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Dressage Tips - From the Experts
[back to main Dressage Tips page]
Head and Neck Control
by Stacey Brown, PT
[Stacey Brown is a contributing writer to the Sho Clothes Sho News monthly newsletter]
Optimal rider head posture in most equestrian sport, particularly in dressage, centers the ear over the shoulder when viewed from the side. This is correct alignment whether on or off the horse. From the front, the head should not tilt either left or right, and when turning, the chin should remain level so the eyes are in the same plane that the horse travels. Looking where you want your horse to go, directs his movement as much as any other aid that is used, so eye position is crucial. Vertical movement of the head on the spine should be minimal, presenting a picture of elegance and control. Excessive movement or lack of head and neck control in the equestrian is often a symptom of a larger problem. It is the tip of the iceberg that tells a tale of compensation. An indication of energy blocks elsewhere along the spine that result in too much movement where the head meets the cervical spine. The eyes of the rider cannot focus efficiently if the head is bobbing up and down with the tempo of the gait. In addition, the blocked energy is translated to the horse, as extra force and stimulation that may hinder performance. In more exaggerated cases, may contribute to soreness and injury, not only to the rider, but to the horse as well. Why is it so common, and is there anything we can do to correct it?
Control and stability of head position is determined by, you guessed it, the core. The muscles of the core exist primarily to maintain the shape of the spine in its desired neutral position, so the joint supporting structures are not harmed by large or repetitive forces at end range. The small, deep muscles of the core, whether in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine, react quickly and hold in static control, so the ligaments, joint capsule, discs, and even boney structures, don’t break down. We may be more familiar with neutral position of our larger joints, as when we think about body mechanics. For instance, in jumping, the toes, ankles, knees and hips, all flex in order to use muscle to protect the joint surfaces, and surrounding structures, of these joints, as well as the spinal column above.
The spine however, is made up of many small joints. Due to habitual postures, handedness, old injuries, gravity, etc. it is the rare person who uses all of these joints efficiently, and supports them adequately with their core. The large muscles of the extremities and shoulder/pelvic girdles, exert forces on the spine that over time, alter their position and excursion of motion. The result is some spinal segments that move too much and some that don’t move at all. This muscle imbalance of both spine and extremities creates blocked energy, and result in forces that ultimately damage tissue and hinder performance.
Often times, it is ineffective use of the thoraco-lumbar core that results in mal-alignment of the head and neck resulting in poor use of the cervical core. Sometimes, the cervical core malfunction is a result of specific injury such as whiplash.
In addition, the eyes will actually change their resting position in the sockets, to seek the horizon, if the head is held habitually in an altered position. A common altered position is head forward of the body, chin up, and head tilt either right or left. Once the eyes have accommodated to this altered posture, re-training takes consistent effort and feed-back. Altered eye position then controls not only the rider movements, but may influence the movement of the horse as well.
Exercise, that focuses on use of the core, and coordinated use of the extremities, such as yoga and pilates, can be very helpful. However, many people struggle to perform these movements correctly as well. Once you have injured your back or neck, the muscles of the core don’t just bounce back to normal function. Their specialized function requires re-training. Manual therapy to release excess muscle tension in one group, and simultaneously shorten and re-train the opposite muscle group may be necessary in order to create balance. Specific core activation exercises follow, that may need to be done on a regular basis for life, unless you are successful in incorporating good posture and body mechanics in your daily activities. Generally, the eye muscles will recover their normal position in the socket once the head and neck posture are consistently corrected.
Problem solving rider faulty technique always leads us back to the core. Proper use of the core by the rider is essential for good performance, and prevention of over-use injury. It is interesting to consider the impact of the rider’s success in this area, and how it may help the horse achieve the same.
If you would like to schedule treatment, have questions, or suggestions for future informational columns, please contact Stacey at: info@animalrehabinstitute.com or (971) 226-0010 mobile. You will find directions to her clinic on the web site www.AnimalRehabInstitute.com.
Stacey Brown PT CERT received her degree in physical therapy from Pacific University and is a native of Portland Oregon, where she practiced human physical therapy for 30 years, and equine rehabilitation for 7 years. She has a strong background in both neurologic and orthopedic treatment, and combines her experience in a unique and effective approach. Stacey now practices in the Wellington, FL area, and specializes in the assessment and treatment of equestrian athletes. She is an athlete, rides herself, and has a life long interest in nutrition and wellness. Through movement analysis and physical evaluation, Stacey designs individual treatment programs to enhance performance, as well as treat injuries. She is skilled in muscle balancing techniques, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and uses a cold laser to speed healing and enhance nuero-motor retraining. She is also certified in equine rehabilitation, and uses her skills to improve the performance of horse and rider pairs.
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