Analysis

A new horse in our Clinic is evaluated in depth with the trainer and the owner/rider present. We evaluate for possible tensions, stability of the knee, suppleness/range of the neck and back, shoulder and hindquarter development and restrictions, shoeing, etc. The static evaluation will give an initial indication of the horse’s dominant forelimb. Subsequently dynamic analysis and video taping (real time and slow motion) will yield additional information on problems and suggest strategies for their resolution.

For example, the “downward swinging back” is clearly illuminated in the slow motion video, and can be contrasted with videos of horses already trained in this system which clearly show self carriage and an “upward swinging back”. The initial video also gives us a baseline to compare with a follow-up video taken towards the conclusion of the clinic.

The straightness correction can be applied to almost every horse, to correct existing problems or as preparative training and part of the basic schooling of the young, not yet ridden, horse. Also problems that developed during the basic schooling, can be solved by this training.

This training is useful for a horse during a time of recovery and can be used to build up the muscles after illness, injuries, surgeries , and after giving birth.

When you would like to know if your horse has a problem with the natural crookedness, we recommend an analysis at the barn. It is also possible to video tape your horse and send the tape to us, to analyse.

The result can show you which conditions need to be met, to solve the recognised problems of your horse.

Training

The clinic experience for horse and rider consists of the following: 

• Therapeutic lunging of the horse to correct the downward swinging back and create a diagonal shift in dynamic support.
   
• Lunging the horse with saddle (no rider), to evaluate fit and be certain that the horses movement stays free.
   
• Rider/trainer on horse on the lunge line (no reins), to progressively train the horse to maintain self carriage, (back swinging up), with the additional weight/dynamics of a rider.
   
• Rider receives seat lessons to work with the upward swinging back and improve contact, control, an maintain center of gravity.
   
• Free riding in arena with specific instructions to sustain the diagonal shift and allow freedom of switching the free and supporting leg in the hindquarters.