a sick or injured animal. Wow am I wrong, this fellow looks so healthy but has so many conjoined problems. What an amazing and informative video.
I am a horsey person and lemme tell you it's VERY difficult to spot these things. A lot of people with YEARS of experience are still constantly learning new things.
Rider position probably doesn't help this horse. Rider is leaning forward and not in alignment.
When I purchased my TW gelding, he had a severe pointed out hoof. causing his whole diagonal to be severely off. Apun inspection and ferrier care, we could fix it a little but the rest was just going to take time in proper strength training
Excellent & valuable video
All this was extremely interesting. Can you do a version of this for horses that move to a four beat, or gaited type horses, ( Tennessee Walking Horse, Rocky Mountain Horse, Missouri Fox Trotter, Kentucky Saddle Horse)?
I'd love to know what caused Dreamer's problems and how he is doing now. Could you make an update video?
This was incredibly informative, thank you!
Wow!! What such good information do you guys have provided! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication after taking the time to make this video and explain to us the viewers about the reasons and causes of course pain especially in your spine they're Negra hindquarters how they should be ridden in order to be written pain-free and what to look at that what you look for I commend you on this are you guys I bet this is the first time I've ever seen your video or a video similar to this but you guys are dedicated to this. May God bless each and everyone of you involved in this video and for those feature people that are going to be involved with the horses and there's always an explanation for everything we just have to put online together and figure out what's causing the problems and it looks like you are on the right path we will never stop learning no matter how much we think we know about a horse I thought I knew everything about a horse I got slapped in the face when I saw this video I will be checking each and every one of my race horses tomorrow those that are mine and those that aren't mine that I trained I love all of my horses. Horses or the horses that I have now up until five years ago they saved my life and I will always always have respect for horses I was in a very very very deep depression to the point to where I wanted to commit suicide and the day that I decided I was going to go through it well I went by the groceries paid all of the bills I got a hit on my bills to or three months ahead pay my electric bill I even overpaid on my electric bill and water bill about a lot of groceries drink napkins paper plates cut my yard washed the vehicle's and I went to the gas station to do the very last thing after I change the oil on each and every vehicle and I had tune-ups that I had done on them during the week well this day that I thing I had to do was to fill up my truck with a full tank of gas as the other cars and vehicles already had a full tank I pulled up to a Shell gas station and this guy with a big trailer had some horses and something truly today's horses and not touch one on their nose and I began to rub that area they were so soft with his lips he live with my hand and I felt a sensation of I just going to be blunt love any feeling went through my body of love I've had it the horse on the face rub its face the guy came out he said what a gorgeous horse huh and I said yes he's a gorgeous horse and I walked away. I pay for my gas with my debit card and I proceeded filling my tank got my tank full went to the driver side of my door and the gentleman waved his hand at me and he spoke to me he said what do you do for a living and I said oh nothing much at this time it looked at me and he said would you be interested in a job I said what kind of job Kinko's helping me take care of the race horses these are athletic race horses these are athletes and my heart started pounding and I told him I don't think I have that much time to invest and help you with your horses and he told me he goes look I don't know what made me stay here in this truck but something is telling me to tell you that you have time but you don't want to make the time he goes now I don't know what I mean by that sir but I'm just telling you whatever you're going through Let It Go come help me with the horses see if you'd like it I'll pay you $600 for the first week 8 hours a day Monday through Friday he goes today is Monday you can start today and I'll pay you for the full day why don't you follow me to my property and weekend talk to her and you can Overlook the property in the horses and tell me if it's something you want to do I followed him I walked into the barn where all the Stalls were at with these beautiful gorgeous horses and I said what do you want me to do Migos have you ever clean stoves I looked at him and I said yes but human stalls not horses he smiled or laughed he said you got a sense of being funny I said no I just being honest I've never done this type of work I said but I'm a quick learner and I will do whatever I'm asked to do I said but I just need you to have patience with me she goes what do you mean you just told me you are a quick learner and you are a hard worker but I don't understand the last part of your sentence that I have to be patient with you and I said well I'm in a better deep dark place at this point in time in my life I am severely depressed that's what my doctor told me I sent him to be honest with you I was filling up my gas tank to my truck because I was going to go home and end my life but you have saved my life these horses have saved my life and I am willing to give it a try I saw videos on RUclips where people where the press and they got you working around with horses and they came out of their depression I said I'll try this for two months you don't have to pay me for 2 months but if in two months this is not for me then I'll just walk away from it and you'll never see me again he said okay deal and we sure can little did I know this man was also dying of cancer I was at 9 of cancer I was depressed to make a long story short he showed me everything he knew about horses with the time frame that he had I work with this man for a year-and-a-half and he worked me hard hard hard hard and he would get mad throw a fit and he said you can do this why are you not picking this up write this stuff down make a video on your phone and I did and I picked up on it we went to the racetrack we started winning and thanks to horses and thanks to John Culver may you rest in peace my life was spared. Thanks to God Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit I renewed my faith and now I am a happy person in life full of joy and happiness and now I took over the burn and and now I took over the barn and the race horses the owners did not take their horses anywhere else I am bilingual and we get along just fine I know how to pick out horses I know what to look for but I just wanted to share my story God bless you all have a blessed day amen!!
Django Jango how wonderful to have made that connection with John Culver and his horses. Even better you let yourself be guided by Spirit. You are blessed, thank you for sharing - so many need to hear that there is Spirit in our lives if we listen.
May Jesus continue to bless you, Brother! These are God's creation and deserve our love and respect above our own pleasure. Thank you for sharing your story.✝️💖
This was extremely educational. Thank you.
Excellent and informative video!
So informative. Thanks a million.
What about with high headed horses like saddlebreds, Tennessee walkers and Friesians?
Abby B that is a problem. Hollow back. Friesian are bred to pull not to be ridden. They were developed for carriage pulling.
Dawn austin yeah but are very rarely used for that purpose anymore. So while being ridden how is a rounded back achieved with such a high headed horse? Hard question.
Abby B expect problems and breakdowns. The only real way to develop that back is up&down hills and backing up on a gentle incline, cavalletti, not while being under saddle. Even then, it’s natural conformation comes into play. It’s just not possible. The solution is to pick a horse that is suitable for your discipline. The riders that choose Friesians to ride are doing them a great disservice. Sure it’s all flash and pretty but is it right for the horse? The temperament of the Friesian is so excellent that they just put up with stuff. Other solution is to pick an well built outcross.
The basics of proper muscle function is the same for every single breed. A muscle has to be free of scars and injuries, and be able to lengthen and contract to allow for full range of motion of joints and bones and best support. The problems you see in this video are caused by muscle tension and/or scarring. That pulls the body out of alignment, and causes more and more problems down the line. The basics are the same on every horse regardless of breed. The signs are always the same :)
@@abbyb282 -- Same way as any other horse. By first of all ensuring that all muscles are relaxed and able to contract and expand properly. Ride long and low to whatever point it is for the particular horse where you feel the muscles of the back begin to engage, then asking the hind end to step a bit further under - which causes the stomach muscle to engage to lift the back. Before you can achieve this, though, you have to make sure that all the rib heads can properly lift and move :). Then work the horse's muscles in a gentle way that works in line with the muscle's natural movement. I'm working on a video series to explain this better. Hopefully, I'll get it done soon.
Wow so much to learn ❤🐴 good information
A Lot of Info packed into this video...! Thank you
This is a very eye opening video! Thank you 💕
I am very grateful for this video, I learned a ton, thank you so much!
Amazing video!!! I wish I could learn all about this in person with my mare. Sadly a lot of trainers don't look at these issues in depth :(
Is this lumbosacral dip reversable? Do you recommend a vet check/xrays in this area?
I’ve watched several of these Equitopia videos and I’m beginning to wonder if horses ought to be ridden at all.
So, if I understand correctly...Kissing spine is basically bone spurs then? I have bone spurs in my foot and some fingers...very painful!
No kissing spine is when the tops of the vertebrates touch and rub together. They don't develope bony growths. If a horse had it, it should be addressed because it can be quite painful for them
What are requirements to give horse massage for pay in California? I am a certified massage therapist ( since 2004 ) for humans, and a tai chi & zhan zhuang qigong practitioner since 1989 which i also provide lessons in. And want to include massaging horses, but unclear what is required to do so and be paid for it. I saw a horse massage course for about $250 ( which is a lot less cost than the human massage programs Ive taken ) but there was no clarification whats required education and certification wise for giving massages as a profession.
VERY informative.
What exercises and stretches can I do to help my horses core stop from falling and release tension from the from the c7 vertebrae and t1-t3 vertebrae?
this is really interessting. I have horse that size or even bigger too.
In my opinion many of these disorders could be prevented by a more natural lifestyle. Turn out instead of stalls, riding in more natural tack, starting colt at an older age, using true hackamor instead of painfull bits could go a long way toward preventing these musculoskeletal problems.
jeanette b I have an 8yo part bred Andalusian. He was gelded and broken in at 6yo, and has lived in a paddock all his life. He’s had very little work since he was broken in. He is exhibiting all of these signs. He is not trained for advanced anything. He’s barely trained at all. So unfortunately your opinion isn’t completely accurate, and indicates you don’t know a lot about horses.
@@kymharris269 Keeping horses naturally doesn't mean that the horse will be neglected immediately. What you described is negligence. Besides a paddock isn't a lot better, because the horse can't graze
I agree that turning out is important and that natural is a good thing. I just freaking HATE the claim that bitless is always better. A horse at the barn I'm boarded at was ridden bitless by their previous owner. This horse ended up with a BROKEN NOSE from that bitless riding. The nose bone is very sensitive and very vulnerable to damage, and going bitless isn't the one-size-fits-all solution a lot of people seem to think it is. Sidepulls that are fitted properly are the only bitless bridles I can really get behind. Hackamores especially are actually really harmfull because of the leverage effect they have, and because they don't release pressure when the rider's hands do. I've seen too many horses with damaged nosebones from nosebands and bitless riding. Of course bits have the potential to be cruel! But an average simple snaffle bit is no more or less cruel than an average sidepull. Listen to each individual horse, and stop preaching natural tack and bitless as being the only 'right' way to do things while condemning other ways.
So if your horse has topline syndrome how do you fix it?
Excessive horse sports doesn’t go well with a healthy horse. Only because the human can hang a ribbon on the wall.
Love the information but would love it more without the background music,
Please mention that a a sinking topline is not be due to malnutrition especially when the rest of the horse scores well in a fat index. Some horse are inactive and the the back undevelopes.
How do you fix topline syndrome?
love your videos, but the background "beat" noise is really annoying
How does age factor in here?
Just as in humans, use it or lose it. Losing it happens faster as we age.
@@laviniamartin1619 Yes, I can feel it myself-- I have to work hard to stay in shape at 63... My boy is nearly 27 and we don't do anything hard but we play and hack and he seems to be in great shape fortunately...
Why in the world would one choose a long backed Warmblood for dressage? I don’t mean lower levels that any horse should be able to perform but for higher levels and competition. That spine and long legs are for covering ground
Why not? Dressage is supposed to be correctness. Any horse of any breed should be able to do it. So, the back muscle is longer. That just means it takes a little longer for the stomach and back muscles to grow strong enough to hold collection for longer periods of time. But to say a long-backed horse can't do dressage is like a saying a tall person can't do ab crunches.
Sylvana Thornton you are correct. However, the inference was for competition. Any horse can can be correct to a degree. Some horses because of their body type cannot achieve the roundness and collection that higher levels require.
Dressage is simply “training” but one has to consider the physical limitations of the body type. Gymnast are of the same body type
And so are high jumpers because each athletes’ body type favors the activity.
Bearing reins are becoming popular again, what do those things do to a horse?
Damage their musculature. Poor things cannot move, it is cruel.
The best explanation is in the novel and movie Black Beauty that was written to bring attention to horse abuse. Dog and cat abuse is easy to spot but horse abuse by all sorts of cruel contraptions are only visible to a well trained eye. Bearing reins don't cause too much pressure if they are not to tight but if you watch horses pulling when they stop for some reason they must stretch their neck and when the rein is too tight they start trying to flex their head up and twist their neck to relieve some sort of cramp. The Budweiser Clydesdales are now using bearing reins and have been having "incidents" and now for parades the horses need people to walk along in front of the horses because with a big bearing rein bit up high in the mouth the smaller steering bit is practically useless. Some people have been killed and many injured, they try to keep accidents quit but with utube word and videos are getting out. It's just like the Tennessee walking horse cruelty, they say they don't hurt the horse but someone undercover got some videos. Utube has videos of Tennessee walking horse feet burning and bearing rein accidents and horse people are very good at convincing non horses people and horse people with different breeds that they are not seeing what they are seeing. Harness racing horses are now using bearing reins but they have someone at the gate who unhooked practically before the horses even get stopped because if they don't the horse will flip out. In harness horse shows at the end of the class the horses line up in the center and you can see which hoses are too tight. They bob their heads and won't stand still and have too have someone hang on to them. The problem is the horses with the tightest reins always win so every one keeps making them tighter to try to win next time.
It pulls the chin to the chest causing strain in the poll, neck, and back. Its made to make the horse look regal by hyperextending the neck. The only way to get that look is to naturally work with the horse but they can only do so much naturally
@@TheHamadanners the horses that pull the royal carriages in England are not subjected to bearing reins. In almost all modern countries bearing reins are banned. A spokeswoman for one of the major draft horse said that bearing reins cause horses to be swaybacked in later years. I believe that because I used to go to horse actions alot and saw very few swaybacked horses and they were mostly Saddlebreds and morgan types that are used in cart classes at shows.
But how do you correct it? Wheres the correction video?
Look up April Battles, Holistic Horseworks. Discovered her videos a few years ago. I've been able to help countless horses with that by now. I work with sport horses, show horses, mostly jumpers and dressage, but some western horses also.
How about letting a horse move as it is born to move, and not pulling the chin into its chest constantly... Let it out into the pasture with other horses.
If a horse is ridden properly, it will achieve the proper position on it's own accord. That's because it's engaging all the proper muscles in a way that optimally carries it's own weight as well as the rider's weight. Pulling a horse's chin to their chest is a massive transgression and anyone who does so at a competition or clinic or whatever gets disciplined. I suggest you look up proper engagement of the horse's hind quarters under the rider if you want to know how a horse achieves this "chin to chest" thing on their own accord.
Oh wow. Oh wow.
The implications of this.
Oh wow. I've never imagined that people were this dedicated to ending the abuse in equine sports & pursuits. Maximizing the horse's physiology instead of more training or more severe bitting....
Like I said, the implications 😳 all of those TV trainers cranking necks, yanking & ENDLESS lunging....
The horses aren't resisting they're probably unbalanced and in pain.
EXACTLY!!! Finally someone who is willing to look beyond what's shown on TV, and condemn all horsepeople as animal abusers! I'm sorry if I seem odd, but I'm so glad to see that there are still non-equestrians willing to listen to arguments other than "horse riding is abuse!" The majority of people involved with horses are constantly looking for better ways, trying to improve, and fighting against the ancient ideas and training styles that are slowly going exctinct. Again sorry if I put you off or anything, I'm just so relieved to hear that there's still people out there willing to listen.
Since when is "long-bodied and narrow" good conformation? Overbending causes muscle tightness? Who would have thought? You breed for these traits and allow them in the ring, so you have problems. You overwork your horses. Real dressage is a wonderful thing, but there are a lot of pretenders out there.
And hollow backs caused by people who can’t get their horse in form.
The rider sure contributes to Dreamer's topline syndrome, among other things. Her posting trot is too bouncy, her seat not deep enough due to insufficient thigh contact in the saddle. Repetitive bouncing of a rider will slowly wreck that horse.
When are all these experts that know so much and love so much horses lower their prices to make themselves more affordable and accessible to the horses that need them?
How? They spend many years at university, which likely results in a debt that needs to be paid back. They need expensive tools, they need an office, a treatment space for the horses. They need to fund research. They need to have a decent car that is reliable so they can get to locations in time. And also they need to make a living
Wow really? How about you spend years becoming an expert with all the money, blood, sweat and tears it takes to achieve that title then lower your prices to serve all those needy horses... get real. Most ppl who have these types of sport horses can afford those services. Those of us who have POS throw aways and can't afford this level of care get on the internet and learn. That's what I did! Took me 2 years to get my rescued TB to where I can ride her comfortably and correct her feet - and I had to do it all myself bc I'm a broke ass. Do what you have to do and don't expect others to hand you solutions.
The main cause of this is bad riders and bad instructors. Every Joe-Schmuck that has ridden 1st Level professes to know dressage and teaches others, what themselves don't understand. Very good analysis in this video, except they should emphasize more the rider and /or trainer problem.
Dressage always seemed more about human vanity than anything else. Same with racing and rodeos. None of these "sports" appear to be in the best interest of the horse or it's longevity.
When you really are being honest about animal's and their needs, none of these injuries should endure a rider on the horse. Humans who have these anatomical injuries can barely endure their own pain. Oh, but since they're just captive animals without a choice, let's force it to carry on for ourselves. Humans are selfish making animals slaves for their pleasure and egos.
@Maynard Runkle and you believe that, right? None of these should be ridden in this condition and no amount of money thrown at any of these people will make a painfree animal in this condition. Like I said, if the same pain were in humans, they would be classified as permanently disabled. Don't make the helpless pay for greedy human pleasures.
@Maynard Runkle Not necessarily the abattoir, although very likely as they discard them very similarly and just as easily hunters with their dogs. They can be rehomed, rehabilitated, etc. That costs money and is time consuming. The biggest problem as I see it is excessive breeding of horses, without any concern for their well-being and what may be of them should they not perform as expected. A very clear picture of human greed, the horse 'industry', as it is very aptly and openly called.
@Maynard Runkle What difference does it take if the person doesn't ride until the horse is recovered?? Like except for the fact the horse will heal faster. If I noticed anything on my horses, I'd not ride them until they are 100% healthy again, and no one should. If someone doesn't have the money to wait for the time until the horse recovers and not ride at all, then they shouldn't get a goddamn horse
A good bit of overinformation in this video. You complicate alot of things from my 18 years of experience as an equine osteopath. The information isnt wrong but its way more then 99% of all riders can handle.
Poor horse is starting to look like a giraffe it's so sloped. People keep breeding like this, we might end up with a different animal altogether -_-
That's not conformation. That's muscle tension and damage pulling joints and ligaments into that position.
All these vets here, and not 1 of you talks about the horrible way this horse’s mouth is kept closed with pressure, and the fact that dressage is not a humane sport. Shame on you all!
Classic dressage is very humane, just look at the Spanish riding school. That is true collection of a horse.
how is dressage not a humane sport? what are your sources for that claim?
I am a hard-core rider. But I am looking at this video thinking WTF. That we have such expendable time and money that we can mess around wondering what is making our horses uncomfortable. Got to say. That goes beyond being frivolous
Frivolous? You think it's frivolous to want your horse to be happy and comfortable doing the job you are asking him to do? Jeez - I'm sure glad I'm not one of your horses: must be a miserable life for them.
@@janetbarkwith6369 yup, if your horse isn't comfortable how do you expect it to preform for you
Janet Barkwith is your horse isn’t comfortable when you ride him/her, you either have a tack that doesn’t fit or you are doing something wrong.
@@jennyandersson6238 Blindingly obvious, I would have thought, but it seems some folks still don't get it. Might be an unseen injury or imbalance as well - we have a brilliant horse therapist visit our horses regularly twice a year and more often if necessary. It's our responsibility as animal keepers to make sure they are well, comfortable and happy doing what we ask them to do for us. They give us so much, it's only right that we give as much in return.
Janet Barkwith exactly! I get so mad when people can’t take/ or won’t take care of their horses because of selfishness. Thinking that the horse should obey them rather then get a connection with the animal.