Things I Learned From My Horse
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We tend to think in terms of training when it comes to our horses. So we may not spend much time thinking about what our horses can teach us. Horses are very good at a few things. One of those things is running. I'm not much of a runner. I've never done a marathon, and have no desire to do so. But I do enjoy going out for a few kilometres, with my little Jack Russell along, and I have competed in ride ‘n’ tie which requires running and riding. As a runner, I've learned from my horse, and how to look after myself from looking after horses.
Breathing
Horses know instinctively what many people must learn. Horses know how to breathe when they run. This is often a topic at running clinics and it may take a little practice because we aren't used to doing it. Horses breathe in rhythm with their strides. Breathing in rhythm with your footfalls as you run makes is far more efficient way of taking in oxygen than breathing irrationally.
Related: Your Horse - Partner or Problem
Running Up Hill
Most riders try not to let their horses gallop up hills. There are a few reasons for this, including muscle strain. However, you might notice that if your horse has a choice, it will gallop up Hill. That's because it's easier. Try it yourself, and you'll find running up a steep hill easier than slogging up at a walk.
Running Down Hill
Learning to walk down hill carrying a rider safely is something we have to teach our horses. Their tendency is to go on the forehand. Teaching a horse to engage its hindquarters makes for a far more safe and controlled descents. It's something we can learn from too. Instead of letting gravity pull us, putting a lot of strain on our knees we can engage our core muscles and use our 'hindquarters' to help take some of the stress off of our knees.
Running on the flat
Back in the day when horses were used to haul loads, it was common knowledge that a journey over the flat could be more tiring than if the road had a few ups and downs. This is because over the flat, the same muscles are used in the same way, all of the time. Climbing and descending a few hills let's some muscles rest a bit, while others work a bit a harder. It's the same for us, although steep inclines and twisty turns can make a journey tiring for both.
When You Hurt Yourself
Humans can be tough on themselves. So can horses, who don't know to rest an injury and get back up to full speed gradually. The next time you strain yourself working or playing hard and you're not sure if you should just push through the pain, ask yourself if you'd do that to your horse. This might help you put things in perspective.
What have you learned from your horse? |
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