KB Hands for Horses

04/09/2025

If there’s one thing I wish more people understood about horses, it’s this: They’re not being difficult. Most of what they're doing is reflective of YOU.

They are giving you a RESPONSE. Not out of defiance. Not out of malice. But because they are wired - biologically, psychologically, instinctively - to respond to the world around them for survival.

So when you step into their space frustrated, disconnected, anxious, or unclear - they feel that. And they respond accordingly.

I see two things all the time…

• A spooky horse is blamed for being naughty, but the rider is nervous, stiff, and barely breathing.
• A horse is labeled stubborn because he doesn’t respond to a cue - but the cue was unclear, poorly communicated - and then the horse is punished for being lazy and unresponsive.

In both cases, the horse isn’t the problem. The human involved, however, is.

There’s a lot of incompetence in the horse world - but instead of accountability, we blame the horse.
We slap on harsher bits, louder aids, more aggressive corrections.We label them bad, lazy, rude, or stubborn… when really, they’re just confused, frightened, or overwhelmed.

Horses cannot be 'bad', they are just horses. People are either bad handlers, riders, or trainers. This seems to be a truth rarely spoken or acknowledged.

Horses literally can't manipulate. They, very simply, reflect what we bring to the conversation.

And that’s the truth people don’t like to talk about:
If your horse isn’t responding well, it might not be about them - it's actually in most cases about you.

So when something feels off in a session, pause and ask yourself:

Am I breathing deeply and feeling compassionate and optimistic?
Am I calm and grounded in my body?
Am I present - or is my mind somewhere else?
Am I feeling scared, under pressure, or frustrated?

✨ Self-awareness is the MOST underrated skill in horsemanship. The more honest we become about what we bring into the space, the more compassionate and connected we become as partners. ✨

Because it’s never about control. It’s about connection.
And that connection? It always starts with you.

03/21/2025

An interesting post! Which one best describes your horse’s whorl?

Hidden Cowboy Secrets

03/07/2025

I never actually thought about it this way!

Rasping the hoof wall in laminitis.

I was chatting to Prof Pollitt last week about the laminar wedge.

He commented that rasping the hoof wall to reduce its thickness is like unlocking the prison that is containing the laminar wedge. By releasing that pressure the wedge will not have such devastating internal effects as when encapsulated by the wall prison it has nowhere to go but inwards.

My lightbulbs went off in my head!

I understand that the inward pressure and growth of the laminar wedge is catastrophic to the coffin bone.

The laminar wedge is a chaotic tissue formed from epidermal lamellae and white line and is an uncontrolled growth of cells without the correct instructions for cell division and growth.

The wall will diverge due to the lever forces on it as the horse walks- per Prof Pollitt. If the horse was in outer space the laminitis would still occur but there would not be any wall divergence or bone divergence as that’s all due to biomechanically forces.

Wow!

Interesting thoughts.

03/05/2025

Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence, organizations like the FEI and USEF continue to refuse to acknowledge or penalize riders for riding behind the vertical. This unwillingness to address the issue not only allows the practice to persist, but also disrespects the welfare of the horses involved. It's frustrating that governing bodies are not taking a stronger stance on this matter, especially when the negative impacts on horses’ health are so clear. It’s time we hold ourselves, and those in positions of power, accountable for the welfare of these animals, and make informed decisions that prioritize their well-being over outdated traditions or superficial ideals.

The horse in the picture is my own horse from 2018, when I was proud of him going that way. But, as I’ve learned and grown in my understanding of biomechanics, I’ve come to see the true cost of this position. Riding behind the vertical for any length of time, at any depth, is a welfare issue that can affect the horse's body in profound and long-lasting ways:

Pharyngeal Diameter Reduction
When the head is flexed behind the vertical, it leads to a reduction in the pharyngeal diameter, causing airway narrowing and obstruction. This impedes the horse's ability to take in sufficient air, particularly during exertion, leading to exercise intolerance, difficulty breathing, and increased effort to inhale. You may hear horses being ridden BV breathe incredibly loudly during exercise. Over time, this restriction can result in chronic respiratory distress, dynamic airway collapse, and places extra strain on the horse’s cardiovascular system.

Decrease in Lamellar Width
Hyperflexion of the neck and back can lead to a reduction in lamellar width in the intervertebral discs and associated tissues. This results in decreased structural integrity of the spine, causing increased pressure on the vertebrae and ligaments. Over time, this can lead to chronic discomfort, degeneration of spinal tissues, and increased risk of injury due to the compromised ability of the discs to absorb shock and support movement.

Decreased Flexion-Extension Movement
When the head is behind the vertical, it restricts the natural flexion-extension of the spine, particularly in the lumbar and cervical regions. This mechanical limitation impedes the horse’s ability to engage in full spinal articulation during locomotion. The restriction in spinal mobility results in increased compressive forces on the intervertebral discs, which exacerbates disc degeneration and accelerates muscle fatigue. As the back muscles are unable to stretch and contract freely, muscle soreness and joint pain develop, leading to chronic spinal stiffness. Over time, this abnormal spinal loading can predispose the horse to degenerative joint disease (DJD), particularly in the lumbar and cervical regions.

Increased Intrathoracic Pressure
The hyperflexed head and neck position associated with BTV increases intrathoracic pressure, which restricts the natural movement of the diaphragm and limits the expansion of the lungs during respiration. This restriction of lung capacity impairs ventilation efficiency, leading to reduced oxygen exchange and exercise-induced fatigue. The lack of full respiratory function means the horse will experience shortness of breath, increased muscle exhaustion, and an overall decrease in stamina. Over time, this chronic respiratory impairment may lead to airway collapse or dynamic airway obstruction.

Abnormal Hock Load Distribution
Riding behind the vertical results in abnormal distribution of forces in the horse’s limbs, particularly in the hindlimbs. As the horse compensates for the spinal misalignment, excessive load is placed on the hock joints, increasing the compressive forces and the shearing forces on the ligaments and tendons surrounding the joint. This leads to joint degeneration and ligament strain, predisposing the horse to arthritis, tendinitis, and chronic lameness. Over time, these repetitive forces increase the risk of hock injuries, such as ligament tears or tendon ruptures.

Asymmetry in Wither Movement
Hyperflexion of the neck disrupts the natural symmetry of the horse’s withers and their movement during locomotion. This asymmetry in the wither movement leads to imbalanced load distribution across the forelimbs and hindlimbs, creating uneven stress on the spinal column and musculature. The lack of symmetry in movement impairs the horse’s gait mechanics, which can compromise performance and increase susceptibility to musculoskeletal injuries.

Altered Intervertebral Angulation
The misalignment of the cervical and thoracic vertebrae caused by the unnatural head and neck position behind the vertical leads to altered intervertebral angulation. This biomechanical distortion places shear forces and excessive loading on the intervertebral joints and their surrounding ligaments. These forces interfere with normal joint kinematics and exacerbate wear and tear on the articular cartilage, leading to degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs and ligaments. The resulting spinal instability causes chronic inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility.

Increased Intrathoracic Pressure
The hyperflexed head and neck position associated with BTV increases intrathoracic pressure, which restricts the natural movement of the diaphragm and limits the expansion of the lungs during respiration. This restriction of lung capacity impairs ventilation efficiency, leading to reduced oxygen exchange and exercise-induced fatigue. The lack of full respiratory function means the horse will experience shortness of breath, increased muscle exhaustion, and an overall decrease in stamina. Over time, this chronic respiratory impairment may lead to airway collapse or dynamic airway obstruction.

Electro-Myographic (EMG) Changes
The hyperflexion of the head and neck alters the natural activation patterns of key muscle groups, particularly those involved in neck, shoulder, and forelimb movement. Electromyographic (EMG) studies reveal abnormal muscle recruitment patterns, where certain muscles are overactivated while others are underutilized. This leads to muscular imbalance, uneven force distribution, and inefficient movement mechanics. Over time, this muscle dysfunction contributes to extreme muscle fatigue, chronic soreness, and increased risk of muscle strains or injuries. These EMG changes also alter kinetic efficiency, making the horse's movements less fluid and more taxing on its body.

Nuchal Ligament Tension
Hyperflexion dramatically increases tension in the nuchal ligament, which runs from the occipital bone to the spine and plays a crucial role in stabilizing the neck during movement. The excessive stretch on the ligament from being ridden behind the vertical causes increased tensile forces, leading to chronic strain and ligament fatigue. Over time, the ligament becomes stiffened, resulting in nuchal bursitis (inflammation of the bursa associated with the ligament). This chronic tension in the nuchal ligament leads to pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility in the neck and back. As the ligament loses its elasticity, it can lead to misalignment of the cervical spine, further stressing the thoracolumbar region and causing significant back pain.

Riding a horse in a forward head position with proper contact may take more time and effort, but it is the only true path to building strength, balance, and natural muscle development. Unlike riding behind the vertical, this approach honors the horse's biomechanics, promoting long-term well-being and performance without cutting corners. The consequences of riding behind the vertical go far beyond the immediate: the pain, discomfort, and irreversible damage it causes spread throughout the horse's body. Their welfare is in our hands, and with a deeper understanding of the impact of our choices, the right choices become very clear.

König von Borstel, U., Kienapfel, K., McLean, A. et al. Hyperflexing the horse’s neck: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 14, 22886 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-72766-5

01/13/2025

I’m so glad more people are becoming aware of this!

12/26/2024

Some great info about alfalfa…

Alfalfa for Horses Nutritional Composition Forms of Alfalfa Benefits of Feeding Common Concerns When to Avoid Example Diets Alfalfa is a popular forage choice for horses and an ingredient in many equine feeds. This legume forage can be processed and preserved in many different way

12/25/2024

Wishing everyone a restful, safe Christmas!

12/18/2024

Slow Down
For decades, human athletes have understood the benefits of slowing down. The complex orchestration of muscles, fascia, closed kinematic and kinetic chains, involved in gaits and performances is easier to coordinate slowly. Our equestrian linear concepts of forwardness and balance are simplistic and false. Scott Grafton (Physical Intelligence) discusses ordinary people trying to walk on a balancing beam versus ballet dancers. The ballet dancers perform better because their education has developed muscle synergies that are not specific to the problem of walking on a balancing beam but allow them better balance control. Just stay still for a few seconds on a balancing beam. You will make numerous and minute muscle adjustments, maintaining the forces above your center of mass. You will remain in balance as long as your physique controls minute shifts. You will be off balance as soon as the shifts become larger movements. You might give yourself an illusion of balance running through the beam. You will be off balance and crash at the end, but if the video is edited to show only the run, you will show the same illusion of balance as a horse rushed on the forehand, leaning heavily on the bit.
Now, go back on the balancing beam and walk slowly. You will not be able to control your balance on the first day. For each leg moving forward, your whole physique will have to complete minute and numerous adjustments as does the horse walking slowly in balance. Indeed, it is more difficult than rushing through the beam with a hand supporting you, but your mind and physical intelligence will identify and develop muscle synergies and fascia work, improving your balance. The horse needs to do this when performing in balance while carrying a rider. For each leg movement, the back muscles need to center the forces above the center of mass. This education demands that we create an atmosphere that gives confidence to the horse to explore further. The horse must feel respected, encouraged to explore, and given the time to process. Concentrating the forces above the center of mass is complex and involves the whole physique. The education is easier if the horse performs slowly and we work at the level of minute shifts that we channel between our upper thighs. The second we bend the horse’s neck or shift our body weight back to front or from one seat bone over the other, we alter the horse’s mastery of balance.
We can go fast and inject or slow and educate. Teaching the horse to master balance does a lot more than balance control. Mastering balance reduces the intensity of the forces stressing the lower front legs and cervical and thoracic vertebrae at impact. We can lead the horse to better hoof placement as we do by controlling our back on the balancing beam. Better joints’ placement at impact includes knee and hip joints. At a slower frequency, our physical intelligence can reach mastery of forces that our consciousness cannot master. Tai chi and other martial arts further the capacities of the human physique. The science of slow motion furthers the capacities of the horse’s physique.
Dressage boot camps will urge you to go fast because a boot camp aims to numb critical thinkers and make them obey stupid orders. When dressage returns to its original function, which is to educate and coordinate the horse’s physique for the athletic demand of the performance, the horse’s mental processing is the primary asset. The horse needs to process questions and have the time to explore solutions. Our understanding of the horse’s body function and the performance’s athletic demands allows us to assist and eventually redirect the horse’s processing.
Jean Luc