How Novelty Can Transform Your Horse’s Movement and Mindset

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In this episode, Mary Debono continues her discussion on how to work with your horse's existing habits to encourage ease and comfort. Building on concepts from previous episodes, Mary explains the importance of introducing novel, non-habitual movements that engage the horse's nervous system in a positive way.

These movements do more than just improve your horse's athletic abilities—they also enhance their emotional resilience and foster a deeper bond between horse and human.

Mary delves into the science behind the use of gentle, slow touch, including the role of C-tactile afferents (CLTMs) in building trust and reducing stress. 

She offers practical tips for incorporating novelty and variations into your daily routine, such as tacking up from the opposite side or leading from the offside. 

By focusing on gentle, safe variations, you can help your horse feel more confident and connected, ensuring that both you and your horse thrive together.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with Ease: Begin by supporting your horse's current movement habits, building a foundation of comfort and trust.
• Introduce Novel Movements: Gradually incorporate non-habitual movements to stimulate the horse's nervous system and promote learning.
• Enhance Emotional Resilience: Novel movements can help your horse become more confident and less fearful of change.
• Strengthen the Bond: Gentle, slow touch can deepen the connection between you and your horse by activating an emotional area of the horse's brain.
• Practical Applications: Simple changes, like tacking up from a different side, can be powerful tools for introducing novelty while maintaining a sense of ease.

Resources:

💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥

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All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical, veterinary, or professional training advice. Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses.