#Hamstrings Functions

Have you ever considered that your horse may need a specific bit based on the size of his tongue? Or have your considered the shape of his bars? Your horse only has so much room in their mouth, and choosing a bit that aligns with the shape of their mouth is only fair. The wrong shape can create pressure where it’s simply not comfortable for the horse. Let’s say you realize your horse has a bone spur on one of their bars (it happens more often than you’d think!) I find riders change the height of their regular bit to be higher, and lower without much change in their horse… so what do you do? This is where bit design really counts. Riders can change pressure of the bit and shape of the cannon, which dramatically change how pressures interact with the oral tissues in the horse’s mouth. Reaching out to a professional bit fitter can help identify anatomical challenges to find solutions that are comfortable for your horse and work for you as the rider, in turn saving you time and a drawer full of unused bits. #equestriansofinstagram #horsesofig #hunterjumper #equestriansofig #horsesofinsta

This finished high-level jumping horse was experiencing back pain and lower neck issues, leading to difficulties in her leads and abnormal behavior during practice. After just one adjustment, she was a completely changed horse with better movement overall! This not-so-little lady will be maintained on regular adjustments throughout her career to ensure her overall health is maintained. 🐴🐎 #barslvet #equinechiropractic #hunterjumper #nmvet #irishsporthorse

Your heel isn’t the problem. Your hamstrings are. Tight hamstrings → leg drifts forward → you lose your stirrup. So you push your heel down harder… but the real issue is restriction. Fix the hamstrings. Strengthen the range. Suddenly your leg stays under you — and your stirrup does too. Take the free Rider Self-Test to see what your hips and hamstrings are doing. Then join the class to learn exactly how to fix what you find. www.ferrisequine.com/classes ——- #equestrian #dressage #hunterjumper #equitation #horsesofinstagram

Horses have around 700 skeletal muscles, layered and intertwined; that can make finding those pesky problem spots a challenge! But with a little patience and awareness they will reveal themselves every time. #equinebodywork #sporthorse #hunterjumper #performancehorse #showjumper

Browband • Throatlatch • Noseband 🌞Browband - Too big, too small, just right? It should keep the crownpiece in place without pulling it forward 🌞Throatlatch - Is there a reason the throatlatch would need to be this loose? What’s the ideal spec for adjusting the throatlatch? 🌞 Noseband - Too high? Too low? Too tight? Too loose?

Your toes aren’t the problem. Your hips are. Limited hip internal rotation → toes turn out. Fix the hip. Strengthen the range. Suddenly… your toes face forward without forcing it. Take the free Rider Self-Test to see what your hips are doing. www.ferrisequine.com/classes ——— #equestrian #dressage #hunterjumper #equitation #horsesofinstagram

Are you doing it? Shoulder circles are the easiest way to free up the scapula + thoracic sling, improve topline connection, and release compensation patterns. A few quick circles each way will make a wild amount of difference over time. Let’s get these shoulders happy 😊 . #equestrian #equinebodywork #equinemassage #dressage #hunterjumper

Maintaining hindlimb flexibility will reduce stiffness in the lower back, increase power from behind and will help create better balance through the body 🧘‍♀️ 🐴Always make sure you horse is warm before asking for stretches 🐴Move slowly and intentionally, allowing the horse to feel comfortable in these movements 🐴Does not need to be done everyday but a couple of times a week will reap the benefits #equinebodywork #equestrian #equinetherapy #equineathlete #cooldown

If you keep getting told to bring your leg back but it won’t stay there… it might not be a riding problem. Tight hip flexors pull the thigh forward and create chair seat. No amount of cues will override a restriction in your body. That’s why I created my free Rider Self-Test — to help riders figure out which mobility or strength limitations are affecting their position. Then in the correction classes, I show you exactly how to fix them. Link in bio to start with the self-test. ——- #equestrian #horse #dressage #horsesofinstagram #hunterjumper

Improving topline and equine spinal health with baited stretches 🐴🐎 When performed correctly, baited stretches can activate and strengthen the core, increase Multifidus muscle mass (a key stabiliser of the spine), and encourage improved spacing between the vertebrae. They also promote greater flexibility through the nuchal ligament and supraspinous ligament, supporting spinal mobility and overall suppleness. Over time, this contributes to a stronger, healthier topline and improved posture. I incorporate baited stretches into many rehabilitation and conditioning programmes to help horses move better, build strength safely, and support long-term spinal health. 🩻 #equine #horserider #horseowner #cheltenham #gloucestershire

What are your thoughts?! Also open to ideas for general retraining to reduce his rushing and bracing! #horsetraining #horsebits #equestrian #horseofinstagram #equine

Your horse can’t move straight if you’re not sitting straight. Crooked rider = crooked horse Before we adjust the contact… Before we change the bit… Before we book another physio appointment… Check how you’re sitting! Often, you won’t even realise it as it’s “normal” for you. So, ask someone to video you trotting away from and towards the camera and see for yourself. Even a tiny bit of crookedness can have a huge impact on your horse and it’s way of going! The Equiseat Aid helps you: ✨ Disengage the muscles that are working too hard ✨ Build muscle memory ✨ Ride with symmetry ✨ Support your horse’s straightness and strength Let’s make straightness our responsibility! You can always send us your videos and we can tell you which leg to wear it on and give you tailored advice. Just drop us a message!💪🏻 #equiseataid #equinebiomechanics #equiseataidrider #riderbiomechanics #riderstraightness