The Sweater Phenomenon

Have you ever put on a knit top or sweater just to find a pick in the fabric. Before you know it that small little pick has become a run that zig-zags and has this random pull that gives a one way ticket to a cleaning rag or trash can. Believe it or not, the myofascial system is quite similar.

I often give this comparison to my clients.

If there is an area of restriction it can literally cause pain or decreased mobility anywhere in the body. The myofascial system is a fully 3-dimensional structure from hoof to head. It surrounds everything. Nerves, vessels, bones, tendons...everything.

While a horse may be experiencing pain, stiff or altered movement patterns or just generally being ”off” this could be originating from almost anywhere. The body is an amazing thing but it can also be it’s own worst enemy in regards to compensations.

Take me for example, I drive...I drive a ton. Sitting for long periods of time has caused my hip flexors to tighten

. When I don’t incorporate a good stretching program my low and mid back are uncomfortable and eventually painful. The tightness from my hip muscles ultimately forces me to change my posture which leads to the back discomfort.

Horses work the same way. Small areas of pain or tightness can lead to more areas of pain or tightness. So what can you do?

Move your horse in multiple directions and make sure they have good core strength. On your rides occasionally work to lengthen as much you collect. Go hack out on the property and add in hill work. All of this is important and necessary for better movement. We tend to get focused on the same routine but just like human athletes cross training and stretching is vital. The fascial system has memory and over 2000lb of tensile strength. Keeping horses mobile, loose and flexible will go a long way in allowing them to maintain proper movement patterns and muscle activation.