and mentally. You can use any tool you would like for cross fiber work: a rubber curry, a body brush, a towel, or just your hand.


Using short 4-6 inch back and forth strokes, groom lightly at first and feel if the skin is loose over the muscles. It should feel as free as the skin on the back of your hand.


Once you have loosened up the skin, continue with the short 4-6 inch strokes as you groom and massage deeper into the bulk of the muscles. Use all of your senses to notice signs of relaxation, such as licking, chewing, yawning, sighing, bending around and stretching and postural relaxation. Groom within your horse’s tolerance and your safety. If he reacts by flinching, tensing or acting agitated, do not ignore the area; instead, groom lighter for 30-60 seconds, and watch for a positive response or move on to the next area for this session. Better to do less than more when you are first starting out. Take your time and use your senses to observe and evaluate your horse. I always have my free hand on the horse as it will help monitor other muscle responses to the grooming. As the grooming sessions become deeper, I lean on that free arm and use my body to groom, not just my shoulder.


Dissection of the gaskin (similar to human calf muscle), showing fascia covering the muscles, tendons and ligaments.


It is well worth the time and energy to train your senses, and get your eyes and hands on your horse’s muscles and body and truly learn how “Posture is the Language of the Horse™.”


To view a brief instructional video log onto http://www. holistichorse.com/holistic-horse-television.html or scan the tag below.


Patricia Bona-Kustra, DC, lives and practices in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Logan College of Chiropractic in 1986, and was certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 1992. An avid equestrian most her life, currently riding and training her two horses, she is active in dressage, jumping and more recently Side Saddle competition.


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video on Holistic Horse TV!! Holistic Horse™ • April/May 2012 • Vol.19, Issue 78


HARMANY EQUINE SHOP


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2010 Equine Affair Clinician


Caroline Rider Presents


Riding as One Where the Art of Horsemanship meets Classical Dressage


This style of horsemanship crosses over and merges the worlds of Classical Dressage and the Art of Horsemanship, creating the foundation where ease of mind, simplicity of technique, and heart-felt intention become the guiding principles to a lifetime of partnership.


This 3-day clinic is ideal for those who want to:


Focus on feel and timing while employing technique with the softest of hearts, the lightest of hands and deepest of seats


Create deeper connection, communication and partnership through mind-body awareness and integration


Improve their centered riding, balance and rhythm


Gain a deeper understanding of horsemanship through feel, sensory awareness and leadership principles


WHEN: May 18 - 20, 2012


Participants: $710 Auditors: $30/day - $75/3 days Private lessons available!


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Sally at ddbarb39@aol.com www.holistichorse.com | 13


OB Formula helps horses lose weight and metabolize glucose


Color Atlas of Veterinary Anatomy


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