SKELETAL DEVELOPMENT should be considered more when we are developing young horses.

I’m not a trainer, and I can appreciate the idea of introducing tack and weight to young horses…slowly and mindfully while keeping the work light enough that the skeletal maturity is allowed for. 

What I do wish I saw more of-is developing biomechanical balance in young horses from the ground before introducing tack and rider weight. 

From the bodyworker perspective-the most common areas of soreness I see in ridden horses are the areas of the skeletal system that mature last…

While it’s not a clinical study by any means-but with well over 1000+ massages under my hands I see enough of a correlation to be convinced we are doing too much too soon. More common than not-I see biomechanical imbalances in horses (of all ages) attempting to be corrected under saddle instead of in hand, which creates various compensation patterns elsewhere in the body. 

I had these images created for my online classes to help owners and professionals better understand how the maturity timeline can impact performance development. 

I share these thoughts in an effort to bring mindful awareness-never to criticize. I hope to see more ridden horses making it to their teens before they’re needing pharmaceutical intervention instead of the 5-10 year olds I see now. 

The best time to learn new things and do better for the horse is now.