The Barrel: myofascial release
Today we look at working on the barrel of our horses. 🐴
This technique is more of a myofascial release technique but very beneficial to our horses.
Stand by facing your horse as if you were to adjust your stirrups. we are going to use both our hands,fingers and palms and move over the horses barrel in a very slow manner that should be comfortable to the horse.
Start by placing your hands at the sternum area(with your fingers facing towards the opposite side) and wait a few seconds. Then slowly start to move up the barrel. When you come to a point where you need to turn your wrist so that your fingertips face towards the horses top line do so. You want to create a feeling whereby your hands “sink” into the horse and a very slow glide upwards toward the spine.
Start in the girth area, when you reach to spine move over and cover the entire rib cage of the horse, then do the same on the other side.
Why is this technique beneficial?
🌟It loosens restricted fascia in this area
🌟it will assist girthy horses
🌟if your horses barrel is not restricted he can breath deeply and use his lung complicity
🌟you will be working over all the horses meridian lines.
🌟bending around the riders leg
🌟and much more…
You may see your horse yawn, shake or lower his head and neck, lick and chew or just look sleepy and comfortable. These will be some good signs that your horse in enjoying the work. 🙌
