#104 Biotensegrative Training with Veronika von Rohrscheidt

00:00:01: Welcome to the Equestrian Connection podcast.

00:00:03: My name is Danielle Kroll and I'm usually your host, however this week we're bringing you a special translated episode from The Wee Horse Podcasts that's recorded in German.

00:00:15: This episode is all about biotensegrity training And i think you'll really enjoy it.

00:00:20: So let's dive-in!

00:00:22: In this episode of THE KNOWLEDGE podcast everything revolves around Because we have the initiator here, Dr.

00:00:30: Veronica Von Rorscheidt.

00:00:31: Biotensigral training is an absolute trend topic at the moment and I would also say it offers exciting new perspectives on horse-training and dressage riding in general as well as on anatomical connections that are important for every horse person no matter what kind of horse you have or which discipline you ride.

00:00:49: Dr.

00:00:50: Veronica von Rorschheit is a highly skilled equine veterinarian, and of course she's very passionate and experienced rider herself.

00:00:57: throughout her career She has dedicated time to developing an innovative system known as biotensigral training.

00:01:04: We clarify what exactly bio-tensigal training is why our horses needed What benefits it brings And how you can get started.

00:01:11: I wish lots fun with this podcast episode.

00:01:14: Dear Veronica A warm welcome.

00:01:16: It's great to have you here today and that you're taking the time to introduce us to biotensic grail training.

00:01:22: Yes, hello with pleasure of course!

00:01:24: If you are involved in The Equestrian World.

00:01:26: I think it is quite possible That You've already come across this term.

00:01:29: Some listeners might not be familiar With it at all or might Not even Be able To pronounce it?

00:01:33: Thats why i'd like to start with a question What exactly Is Biotensical Grail Training?

00:01:39: Could u give Us A brief overview?

00:01:41: In simple terms

00:01:42: It is simply a fundamental form of horse training that's deeply based on the scientific principles of biotin-segrity.

00:01:49: Or at very least, this how we have diligently tried to integrate these complex principles into this specific training concept.

00:01:56: When you look it up in the end of day its still essentially horse training.

00:02:00: Not every single thing has been completely reinvented from groundup but perhaps new ways are looking for things.

00:02:07: Its given us somewhat more distinct and specialized direction a contemporary and sophisticated approach to the subject, not just focusing on the fundamental aspects of physical training in development but also including intricate details of anatomy and biomechanics.

00:02:23: And from that foundation we've tried create comprehensive and detailed training guide –a complete and structured training system!

00:02:30: The goal is to create a comprehensive framework for thought, To provide people with the unique opportunity... ...to truly and effectively train their horse in way that fundamentally preserves its long-term health & well being.

00:02:40: That

00:02:40: means THAT'S THE GOAL!

00:02:41: So if I now ask myself okay Biotechnical signal training doesn't really mean anything to me at first Why should i do this with my horse?

00:02:50: What benefit does it have for ME AND MY HORSE?

00:02:52: Essentially we want teach horses movement patterns that preserve their health Basically what nature would otherwise DO so that the horse's body is simply used by the horse itself in the way nature originally intended, and it similar to us humans.

00:03:05: Unfortunately horses also suffer from diseases of civilization.

00:03:09: That means horses nowadays live quite far removed from Nature's blueprint.

00:03:13: just like we do We sit far too much –we sit infront of computer phone TV And don't move enough.

00:03:20: And when we do move it's often incorrectly because compensations develop.

00:03:24: The same thing happens with horses, of course nature did not intend for us to keep them in stalls nor even run-in sheds or on limited spaces.

00:03:33: that is not part the natural blueprint.

00:03:35: But of course, just like with us humans this leads to problems.

00:03:38: For some individual horses these specific concerns may seem like relatively minor or insignificant problems at first glance but for many other horses it can definitely lead to very serious and potentially life-threatening health issues that can drastically and negatively impact their overall quality of life.

00:03:54: That is precisely the core problem we are facing And with this specialized training program We're simply trying find a way to effectively compensate.

00:04:03: That means horses to get them back into the shape that nature originally intended.

00:04:07: Yes, that definitely sounds very exciting at first and also in such a way that this training is relevant for everyone so that everyone can create benefits no matter whether the horse has an illness, lameness and injury or anything else.

00:04:22: But also if let's say you think you actually have a healthy horse so it is basically suitable for everyone right?

00:04:28: Yes!

00:04:28: It's simply preventive.

00:04:30: even I firmly believe that my horse in state of perfect physical health and peak condition i can at least take time to carefully examine reflect upon fundamental underlying ideas and core principles try gain much deeper understanding.

00:04:43: complex motivations truly lie behind them.

00:04:47: with this newly acquired knowledge, simply try to look at my horse again and see if really in fact that everything is okay.

00:04:53: And it's also not that we necessarily want to create a new training method like you do exercise one two three and then exercise four five six.

00:05:02: rather I think It's much more important to understand what its all about and to create understanding for horses psyche but Also For A Horses Body.

00:05:10: In The Way Horsers Move Knowledge is lacking to be able help themselves in many situations, or also to assess whether you're on the right track.

00:05:21: Or if a path might need certain changes and adjustments.

00:05:25: Yes!

00:05:25: You've mentioned so much.

00:05:26: now We definitely have to dive deeper into them So we can at least start understanding what it's all about.

00:05:33: You had an example with postural issues as well The idea that even a healthy person has poor posture.

00:05:40: Let's just say, for now that you're actually doing well and maybe even do sports.

00:05:45: And yet of course we still sit a lot... Did I understand correctly?

00:05:50: For example i also sit at my desk A LOT!

00:05:53: But it can happen.

00:05:55: if you develop poor posture in people You always sit a bit slouched.

00:05:59: If then train in the wrong direction or don't resolve it first The tension and blockages arise as result but keep going somehow.

00:06:08: Then you do muscle training but actually train the wrong muscles then it basically doesn't get any better.

00:06:13: Can you imagine it being similar with horses?

00:06:16: Yes, exactly the same!

00:06:17: If I simply use my neck muscles everyone knows that trapezius pain to stabilize my shoulder blades and upper and thoracic area at some point neck pain, and if I then so to speak move or train within this movement and stabilization pattern no matter what i do.i am using the wrong muscles to stabilize my upper body or my shoulder blades than no matter What?I will be training The Wrong Muscles And The Wrong Way To Stabilize Myself!

00:06:44: It's exactly the same with horses.

00:06:46: If the horse is stuck in an incorrect stabilization pattern meaning it doesn't use the right muscles at and I simply train the horse, no matter what i do it will always be wrong.

00:06:57: It will move incorrectly and as a result we'll not be trained optimally properly or

00:07:01: correctly.".

00:07:02: Very good then!

00:07:02: We're already heading in that direction.

00:07:04: where you get an idea of this is about Let's say I have a horse at first glance who is a healthy horse.

00:07:13: And of course, in my riding training I still try to create healthy movement patterns.

00:07:20: So what people always say?

00:07:21: Riding the horse over its back so that the top line arches and the horse steps from behind forward into the contact... ...I would say that's the main goal for all dressage riders.

00:07:31: The biggest aim is for the horse to move freely and relax through it body.

00:07:35: But this means maybe even if we sometimes think thats already a case Because of these habits, like when we sit too much for example that maybe it's actually not the case after all right?

00:07:47: Maybe we can go into that a bit more.

00:07:48: You also often hear the term carrying fatigue in this context or It doesn't even have to be full-on carrying fatigue But in general people always say you want to train your back build up your back muscles and so on.

00:08:01: Maybe you can go Into That A Bit More The approach in biotend squirrel training And maybe we just think that it is.

00:08:12: Yeah, well probably a lot of people feel understood or addressed right now when I say that It's so difficult to really ride a horse from back-to-front To the bit A horse where you really give its space You drive it forward and The horse stretches into the bet.

00:08:25: This ideal image if We're being completely honest Is very rare.

00:08:29: If were not lying to ourselves and Its Not us Creating connection with the horses mouth But the horse actually reaching out to Us.

00:08:37: That' s reason for it.

00:08:38: Not because we're all terrible riders and always do everything wrong.

00:08:41: And it's not because we still haven't understood inside leg to outside rain, but because many horses are simply not capable of it — namely due to compensation!

00:08:50: That means when it comes to the torso I'm not necessarily talking about carrying exhaustion... ...but also a dysfunctional state or weakness in carrying

00:09:00: there.".

00:09:08: As the name suggests, it's a state that is not optimal.

00:09:11: Not entirely healthy but rather... ...not functioning fully with its condition in the horse's body.

00:09:16: That's a simple way to put.

00:09:17: It could be better and fitter And of course there are all shades of grey in between.

00:09:22: Myofascial dysfunction basically describes In a nutshell The concept of carrying weakness or carrying exhaustion But it leaves a bit more room for shades of grey because carrying weakness or carrying exhaustion already sounds pretty final.

00:09:34: And that's often not the case, It is simply just state being fit from really severe and I think this describes... This term, myofascial means that the condition of the muscle fascia system is not optimal in varying degrees.

00:09:48: And what we want from horses carrying themselves with a lifted trunk over their back and energy flowing behind to the bit?

00:09:55: actually everything else has to be working optimally for this to truly happen.

00:10:00: If it's already in a slight state of compensation then it doesn't work anymore.

00:10:05: It just doesn't.

00:10:06: at that point The horse simply can't really perform that in a genuine way And then we have to try to somehow piece things back together and end up constantly tinkering, experimenting.

00:10:16: But in reality it's not actually genuine... ...and often its'nt even because were simply doing something wrong while riding but rather because the horse body just isn't truly capable of it.

00:10:26: Compensation- We need explain that again now!

00:10:28: That was already a great explanation.

00:10:30: Thank you very much for that.

00:10:35: How can we imagine it if, well you put that through certain compensations and circumstances?

00:10:42: The horse might not even be able to do so.

00:10:44: Even when asked for it very well from the saddle or tell what they want but just cannot manage them.

00:10:54: So essentially there are two different muscle groups in the horses body.

00:11:01: On the one hand, there are muscles called stabilizing muscles and on the other.

00:11:05: There are mover muscles And as the name suggests The stabilising muscles help to stabilize the body and the mover muscles Are there to move it?

00:11:12: And myofascial dysfunction is among Other things.

00:11:16: when this system gets out of balance That means the stabilizing Muscles are no longer doing their job and the Mover muscles have To step in and take over that job.

00:11:24: This leads to a situation where if you have to stabilize, which is more of a static task.

00:11:29: You end up holding tension and off course you can no longer move And that limits movement.

00:11:33: then leads to reduced mobility in the horse's body.

00:11:36: That essentially what we see as compensations and these compensations are quite varied, but in the case of what we often refer to as carrying weakness it means that this large trunk supporter or the muscular sling that holds the trunk between the forelegs is not fully functional.

00:11:53: It's important to know that the horse's trunk meaning this entire large heavy mass That means the trunk essentially hangs between shoulder blades and forelegs only by this muscular fascial sling, which acts like a hammock from which it is not functioning properly.

00:12:15: This results in hollow back posture.

00:12:19: This is already a significant to severe compensation because the horse's spine isn't designed for that.

00:12:25: It's just like our own spine, it's not designed for us to sit all day in a turtleneck posture in front of the computer.

00:12:32: That why we also develop these problems which often start around mid-thirties like herniated discs or pinched nerves tension lumbago and so on.

00:12:41: And its actually quite similar with horses as well.

00:12:43: And how does the horse react to this sagging of the trunk when its trunk support sling, also called a thoracic muscular sling is not fully functional?

00:12:51: It compensates.

00:12:52: Otherwise the truck would simply collapse between it's front legs.

00:12:56: That means that the horse then uses all structures that connect shoulder blade to the trunk To generate stability.

00:13:02: That means the muscles that connect the shoulder blade to the trunk become hypotonic.

00:13:06: In other words, they simply become more tense entering a holding tension.

00:13:09: Facial connections.

00:13:10: these structures are significantly reinforced shifting away from elasticity toward much more stability, which essentially means they develop a higher collagen content.

00:13:20: And this process actually consequently results in state of more stability but comes directly at the expense of their overall mobility.

00:13:28: that means shoulder blade can no longer move well on horse's trunk and then horse can no longer move well.

00:13:33: unfortunately.

00:13:34: what also happens is horses' shoulder blades especially upper part.

00:13:38: withers are really pressed against the trunk and withers, making it impossible for a horse to lift its trunk anymore or put in rider's terms so that they can no longer move through their back.

00:13:47: This means these shoulder blades pressed against whithers sit like a clothespin.

00:13:52: you put on your horse at this spot forcing the horse into an extended posture

00:13:59: i.e.,

00:14:00: into hyper-extended position.

00:14:02: In comparison for humans ,this would be like a swayback which actually prevents the horse from being able.

00:14:08: wonderfully explained, thank you very much.

00:14:10: So that means we can picture it again in our minds.

00:14:13: You could almost imagine with yourself too if your on all fours of a mat or something and you picture your torso Your rib cage And basically yes your trunk.

00:14:22: so maybe explain what exactly is meant by the trunk.

00:14:26: That's mainly the area just below the withers, right?

00:14:29: So the trunk of the horse also called a thorax is like ours.

00:14:33: Also it's the spine specifically the thoracic spine and lumbar spine.

00:14:37: And then the ribs are below that sternum which means its like a basket or thats why they're also called rib cage.

00:14:43: in wich organs are located so all sorts of organs like digestive organs lungs liver everything is there.

00:14:51: Of course this has an immense weight as you can imagine.

00:14:54: A horse's intestine, as we know is huge and so are the lungs.

00:14:57: Heart and liver all of those, spleen too... ...are relatively heavy organs.

00:15:01: So the thorax on a warm blood can weigh up to three hundred kilos And that has to be supported somehow against gravity.

00:15:08: That normally done by this thoracic muscular sling.

00:15:10: But if it no longer works properly then body has to compensate somehow The idea with the strengthened The actual back muscles, meaning the muscles that really sit on the horse's back right where the saddle goes.

00:15:22: those aren't meant for carrying weight.

00:15:25: They're muscles for forward movement.

00:15:27: in fact it contracts and relaxes allowing the horse to move forwards.

00:15:31: so its also a movement muscle.

00:15:32: It is not there to stabilise the withers.

00:15:35: but of course we often see that becomes tense or is tense in horses with poor carrying capacity or poorly trained horses.

00:15:43: This happens because it is then recruited to hold something, to support the trunk and in doing so It becomes tense and painful.

00:15:51: And you notice this when saddling or grooming that The horses suddenly hollow their backs even more Because they are indeed experiencing pain there.

00:15:59: Okay great Let me briefly summarize That again.

00:16:01: So actually There's a trunk support In the horse.

00:16:04: This fascial muscle sling Is supposed To hold the trunk Because its not fixed to the forelimbs.

00:16:09: If that no longer works properly We'll get into that in a moment why it actually doesn't work as it should in many horses today, then the trunk basically sags down.

00:16:18: You can imagine it like I mentioned before when you're on all fours and all the weight sinks down between the shoulders.

00:16:24: And then of course you try somehow to hold it up.

00:16:33: And then, of course you can imagine if your supposed to do sports and move really freely openly and loosely it becomes difficult.

00:16:41: That's actually the fundamental problem.

00:16:43: That is exactly right!

00:16:44: Okay?

00:16:45: Then there are two more things that are important for me.

00:16:47: First, You also said that you could compare a bit with Swayback.

00:16:51: What I have noticed...I've had chance get know this topic better through you.

00:16:56: We also produced a course together, which you can and should definitely check out on WeHorse.

00:17:01: If your not trained to see something like this in my experience You don't notice it at first glance.

00:17:06: Not that obvious at all.

00:17:08: So...you look at the horse and think oh actually he looks pretty good And I wouldn't say his has a sway back.

00:17:14: It's not always for everyone so clearly visible.

00:17:17: The back is completely sagging Like a bathtub but there are a lot of gradations as you said.

00:17:24: I think it's important to emphasize that again.

00:17:26: Yes, well not every horse with dysfunctional condition necessarily has its way back.

00:17:30: It really depends on what type of tissue and muscle tone the horse has And how this affects their outward appearance.

00:17:38: But the dysfunctional conditions is still there.

00:17:40: Also don't put a huge emphasis on always assessing a horse while standing Still gives some clues.

00:17:46: but much more important To see and feel the horse in motion.

00:17:50: If your horse simply moves with a short dull gait when the toe of the horse's front leg touches down first, When the hind legs have very short stance phase.

00:17:58: The shoulder blade barely moves and the joint hardly opens or closes during movement.

00:18:02: When it always looks downhill in motion It seems to stumble a little or tends to stumble or has problems moving forward Or conversely only runs.

00:18:13: Then these are fairly reliable signs that there is already dysfunctional condition If the horse is difficult to flex or bend, Or especially if it's hard to flex and bend on one side.

00:18:24: And if a horse has contact issues, It keeps lifting itself out of their contacts... If they have trouble maintaining rhythm & tempo.

00:18:31: So for most part all rideability problems can in fact be traced back to this explained by that.

00:18:37: so rather if you improve these conditions You could also improve those issues And you don't necessarily have to do that by practicing, practising, practing while riding.

00:18:46: Instead... You can actually show the horse look if you move a little differently use yourself a bit differently everything becomes easier and horses actually learn this very

00:18:55: quickly.".

00:19:10: from the ground I would call it or this maybe we should briefly describe what you can actually imagine here.

00:19:15: What does biotensical training mean?

00:19:16: So if i say, I want to do this with my horse... ...what does that actually look like?

00:19:21: I think that's not really clear to everyone!

00:19:23: It actually starts from the Ground.

00:19:25: Maybe You could explain a bit how one Can Imagine Biotensicle Training and why it works That way.

00:19:30: so From The Saddle its simply difficult because your basically sitting on the Horse With all Your Weight And Pressure.

00:19:36: That means you're increasing the downward pressure even more.

00:19:39: And horses learn from the very first day of their lives to yield to pressure.

00:19:43: For example, you take the halter.

00:19:45: they yield to the pressure.

00:19:46: we pull on the reins They stop We press with the leg...they move forward or to the side..we let them stand still.

00:19:53: In any case they also respond to pressure among themselves and usually by yielding ...and then there's supposed not yielded to pressure Namely The Greatest Pressure.

00:20:01: our riders weight the saddles wait but instead arch their backs against it.

00:20:05: and purely from a learning physiology perspective, that's already difficult for a horse to understand.

00:20:10: And it is not logical!

00:20:11: That means it really has to be taught and trained... ...for horses who don't naturally have this stability in their core.

00:20:17: There are still some horses here or there with the stability but many no longer do.

00:20:21: Maybe we can briefly touch on that again.

00:20:23: Sorry to interrupt.

00:20:25: You can already tell it's a very complex topic with many directions and questions, but since you just mentioned that there are still some stable horses here in there.

00:20:32: But not as many anymore?

00:20:33: That brings us to the question why is so many horses have this compensation?

00:20:39: they somehow try to stabilize their trunk differently.

00:20:42: Why does this muscular fascial sling of the trunks support no longer work on so many horse the way naturally should?

00:20:50: Why doesn't this muscular sling hold anymore so that such compensations arise in the first place?

00:20:56: I'd like to briefly go into that again.

00:21:07: and this is true for almost all breeds towards more mobility.

00:21:10: That means we want horses that move bigger, more elastically.

00:21:14: they're more comfortable to sit on easier... easier to handle, easier to ride ...more rideable because everything is somehow softer.

00:21:20: of course this results in less stability Because what makes a horse more elastic it's its fascial tissue.

00:21:26: so It's not necessarily the muscles or bones but rather the tissue between.

00:21:31: That means joint capsules, ligaments tendons the connective facial coverings of the muscles.

00:21:37: This is three dimensional facial network in a horse's body and this has changed through breeding.

00:21:43: when that becomes softer more elastic it also loses stability.

00:21:47: what we would like for horses to be very elastic in their legs, but still stable in their torso.

00:21:54: But unfortunately that doesn't work because through breathing I can only change the tissue itself and that means it doesn't just affect the legs but also all the fascial structures joint capsules ligaments and tendons then our torso And especially this torso The main trunk supporter-the part of the myofascial muscle sling that supports the torso.

00:22:14: That is the Seratus Muscle and it's called that because is heavily interspersed with tenderness tissue since its also supposed to passively support the torso.

00:22:25: With these tenderness parts, The problem however...is this tenderness part are now becoming increasingly elastic due to breeding.

00:22:34: To put bluntly you could say in past we had steel cables there Now have hair ties and that's why it can easily happen, the torso collapses.

00:22:44: Especially if the muscle is also involved there isn't doing a good job If its not strong enough or sometimes maybe the horse cant even activate at all.

00:22:52: And this brings us to another point posture.

00:22:54: That means this low stimulus posture that we have.

00:22:57: Horses on flat ground, small paddocks square stalls, square padducks Square pastures, square arenas without enough proprioceptive input-that's a tricky word I know.

00:23:08: but with out enough stimulation into the system The System adapts!

00:23:12: It gets lazy just like when you sit in front of your computer all day.

00:23:16: The system adapts to our usage.

00:23:18: Form follows function.

00:23:19: The way i use myself is how will develop?

00:23:22: nature would not've allowed it.

00:23:24: Nature keeps horses fit by having them constantly move over different types of ground, exposing them to the seasons searching for food fleeing from predators play fighting and so on.

00:23:36: Nature challenges the horses And in doing so prevents them falling into these dysfunctional states just like with us.

00:23:42: Why people in indigenous tribes who live in harmony with nature do not experience all this civilisation diseases that we have?

00:23:50: That is exactly what happens with horses as well.

00:23:53: These are diseases of civilization and once recognized, you can do something about them.

00:23:57: And we humans try to counteract this and live more consciously become fitter expose ourselves to more stimuli train do targeted training.

00:24:08: We succeed in that.

00:24:09: You see it the same way with horses

00:24:11: Great!

00:24:12: Thank-you very much for your explanation.

00:24:13: So imagine a bit like this This trunk support, this serratus muscle and the fascial muscle strands.

00:24:19: It's a bit like the deep muscles in humans, so to speak.

00:24:22: So as you just said through nature and all these things The horse is repeatedly thrown out of balance And has to stabilize itself again...and so on Because it was basically trained and activated by Nature.

00:24:34: That's exactly what many horses are missing In their current living conditions.

00:24:38: This is further intensified By breeding practices Making everything somehow softer

00:24:43: Exactly precisely

00:24:45: Okay, great.

00:24:45: Yeah.

00:24:46: so now let's go back to what does biotin-segrity training actually look like or why does it require this explanation from the ground up?

00:24:53: I think you can already kind of imagine it now.

00:24:55: as you just said maybe we also need some guidance perhaps from a physiotherapist or someone who tells us hey tense up here Maybe you can't even activate that area anymore Or move like this.

00:25:05: That's basically how we have to do with the horse.

00:25:08: If I now notice, to be completely honest that my horse he stumbles from time-to-time or yes He's actually quite sensitive always on his back when grooming.

00:25:15: Or Yes His posture isn't that stable?

00:25:17: Well sometimes i Actually feel like he is a bit On the forehand or somehow a bit stiff.

00:25:21: These are all signs even though as someone inexperienced you might not Notice them right away From the outside.

00:25:27: and if Now say okay then I have To somehow reactivate this core support That would Be The logical next step.

00:25:33: Right?

00:25:33: Yes exactly!

00:25:34: Thats one part of it.

00:25:35: Exactly thats One Part Of It.

00:25:37: Maybe you could go into that again because it's not quite that simple after all.

00:25:41: There are still a few things to do beforehand in order even get this core support functioning properly, correct?

00:25:47: So maybe give us an overview of what exactly we can do during biotin security retraining.

00:25:53: The essential part is the compensations developed and explained to the horse to let go of those compensations.

00:26:04: That's really the main point.

00:26:25: but for example you can only activate the serratus if your trunk can lift itself between your shoulders.

00:26:30: However, If your shoulder blades are pinned to your trunk and you cant actually create any movement then the core support muscles cannot become active either.

00:26:39: that's the crux of this matter.

00:26:40: That means the compensation prevents a movement or stabilization process.

00:26:45: So just to recap Compensation means For example The horse presses its shoulder blades against the trunk To somehow try hold it up or tenses the chest muscles to keep it elevated, uh...or tightens the back muscles to hold

00:27:00: up.

00:27:00: Basically anything that any muscle group you could say can then become tense.

00:27:06: That connects a trunk with shoulder blade and foreleg And this is what leads those short stiff movements With reduced shoulder freedom.

00:27:14: So how do I now?

00:27:15: How do i tell my horse Look!

00:27:17: This muscle of yours is tense.

00:27:18: Let's go because that would be the first step to let go of this compensation, this holding off the shoulder blades back chest whatever it may be and just relax for the horse as well.

00:27:30: It's actually a bit counter-intuitive

00:27:38: Exactly, and that is precisely what makes the whole thing a bit more complicated.

00:27:42: As human I can do relatively little to change a state of tension in the horse while it's moving.

00:27:46: That means the horse itself or rather The horses nervous system has to change that.

00:27:50: But we as humans can become the trainer, personal trainer for the horse And use communication techniques to explain let go there and it works in a similar way.

00:28:02: This means that by using a pressure release system, the horse is shown and taught exactly how to let go.

00:28:08: but they also understand the structure itself.

00:28:11: A shortcut in bodies meaning not every movement or muscle state Is always controlled by the brain But rather through a short cut via the spinal cord.

00:28:20: And that's where we can intervene by applying so-called overstimulation impulses into the muscles onto the fascia and thereby generating a release,

00:28:29: i.e.,

00:28:30: letting go of this structure or resetting back to zero level in the state of tension.

00:28:35: This is possible through touch especially during movement.

00:28:39: That means when you show your horse similar toward personal trainer or physiotherapist would do with you And at the same time, we ask the horse.

00:28:50: But for a movement that activates the trunk supporter, the serratus and in this way We essentially remove the compensation and simultaneously offer The alternative idea.

00:29:00: if you do This well and skillfully it can happen within minutes.

00:29:03: It's like installing new software so to speak.

00:29:06: but then comes the training and That requires repetition.

00:29:09: on the one hand To turn this movement idea into A movement pattern and also to really train the trunk-supporting muscle or this thoracic muscle sling, repetition is necessary.

00:29:22: And that's why at the end of day it's upto each horse owner.

00:29:27: so no therapist can do it for you.

00:29:29: Instead, you have to do it yourself with your

00:29:31: horse.".

00:29:31: At first It sounds incredibly complicated but really isn't in fact based on the basics of horse communication.

00:29:39: Yes that's great!

00:29:40: That is actually a nice thing about it.

00:29:41: I think You should practice this with your own horse But i also think its very encouraging and possible too.

00:29:47: Do it Yourself Exactly that!

00:29:49: You could check out our course here as quick reminder again.

00:29:53: So I can really only recommend watching this course on our platform.

00:29:57: There, of course you get much more as well a visual impression.

00:30:00: so Veronica also explains in detail how to recognize these compensations even in motion and How To Get Started With That And so On!

00:30:08: Just to quickly add that in between.

00:30:10: now i wanted to explain once More.

00:30:11: You just mentioned pressure release.

00:30:13: so Pressure As In Applying Pressure & Release Yielding.

00:30:17: Maybe we can go into that a bit more in a moment, since you just said it's based on the basics of horse communication.

00:30:22: What?

00:30:23: That's all about and how you actually explain it to The Horse exactly like what you were mentioning Just A Moment ago.

00:30:28: if You Take A Second To Imagine It For Yourself I Believe It Is Quite Simple To Compare It To Those Times.

00:30:34: When Someone Takes The Time To Point Something Specific Out To You By The Way You Always Tend To If You Happen To Slouch They Might Place A Gentle Hand On Your Back And Say Look If You Relax Your Shoulders Pull Them Back Or Whatever.

00:30:45: Then move much more freely and fluidly, stand up straighter.

00:30:49: And just move more easily something along those

00:30:51: lines.".

00:31:12: Right,

00:31:12: exactly.

00:31:13: For example with people this is also called directed focus.

00:31:16: anyone can try this themselves with a partner and now Try when I tell you to breathe under your right shoulder blade And then you'll see that it's difficult too impossible.

00:31:24: But if someone puts their hand on your right-shoulder blades suddenly You Can Breathe Under Your Right Shoulder Blade because then the control is there in that spot.

00:31:32: And it's exactly the same with the horse, That means through targeted touch and once the horses understood that the touch mean something I can tell my horse anywhere on its body hey relax here let go hear do Something different here?

00:31:45: In The end It's not just one plus One relaxing under pressure but rather allowing the Pressure to pass Through an ultimately expanding and becoming bigger Under pressure.

00:31:55: And then we arrive at what we actually need, an expansion a three-dimensional expansion within the horse's body.

00:32:02: That might sound pretty out there right now

00:32:04: but it really just means that the horse can move freely in all movements.

00:32:08: simply move freely and all dimensions!

00:32:10: That is ultimately the goal of tensor gral training.

00:32:12: At The End Of The Day We want a competent horse's body, one that can simply move competently.

00:32:19: That could use its body and to do so in whatever way it wants at the particular moment.

00:32:24: And then what we all always want emerges lightness.

00:32:27: Then our horse can easily accomplish what imagine when ride.

00:32:31: But if the horses' bodies is full of compensations It isn't easy.

00:32:36: You have practice but if the horse works like that as cat than not difficult anymore.

00:32:43: If the horse is genuinely and fundamentally proficient, And capable in way it handles its movement.

00:32:50: Yes that's a beautiful image I can confirm as well!

00:32:53: I had pleasure to ride your mare once.

00:32:56: That was truly pure lightness.

00:32:58: So just noticing this You imagine yourself being human.

00:33:02: if you have no tension or feel like shoulders are always pulled forward If you're simply relaxed, then you can just start moving and completely free.

00:33:10: You can jump into anything you want in balance and full of lightness.

00:33:13: I think that's a beautiful image also with the cat All right.

00:33:16: Then let's go over it again briefly.

00:33:18: We were still talking about pressure and release pressure on yielding.

00:33:21: Why is this such a basic communication system for horses?

00:33:25: And how do we use it?

00:33:26: intense training.

00:33:27: Well Horses operate through this.

00:33:29: Everyone has observed this before.

00:33:31: That means one horse pins its ears back stands tall The other horse yields.

00:33:36: That means the horse sends pressure toward other horses, and the other horse responds to their pressures.

00:33:41: And we make use of this principle!

00:33:44: We apply pressure just enough so that the horse notices it's a request.

00:33:49: How much that is can vary greatly.

00:33:51: It differs from horse-to-horse even day today.

00:33:55: That means we always have to be in good communication with our horse.

00:33:59: We do it just like if I were to place my hand on your right shoulder blade now or on your trapezius, forearm and upper arm.

00:34:06: you would know that is the point of interest.

00:34:09: Then i apply pressure as I said, with a horse it's just the touch or maybe even less.

00:34:14: And with the next horse these are perhaps also the ones that when being groomed really like it and you rub hard have to apply significantly more pressure so that the horse understands oh okay i'm supposed do something about this.

00:34:29: then normally we apply pressure somewhere with counter pressure.

00:34:33: At first it tenses up briefly, not knowing what's happening then realizes okay the pressure isn't going away.

00:34:40: and then the next solution The horse offers us is to let go And we reinforce that by immediately releasing And then it's up to us to confirm when the horse offers the correct solution.

00:34:57: Of course, we don't wait for the perfect solution but something that is already heading in the right direction and we reinforce this.

00:35:05: That means at the end its negative reinforcement.

00:35:08: And that's why it works so quickly and we can hardly comprehend how you can, as you've seen sometimes reprogram a horse so fast.

00:35:22: Because its not just negative reinforcement but because what were asking for is letting go When the horses understood this.

00:35:29: let us go naturally intrinsically also inside of the horse itself.

00:35:34: in his feelings positive feeling arises sense well-being emerges And that, in turn is then positive reinforcement.

00:35:42: It comes from within making it very powerful and that's why horses learn things like this very quickly.

00:35:49: Great yes thank you very much.

00:35:51: I found that very understandable.

00:35:52: actually You can imagine when the horse notices that it feels good... ...it will want to keep creating that feeling Once it has understood.

00:36:00: ah!

00:36:00: i can let go here.

00:36:01: Then it feels so good that at some point, It starts practicing on its own.

00:36:05: So to speak or recreates by itself.

00:36:07: You

00:36:07: can observe this wonderfully often even after a short time when you've basically explained To the horse just relax your upper neck and let go of Your lower Neck And The Horse.

00:36:18: Let's Go There For First Time!

00:36:20: How they enjoy When suddenly their necks and head are allowed to hang down In position That Nature Actually Intended for A Horse and suddenly a deep sense of well-being settles into the horse.

00:36:31: You know this from yourself too, that when you really stretch or when decompression occurs in your body through a treatment or strong stretch –this sense.

00:36:43: And then they don't even want to leave this posture anymore.

00:36:46: At first, and then they really enjoy just standing or walking with their head hanging down...

00:36:51: That of course

00:36:51: doesn't mean that we then- We don't want the horses go around there whole lives with their heads hanging down!

00:36:56: ...we just want the horse's be able do

00:36:58: it.".

00:36:59: Yes, thats also important to mention?

00:37:00: Yes I think its a striking example.

00:37:03: For me too biotensical training was something new.. ..and than to see.

00:37:07: that is what image people often associate.

00:37:10: First, you walk alongside the horse at a walk basically placing your hand on it.

00:37:14: That's more or less how it looks from the outside and that's the thing with pressure as we just explained.

00:37:18: It is constant communication And ideally the horse relaxes meaning its head is low.

00:37:24: What I also found very impressive was the figure eight pattern.

00:37:27: So when you do this in a walk You can really feel how relaxed he is.

00:37:31: The neck is such that his nose swings back & forth tracing a figure eight patterns.

00:37:35: Maybe we can touch on that briefly again, because I think it might be interesting for many people or that many are familiar with the topic of a horse moving on the forehand.

00:37:44: When is our horse actually moving on beforehand and so on?

00:37:47: It also has a lot to do whether the trunk is independent from the neck—whether Of course, all of this is somehow connected.

00:37:58: But maybe you could explain that again because I also found it very logical and impressive That when there's so much compensation And everything kind of tightens up then It really can't be any other way than for the horse to lose its balance a bit Or even tip forward or down.

00:38:13: The neck cannot really be loose Because You just mentioned how the neck Is actually supposed To hang freely So Maybe you could Explain that more.

00:38:22: What was originally conceived in the tour for the horse is that the horse stands on its four feet with seventy percent of the trunk weight carried by the forelegs and thats where the horses trunks sits stably.

00:38:33: And then there's a neck, it can move...and do so independently From the trunk, and that's how the horse with its head hanging down.

00:38:42: This is why there are air sacs in such for pressure equalization can stand and graze for sixteen hours a day on a pasture or step And it can turn its neck three dimensionally like a snake and use It and touch itself anywhere it wants to be touched With it and then use Its nose and lips as a substitute For hands.

00:38:59: and That Is what nature actually intended?

00:39:01: Not that The next should serve As A balancing pole but rather that the horse's balance should lie between its shoulders.

00:39:08: That means, The trunk should be balanced between it's forelimbs and not dependent on head neck position If It happens so to speak.

00:39:16: ,the horse lowers his head deeply And has to step forward to reach ground or even worse Has let its trunks sag in order To reach the ground.

00:39:26: then we are clearly In realm of a strong and obvious But harmless condensation.

00:39:31: That means if you observe your horse and it has to stand in a pronounced stepping position, then something is not right.

00:39:42: It's the same when riding!

00:39:44: If you ride your horse forward and downward, the horses head is supposed to come a bit lower.

00:39:49: And then get that feeling of the trunk drops forwards... ...and the horse constantly trying to find its balance forwards.... That's because it isn't being supported by thorax!

00:39:58: Because the trunk between shoulders doesn't stay up when the head goes down.

00:40:03: You might say I'll just make this easy and simply ride with my head turned but by doing so you reinforce this compensation.

00:40:10: The horse then mainly stabilizes itself through the extensor chain meaning this upper muscle fascia chain, upper neck back and the hind quarter muscles using those to stabilize and tense up.

00:40:22: And that's how this tensback musculature develops!

00:40:25: Then you can imagine when it is so tight the horses even less able to stretch its neck forward and lengthen it... ...and of course in collection not working over-the-back To reach forward a bit.

00:40:37: That means one problem leads to another, but a horse that is carried thoracically in balance and doesn't need its upper fascial chain for stabilization can move effortlessly.

00:40:48: With it's head very low or high turned all the way to left or right.

00:40:56: All of this is easily possible.

00:40:58: And if that's not easily possible, then it is precisely because there are too little thoracic carriage.

00:41:04: Too little activity from the trunk supporter and too much tension in the muscles of the neck.

00:41:10: Okay so If I happen to notice this right now In my own horse which as we have already learned Is actually the case with a very large number Of horses regardless their specific breed, their discipline or even whether it is actually a highly trained sport horse.

00:41:24: It really can happen just about anywhere at any time.

00:41:26: this compensation as we've just learned for whatever reasons.

00:41:30: if I now say okay yes i want to change that maybe we can go into it a little bit more.

00:41:35: of course We can't explain everything in full detail right?

00:41:37: Now As I said you'll also learn That In our Course so definitely check it out there.

00:41:41: You'll Really get A step-by-step Guide on how you Can Get Started and it Also Covers all the Anatomy Again And So On.

00:41:47: Everything is described so that you can really understand it from the ground up.

00:41:51: But when I'm riding now and i also want to continue with my regular training somehow, how can you combine that?

00:41:57: How can you incorporate into your daily routine?

00:42:00: What does biotensical training look like in everyday lives of very different horse people?

00:42:06: It depends on how much the horse is already in a dysfunctional state... If the horse is experiencing severe pressure pain in the saddle area and withers, it obviously makes no sense to put a saddle on while moving.

00:42:20: So that problem needs to be solved first!

00:42:22: That would mean for awhile you might just work the horse from ground because trying train against pain means you can't really train.

00:42:31: instead have do something about this chronic pain and then you incorporate the halt.

00:42:36: For some, if the issues aren't that severe it might be enough to just do this a little bit before riding two or three times a week... ...or even better to incorporate these basic ideas into your riding as well!

00:42:47: And also this idea of three-dimensionality.

00:42:49: That means it goes, you should be able and allowed to use your body in every direction.

00:42:53: And not think too much of shapes or molds like the nose has to here.

00:42:57: one front leg is there as well.

00:42:59: that's this way but rather thinking about harmonious movement sequences.

00:43:04: how I can help a horse change its entire potential again?

00:43:08: To make it usable similar to yoga when at first before you even start yoga you cannot tie shoes while standing And then, with more and more flexibility and dynamic stability you simply manage to perform movements better again.

00:43:22: Then of course you are also better protected against injuries because your body is simply much more resilient.

00:43:28: That means being able to handle much more even strange or unfamiliar movement patterns like jumping onto a box in the paddock stepping into whole playful situation Or even falling whatever it may be.

00:43:41: A fit, flexible body can simply handle all that much better without getting hurt than a totally stiff body.

00:43:47: That's always compensating and just sitting

00:43:49: around.".

00:44:06: And you can be pretty sure that it will be accompanied by minor or at least less severe injuries.

00:44:12: and its exactly the same with horses.

00:44:14: Injuries to the suspensory ligament, tendon injuries.

00:44:17: these don't happen because of bad luck but just like us due a lack of fitness... ...and with horses is actually the same.

00:44:24: You really focus much more on prevention.

00:44:27: That also means when riding not trying force the horse into a mould All time from morning till night are billion traversals left & right and trying over-and-over until it eventually gets better, but rather thinking much more along the lines of okay.

00:44:41: The traversal to the left doesn't work as well.

00:44:43: is the one to right.

00:44:44: what could be reason for that?

00:44:46: Where's there a lack mobility?

00:44:48: where might I need help my horse so they can move better precisely in all three dimensions not just on or two So in other words, extension and flexion or lateral flexion bending and positioning nose up nose down but also including rotations.

00:45:03: That is truly the concept of three-dimensionality.

00:45:06: if you just take some time to think this through for yourself And then incorporate it a bit more into your training and maybe also embrace The idea of fixing less an allowing more allowing movements instead of Just limiting them.

00:45:18: Because what sometimes happens in riding is that we don't allow anything at all, but instead have a fixed idea of how our horse should move and try to achieve it through repetition.

00:45:27: And this limits fixes compresses... ...instead opening loosening lightness harmony.

00:45:32: Yes very nicely explained!

00:45:34: Actually you want said like dancing with the horse.

00:45:37: That's always such an worn out example or a bit of cliché But in the end thats really what its'.

00:45:43: You can imagine it if we take the positive example.

00:45:46: Yes, just like you said earlier with yoga.

00:45:48: your deep muscles are active Your strength and yet still flexible.

00:45:52: That means that It gives an enormous range of movement so you can react to things To how you move And its same as a horse.

00:46:00: Once you've explained this to the horse and established it As yours is dedicated personal trainer While you're out riding Maybe provide subtle reminder for your horse With light physical touch like stretch out a bit or become bigger, transferring that into riding.

00:46:17: Because I think for listeners who aren't familiar with tensegrity training yet and haven't seen it before It might be hard to imagine how you would transfer this into riding.

00:46:26: But maybe in this way is easier to picture?

00:46:29: Maybe not really new riding style but more of fundamental change In mindset.

00:46:35: And thats what's needed.

00:46:36: We have riding styles.

00:46:38: That alone actually says enough.

00:46:40: Explain more precisely What do mean by that.

00:46:42: Well, in every style there are things you're allowed to do and things your not allowed but that doesn't fit at all with bodies.

00:46:49: Actually it's always about being free and all directions?

00:46:52: Exactly!

00:46:52: And then if I can move freely in all direction during my training... If i don't think so much in terms of forms whether its western form pleasure form reigning form dressage Eventing form or name it as you want if I don't think in these forms and don't try to achieve this form over And over again through endless repetitions, but instead in my daily training.

00:47:12: I just focus on making My body as fit as possible then i can achieve whatever form I Want dressage form jumping from Whatever with ease?

00:47:20: The idea we sometimes have In horse training is that We practice practice practice always doing the same thing.

00:47:25: Or for example i had a nice landic horse here That was broken and came in For repairs.

00:47:30: Then I said, okay this Icelandic horse is tense and overactive constantly racing.

00:47:35: Now we need to bring him down and get him to relax.

00:47:38: he needs to slow down accept movement and not be so frantic despite the owner's

00:47:43: concern.".

00:47:43: Yes but what if i go to the oval track now?

00:47:46: And then he's so slow...and then I said look Usain Bolt!

00:47:48: He's the fastest man in the world.

00:47:50: But do you think when he's shopping he also runs like crazy through the supermarket?

00:47:54: Great example.

00:47:57: That's often the fear.

00:47:58: Also with show jumpers, for example when they let the horse lower its head.

00:48:02: Yes but how do I get him back up again?

00:48:03: For course it's just not the case that you fix movements You don't have to fix in cement movement so that the horse can perform them When it matters.

00:48:10: instead we need to develop movement competence and then The show jumper can ride their horse In a relaxed calm rounded and stretched way without draw reins in the warm-up arena.

00:48:21: And then in the course the horse Can also raise his head again and he can have the horse in the form he needs for the course without being harmed because it is capable of it since it has a maximum range of motion.

00:48:33: I

00:48:34: think that's also great, people always talk about dressage riding.

00:48:38: what are their goals?

00:48:40: relaxation moving over back as you said simply to move freely with no blockages then basically happens on its own.

00:48:49: And then it doesn't matter what discipline I ride, whether its a Western Discipline.

00:48:52: Whether i'm out trail riding no matter What do?

00:48:55: I always want to relaxed stretched or with the top line arched A horse that moves loosely through Its body

00:49:02: exactly.

00:49:03: but That Doesn't come about Through fixation.

00:49:05: rather It comes from movement competence and I think thats The main shift in thinking that needs To happen.

00:49:11: yes great Yes, I would say that's actually a perfect closing statement right here.

00:49:15: Maybe to summarize briefly again because i can imagine that many who are listening now and are excited by this idea and want to try it themselves Are now wondering okay how do I get started?

00:49:25: How should we begin?

00:49:26: what you tell them?

00:49:27: What is the first steps ?

00:49:28: How they start working in the correct direction with their horse.

00:49:31: So First of all You have to inform yourself Because if u don't know whats about It simply won't work.

00:49:37: And by now, there is actually quite a bit of information out there.

00:49:40: Now we're going to have our View Horse online course where we've done our best to present the basics as clearly and in small steps as possible.

00:49:47: then Of course There's the hosting security page with an advanced online course.

00:49:51: They are also Instagram accounts including my horse body and function instagram account which shares Information As well as many other related accounts.

00:50:01: So, there's a lot opening up if you just start searching little bit.

00:50:05: But what is important to me?

00:50:07: it not some new religion that people are supposed follow blindly.

00:50:11: It about understanding and thats the most important thing.

00:50:14: so please always keep thinking for yourself try understand things on your own apply them yourself And find your own path!

00:50:21: This should NOT be very important to ME BE A NEW RELIGION nor should it be a new writing style And it shouldn't be a new groundwork method either.

00:50:29: It should simply convey knowledge and ideas, how I can enrich my daily training with my horse... ...how i might be able to make a mindset shift.. ..how i may create more ease & harmony in the relationship of my horse.

00:50:41: That is personally very important for me.

00:50:43: Great, thank you very much.

00:50:45: Yes and then perhaps in conclusion there's something else I'd like to say which i always find important.

00:50:50: At first it seems a complex topic.

00:50:53: You have to understand quite a bit And acquire some knowledge A few terms and so on.

00:50:57: Don't start thinking oh god this is all way too complicated for me.

00:51:03: But actually Veronica once your into It And I think you always say as well that there's really not much you can do wrong.

00:51:12: So, You can just get started and try things out once you've taken a look at it.

00:51:16: watch the online course.

00:51:17: Just tried-out with your horse an observe

00:51:19: right?

00:51:20: Absolutely!

00:51:21: Often many people are hesitant to try It and don't trust themselves To do it and they would rather have someone else Do it but They ride their horse all The time.

00:51:28: honestly you Can do A lot more Wrong by riding Your horse All the Time then By Simply Trying to communicate With your Horse from the Ground.

00:51:35: That means feel free, try.

00:51:39: and I so often get messages from people who have only attended one of my courses.

00:51:43: as a spectator, or maybe just took or watched the online course.

00:51:47: Or simply watch what's on Instagram and they say wow everything has changed it so great!

00:51:51: Simply because they just tried it and did it.

00:51:54: And furthermore we also try to make sure that The entire program we have put together here is carefully designed So absolutely nothing can go wrong.

00:52:03: We really feel encouraged To invite you.

00:52:06: Just give it a try and see for yourself.

00:52:08: Great.

00:52:09: thankyou very much Veronica.

00:52:10: I think we've all gained a very good comprehensive insight into tensegrity training.

00:52:17: And of course, i hope that those who are listening right now might feel inspired to get involved and just give it a try!

00:52:22: It's really fun from my own experience.

00:52:26: So Veronica thank you again for your time... ...and all the best.

00:52:29: so do have any final thoughts?

00:52:33: Yes, so thank you very much for this platform.

00:52:35: For me it's primarily about improving the lives of horses through sharing knowledge.

00:52:40: that is actually the most important thing to me and That's why I also want to thank we host for allowing me to do this here in this way.

00:52:47: Oh It's our pleasure.

00:52:48: yes We're always happy about it too.

00:52:50: its fun working with you.

00:52:51: So have fun trying things out everyone And see you next time.

00:52:55: bye Veronica Bye.

00:52:57: Thank You for listening To This episode Of The Equestrian Connection podcast by WeHorse.

00:53:02: If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to us if could leave a rating and review as well share on social media.

00:53:10: You can find us at WeHorse underscore USA and check out our free seven day trial on wehorse dot com where access over one hundred seventy five courses with top trainers from around the world in variety of topics and disciplines.

00:53:27: until next time be kind yourself your horses.