It’s Also About You

It’s Also About You
Posted on December 14, 2016

by Shantel Perreal

It’s truly remarkable to observe the dedication, time, and effort that so many horse owners invest in their horses. From carefully crafting training and riding schedules to meticulously planning feeding routines and striving to optimize their horse’s performance, it’s clear how much care they put into ensuring their equine athletes thrive. Yet, often, they neglect the same level of care for themselves.

Did that make you pause for a moment? It certainly did when I thought about it this morning, as I too am guilty of this. I often prioritize my horses and their needs, leading me to fall back on excuses such as being "too busy," "too broke," or "too whatever" to focus on my own well-being.

Not long ago, we published an article discussing the symmetry between riders and their horses. While we highlighted just three riders, we’ve worked with hundreds, and one thing remains consistent: the issues within our own bodies often transfer to our horses. It doesn’t matter if we’re fit or not; symmetry—or the lack thereof—has the same effect on both rider and horse.

As therapists, our hope is to eventually work ourselves out of a job—not because we don’t enjoy working with you and your horses, but because we want to help you achieve a level of wellness that minimizes the need for us. Ideally, we would only see you for acute injuries or maybe a couple of tune-ups per year. While reaching this point can take time, depending on the starting condition of both the rider and the horse, it is entirely possible. So, how can you begin to work toward this goal?

Education:

There’s a wealth of information available to horse owners, but how do you discern what’s truly useful? We often say: anatomy is anatomy. It doesn’t lie. However, it’s important to be aware of the source of the information. Many equine therapists only undergo short courses that last anywhere from a weekend to a couple of months, which pales in comparison to the two-year programs for human massage therapy. These shorter courses often don’t provide the depth of understanding or hands-on experience needed to fully support their clients.

We highly recommend a couple of excellent equine anatomy books and, from time to time, we host clinics that include dissections to offer hands-on learning experiences. Additionally, our intro to anatomy class is a great way to start building a foundational understanding of equine anatomy.

Another key area we urge our clients to understand is equine digestion. It's crucial to avoid processed feeds, as they can seriously disrupt a horse's digestive system. The more you learn about your horse’s body, the more effectively you can support their performance!

Self-Care:

Establish a daily habit of stretching and exercising. It’s unfair to expect your horse to perform at their best if you’re sitting crooked and out of shape. If I asked you to perform the same tasks as your horse, but with additional weight and for the same duration, could you do it? Probably not. But does that mean you should stop riding? Absolutely not! However, working on your own fitness can help make your horse's job easier. Stretching, when done correctly, is one of the simplest ways to bring your body into alignment—and it’s free! You don’t need to spend hours; just 10-20 minutes a day will make a significant difference. I personally stretch in front of my favorite TV show, accomplishing two things at once!

Find a qualified therapist to help support your body. Massage and chiropractic care work in tandem to keep your body in balance. However, it’s crucial that you complement therapy with proper stretching and exercise for lasting effects. We can recommend great therapists if you don’t already have someone in mind. Be cautious of practitioners who insist you need frequent visits over extended periods. Our ultimate goal as therapists is to see you become self-sufficient—when you need us less, it means you're feeling better!

Pay attention to your diet. We put so much care into feeding our horses, yet we often indulge in processed foods ourselves. While no single diet fits everyone, we should all aim to eat cleaner so our bodies can function optimally.

Improve Your Riding Skills:

Your horse needs a strong, supple topline. If you've been working on this for months without success, it's time to evaluate the approach. Potential factors hindering progress include poor saddle fit, misalignment, a horse that doesn’t know how to use its body correctly, or even a lack of understanding on the rider’s part. Any of these challenges can be addressed as long as you’re actively working toward improvement. Be discerning about the advice you receive. A good rule of thumb is to evaluate the horses of any coach or trainer you’re considering. If most of their horses have strong backs and supple muscles, their guidance is likely worth listening to. If their horses display hollow backs, uneven hindquarters, or poor overall condition, it’s time to look elsewhere.

Never be afraid to admit when you don’t know something or to ask for help. Your horse will appreciate your openness as you embark on your journey toward wellness.

Ultimately, the partnership between you and your horse requires care and attention for both parties to perform at their best. You are just as important in this equation, and you’re worth it. So, let’s make self-care a priority—starting now!

If you need guidance, have questions, or are seeking direction, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!