Therefore, it is up to the trainer/rider/owner, whomever is capable and responsible, to help the horse rewrite the neural pathways to more balanced function. The reason we want to rewrite them, is to return the body to better balance. Much of this can be done during the release session if the push /pull, (I prefer the terms: pressure, partial release, to attain the movement mentioned in the book, as to attain the release you have to continue the pressure in the diretion of stretching the shortened tissues)

Whenever the body is out of balance: tendons, ligaments, joints are functioning in a stress situation. Thus joints etc will start to break down because of the stressful pressures. Once this starts, there is a new situation of pain and the body again rewrites pathways to avoid the new discomfort. If we do not put an end to the imbalances, the body will eventually become dysfunctional. This is true for people as well.

Changes do better when the horse is not put in a stress situation. If a pattern has become well ingrained because of time and/or psychological stresses associated with it, any stress situation will bump them into the old pattern. The pattern needs to be practiced many times, to make it more likely to be the “default” pattern. So keeping them from shows or races for significant time will help the changes become more permanent.

Any imbalance that continues in the horses life, feet, rider, stall footing, ill fitting saddle, and many more, will keep him inhibited in the healing / corrective process. Diet is very important as well. WEll, enough food for thought.

I am delighted to say I hae received your second edition. I find it quite exciting, there is a lot to absorb and I noted in my first quick check some changes especially in relation to the C7 technique. I have always had a spot of bother knowing quite where to put my hand fist or forearm. I have tended to place my forearm at the base of the shoulder grove and allowing my hand to spill over in front of the brachiocephalic near the point of the shoulder. I have found it difficult to stay comfortable but I feel the new approach with the pull push element might make it easier.

I am wondering if you have found particular imbalances in relation to tendon injuries. The horse I am dealing has a number of issues but is there something particular to look for or special approach. Most racehorses I look at have particular patterns of imbalance in the neck lumbar and pelvis but they do not all suffer with bowed tendons. I am mindful that shoeing and other issues are of importance too.

In relation to racehorses, the best time to treat them would seem to be when they are spelling. Otherwise they work all the time they either gallop or trial or race and keep training. It does not really give them time to absorb the changes. Is there any advice you could give me in relation to exploring your work in this situation.

I have an ex racehorse he is extremely right dominant and I see other issues as well, so he will be a good subject. Also the horse with a grade two tendon injury (not so good because he was ut out to spell without much treatment), so there has been little improvement in six months.

I really appreciated your references to reading material. I have a deep interest in Feldenkrais and I love Peggy Cummings Connected Ground work 1: Exercises for developing and Maintaining Freedom of Movement and Self-Carriage. Your model of BREMM includes all the essential elements. Trainers do not always appreciate that it is essential to treat the whole horse rather than just the local problem.