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Sensitive Areas of Horses
Nerve endings in people are more abundant in the mouth, feet and hands. Spots of most sensitivity in horses seem to be in the mouth, feet, flanks, neck and shoulders. The mouth is sensitive to pain rather than light pressure. Bitting should be done with care and reins handled with light hands, or else sensitivity in the mouth is lost and a hard mouth is the result.
Some horses are so sensitive to contact in the flank that they promptly buck when heels are applied there.
Application of the whip requires great reserve and good judgment if the learning situation is to be constructive for the horse. Using the whip on the shoulders of a running horse will tighten the shoulder muscles and shorten its stride. Application near the flank or directly along the ribs may cause a move sideways. Many horses HUMP UP and consequently slow down under heavy use of the whip when they are running.
probably the most pain horses have to bear is from ill-fitting saddles. There are about as many shapes of saddle trees as of shoes, and like feet, the backs of all horses are not the same. We can´t have a saddle for each horse or one for different conditions in which it is used, but most of us can do a better job than we do of fitting saddles to horses.
Horses vary greatly in skin sensitivity. They love to be groomed and have their backs scratched. Selecting mild grooming equipment is necessary for some thin-skinned horses. Currycombs and shedding blades should have fine teeth.
Saddling is a bruising experience for some horses, whereas others seem immune to any feeling when a saddle is thrown on them. If your horse humps up and tries to avoid the saddle, see if it is being hit by flapping cinches and stirrups. Turn these items back over the seat and place the saddle on gently, with both hands.
Communication of rider to horse is accomplished through voice, hands, and legs, in this order of importance. Voice cues for starting and stopping are easily understood by the horse. Rein cues are more complex for both rider and horse, and signify a more complicated maneuvers than simple starts and stops. Leg cues are needed for most complex responses, such as rollbacks. Because of the sensitivity of a horse´s skin, it can react to light pressure of the leg.
Horses are equally sensitive to insecurity or confidence in their riders, and respond accordingly. If the rider lacks assurance, the horse will feel insecure and perform below its capability.
The horse is a strong, sensitive creature, capable of great speed and quick reactions. It has great ability to adapt to unfamiliar situations. This is why we love horses.
Many of the things we ask them to do are strange to their nature, so try to understand their reaction to these new situations.
Samantha writes articles on several subjects including horse health issues and horse tips. To read more articles please visit the Horse Riding website
Nerve endings in people are more abundant in the mouth, feet and hands. Spots of most sensitivity in horses seem to be in the mouth, feet, flanks, neck and shoulders. The mouth is sensitive to pain rather than light pressure. Bitting should be done with care and reins handled with light hands, or else sensitivity in the mouth is lost and a hard mouth is the result.
Some horses are so sensitive to contact in the flank that they promptly buck when heels are applied there.
Application of the whip requires great reserve and good judgment if the learning situation is to be constructive for the horse. Using the whip on the shoulders of a running horse will tighten the shoulder muscles and shorten its stride. Application near the flank or directly along the ribs may cause a move sideways. Many horses HUMP UP and consequently slow down under heavy use of the whip when they are running.
probably the most pain horses have to bear is from ill-fitting saddles. There are about as many shapes of saddle trees as of shoes, and like feet, the backs of all horses are not the same. We can´t have a saddle for each horse or one for different conditions in which it is used, but most of us can do a better job than we do of fitting saddles to horses.
Horses vary greatly in skin sensitivity. They love to be groomed and have their backs scratched. Selecting mild grooming equipment is necessary for some thin-skinned horses. Currycombs and shedding blades should have fine teeth.
Saddling is a bruising experience for some horses, whereas others seem immune to any feeling when a saddle is thrown on them. If your horse humps up and tries to avoid the saddle, see if it is being hit by flapping cinches and stirrups. Turn these items back over the seat and place the saddle on gently, with both hands.
Communication of rider to horse is accomplished through voice, hands, and legs, in this order of importance. Voice cues for starting and stopping are easily understood by the horse. Rein cues are more complex for both rider and horse, and signify a more complicated maneuvers than simple starts and stops. Leg cues are needed for most complex responses, such as rollbacks. Because of the sensitivity of a horse´s skin, it can react to light pressure of the leg.
Horses are equally sensitive to insecurity or confidence in their riders, and respond accordingly. If the rider lacks assurance, the horse will feel insecure and perform below its capability.
The horse is a strong, sensitive creature, capable of great speed and quick reactions. It has great ability to adapt to unfamiliar situations. This is why we love horses.
Many of the things we ask them to do are strange to their nature, so try to understand their reaction to these new situations.
Samantha writes articles on several subjects including horse health issues and horse tips. To read more articles please visit the Horse Riding website
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