Training in Harmony

Training in harmony or training with pain; riders of all disciplines make this decision, conscious or not, every time they get on their horse.

Too often the rider's desire for success or a 'quick fix' leads to the slow break down of the horse's mind, body and soul.

Last week, Thathorse was privileged to attend a two-day workshop held by world renowned vet, author, and professional rider Dr Gerd Heuschmann.

Dr Heuschmann is passionate about training horses to excellence using a humane training method. He explains how the anatomy and physiology of the horse can be understood and utilised creating calm, happy, light, balanced, and willing companions.

In this article, we will share with you the basis of Dr Heuschmann's training method in order to help you and your horse train in harmony.

THE BODY BEAUTIFUL

The horse's top-line is made up of a number of muscles. The largest of these, and in fact the largest in the whole horse, is the musculus longissimus dorsi (long back muscle). When this muscle elongates and raises it allows the hind limbs (the horse's powerhouse) to come underneath its body and 'engage'.

Any horse that is young, prone to tension, or is being retrained (having been working incorrectly, i.e. not with a light, balanced frame), requires training to strengthen the correct muscles to achieve self carriage.

WHERE TO START

Commence by working in a long and low frame with the head in front of the vertical.

In this outline, the back muscles raise and allow the horse to travel balanced. Over 1.5 - 2.5 years of training, the muscles will strengthen sufficiently to lift the back up with the elevated neck in collection.

Any degree of force applied to make the horse drop its head causes the long back muscle to tense. This results in a hollow back, the horse to be on the forehand, and disengagement in the horse's hind quarters. When the horse's neck is positioned too high before it has developed the muscles necessary to carry the rider correctly, it will tense. This results in a hollow back, resistance, poor gaits and, eventually, lameness.

If the horse's head is forced under in hyperflexion (also known as Rollkur), enormous pressure and pain is created in the neck muscles, ligaments and in the back. It forces the back to raise, but remain tense and overstretched. This tension restricts the hind quarters from engaging.

If any area of the spine experiences tension, the entire spine experiences tension. This includes the tail. A raised tail indicates tension which the horse is experiencing; as does a tail hanging to one side (it indicates which side the horse is having problems with). A horse cannot be collected and balanced exhibiting these signs.

THE TRAINING

Any person training horses has to reflect on what is more important; short term glory or long term success?

Dr Heuschmann emphasises the critical importance of taking time when training any horse, however no time is more important than the first 2-1/2 years under saddle. These years, he describes, should be, "calm and unspectacular work". The focus needs to be on mental relaxation, trust and systematic physical development. Practising the "fancy tricks" should occur after this time once the basics are really established.

First and foremost, be really honest about how your horse is going. Get a friend to video you and look for signs of the horse blocking in the poll, withers and loins (ask for assistance if you are not experienced enough to do so). For a start, ensure your nose-band is not too tight as it will stop the horses mandible (jaw bone) sliding forward and softening. If the jaw is not soft, this tension will flow down the horse's back to the tip of their tail.

In this video, observe both sides of the horse from the front and the back. Ask yourself these questions:

- Is there tension in your horse particularly in the mouth, poll, withers or lower back?
- Is the horse's back swayed just behind the saddle?
- Is there plenty of room between the back of the saddle and the horse's loins? (many long saddles on short backed horses can cause serious pain and possible lameness.) If you are unsure, ask an expert.
- When videoing from behind, are you sitting to the left or right?
- Does your horse have a 'living' mouth? (this is an active, soft, foaming mouth that is seeking contact and actively receptive to your soft hands).
- In trot, are your horse's front legs and hind legs parallel in the active phase of the trot? (see photo right - an example of how not to do it! Note the front leg is fully extended yet the hind leg is not engaged. The head and neck are very tense).
- Are your paces true (for example the trot should be 2 beats not 3 beats and the canter should be 3 beats not 4 beats).
- Is your horse blocking, running away or ignoring your leg on one side or both sides?
- Is the contact even in your hands or are they leaning to one side or other?

WHAT NEXT?

WHEN NEVER TO RIDE YOUR HORSE

Never ride your horse when it is tired or stiff following a big day schooling or competing. Either give him the day off, hack gently, or lunge on those days. Your horse will repay you with trust and performance later.

LUNGING

Lunging your horse is a great way to see if it is balanced. If they trot around with their nose pointing out, this clearly signals they are not yet able to carry themselves balanced.

Dr Heuschmann suggests using draw reins loosely so the horse can reach down to get contact. If you make gentle contact when the horse is standing still on the mouth, this should be loose enough when in motion on the lunge. Lunge in trot for not more than 15 -20 minutes.

LATERAL WORK AT WALK

Dr Heuschmann stresses that you cannot do too much lateral work at the walk. Practice when out hacking or in the arena. It loosens the back and teaches the horse to balance. Vary the length of the reins and encourage the horse to seek light active contact. If your horse is prone to rushing, try insisting he does very small half steps every time he wishes to 'shoot out the front door'. Use gentle taps with a whip to encourage your horse's hind quarters to move across. Dr Heuschmann recommends doing up to 45 minutes of lateral work at walk with regular rest breaks.

TROT AND CANTER

Trotting and cantering in a 'two point seat' (see photo right) encourages the horse to bring its hind quarters under itself. Trot and canter in large circles in a long and low outline. Following the lateral work, trotting and cantering at this stage utilises the warm-up achieved doing the lateral work at walk. Adjust the length of the rein to vary the amount of stretch the horse does.

If your horse starts to object (and you suspect he is tired), get off his back and walk him around the arena for five minutes. Then start again. Never continue schooling when your horse is too tired. You will achieve nothing productive by carrying on.

RIDE WITH VARIETY

By mixing up your routine, your horse is kept happy and keen. Schooling whilst hacking out is essential to your horse's mental and physical health. Dr Heuschmann states that impulsion and collection are intertwined. So when hacking, ride your horse forward with heaps of impulsion over hills. Be careful not to allow your horse to run.

Cavalettis are also an excellent way to add strength and suppleness to your horses back. This will assist your horse's self-carriage and also add some interest into the mix.

HOW MUCH AND AT WHAT AGE?

Dr Heuschmann is very clear about training the young horse. At three years of age, riding a horse 3 times per week for 20 minutes is ample. With a four year old (even if they have had a year under saddle), 4 times a week for 20-30 minutes is enough. Focus on the quality of work you do together, allowing the horse to go forward calmly and with confidence. This will allow his muscles and his mind to develop and carry his frame without damage.

The team at Thathorse were thrilled to sponsor this workshop and we hope to bring Dr Heuschmann back to New Zealand for Horse of the Year in 2008! Our thanks also go to the owners of Ti Papa Equestrian and Special Events Centre for the use of their superb facilities. Thanks also to Equestrian Sport NZ for their input in making this event so special.

On behalf of Thathorse - thank you!

Add your Comment

Name*

Email

Message*

Enter the letters above

Get a different image