ALL CORRECT POSTURE BEGINS WITH THE FEET
Howdy Friends! I was asked yesterday, “How do you engage the core to get a straight back. Is this more for a sway back horse or to improve topline?” I responded, “This is much more than a “sway back horse.” In fact ALL sway backs are a result of lack of proper posture, body carriage for years. Until the body so breaks down there is no hope of correcting. This is why my most aggressive passion as a horse advocate is teaching the exercises for the horse that reintroduce the horse to their feet, their hind end, their core, correct body carriage, and proper healthy posture.
My Mare Lizzy, looking great
Posture is more important than training. When your horse’s posture and improper body carriage make it difficult, or impossible, for her to complete a requested task, that causes stress in the horse. Stress quickly transforms into balking, refusal, resentment, and finally chips away at the horse’s willingness and emotions.
And all correct posture begins with the feet. For years when I did clinics I’d see long toes, shoes, and lousy trim jobs, and I’d just focus on the body of the horse. Not wanting to “Rock the boat” with barefoot hoof discussions. Eventually though, in my final years as a clinician, I began to address the foot of the horse. I didn’t care about the doubters, the attitude that the poor feet were not the problem. I’ll never forget the difference in the horses whose feet I’d trim right there, right in front of everyone. Friends, ALL posture, correct or incorrect, begins with the foot. For your horse’s sake – Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. ~ Gitty Up, Dutch.
