06/11/2025
๐๐ก๐ฒ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐จ๐๐๐ฉ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ฌ๐จ ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ก๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ?
Proprioception is a horseโs ability to sense the position, movement, and action of their body. This is key to knowing where their feet are, how high to lift their legs, and even how to balance on uneven ground!
When a horse has strong proprioceptive awareness, theyโre more coordinated, confident, and less likely to trip or reinjure themselves (although we know things can still happen no matter how hard we try ๐คช)
But after an injury, time off, or even just working in repetitive patterns - the neural pathways can get dull and this is where rehabilitation exercises come in! ๐ช๐ปโค๏ธโ๐ฉน
Walking and backing over ground poles is a simple yet powerful way to:
๐ฅReactivate whole-body awareness
๐ฅImprove joint stability
๐ฅEngage core and postural muscle
๐ฅBoost balance and focus
These type of exercises are at the heart of what I do whether the goal is recovery or improving performance. Helping horses feel where their feet are again can make a world of difference in how they move ๐
๐๐๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ฉ? ๐๐ค๐ช ๐๐๐ฃ ๐๐ค ๐ฉ๐๐๐จ ๐๐ฉ ๐๐ค๐ข๐! โจ
All you need are a few ground poles (or cavalettis if you have them) and a calm and focused session. Always keep in mind to start with poles on ground first and allow your horse to find their feet and adjust before raising the height! Even five minutes of focused, mindful movement can make a big difference in your horseโs body awareness!
