Part 2 of the kissing spine on-demand webinar with Gillian Higgins. Focussing on exercises for prevention and rehabilitation

There are many horse back problems including kissing spines, whether you have a horse with this condition or not, learning as much about it is a good thing to do. With the help of Gillian’s anatomically painted horses, anatomical bones and real horse bones, discover what kissing spines are, what they actually look like, where and why they happen. Gillian demonstrates a comprehesive set of exercises and tips to both prevent them happening and to aid the rehabilitation of horses with Kissing Spines

Did you know that your horse doesn’t have a collarbone? With no direct bony connection (collar bone) the thoracic sling muscles in the horse need to be strong to support the forehand up between the front legs. Weak thoracic sling muscles influence the horse’s posture, movement and performance of the ridden horse. Closely linked to the thoracic sling muscles is the cervicothoracic junction - the part of the spine, at the base of the neck, where the neck vertebrae change into thoracic vertebrae. There is a lot of movement in this area and it is subject to many demands due to its anatomy and function. Posture and movement of the cervicothoracic junction and thoracic sling muscles are intrinsically linked so it is impossible to talk about one without affecting the other. This on-demand webinar looks, in detail at the anatomy of these muscles and how to assess their strength. and suggest appropriate exercises to stretch and strengthen them. This webinar is for you, if you wish to improve your horse’s posture and way of going or if your horse goes: • On the forehand • Pulls himself along rather than pushing from behind • Runs or is strong • Prefers a hollow outline or goes with a high head and neck position • Falls out through the shoulder • Struggles to maintain good balance

As a forward and asymmetrical gait canter is effective at mobilising the back and warming up your horse. This on-demand webinar looks at the biomechanics of this pace and the differences between collected to extended canter. We also focus on variations and problems within canter including gait irregularities, asymmetries, diagonal dissociation, bucking, four-time canter and the lateral canter. This subject is illustrated using high-definition slow motion videos of Gillian’s signature anatomically painted horses. Gillian studies this pace in detail with views from above as well as from in front and behind to truly analyse the gait and movement through the horse’s whole body. Gillian suggests techniques and exercises to improve the quality of the canter, and top tips for upping your scores in the dressage arena. This webinar is perfect for anyone wishing to improve their horse’s canter.

Trot is a symmetrical gait, which makes it great for assessing soundness. This webinar looks in detail at the biomechanics of trot and study the difference between different types of trot from collected to extended. We also look at variations and problems within the gait including lameness, diagonal dissociation, asymmetry, and straightness issues. ​ Illustrated using high-definition slow motion videos and Gillian’s signature anatomically painted horses we look at the horse from above on a treadmill, as well as from in front and behind, and the traditional side view to truly analyse the gait and movement through the whole body. ​ Gillian shares techniques and exercises to improve the expression and cadence of the trot – plus, Gillian gives her top tips for riding the trot in harmony and how to up your scores in the dressage arena. After watching this webinar you’ll have the tools to accurately assess and improve your horse’s trot. ​ Whether you’re a rider, coach, therapist or saddlery professional this on-demand webinar is for you.

As well as truly understanding what straightness is, learn to recognise signs of asymmetry and core weakness which can challenge your horse’s musculoskeletal health as well as his performance. Gillian suggests different exercises you can do with your horse as well as massage and mobilisation techniques that will all help improve your horse’s straightness. Whether you’re a trainer, rider or therapist once you have a clearer understanding of the biomechanics of straightness and know what techniques to use to assess and improve it, you’ll be able to improve the horse’s training and way of going.