Point of View
STORY
This is about a horse who was willing to work as best he could even though he was in pain. To the horse’s credit, he didn’t buck, he didn’t toss his rider and he didn’t kill anyone. The horse did have to repeat himself over and over that he was in pain, hoping that someone would figure it out. And finally, someone listened.
Case Study: “The Hopping Horse”
Time Period : September / Many Years Ago!
Location: Texas
One of the horses tended to hop and scoot while being ridden. After questioning the owner extensively about the horses physical health and she reported that the horse had a wreck with his previous owner therefore was diagnosed as developing arthritis in his hips, although at seven years old he was a young horse for this ailment.
A vet and an equine chiropractor had seen the horse and they both diagnosed him with arthritis and a “dropped hip” but said he was sound to ride.
Not according to the horse though! The horse communicated that he was uncomfortable while being ridden. As soon as the owner would mount this horse, he’d hop up with his back end and scoot a bit while appearing tense. On the ground he appeared quiet, kind and affectionate.
One should wonder what the horse was saying with all the hopping, the horse also did a couple of curious things, such as stood still while mounting, but would tap one of his hind feet on the ground, as if trying to dislodge a fly, even with no flies in sight. He also carried his tail to one side. Seems the horse was saying “It hurts back here, back here!”
When the saddle was adjusted to fit better, that actually made it worse. This concluded that it was a physical issue more than a training issue.
Once examined, it was found that the horse’s hips were indeed the source of his problems under saddle. The horse had a piece of his pelvis broken off. More specifically, it appeared to be the ileum was broken off and relocated according to x-rays.
It turns out, the “hop” was not the horse being “bad”. Even though professionals were saying the horse is okay, the horse was saying he wasn’t. Blaming the horse is too often the default for not knowing what is wrong and this attitude ends up being unfortunate for the horse.
The owner gave the horse much care including medical treatment and massage therapy.
The horse and rider were happy and content with trail riding in the end.
~ MORAL OF THE STORY ~
If you are less fettered by previous teaching or prejudice, then you are most likely ahead of the game. Some equestrians are good at figuring out what horses are trying to say. Be open to learning more. Continuous effort to see things from the horse’s perspective will set you apart from other trainers, riders, and equestrians. Attempt to speak the horse’s language gains appreciation from the horse and we should consider this a “big win” as this leads to a relationship of mutual respect. Go for the “win” and not just any “win” but a “win” that has meaning and purpose. After all, we are not owners of beautiful and powerful creatures, we are their guardians.
Suggested reading: In the Company of Horses, a Year on the Road with Horseman, Mark Rashid
By: Kathleen Lindley