top of page

Striving for Straightness - On-Demand Webinar

Straightness is an important pillar of your horse’s training. The ultimate aim is to have your horse as symmetrical and straight as possible. However, the reality is that no horse is completely symmetrical. 


All is not lost – there’s plenty you can do to improve your horse’s straightness. Using the right exercises to train his muscles and straighten him it is possible to achieve better movement, performance and improved posture.


A straight horse will be physical and mentally in balance, symmetrically and muscularly fit, supple, strong, able to round his back and carry the rider with ease. To help you achieve this, having the ability to assess a horse’s straightness from in front and behind as well as the side is an effective method of evaluating symmetry and soundness.


In this webinar Gillian explains and illustrates the biomechanics of straightness – bringing this fascinating subject to life using her signature anatomically painted horses and slow-motion video. Gillian suggests a number of different exercises you can do with your horse as well as massage and mobilisation techniques that 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 straightness and way of going.

S1 E1 Understanding the Horse's back recorded webinar Gillian Higgins Horses Inside Out.jp

Already Purchased?

Price: £10
Running Time: 2 hours, 30 mins
Approved CPD training (2 points) with the British Horse Society
BHS.png

Watch Trailer

This on-demand webinar was recorded on the

8th December 2022 and is episode 3 of series 4.

Course Structure

Following an introduction this webinar covers:- 


1. Defining Straightness


2. Causes of Asymmetry including:-


  • Pain and Trauma Related Asymmetries

  • Habitual Asymmetries

  • Congenital Asymmetries

  • Developmental Asymmetries

  • Environmental Asymmetries

  • Asymmetries caused by Training and the Rider


3. Assessing Straightness 

UNLIMITED ACCESS

Anytime - Anywhere - As many times as you like!

Once purchased, you can watch this on-demand webinar at any time and as many times as you like from any device and from the comfort of your own home! Just make sure you are logged in and then watch it by pressing the button below.

Other on-demand webinars you may enjoy...

  • 80£
     
  • 40£
     
  • 30£
     
Harmonious Horsemanship

Harmonious Horsemanship

Thoracic Sling Muscles

Thoracic Sling Muscles

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
The Biomechanics of Walk

The Biomechanics of Walk

The Biomechanics of Canter

The Biomechanics of Canter

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.
The Biomechanics of Trot

The Biomechanics of Trot

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.
bottom of page