Is your horse head shy? Are you having trouble with lateral flexions? Keeping his nose at or in front of the vertical position? Does your horse feel like he is stiffer on one rein? Not coming through? Stopping at jumps?

The poll and it’s various components is the center through which all nerves run, therefore the origin of poll tension and pain can correspondingly be caused by issues elsewhere in the body. It is also why I treat the entire horse each session.

In November of 2016 I had the pleasure of auditing Rien van der Schaft, Dutch Dressage Team Coach, at his first clinic held in Canada hosted by Alison Banbury, owner of Hill Haven Stable, Hillsburgh, ON. I knew instantly I wanted to ride in his next clinic when I heard him emphasize over and over again to “ride forward into both reins.”

Have you noticed your horse struggling with collection and impulsion? Stressed with lateral work?
Dragging his toes? Behind your leg?

Have you noticed your horse having difficulty in canter movements, reluctance to canter, uncomfortable cantering, bucking or showing behavioural and performance difficulties in general?  Diminished top line and musculature?  Do not over look the possibility of tension in the Psoas muscles.