Why is it so important for our horses to be educated in correct posture?

Putting it simply, we are either breaking or making the horse!
All too often I hear that the horse went to the trainers and it lost condition and muscle tone, this seems to be the accepted normal. It is not normal!
When a horse is in training it’s body should flourish if the work is right. The coat should gleam, the right muscles should develop, the posture should improve and the mental health of the horse should also improve.
There are some cases I know where horses can struggle to eat when moved etc however again the correct training, usually focusing on relaxation and breathing will help the horse settle and the horse will soon eat again.

All the work we do with our horses from the very beginning should be not only educating the horse of the aids and connection but it should also be looking after the horses body to create a well balanced riding horse, no matter the discipline!

We should be maintaining an open gullet so that the hyoid is never compromised. If the gullet is closed then the entire body of the horse is compromised and will not be able to function correctly.
Searching for horizontal balance.
Finding correct Spinal alignment in circles and shapes.
Stabilising and balancing the Thoracic Sling.
Helping the Ventral Line stay activated.
Enabling the pelvic girdle to support the horses weight to the best of their ability.
Most importantly taking the time your horse needs!!!

Here are some before and after photos to show examples of how correct training improves horses posture, muscle development, spinal alignment, coat and their mental health.

Joyita – 10 weeks of In Hand and Ridden work – Focus on walk and trot work only.
Rocinante – Andalusian Cross
Ziggy Stardust – Lipizzaner cross – 4 weeks between photos focusing on walk only finding forward and open in his posture and straightness of the spine – Ziggy was a severe Headshaker caused by severe inflammation of the poll, hyoid, cervical spine and brachial plexus. All head shaking has been completely resolved.
Hudson – Standardbred – 6 weeks between photos – In Hand work only. Focusing on breathing and relaxation while making gentle in hand work, gradually increasing the exercises difficulty. Gradually introduced trot work.
Holly – 2 Weeks difference in photos – A big focus on breathing and relaxation at walk and then trot work mostly under saddle combined with some in hand and lunging work.