Exploring movement

Proprioception is the body’s ability to understand its own position and movement. Sounds like a simple enough task but just like any learned skill, it takes years to master and develop. The idea is that we want our horses working over as many surfaces and environments to improve balance, coordination and posture. 

Things that improve proprioception are bridges, hills, grass riding, obstacles and cavaletti. By working with obstacles we can help increase our horse’s awareness. In order to have healthy, athletic, flexible and sound riding horses we need to make sure their mind is always actively tuned in to how they are moving. Horses that are mentally present when training not only perform better but are less likely to injure themselves in and out of the arena. 

What ways can you challenge your horse’s mind and body? How many terrains can you create for them to explore on?