Identifying Equine Compensation Patterns
COMPENSATION PATTERNS are something that tend to be overlooked. More often than not we focus on the symptom more than the cause.
Take “saddle fit soreness” for example.
In my experience, it's less often the actual saddle and more so an aspect of the horse's body that isn't developed properly to accept the saddle.
From a bodyworkers perspective-I find saddle related soreness all over the body.
It’s not commonly just in the saddle area or along the back.
The front and hind end can and absolutely will eventually compensate.
We must ask ourselves if the soreness is a saddle fit issue OR is it a postural issue? Hoof angle issue?
I have a few client horses that experience saddle fit issues-that have saddles that “fit” the horse well…until they apply weight in the saddle and the horses body moves improperly creating a hollow under the saddle that creates the “soreness”...in a few of these cases, they struggle with improper hoof angles that are preventing the proper postural development. It's very uncommon for it to just be a saddle fit issue.
It’s all connected.
Accept that the horse's body will likely be changing during ridden development and frequent changes to tack fit will be needed.
I have a wonderful online class that helps inform and train your eye to investigate the root cause of the compensation pattern your horse may be experiencing.
I will also be presenting a clinic on this very topic on September 12 if you'd like to join us!
I will be presenting a clinic on this very topic on September 12 if you'd like to join us!