“Nobody can ride your back if your back's not bent”
In follow-up to the recent topic about castles, this topic gave me occasion to think about the beings that might be ridden on the property of that other castle of which I wrote. Of course, I want them to be healthy and strong, and fully comfortable with carrying their riders. So I did a bit of research (this was a good excuse to research my favorite topic - Horses). Please note that I am capitalizing the name of these magnificent beings to acknowledge the spirit and sensitivity that has been bestowed upon them by our Creator. That spirit and sensitivity along with other unique characteristics combine to make up creatures who are therapeutic companions in any relationship, including when they are being ridden, and thus worthy of our honor, respect, and gratitude. Here is what I learned:
The back of Horse should be fairly straight, with only a slight dip where the saddle sits. For the back to be good and strong, it should be about as long as the neck, when it is measured from withers (highest point above the shoulder) to the highest point of the hip. The dip where the saddle sits should, as I said, be only slight. One way to determine this is to measure the topline (from withers to highest point of hip or "point of coupling"), and compare it to the underline (from chest between front legs to the "stifle" or joint above the hock or rear "knee"). The topline should be shorter than the underline. A longer topline would indicate a longer, and therefore weaker back. If the topline is too short, however, Horse will have a deep dip, or "sway back". This is a condition that would make for uncomfortable riding for both human and Horse, and would likely lead to painful back injuries to Horse. Another problematic condition would be when the back curves upward, sometimes called "roach back". Though some reports say that this is a slightly more comfortable ride for the human, it too can lead to serious back problems for Horse.
While these issues, or "conformation" are important and will affect the selection of Horses for riding, they do not affect another crucial role that Horse will play at the other castle. Horse will be co-coach, working with me and/or other coaches to help clients resolve personal challenges, improve communication and interpersonal relationships, heal from trauma, and set and achieve important goals in their lives. As many Horses at the castle will have been rescued from difficult life circumstances, there may not be the opportunity to assess and select for ideal conformation. Though these Horses may not be ideal as mounts, many will be vital co-coaches, and will be prized for their role in human health and growth.
The back of Horse should be fairly straight, with only a slight dip where the saddle sits. For the back to be good and strong, it should be about as long as the neck, when it is measured from withers (highest point above the shoulder) to the highest point of the hip. The dip where the saddle sits should, as I said, be only slight. One way to determine this is to measure the topline (from withers to highest point of hip or "point of coupling"), and compare it to the underline (from chest between front legs to the "stifle" or joint above the hock or rear "knee"). The topline should be shorter than the underline. A longer topline would indicate a longer, and therefore weaker back. If the topline is too short, however, Horse will have a deep dip, or "sway back". This is a condition that would make for uncomfortable riding for both human and Horse, and would likely lead to painful back injuries to Horse. Another problematic condition would be when the back curves upward, sometimes called "roach back". Though some reports say that this is a slightly more comfortable ride for the human, it too can lead to serious back problems for Horse.
While these issues, or "conformation" are important and will affect the selection of Horses for riding, they do not affect another crucial role that Horse will play at the other castle. Horse will be co-coach, working with me and/or other coaches to help clients resolve personal challenges, improve communication and interpersonal relationships, heal from trauma, and set and achieve important goals in their lives. As many Horses at the castle will have been rescued from difficult life circumstances, there may not be the opportunity to assess and select for ideal conformation. Though these Horses may not be ideal as mounts, many will be vital co-coaches, and will be prized for their role in human health and growth.