Today we have the pleasure of sharing an article by Stephanie Dewes, an accomplished equestrian and equine therapist who owns and manages the Miracle Mile Equine Center. In this article, she writes of the impact that balance, in all its various forms, holds in a meaningful horse-human relationship.
Stephanie’s Bio: Thank you for inviting me to write for your blog! I was introduced to the horse industry at a young age and have remained active ever since. As an equine therapist and a competitor, I love everything the horse industry has to offer! Especially being able to work with such amazing creatures each and every day! I call a herd of seven horses my own, each has a story of their own. Whether it be a heartbreaking rescue or a world championship win, each of my horses holds a special place in my heart. I carry this passion into my business, I have recently expanded into more intensive therapy programs and training client horses. As the owner of Miracle Mile Equine Center, I cannot wait to continue in this wonderful industry!
BALANCE
Balance, has multiple meanings even in the dictionary, simply defined as an even distribution of weight to remain upright and steady. Also meaning, the condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct positions.
As a certified equine therapist, I define balance as structurally able to withstand various workloads in regard to skeletal, muscular and nervous functions. A sound horse will perform, whether that be in the show arena, on the racetrack or as a lesson horse. Each horse has individualistic traits such as conformation faults or injuries which may prevent them from being balanced. It is my job to help your equine partner achieve a balanced structure and way of motion that allows him to be a more successful teammate.
Misalignment or imbalance within the horses’ body can create lameness, loss of muscle condition, sour or dangerous behaviour, internal concerns such as ulcers, in both short term and long term means. As a rider or owner, I encourage everyone to KNOW YOUR HORSE. This means more than just their name and age, I mean really get to know your horse. Understand how they move, how they function, how previous injuries continue to affect them, if they have fluid in their joints, if they are gaining or losing weight or muscle mass, if they are more comfortable to the right or the left, just to list a few! While studying the patterns your horse presents, you will quickly notice new issues or imbalances as they arise, therefore letting you contact the right professionals to help your horse get back to performing.
But what about the emotional side? As riders, we need to consider the emotional and mental health of our horses and ourselves! Take a little extra time to be with your horse without any hidden agendas. Enjoying a grooming session, a short walk or simply watching your horse in the pasture are all excellent ways to slow down our own minds. Horses will feed off of the energy demonstrated by its handler, why not make it calm and enjoyable for both of you? As I encourage owners to get to know their horses, I also recommend getting to KNOW YOURSELF! Again, this is more than meets the eye. When considering yourself around horses, think about your anxiety level, what are you confident with, what you struggle with, how often are you around your horse and most importantly are you enjoying it?
Emotional imbalance greatly affects the performance of you and your horse at the arena, as well as yourself in everyday life. Horses will show you courage and self-confidence, if you are willing to let them. Trust, communication, respect, courage and self-confidence are all possible when we are emotionally balanced. This goes for your horse as well!
My two very important take home messages:
Please don’t be afraid to ask for help! There are a multitude of professionals out there wanting to help, whether it be with you or your horse or both.
When physical, emotional and mental balance is achieved, you and your equine partner will be unstoppable in reaching your goals!
