Don't forget the nervous system!

When horses have restrictions, pain and a limited range of motion in their bodies, we often say we need to release tension in their muscles and their fascia to facilitate the return to function. While this is very true, it is not the end of the story. Just releasing the soft tissues is often not enough for the problems to go away, especially when we are dealing with issues that have been going on for a while.

The reason for this is the nervous system. The nervous system is the one gathering data about the internal and external environment and using that data to create efficient movement patterns. If, for example, one limb is sore during movement, the nervous system gives the order to decrease the range of motion in order to protect the limb from further damage. In a while, the soft tissues around the limb will adjust to a change pattern of movement by shortening, further restricting the range of motion. Now the decreased range of motion becomes really apparent. Along comes the therapist and releases the restrictions and tightness, in order to restore functionality. Sometimes this is all the horse needs, but other times, especially with longer lasting issues, the nervous system will still be issuing the same order as before – shorten the stride. This is because the decreased range of motion has become the “default setting”.

So, how do we deal with this? By addressing the nervous system. Luckily, the nervous system responds really well to new stimuli, so we can change the “settings” using exercises that target the nerve endings in the horse’s body. The set of exercises for the nervous system (sometimes referred to as proprioceptive exercises), will be a little different depending on the issues of the specific horse, but generally they will include things like walking over varied surfaces, rocking motions of the limbs and body, using stabilization pads, body wraps… There are many different ways in which we can talk to the nervous system and luckily, most of these exercises are very gentle and easy to do. Because they are so gentle, many people don’t pay enough attention to them, but believe me, they are very powerful.

Stabilization pads are a great way to engage the nervous system.

The important thing is to not overdo them (fewer repetitions work better when it comes to the nervous system), and to make sure your horse is paying attention to them. If, for example, you are trying to restore awareness in the hind end by gently rocking your horse’s pelvis, but he is focused on munching down his favourite meal or he’s worried about a buddy leaving without him, you’re not going to have the same effect as when the horse is paying attention. When talking to the nervous system, make sure the environment is quiet, so the horse can focus on the effect the exercise is having on his body.