I have the great pleasure and blessing of pursuing my horsemanship journey and passion for developing an understanding of horses with many people. Several years ago we started the habit of gathering people around the kitchen table each morning to discuss the activities of the previous day, talk about “why” we accomplished certain tasks, and most importantly listened to what others had gleaned from the clinic experience. During these sessions I always learn a new perspective on how our relationship with horses affects our lives.
In Montana recently I was privileged with several young riders in the clinics. Some of these aspiring horsemen were there to ride, others just to watch. Their provocative statements never cease to amaze me. Sarah, a 13 year old who was riding her 25 year old Quarter horse – Buck, shared, “I don’t think my horse had ever been asked politely before”. Plus this little pearl of wisdom: “Don’t doubt that he can do something before you even try.” Sarah’s younger brother – Connor - who had sat and watched for 3-days in 90 degree heat commented, “If you have good posture your horse will have self-confidence and become braver”. And one more gem from back in 2005 and my little friend Emily, “You can learn more than you think from simple things”.
Are you Listening to Your Horse?
Why am I sharing these great quotes when the topic for this month’s article is supposedly ‘Horse Massage While You Ride’? Frankly, as I contemplated what I wanted to say about massaging our horses, I was struck by the messages the horse has to share. If we want our horses to be soft, supple, and willing to give, we must rise to a higher level of listening. If we want our horses to be willing to yield in a respectful manner, then the human must be willing to give, release, reward, and be accountable. To become good massage therapists for our horses, we must have our physical, emotional and mental attributes in order.
Massage as You Ride
Ok…Enough preaching! Let’s look at some practical applications to this philosophy, and apply it to the method of massaging our horse as we ride.
One of the first questions that comes to mind is – Why are we doing these exercises on board and with forward movement? Actually all of the suppling positions discussed in the July article of NWHS 101 can be accomplished from the ground and at a stand still. However, the ability to ‘feel’ for and with the horse is enhanced by being on board. Add forward movement to our three massage positions, and you will be helping both yourself and the horse find the reward of keeping a ‘soft feel’ through all transitions and work that needs to be accomplished together.
Help Your Horse Relax
A second question that often comes from the humans after attempting a horse massage, is regarding when to use these positions. It is easy to confuse these rather gross hand and body postures with riding positions. Try to keep them separate! Just as you would not use a yoga position, such as the Downward Dog stretch, while attempting to run down the field, neither would you use Massage Position #3 to get your horse to walk a small circle! The stretch and flexing enhances the dance.
As the massage therapist, I will go to what ever place in the saddle that encourages the horse to let go of the braces in his muscles and mind. But when the yoga is complete and the horse is relaxed ‘with’ me, then I become accountable for my good posture and the finessing of a true dance with purpose, rhythm, timing, balance, and perhaps collection with engagement. If my horse gets bothered, I may go back to the massage positions to remind him that my hands are there to give him a massage, not to pull or create tension. I will get his mind back to the job at hand, by giving a soft massage then we will resume the dance which has more structure for both of us.
Longitudinal Flexing and Suppleness to Lateral Exercise
A final question I often get regarding these three massaging positions relates to the correlation of ‘longitudinal’ flexing and suppleness to the ‘lateral’ exercises. Certainly a flexing over the top line of the horse, created by the picking up of his belly muscles and driving his hindquarters, is essential to most jobs we will ask of our horse. These components are what can make the dance brilliant! However, the massage over the top line will come by accomplishing lateral supple and flexing first, by recognizing the importance of the poll position for fore and aft balance second, and finally by engaging the driving power of the hind end. Unfortunately these longitudinal components are often developed falsely without lateral flexing first, or with mechanical devices such as tie-downs or improper use of draw reins or side reins. As in most cases, these devices are an excuse for poor hands, or a lack of understanding and commitment to the horse.
Horse ‘Massage’ while you ride really starts with YOU! Are you willing to listen to the whispers of the horse, as they tell you how much they really enjoy being soft and supple, rather than braced and fearful? Can you aspire to develop an attitude like my young human friends that takes on the guidance qualities of being polite, accountable, and gracious? Can you become a massage therapist that your horse looks forward to having on his back, and then provide the leadership that creates a brilliant dance? I have a vision that you can!
Please Note: Review: www.tnthorsemanship.com/articles for “The Rest of the Story” in NWHS 101 July issue for the three Massage Positions. Other references:
Gymnastic Exercises for Horses, The Classical Way by Eleanor Russell
Work-in Hand for Lateral and Vertical Flexion by Bettina Drummond (2 Volume Video)
Copyright © 2008 The NW Horse Source, LLC
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