BREATHE LIFE INTO YOUR HORSE – IT’S SIMPLE!
health nerve impingement phrenic nerve posture thoracic sling Jan 28, 2024
Irritation of the Phrenic nerve can lead to poor function of the diaphragm which leads to poor exercise tolerance and fatigue. Imagine the ‘lazy’ horse that doesn’t move off your leg. Imagine the ‘fragile’ horse that constantly flicks her nose and snorts aggravated.
Compression of the Phrenic nerve also compromises heart function. Your horse may experience abnormal sensations around his internal organs in addition to referred shoulder pain.
Potentially there’s a lot going on!
Leading causes of phrenic nerve compression include too much pressure on the tongue, an over-flexed poll an ill-fitting saddle, a too-tight girth and cervical spine arthritis.
All these factors are avoidable.
To avoid cervical spine arthritis, we must train our horses to engage their Thoracic Sling – this is central to the development of a sound riding horse.
To avoid pressure on the tongue, we ensure that our horse’s head does not over-flex – we keep the nose on or just in front of the vertical. In this way the hyoid apparatus is not compromised, your horse can breathe normally and see where he is going. He will be more physically emotionally at ease.
Check your saddle fit each time you ride, really avoid to over-tighten your girth – you should be able to easily slide your hand between the girth and your horse’s sternum. Remember to check girth tightness on the sternum, not on the side as the shape of the chest behind the shoulder can easily fool you to believe your girth is too loose. I strongly recommend you to use se a sternum release girth if you can - this avoids the horse bracing against the girth, instantly brings relieve and builds Trust which leads to greater emotional ease and diaphragm release.
Work on your skills to ride with light and even contact and adjust your bridling to your level of competence. Train your horse to move in self-carriage, complimentary In-Hand training can give you the skill to create your own school master and build the body of your horse to be strong and competent. Seek relaxation in your training and avoid fear responses - your horse's head, heart, lungs and soul will thank you for it!