{"version":"1.0.0","segments":[{"startTime":116.473,"endTime":120.561,"body":"I'm Judith, and this is the Starline"},{"startTime":116.473,"endTime":120.561,"body":"Equine Bodywork podcast."},{"startTime":120.769,"endTime":123.647,"body":"This is a podcast about all of the things"},{"startTime":120.769,"endTime":123.647,"body":"that I've learned"},{"startTime":123.647,"endTime":126.65,"body":"and continue to learn in my career"},{"startTime":123.647,"endTime":126.65,"body":"with horses."},{"startTime":126.859,"endTime":129.82,"body":"For the better part of a decade,"},{"startTime":126.859,"endTime":129.82,"body":"I've been a full time equine"},{"startTime":129.82,"endTime":132.906,"body":"bodywork"},{"startTime":129.82,"endTime":132.906,"body":"practitioner, educator, and author."},{"startTime":133.24,"endTime":138.787,"body":"My obsession how horses really work"},{"startTime":133.24,"endTime":138.787,"body":"and how to get the most"},{"startTime":138.912,"endTime":142.124,"body":"from our relationship"},{"startTime":138.912,"endTime":142.124,"body":"with them in training and in sport."},{"startTime":142.708,"endTime":146.044,"body":"My passion"},{"startTime":142.708,"endTime":146.044,"body":"helping horse owners and body workers"},{"startTime":146.044,"endTime":149.089,"body":"and aspiring body workers get going."},{"startTime":149.381,"endTime":154.219,"body":"Unpack the latest science,"},{"startTime":149.381,"endTime":154.219,"body":"research and experiences behind what we do"},{"startTime":154.219,"endTime":157.89,"body":"with horses to support their potential"},{"startTime":154.219,"endTime":157.89,"body":"and optimize"},{"startTime":157.89,"endTime":160.893,"body":"their performance."},{"startTime":161.602,"endTime":163.89600000000002,"body":"Most of you probably heard the term"},{"startTime":163.89600000000002,"endTime":167.191,"body":"neuro mechanical training"},{"startTime":163.89600000000002,"endTime":167.191,"body":"such a buzzword right now."},{"startTime":167.816,"endTime":170.527,"body":"So let's unpack what it really is."},{"startTime":170.527,"endTime":175.90800000000002,"body":"Neuro mechanical training actually refers"},{"startTime":170.527,"endTime":175.90800000000002,"body":"to a holistic approach that integrates"},{"startTime":175.90800000000002,"endTime":180.954,"body":"the nervous system, or the neuro,"},{"startTime":175.90800000000002,"endTime":180.954,"body":"and the mechanical aspects of movement."},{"startTime":181.038,"endTime":184.416,"body":"The mechanic call"},{"startTime":181.038,"endTime":184.416,"body":"to optimize physical performance,"},{"startTime":184.416,"endTime":188.086,"body":"coordination,"},{"startTime":184.416,"endTime":188.086,"body":"and even recovery from workouts"},{"startTime":188.79500000000002,"endTime":192.799,"body":"is grounded"},{"startTime":188.79500000000002,"endTime":192.799,"body":"in the idea that the brain, the nerves,"},{"startTime":192.799,"endTime":196.553,"body":"and the muscles all work together"},{"startTime":192.799,"endTime":196.553,"body":"as a unified system,"},{"startTime":196.845,"endTime":200.80700000000002,"body":"and training them could actually enhance"},{"startTime":200.80700000000002,"endTime":204.686,"body":"their communication and their efficiency."},{"startTime":205.39499999999998,"endTime":208.941,"body":"So from a science perspective,"},{"startTime":205.39499999999998,"endTime":208.941,"body":"its focus is on"},{"startTime":208.941,"endTime":213.445,"body":"how sensory inputs like touch or pressure"},{"startTime":208.941,"endTime":213.445,"body":"or proprioception."},{"startTime":213.737,"endTime":217.78300000000002,"body":"So the body's sense of knowing"},{"startTime":213.737,"endTime":217.78300000000002,"body":"its position in time and space,"},{"startTime":218.24200000000002,"endTime":221.411,"body":"they influence motor outputs."},{"startTime":221.411,"endTime":224.414,"body":"So muscle activation and movement."},{"startTime":224.66500000000002,"endTime":228.252,"body":"For example,"},{"startTime":224.66500000000002,"endTime":228.252,"body":"it might involve exercises or techniques"},{"startTime":228.252,"endTime":233.507,"body":"that stimulate specific neural pathways"},{"startTime":228.252,"endTime":233.507,"body":"to improve muscle recruitment patterns."},{"startTime":233.507,"endTime":237.386,"body":"Reaction times or even joint stability."},{"startTime":237.719,"endTime":241.64,"body":"So think of it"},{"startTime":237.719,"endTime":241.64,"body":"as tuning the nervous system"},{"startTime":241.848,"endTime":245.68599999999998,"body":"to get better control of the body's"},{"startTime":241.848,"endTime":245.68599999999998,"body":"biome mechanics,"},{"startTime":245.68599999999998,"endTime":250.774,"body":"and I'm sure we can all see how that is"},{"startTime":245.68599999999998,"endTime":250.774,"body":"extremely relevant"},{"startTime":251.06599999999997,"endTime":254.611,"body":"in training our equestrian athletes."},{"startTime":255.445,"endTime":259.616,"body":"So in practice, neuro mechanical training"},{"startTime":255.445,"endTime":259.616,"body":"can include things like targeted"},{"startTime":259.616,"endTime":264.955,"body":"stretching, resistance exercises,"},{"startTime":259.616,"endTime":264.955,"body":"or even manual therapies"},{"startTime":264.955,"endTime":267.082,"body":"like equine bodywork."},{"startTime":267.082,"endTime":268.458,"body":"And they're going to help reset"},{"startTime":268.458,"endTime":271.461,"body":"muscle tone and enhance"},{"startTime":268.458,"endTime":271.461,"body":"neuromuscular coordination."},{"startTime":271.795,"endTime":274.75600000000003,"body":"So it's often used in sports science"},{"startTime":274.75600000000003,"endTime":278.176,"body":"for rehabilitation"},{"startTime":274.75600000000003,"endTime":278.176,"body":"for performance training."},{"startTime":278.468,"endTime":283.682,"body":"And this is a field"},{"startTime":278.468,"endTime":283.682,"body":"that's become really popular in human work"},{"startTime":283.849,"endTime":289.104,"body":"and now beginning to become more popular"},{"startTime":283.849,"endTime":289.104,"body":"in horse training."},{"startTime":289.396,"endTime":292.774,"body":"And it's used to address inefficiencies"},{"startTime":289.396,"endTime":292.774,"body":"to reduce"},{"startTime":292.774,"endTime":296.528,"body":"injury risk and boost overall function."},{"startTime":297.696,"endTime":300.115,"body":"So let's look at how this"},{"startTime":300.115,"endTime":303.577,"body":"approach applies specifically to horses."},{"startTime":303.91,"endTime":307.372,"body":"First of all we want to look"},{"startTime":303.91,"endTime":307.372,"body":"at the horse's neuro mechanical system."},{"startTime":307.914,"endTime":311.71,"body":"It's a powerhouse"},{"startTime":307.914,"endTime":311.71,"body":"of essentially coordination."},{"startTime":312.336,"endTime":317.174,"body":"The brain to muscle connection"},{"startTime":312.336,"endTime":317.174,"body":"is really important."},{"startTime":317.466,"endTime":321.178,"body":"A horse's movement,"},{"startTime":317.466,"endTime":321.178,"body":"whether they're trotting or galloping,"},{"startTime":321.178,"endTime":327.142,"body":"relies on really precise neural signals"},{"startTime":321.178,"endTime":327.142,"body":"from the brain and the spinal cord."},{"startTime":327.225,"endTime":330.145,"body":"Two motor units in the muscles."},{"startTime":330.145,"endTime":332.898,"body":"Neuro mechanical training fine tunes"},{"startTime":332.898,"endTime":335.901,"body":"this dialog between the brain,"},{"startTime":335.901,"endTime":338.904,"body":"the spinal cord and the muscles."},{"startTime":339.654,"endTime":343.909,"body":"It essentially is proprioception"},{"startTime":339.654,"endTime":343.909,"body":"in action."},{"startTime":344.034,"endTime":347.579,"body":"So horses"},{"startTime":344.034,"endTime":347.579,"body":"depend on proprioceptive scepters"},{"startTime":347.704,"endTime":353.335,"body":"that are highly present in their joints"},{"startTime":347.704,"endTime":353.335,"body":"and in their tendons and in their muscles,"},{"startTime":353.543,"endTime":360.342,"body":"to navigate uneven terrain"},{"startTime":353.543,"endTime":360.342,"body":"and to adjust their posture accordingly."},{"startTime":360.675,"endTime":361.76,"body":"Train running."},{"startTime":361.76,"endTime":366.473,"body":"These sensors can sharpen their balance,"},{"startTime":361.76,"endTime":366.473,"body":"their responsiveness,"},{"startTime":366.723,"endTime":370.185,"body":"and all of the things critical for high"},{"startTime":370.185,"endTime":373.72999999999996,"body":"performance and soundness in horses."},{"startTime":375.02299999999997,"endTime":376.858,"body":"Now, horses benefit"},{"startTime":376.858,"endTime":380.779,"body":"from neuro mechanical training"},{"startTime":376.858,"endTime":380.779,"body":"because it can address"},{"startTime":380.779,"endTime":385.95099999999996,"body":"things like compensatory"},{"startTime":380.779,"endTime":385.95099999999996,"body":"patterns, injuries from overuse."},{"startTime":385.95099999999996,"endTime":387.077,"body":"Let's face it."},{"startTime":387.077,"endTime":391.164,"body":"Riding is often"},{"startTime":387.077,"endTime":391.164,"body":"trained from a repetitive,"},{"startTime":391.498,"endTime":397.462,"body":"way of looking at training the horse"},{"startTime":391.498,"endTime":397.462,"body":"and they can get overuse injuries,"},{"startTime":397.587,"endTime":401.425,"body":"and it can disrupt"},{"startTime":397.587,"endTime":401.425,"body":"some of that neuromuscular harmony"},{"startTime":401.425,"endTime":405.512,"body":"and even lead to muscle tension and gait."},{"startTime":405.512,"endTime":406.847,"body":"Irregular gritties."},{"startTime":406.847,"endTime":410.642,"body":"Now, neuromuscular or neuro"},{"startTime":406.847,"endTime":410.642,"body":"mechanical training"},{"startTime":410.642,"endTime":414.64599999999996,"body":"can help to reprogram"},{"startTime":410.642,"endTime":414.64599999999996,"body":"these patterns in the horse."},{"startTime":415.522,"endTime":417.73199999999997,"body":"Our equine athletes,"},{"startTime":417.73199999999997,"endTime":422.36199999999997,"body":"spend a lot of time stressed"},{"startTime":417.73199999999997,"endTime":422.36199999999997,"body":"that is the reality,"},{"startTime":422.36199999999997,"endTime":425.24,"body":"whether they show it or not."},{"startTime":425.24,"endTime":430.245,"body":"Several, several horses"},{"startTime":425.24,"endTime":430.245,"body":"I know in my practice"},{"startTime":430.537,"endTime":433.457,"body":"sort of like to live"},{"startTime":430.537,"endTime":433.457,"body":"in their sympathetic part"},{"startTime":433.457,"endTime":437.502,"body":"of their nervous system,"},{"startTime":433.457,"endTime":437.502,"body":"as opposed to that parasympathetic."},{"startTime":437.752,"endTime":443.383,"body":"They have chronic stress from travel"},{"startTime":437.752,"endTime":443.383,"body":"or competition, and it actually heightens"},{"startTime":443.383,"endTime":449.181,"body":"muscle excitability in their bodies"},{"startTime":443.383,"endTime":449.181,"body":"when they are showing."},{"startTime":449.598,"endTime":455.312,"body":"And so this is a really great approach"},{"startTime":449.598,"endTime":455.312,"body":"for horses"},{"startTime":455.395,"endTime":458.815,"body":"when we discover that they are internal"},{"startTime":455.395,"endTime":458.815,"body":"causing that stress."},{"startTime":458.815,"endTime":464.23699999999997,"body":"And it's coming out in the form"},{"startTime":458.815,"endTime":464.23699999999997,"body":"of muscle tension because it can actually"},{"startTime":464.404,"endTime":467.407,"body":"calm neural overactivity"},{"startTime":467.574,"endTime":471.11899999999997,"body":"like, through certain"},{"startTime":467.574,"endTime":471.11899999999997,"body":"touch or certain movement"},{"startTime":471.11899999999997,"endTime":476.416,"body":"and restore that horse"},{"startTime":471.11899999999997,"endTime":476.416,"body":"back to its baseline function."},{"startTime":477.209,"endTime":479.419,"body":"So how it works"},{"startTime":479.419,"endTime":483.215,"body":"in horses is by generating"},{"startTime":479.419,"endTime":483.215,"body":"neuroplasticity."},{"startTime":483.59,"endTime":487.17699999999996,"body":"So horses, like humans,"},{"startTime":483.59,"endTime":487.17699999999996,"body":"have a very adaptable nervous system."},{"startTime":487.17699999999996,"endTime":488.84499999999997,"body":"That's just a fact."},{"startTime":488.84499999999997,"endTime":494.267,"body":"And targeted exercises"},{"startTime":488.84499999999997,"endTime":494.267,"body":"or bodywork can strengthen certain neural"},{"startTime":494.267,"endTime":498.104,"body":"pathways and improve how muscles fire"},{"startTime":498.104,"endTime":501.233,"body":"during, you know,"},{"startTime":498.104,"endTime":501.233,"body":"whether it be their canter, their gallop,"},{"startTime":501.358,"endTime":506.613,"body":"or even organizing their body"},{"startTime":501.358,"endTime":506.613,"body":"in a way that makes their jump better."},{"startTime":507.322,"endTime":512.285,"body":"It can also,"},{"startTime":507.322,"endTime":512.285,"body":"serve as a muscle spindle reset"},{"startTime":512.285,"endTime":517.04,"body":"so the sensory receptors in the muscle"},{"startTime":512.285,"endTime":517.04,"body":"fibers themselves"},{"startTime":517.374,"endTime":520.085,"body":"that detect, stretch"},{"startTime":520.085,"endTime":525.924,"body":"or touch when those are the muscle"},{"startTime":520.085,"endTime":525.924,"body":"spindles and neuromuscular techniques,"},{"startTime":525.924,"endTime":530.011,"body":"like a rhythmic palpation"},{"startTime":525.924,"endTime":530.011,"body":"or light touch bodywork"},{"startTime":530.136,"endTime":536.9350000000001,"body":"or even some control and stretching"},{"startTime":530.136,"endTime":536.9350000000001,"body":"can recalibrate, that spindle sensitivity"},{"startTime":536.9350000000001,"endTime":542.357,"body":"and reduce the circulations"},{"startTime":536.9350000000001,"endTime":542.357,"body":"or chronic stiffness in the horse."},{"startTime":542.9830000000001,"endTime":545.527,"body":"Now, it wouldn't be a bodywork episode"},{"startTime":545.527,"endTime":548.989,"body":"if I didn't get a chance"},{"startTime":545.527,"endTime":548.989,"body":"to talk about fascia."},{"startTime":549.489,"endTime":552.284,"body":"And fascia has,"},{"startTime":552.284,"endTime":556.371,"body":"a network full of mechanoreceptors."},{"startTime":556.58,"endTime":559.666,"body":"And we know that mechanoreceptors respond"},{"startTime":559.666,"endTime":563.086,"body":"to both pressure and movement."},{"startTime":563.42,"endTime":566.506,"body":"So manipulating fascia through bodywork"},{"startTime":566.506,"endTime":570.594,"body":"actually enhances"},{"startTime":566.506,"endTime":570.594,"body":"that neuro mechanical feedback,"},{"startTime":570.802,"endTime":575.682,"body":"promoting a more fluid"},{"startTime":570.802,"endTime":575.682,"body":"and efficient movement in the horse."},{"startTime":576.766,"endTime":579.6030000000001,"body":"A few practical applications,"},{"startTime":579.6030000000001,"endTime":582.772,"body":"that we should look at is our"},{"startTime":583.231,"endTime":590.196,"body":"our palpation exam, teaching our clients"},{"startTime":583.231,"endTime":590.196,"body":"how to do a basic palpation exam"},{"startTime":590.196,"endTime":594.951,"body":"when we're not there becomes"},{"startTime":590.196,"endTime":594.951,"body":"really important because palpation itself"},{"startTime":595.285,"endTime":601.041,"body":"can actually be used"},{"startTime":595.285,"endTime":601.041,"body":"as a neuro mechanical tool."},{"startTime":601.499,"endTime":604.336,"body":"It's gentle and intentional."},{"startTime":604.336,"endTime":608.131,"body":"Touch stimulates sensory nerves,"},{"startTime":604.336,"endTime":608.131,"body":"which dampen"},{"startTime":608.548,"endTime":612.636,"body":"overactive motor responses"},{"startTime":608.548,"endTime":612.636,"body":"and encourage muscles"},{"startTime":612.636,"endTime":615.639,"body":"to relax or realign"},{"startTime":616.514,"endTime":618.683,"body":"dynamic stretching."},{"startTime":618.683,"endTime":622.1030000000001,"body":"We all know I'm a huge fan of DM"},{"startTime":622.1030000000001,"endTime":625.523,"body":"is dynamic mobilization exercises."},{"startTime":625.523,"endTime":627.942,"body":"These guys did stretches."},{"startTime":627.942,"endTime":631.9879999999999,"body":"Specifically,"},{"startTime":627.942,"endTime":631.9879999999999,"body":"I'm thinking about the neck are great"},{"startTime":631.9879999999999,"endTime":635.8249999999999,"body":"to activate proprioceptive and retrain."},{"startTime":635.992,"endTime":639.454,"body":"We'll call it"},{"startTime":635.992,"endTime":639.454,"body":"muscle memory in quotation marks,"},{"startTime":639.663,"endTime":645.043,"body":"especially when you are post-exercise or,"},{"startTime":645.085,"endTime":649.005,"body":"and the horse is fatigued and fallen"},{"startTime":645.085,"endTime":649.005,"body":"into a compensation pattern"},{"startTime":649.005,"endTime":652.133,"body":"from fatigue or,"},{"startTime":652.133,"endTime":655.428,"body":"if the horse has had an injury"},{"startTime":652.133,"endTime":655.428,"body":"and we're having to do"},{"startTime":655.428,"endTime":659.432,"body":"a little recalibration"},{"startTime":655.428,"endTime":659.432,"body":"and retraining in the body."},{"startTime":660.141,"endTime":663.311,"body":"Now, cross-training,"},{"startTime":663.311,"endTime":667.3149999999999,"body":"it's it's so simple and we all know it,"},{"startTime":667.3149999999999,"endTime":671.361,"body":"but we need to start to make more time"},{"startTime":667.3149999999999,"endTime":671.361,"body":"for it."},{"startTime":671.361,"endTime":675.532,"body":"Simple groundwork"},{"startTime":671.361,"endTime":675.532,"body":"exercises like lateral steps"},{"startTime":675.865,"endTime":680.37,"body":"like backing up these engage"},{"startTime":675.865,"endTime":680.37,"body":"the horse's nervous system"},{"startTime":680.662,"endTime":686.0,"body":"and their muscles and get them to recruit"},{"startTime":680.662,"endTime":686.0,"body":"and have that conversation together."},{"startTime":686.126,"endTime":690.505,"body":"And this in turn builds"},{"startTime":686.126,"endTime":690.505,"body":"coordination and strength"},{"startTime":690.505,"endTime":695.8439999999999,"body":"without putting them through the rigors"},{"startTime":690.505,"endTime":695.8439999999999,"body":"of an under attack workout."},{"startTime":696.886,"endTime":698.513,"body":"Now, for my"},{"startTime":698.513,"endTime":702.2669999999999,"body":"horse owners,"},{"startTime":698.513,"endTime":702.2669999999999,"body":"I really want you to consider this."},{"startTime":702.2669999999999,"endTime":704.394,"body":"This is your performance."},{"startTime":704.394,"endTime":706.73,"body":"Boost your competitive horses."},{"startTime":706.73,"endTime":710.275,"body":"Neuro mechanical training"},{"startTime":706.73,"endTime":710.275,"body":"can mean smoother transitions for you."},{"startTime":710.275,"endTime":714.404,"body":"It can mean better endurance"},{"startTime":710.275,"endTime":714.404,"body":"through the length of the horse show."},{"startTime":714.654,"endTime":716.823,"body":"It can mean fewer missteps."},{"startTime":716.823,"endTime":720.994,"body":"And when you have fewer missteps,"},{"startTime":716.823,"endTime":720.994,"body":"of course you're less likely"},{"startTime":720.994,"endTime":726.082,"body":"to have catastrophic injuries"},{"startTime":720.994,"endTime":726.082,"body":"and tears from that misstep."},{"startTime":726.875,"endTime":731.504,"body":"I want you to think about the precision"},{"startTime":726.875,"endTime":731.504,"body":"that's required in the sport of dressage"},{"startTime":731.5459999999999,"endTime":732.505,"body":"alone."},{"startTime":732.505,"endTime":738.2189999999999,"body":"Or, for my jumping horses,"},{"startTime":732.505,"endTime":738.2189999999999,"body":"the actual precision"},{"startTime":738.2189999999999,"endTime":743.85,"body":"to have the body organized"},{"startTime":738.2189999999999,"endTime":743.85,"body":"to take off from the ground accurately."},{"startTime":744.2669999999999,"endTime":748.73,"body":"So this will boost"},{"startTime":744.2669999999999,"endTime":748.73,"body":"those types of performance."},{"startTime":748.938,"endTime":751.691,"body":"Of course, on that injury prevention note,"},{"startTime":751.691,"endTime":754.736,"body":"not only"},{"startTime":751.691,"endTime":754.736,"body":"is it going to reduce those missteps,"},{"startTime":755.4449999999999,"endTime":759.449,"body":"but it is going to, allow"},{"startTime":759.532,"endTime":763.578,"body":"for a reduction"},{"startTime":759.532,"endTime":763.578,"body":"in strain on tendons, on ligaments."},{"startTime":763.578,"endTime":767.624,"body":"And it's a big win"},{"startTime":763.578,"endTime":767.624,"body":"for long term soundness."},{"startTime":767.832,"endTime":773.963,"body":"And for my rehabbing horses, it's speed up"},{"startTime":767.832,"endTime":773.963,"body":"the restoration of your normal movement."},{"startTime":773.963,"endTime":776.299,"body":"Again, they've often been on box rest."},{"startTime":776.299,"endTime":782.222,"body":"They have adapted to,"},{"startTime":776.299,"endTime":782.222,"body":"a new pattern in their body, if you will."},{"startTime":782.347,"endTime":786.3919999999999,"body":"And so by both addressing"},{"startTime":782.347,"endTime":786.3919999999999,"body":"the neural software, we'll call it,"},{"startTime":786.3919999999999,"endTime":791.606,"body":"and the mechanical hard"},{"startTime":786.3919999999999,"endTime":791.606,"body":"where we are speeding up that process"},{"startTime":792.023,"endTime":796.2769999999999,"body":"and allowing those horses"},{"startTime":792.023,"endTime":796.2769999999999,"body":"to return to play in a healthier state,"},{"startTime":796.2769999999999,"endTime":800.073,"body":"not just pulling them out of the box and"},{"startTime":796.2769999999999,"endTime":800.073,"body":"sending them back as if nothing happened."},{"startTime":801.407,"endTime":802.6999999999999,"body":"So if you've"},{"startTime":802.6999999999999,"endTime":806.538,"body":"ever wondered why your horse stumbles"},{"startTime":802.6999999999999,"endTime":806.538,"body":"after a long ride,"},{"startTime":806.538,"endTime":810.792,"body":"it might actually be"},{"startTime":806.538,"endTime":810.792,"body":"a neuro mechanical glitch."},{"startTime":811.209,"endTime":815.004,"body":"So let's unpack that thought there."},{"startTime":815.672,"endTime":819.592,"body":"Remember, a horse's"},{"startTime":815.672,"endTime":819.592,"body":"spinal cord can process"},{"startTime":819.592,"endTime":824.055,"body":"some reflexes"},{"startTime":819.592,"endTime":824.055,"body":"without even having brain input."},{"startTime":824.389,"endTime":827.559,"body":"So neuro mechanical training taps"},{"startTime":827.559,"endTime":831.271,"body":"into that built in wiring."},{"startTime":831.354,"endTime":836.276,"body":"So if you are noticing"},{"startTime":831.354,"endTime":836.276,"body":"those funny little steps here and there"},{"startTime":836.276,"endTime":839.696,"body":"when they fatigue, we want to be able to,"},{"startTime":839.9879999999999,"endTime":842.824,"body":"really access the nervous system"},{"startTime":842.824,"endTime":845.869,"body":"without the brain and do some exercises"},{"startTime":846.077,"endTime":850.957,"body":"that, both body"},{"startTime":846.077,"endTime":850.957,"body":"work and homework exercises"},{"startTime":851.124,"endTime":855.086,"body":"that can improve our horses, things"},{"startTime":855.295,"endTime":859.549,"body":"that owners can do, a simple long, slow"},{"startTime":859.549,"endTime":863.052,"body":"neck stretch before they ride"},{"startTime":859.549,"endTime":863.052,"body":"and after they ride."},{"startTime":863.845,"endTime":867.807,"body":"This is going to, change the way"},{"startTime":867.807,"endTime":871.853,"body":"the horse feels when it goes into work"},{"startTime":867.807,"endTime":871.853,"body":"and comes out after work."},{"startTime":872.061,"endTime":876.399,"body":"And it is literally watching the way"},{"startTime":872.061,"endTime":876.399,"body":"the body responds is literally neuro"},{"startTime":876.399,"endTime":881.154,"body":"mechanics"},{"startTime":876.399,"endTime":881.154,"body":"and neuro mechanical training at play."},{"startTime":881.905,"endTime":886.284,"body":"Some neuro mechanical training exercises"},{"startTime":881.905,"endTime":886.284,"body":"for horses"},{"startTime":886.492,"endTime":890.121,"body":"that focus on improving"},{"startTime":886.492,"endTime":890.121,"body":"that integration of the nervous system,"},{"startTime":890.121,"endTime":895.251,"body":"the musculoskeletal system,"},{"startTime":890.121,"endTime":895.251,"body":"enhancing coordination and body awareness."},{"startTime":895.251,"endTime":900.0889999999999,"body":"Appropriate perception"},{"startTime":895.251,"endTime":900.0889999999999,"body":"as well as strength and overall"},{"startTime":900.465,"endTime":903.4259999999999,"body":"movement efficiency"},{"startTime":903.4259999999999,"endTime":908.014,"body":"are really important"},{"startTime":903.4259999999999,"endTime":908.014,"body":"to put into your routine."},{"startTime":908.306,"endTime":912.435,"body":"They're exercises"},{"startTime":908.306,"endTime":912.435,"body":"that are incredibly valuable for,"},{"startTime":912.435,"endTime":916.189,"body":"like I said, rehabilitation,"},{"startTime":912.435,"endTime":916.189,"body":"injury prevention and optimizing."},{"startTime":916.189,"endTime":921.11,"body":"Perform ance, which we are all about here"},{"startTime":916.189,"endTime":921.11,"body":"at Starline equine body work."},{"startTime":921.486,"endTime":924.822,"body":"But, let's look at some sort of really"},{"startTime":924.822,"endTime":928.451,"body":"specific examples that we can do at home."},{"startTime":929.16,"endTime":932.163,"body":"First of all,"},{"startTime":929.16,"endTime":932.163,"body":"let's talk about the role of,"},{"startTime":932.497,"endTime":935.5,"body":"ground pole work,"},{"startTime":932.497,"endTime":935.5,"body":"putting poles on the ground."},{"startTime":935.917,"endTime":941.047,"body":"4 to 6 poles spaced, approximately"},{"startTime":935.917,"endTime":941.047,"body":"for your horse's stride length."},{"startTime":941.047,"endTime":943.925,"body":"So 3 to 4ft apart for walking."},{"startTime":943.925,"endTime":946.928,"body":"And you can adjust them for trot"},{"startTime":943.925,"endTime":946.928,"body":"or for cantering."},{"startTime":947.011,"endTime":951.5989999999999,"body":"And it's important to keep these"},{"startTime":947.011,"endTime":951.5989999999999,"body":"we keep them set up in our ring"},{"startTime":951.5989999999999,"endTime":955.645,"body":"at our home training barn all the time,"},{"startTime":951.5989999999999,"endTime":955.645,"body":"because you can lead through them."},{"startTime":955.645,"endTime":957.438,"body":"Or if you have a horse on a lunge line,"},{"startTime":957.438,"endTime":960.733,"body":"you can lunge over the poles"},{"startTime":957.438,"endTime":960.733,"body":"at the walk in the trot."},{"startTime":961.275,"endTime":966.072,"body":"Now, again,"},{"startTime":961.275,"endTime":966.072,"body":"this is an exercise everybody talks about."},{"startTime":966.322,"endTime":971.661,"body":"But what we don't really think about is"},{"startTime":966.322,"endTime":971.661,"body":"what those neuro mechanical benefits are."},{"startTime":972.036,"endTime":977.417,"body":"It actually encourages the horse"},{"startTime":972.036,"endTime":977.417,"body":"to use very precise foot placement."},{"startTime":977.709,"endTime":981.337,"body":"And that activate that act alone"},{"startTime":977.709,"endTime":981.337,"body":"is activating those proprioceptive"},{"startTime":981.337,"endTime":984.59,"body":"pathways and strengthening"},{"startTime":981.337,"endTime":984.59,"body":"stabilizing muscles"},{"startTime":984.59,"endTime":988.011,"body":"in both their limb and their core."},{"startTime":988.261,"endTime":991.681,"body":"So the horse has to adjust its balance"},{"startTime":988.261,"endTime":991.681,"body":"and its rhythm,"},{"startTime":991.681,"endTime":994.684,"body":"which enhances that neuro control."},{"startTime":994.851,"endTime":1000.356,"body":"You can vary it by, you know, raising one"},{"startTime":994.851,"endTime":1000.356,"body":"end of the pole slightly on a small block"},{"startTime":1000.356,"endTime":1004.61,"body":"or on one of those Ikea, toddler potty"},{"startTime":1000.356,"endTime":1004.61,"body":"training things."},{"startTime":1004.6519999999999,"endTime":1007.739,"body":"And this what this does"},{"startTime":1004.6519999999999,"endTime":1007.739,"body":"is it increases difficulty"},{"startTime":1007.739,"endTime":1011.617,"body":"to engage"},{"startTime":1007.739,"endTime":1011.617,"body":"the hind quarters of the horse more"},{"startTime":1012.577,"endTime":1013.953,"body":"so our dynamic"},{"startTime":1013.953,"endTime":1018.0409999999999,"body":"mobilization exercises are carrots,"},{"startTime":1013.953,"endTime":1018.0409999999999,"body":"stretches that we use"},{"startTime":1018.0409999999999,"endTime":1021.252,"body":"to guide the horses into specific,"},{"startTime":1021.252,"endTime":1025.423,"body":"positions and range motion."},{"startTime":1025.673,"endTime":1026.632,"body":"This includes chin"},{"startTime":1026.632,"endTime":1031.22,"body":"to chest, their nose to their flank,"},{"startTime":1026.632,"endTime":1031.22,"body":"the nose, between their front fat locks."},{"startTime":1031.512,"endTime":1034.307,"body":"When we do this, and we hold that end"},{"startTime":1034.307,"endTime":1037.643,"body":"position,"},{"startTime":1034.307,"endTime":1037.643,"body":"you have to start with four seconds."},{"startTime":1037.643,"endTime":1041.23,"body":"But if you can work up to five"},{"startTime":1037.643,"endTime":1041.23,"body":"or even 10s,"},{"startTime":1041.355,"endTime":1045.068,"body":"repeating it 3 to 5 times per side,"},{"startTime":1045.401,"endTime":1049.655,"body":"it has incredible,"},{"startTime":1045.401,"endTime":1049.655,"body":"incredible effects on the system"},{"startTime":1049.864,"endTime":1054.285,"body":"and is, it's neuro mechanical benefit"},{"startTime":1049.864,"endTime":1054.285,"body":"would be that it's actually stimulate"},{"startTime":1054.4940000000001,"endTime":1058.164,"body":"the nervous system"},{"startTime":1054.4940000000001,"endTime":1058.164,"body":"in, a way that improves"},{"startTime":1058.3310000000001,"endTime":1061.334,"body":"that end range of motion,"},{"startTime":1061.501,"endTime":1064.3780000000002,"body":"and it activates those deep"},{"startTime":1061.501,"endTime":1064.3780000000002,"body":"postural muscles."},{"startTime":1064.3780000000002,"endTime":1068.049,"body":"So think the multifarious along the spine,"},{"startTime":1064.3780000000002,"endTime":1068.049,"body":"enhancing"},{"startTime":1068.049,"endTime":1072.136,"body":"the mobility"},{"startTime":1068.049,"endTime":1072.136,"body":"and the symmetry in our horses."},{"startTime":1072.136,"endTime":1074.0130000000001,"body":"We need them to be symmetrical."},{"startTime":1074.0130000000001,"endTime":1076.224,"body":"They're born left or right"},{"startTime":1074.0130000000001,"endTime":1076.224,"body":"handed, just like us."},{"startTime":1076.224,"endTime":1081.0620000000001,"body":"But they need to be more ambidextrous"},{"startTime":1076.224,"endTime":1081.0620000000001,"body":"for the sport we are asking of them."},{"startTime":1081.0620000000001,"endTime":1086.943,"body":"And this absolutely helps"},{"startTime":1081.0620000000001,"endTime":1086.943,"body":"that re patterning on the weaker"},{"startTime":1086.943,"endTime":1090.3210000000001,"body":"side, it up"},{"startTime":1086.943,"endTime":1090.3210000000001,"body":"regulates things on that weaker side."},{"startTime":1090.655,"endTime":1092.156,"body":"And research has shown that"},{"startTime":1092.156,"endTime":1096.452,"body":"these stretches can actually improve"},{"startTime":1092.156,"endTime":1096.452,"body":"core strength as well as lateral bending."},{"startTime":1096.452,"endTime":1099.163,"body":"We want to be doing them"},{"startTime":1096.452,"endTime":1099.163,"body":"a minimum of five days a week."},{"startTime":1099.163,"endTime":1104.252,"body":"Four is adequate, five is perfect."},{"startTime":1104.502,"endTime":1109.7150000000001,"body":"And if you have the time, there is no harm"},{"startTime":1104.502,"endTime":1109.7150000000001,"body":"in doing them seven days a week."},{"startTime":1109.7150000000001,"endTime":1113.0520000000001,"body":"And that's going to give you"},{"startTime":1109.7150000000001,"endTime":1113.0520000000001,"body":"the most noticeable"},{"startTime":1113.0520000000001,"endTime":1116.806,"body":"neuromuscular adaptation brain back."},{"startTime":1117.64,"endTime":1122.3110000000001,"body":"If I could give one piece of homework"},{"startTime":1117.64,"endTime":1122.3110000000001,"body":"to everyone."},{"startTime":1122.5620000000001,"endTime":1127.066,"body":"It has so many benefits"},{"startTime":1122.5620000000001,"endTime":1127.066,"body":"for so many different things,"},{"startTime":1127.358,"endTime":1130.987,"body":"but in the context of this neuro"},{"startTime":1127.358,"endTime":1130.987,"body":"mechanical training,"},{"startTime":1131.279,"endTime":1134.5320000000002,"body":"the asking a horse to step backwards"},{"startTime":1134.5320000000002,"endTime":1137.535,"body":"6 to 10 steps in hand,"},{"startTime":1137.618,"endTime":1140.7050000000002,"body":"or even in this case,"},{"startTime":1137.618,"endTime":1140.7050000000002,"body":"when we're talking about that"},{"startTime":1140.7050000000002,"endTime":1143.958,"body":"neuro mechanical training,"},{"startTime":1140.7050000000002,"endTime":1143.958,"body":"it can be done under attack,"},{"startTime":1145.084,"endTime":1147.086,"body":"ensuring that they're not"},{"startTime":1147.086,"endTime":1150.548,"body":"dragging their feet,"},{"startTime":1147.086,"endTime":1150.548,"body":"that they're taking sort of big backwards"},{"startTime":1150.548,"endTime":1154.385,"body":"marching steps,"},{"startTime":1150.548,"endTime":1154.385,"body":"and that we're only using very light"},{"startTime":1154.385,"endTime":1157.3880000000001,"body":"pressure"},{"startTime":1154.385,"endTime":1157.3880000000001,"body":"on either the halter or the reins."},{"startTime":1157.8470000000002,"endTime":1160.7250000000001,"body":"Being careful, you know, we"},{"startTime":1157.8470000000002,"endTime":1160.7250000000001,"body":"if they're being compliant and doing what"},{"startTime":1160.7250000000001,"endTime":1164.353,"body":"we're asking,"},{"startTime":1160.7250000000001,"endTime":1164.353,"body":"we want to ask gently and with the head"},{"startTime":1164.353,"endTime":1170.1930000000002,"body":"in a neutral position,"},{"startTime":1164.353,"endTime":1170.1930000000002,"body":"what this does is it actually engages"},{"startTime":1170.1930000000002,"endTime":1176.199,"body":"the hind quarter musculature, the core"},{"startTime":1170.1930000000002,"endTime":1176.199,"body":"and those spinal stabilizer muscles."},{"startTime":1176.199,"endTime":1180.2030000000002,"body":"And this improves coordination"},{"startTime":1176.199,"endTime":1180.2030000000002,"body":"and strength in the horse."},{"startTime":1180.6200000000001,"endTime":1183.4560000000001,"body":"And these deliberate steps"},{"startTime":1183.4560000000001,"endTime":1186.834,"body":"enhance proprioception"},{"startTime":1183.4560000000001,"endTime":1186.834,"body":"as the horse goes backwards"},{"startTime":1187.084,"endTime":1190.5880000000002,"body":"and the horse shifts its weight,"},{"startTime":1190.5880000000002,"endTime":1193.5910000000001,"body":"going to its rear end."},{"startTime":1193.883,"endTime":1197.5110000000002,"body":"Now, you can"},{"startTime":1193.883,"endTime":1197.5110000000002,"body":"if you have a horse that's quite advanced"},{"startTime":1197.5110000000002,"endTime":1200.4730000000002,"body":"and you're doing this very regularly"},{"startTime":1197.5110000000002,"endTime":1200.4730000000002,"body":"and they're handling it well,"},{"startTime":1200.4730000000002,"endTime":1203.5590000000002,"body":"another thing you can do is back up"},{"startTime":1203.5590000000002,"endTime":1207.1460000000002,"body":"a very light incline,"},{"startTime":1203.5590000000002,"endTime":1207.1460000000002,"body":"like two degree incline,"},{"startTime":1207.313,"endTime":1211.817,"body":"and that will engage"},{"startTime":1207.313,"endTime":1211.817,"body":"these muscles even more and make this"},{"startTime":1212.026,"endTime":1215.6550000000002,"body":"an even more effective exercise"},{"startTime":1212.026,"endTime":1215.6550000000002,"body":"for those horses."},{"startTime":1216.489,"endTime":1218.8660000000002,"body":"I love hill work,"},{"startTime":1218.8660000000002,"endTime":1222.9540000000002,"body":"and when I say hill work,"},{"startTime":1218.8660000000002,"endTime":1222.9540000000002,"body":"I don't mean anything too crazy."},{"startTime":1222.9540000000002,"endTime":1227.583,"body":"We don't want to be going more"},{"startTime":1222.9540000000002,"endTime":1227.583,"body":"than a ten degree grade change."},{"startTime":1227.875,"endTime":1233.547,"body":"I'm not asking you to walk up the side"},{"startTime":1227.875,"endTime":1233.547,"body":"of a cliff, or down the side of a cliff."},{"startTime":1233.547,"endTime":1239.5120000000002,"body":"But in our warm ups and our cools downs"},{"startTime":1233.547,"endTime":1239.5120000000002,"body":"and in our,"},{"startTime":1239.5120000000002,"endTime":1244.392,"body":"our varied terrain day that I always like"},{"startTime":1239.5120000000002,"endTime":1244.392,"body":"to promote with my clients,"},{"startTime":1244.4750000000001,"endTime":1245.518,"body":"you know, get out of the ring,"},{"startTime":1245.518,"endTime":1248.98,"body":"go ride on the grass, on the sand,"},{"startTime":1245.518,"endTime":1248.98,"body":"do a little bit of hill work."},{"startTime":1249.188,"endTime":1254.6940000000002,"body":"If we can spend 10 to 15 minutes"},{"startTime":1249.188,"endTime":1254.6940000000002,"body":"a week, depending on the horses,"},{"startTime":1254.902,"endTime":1260.324,"body":"fitness level, and, you know, be"},{"startTime":1254.902,"endTime":1260.324,"body":"sensitive to it and build into it."},{"startTime":1260.324,"endTime":1264.4950000000001,"body":"Well,"},{"startTime":1260.324,"endTime":1264.4950000000001,"body":"going on these ten degree up and down,"},{"startTime":1264.7450000000001,"endTime":1269.1660000000002,"body":"grades can actually help also strengthen"},{"startTime":1264.7450000000001,"endTime":1269.1660000000002,"body":"the hind quarters,"},{"startTime":1269.375,"endTime":1273.462,"body":"the abdominal muscles and the back,"},{"startTime":1269.375,"endTime":1273.462,"body":"but also challenges"},{"startTime":1273.462,"endTime":1276.4650000000001,"body":"the nervous system"},{"startTime":1273.462,"endTime":1276.4650000000001,"body":"to maintain its balance."},{"startTime":1276.7990000000002,"endTime":1281.1370000000002,"body":"And it's coordination"},{"startTime":1276.7990000000002,"endTime":1281.1370000000002,"body":"as that uneven terrain,"},{"startTime":1281.5120000000002,"endTime":1285.182,"body":"is, is something"},{"startTime":1281.5120000000002,"endTime":1285.182,"body":"that it's really feeling in its body"},{"startTime":1285.182,"endTime":1289.6870000000001,"body":"at that ten degree grade, and it builds"},{"startTime":1285.182,"endTime":1289.6870000000001,"body":"neural pathways for stability"},{"startTime":1290.0210000000002,"endTime":1294.15,"body":"and of course, alternate the direction"},{"startTime":1290.0210000000002,"endTime":1294.15,"body":"uphill and downhill."},{"startTime":1294.692,"endTime":1298.612,"body":"Because it works different muscles"},{"startTime":1294.692,"endTime":1298.612,"body":"and different muscle groups"},{"startTime":1298.612,"endTime":1300.1560000000002,"body":"quite symmetrically."},{"startTime":1300.1560000000002,"endTime":1303.576,"body":"But it is important to go"},{"startTime":1300.1560000000002,"endTime":1303.576,"body":"uphill and downhill as well."},{"startTime":1304.8690000000001,"endTime":1307.663,"body":"Balance pads are another"},{"startTime":1307.663,"endTime":1312.1260000000002,"body":"really great way"},{"startTime":1307.663,"endTime":1312.1260000000002,"body":"to do this type of training."},{"startTime":1312.585,"endTime":1315.546,"body":"The for those of you"},{"startTime":1312.585,"endTime":1315.546,"body":"who haven't used them,"},{"startTime":1315.671,"endTime":1319.884,"body":"they can be just a piece of,"},{"startTime":1315.671,"endTime":1319.884,"body":"foam gym foam,"},{"startTime":1319.884,"endTime":1324.555,"body":"or you can buy them specifically"},{"startTime":1319.884,"endTime":1324.555,"body":"for horses, and you can put them either"},{"startTime":1324.555,"endTime":1328.1840000000002,"body":"under, one front foot"},{"startTime":1324.555,"endTime":1328.1840000000002,"body":"or under both front feet"},{"startTime":1328.3090000000002,"endTime":1332.188,"body":"or even one or both hind feet."},{"startTime":1332.605,"endTime":1335.9830000000002,"body":"And what this does is,"},{"startTime":1335.9830000000002,"endTime":1340.988,"body":"it gets the horses to shift their weight"},{"startTime":1335.9830000000002,"endTime":1340.988,"body":"really gently"},{"startTime":1340.988,"endTime":1346.327,"body":"when they're standing on these pads,"},{"startTime":1340.988,"endTime":1346.327,"body":"to basically get balance."},{"startTime":1346.327,"endTime":1351.248,"body":"So all of those micro proprioceptive,"},{"startTime":1351.248,"endTime":1355.086,"body":"those nerve endings in those joints"},{"startTime":1351.248,"endTime":1355.086,"body":"get quite excited."},{"startTime":1355.3780000000002,"endTime":1359.256,"body":"And it enhances"},{"startTime":1355.3780000000002,"endTime":1359.256,"body":"that proprioception in the horse"},{"startTime":1359.256,"endTime":1361.1750000000002,"body":"by forcing them to adjust"},{"startTime":1361.1750000000002,"endTime":1364.97,"body":"to the instability of that surface"},{"startTime":1361.1750000000002,"endTime":1364.97,"body":"they're standing on, and activates"},{"startTime":1364.97,"endTime":1370.518,"body":"all of those small stabilizing muscles"},{"startTime":1364.97,"endTime":1370.518,"body":"and improves that neural feedback loop."},{"startTime":1370.893,"endTime":1373.8960000000002,"body":"It's a really great for rehabbing"},{"startTime":1373.8960000000002,"endTime":1377.3580000000002,"body":"certain neurologic cases,"},{"startTime":1373.8960000000002,"endTime":1377.3580000000002,"body":"or refining balance."},{"startTime":1377.3580000000002,"endTime":1382.238,"body":"But if, from a safety perspective,"},{"startTime":1377.3580000000002,"endTime":1382.238,"body":"if you have a neurologic case,"},{"startTime":1382.4050000000002,"endTime":1387.451,"body":"we do want to make sure that we are,"},{"startTime":1387.451,"endTime":1391.2050000000002,"body":"you know, consulting with our veterinarian"},{"startTime":1387.451,"endTime":1391.2050000000002,"body":"before we do any of this work,"},{"startTime":1391.372,"endTime":1396.0430000000001,"body":"in case they become, lose your balance"},{"startTime":1391.372,"endTime":1396.0430000000001,"body":"or become, really unstable."},{"startTime":1396.0430000000001,"endTime":1398.796,"body":"We want to keep safety in mind."},{"startTime":1398.796,"endTime":1403.008,"body":"The other thing is introduce"},{"startTime":1398.796,"endTime":1403.008,"body":"the pads slowly to the horse."},{"startTime":1403.259,"endTime":1407.096,"body":"Let them feel comfortable and safe"},{"startTime":1403.259,"endTime":1407.096,"body":"with them under their feet."},{"startTime":1407.096,"endTime":1410.766,"body":"They shouldn't be left unsupervised,"},{"startTime":1407.096,"endTime":1410.766,"body":"with the balance pads."},{"startTime":1411.3500000000001,"endTime":1412.5600000000002,"body":"And so we watch them."},{"startTime":1412.5600000000002,"endTime":1417.189,"body":"And at any sign of discomfort, you know,"},{"startTime":1412.5600000000002,"endTime":1417.189,"body":"sometimes they just step off them."},{"startTime":1417.3980000000001,"endTime":1420.4840000000002,"body":"And that really and truly does mean"},{"startTime":1417.3980000000001,"endTime":1420.4840000000002,"body":"that they've had enough"},{"startTime":1420.4840000000002,"endTime":1424.6550000000002,"body":"and they can build up the amount of time,"},{"startTime":1420.4840000000002,"endTime":1424.6550000000002,"body":"their endurance,"},{"startTime":1424.9050000000002,"endTime":1428.4920000000002,"body":"if you will, to this exercise as, things"},{"startTime":1428.4920000000002,"endTime":1433.747,"body":"go on now, the other thing,"},{"startTime":1433.747,"endTime":1436.75,"body":"some people will pull on a horse's tail"},{"startTime":1437.1260000000002,"endTime":1439.6280000000002,"body":"as some of this neuro mechanical training."},{"startTime":1439.6280000000002,"endTime":1444.6750000000002,"body":"I personally do not like"},{"startTime":1439.6280000000002,"endTime":1444.6750000000002,"body":"pulling on a horse's tail."},{"startTime":1444.9250000000002,"endTime":1449.0130000000001,"body":"Unless you are a trained professional"},{"startTime":1444.9250000000002,"endTime":1449.0130000000001,"body":"who knows what you're doing."},{"startTime":1449.2630000000001,"endTime":1454.0590000000002,"body":"Because that tail is, of course,"},{"startTime":1449.2630000000001,"endTime":1454.0590000000002,"body":"an extension of the horse's spine."},{"startTime":1454.0590000000002,"endTime":1460.2320000000002,"body":"And there is a different way"},{"startTime":1454.0590000000002,"endTime":1460.2320000000002,"body":"to, promote isometric contractions,"},{"startTime":1460.3990000000001,"endTime":1462.902,"body":"and that is using a technique"},{"startTime":1460.3990000000001,"endTime":1462.902,"body":"I call a pelvic draw."},{"startTime":1462.902,"endTime":1467.6560000000002,"body":"So you're going to, stand"},{"startTime":1462.902,"endTime":1467.6560000000002,"body":"facing your horse at its height and,"},{"startTime":1468.365,"endTime":1473.9540000000002,"body":"and reach across, with your arm"},{"startTime":1468.365,"endTime":1473.9540000000002,"body":"to its opposite, its opposite side."},{"startTime":1474.163,"endTime":1476.624,"body":"So it's opposite. Opposite,"},{"startTime":1474.163,"endTime":1476.624,"body":"just on the other side."},{"startTime":1476.624,"endTime":1479.8770000000002,"body":"If it's too risky"},{"startTime":1476.624,"endTime":1479.8770000000002,"body":"and you're going to slowly draw"},{"startTime":1479.8770000000002,"endTime":1482.5880000000002,"body":"the horse's weight towards you,"},{"startTime":1479.8770000000002,"endTime":1482.5880000000002,"body":"being careful,"},{"startTime":1482.5880000000002,"endTime":1486.634,"body":"it does not step on your toes, of course,"},{"startTime":1482.5880000000002,"endTime":1486.634,"body":"when you don't want to pull it."},{"startTime":1486.634,"endTime":1488.844,"body":"So hard that it's losing its balance."},{"startTime":1488.844,"endTime":1493.933,"body":"And what this does, and you hold that,"},{"startTime":1488.844,"endTime":1493.933,"body":"you let the stifle engage"},{"startTime":1494.308,"endTime":1500.105,"body":"and you hold that for start with"},{"startTime":1494.308,"endTime":1500.105,"body":"four seconds build up to five, six, seven."},{"startTime":1500.105,"endTime":1503.651,"body":"If you could hold that for 10s,"},{"startTime":1500.105,"endTime":1503.651,"body":"I would be really, really impressed"},{"startTime":1503.9840000000002,"endTime":1506.362,"body":"with those muscles."},{"startTime":1506.362,"endTime":1511.9920000000002,"body":"Fully engaged"},{"startTime":1506.362,"endTime":1511.9920000000002,"body":"and under that little bit of resistance."},{"startTime":1511.9920000000002,"endTime":1512.284,"body":"Right."},{"startTime":1512.284,"endTime":1515.287,"body":"So they they are flexing those muscles"},{"startTime":1515.412,"endTime":1520.084,"body":"almost because they're forced to"},{"startTime":1515.412,"endTime":1520.084,"body":"by pulling their weight in that direction."},{"startTime":1520.2510000000002,"endTime":1524.505,"body":"So the neural mechanical benefit of"},{"startTime":1520.2510000000002,"endTime":1524.505,"body":"this is it's actually actually"},{"startTime":1524.505,"endTime":1528.592,"body":"activating both pelvic muscles"},{"startTime":1524.505,"endTime":1528.592,"body":"and the stifle muscles."},{"startTime":1528.592,"endTime":1531.929,"body":"Isometric"},{"startTime":1528.592,"endTime":1531.929,"body":"which enhances that neural connection,"},{"startTime":1531.971,"endTime":1536.642,"body":"for stability and proprioception,"},{"startTime":1531.971,"endTime":1536.642,"body":"which is useful for horses recovering from"},{"startTime":1536.642,"endTime":1541.48,"body":"hind quarter weakness, which we all know"},{"startTime":1536.642,"endTime":1541.48,"body":"is a common affliction in horses."},{"startTime":1541.689,"endTime":1546.2350000000001,"body":"Remember, stand close to those hind"},{"startTime":1541.689,"endTime":1546.2350000000001,"body":"quarter so you don't get kicked and stop."},{"startTime":1546.2350000000001,"endTime":1549.5300000000002,"body":"If the horse is resisting strongly."},{"startTime":1550.4060000000002,"endTime":1553.9930000000002,"body":"Remember, as with any exercise,"},{"startTime":1550.4060000000002,"endTime":1553.9930000000002,"body":"we want to start out simply"},{"startTime":1553.9930000000002,"endTime":1558.038,"body":"with all of these,"},{"startTime":1553.9930000000002,"endTime":1558.038,"body":"and gradually increase intensity"},{"startTime":1558.038,"endTime":1561.1660000000002,"body":"and duration as the horse's coordination"},{"startTime":1558.038,"endTime":1561.1660000000002,"body":"and strength improves."},{"startTime":1561.584,"endTime":1565.5880000000002,"body":"Typically for neuro mechanical"},{"startTime":1561.584,"endTime":1565.5880000000002,"body":"training to become effective,"},{"startTime":1565.8380000000002,"endTime":1568.6740000000002,"body":"it does take about"},{"startTime":1568.6740000000002,"endTime":1574.3880000000001,"body":"60 sessions to sort of master"},{"startTime":1568.6740000000002,"endTime":1574.3880000000001,"body":"your, a movement pattern,"},{"startTime":1574.5970000000002,"endTime":1578.058,"body":"and then you can begin"},{"startTime":1574.5970000000002,"endTime":1578.058,"body":"to build on strength from there."},{"startTime":1578.058,"endTime":1578.976,"body":"And I think a lot of people"},{"startTime":1578.976,"endTime":1582.855,"body":"are really shocked, when they hear that"},{"startTime":1578.976,"endTime":1582.855,"body":"because it is a process."},{"startTime":1582.855,"endTime":1584.0230000000001,"body":"It is a long process."},{"startTime":1584.0230000000001,"endTime":1587.6930000000002,"body":"So I do encourage you to start now"},{"startTime":1587.8600000000001,"endTime":1590.8210000000001,"body":"so that you see those benefits"},{"startTime":1587.8600000000001,"endTime":1590.8210000000001,"body":"and not look at it and say,"},{"startTime":1590.8210000000001,"endTime":1592.1970000000001,"body":"oh, that's a long process."},{"startTime":1592.1970000000001,"endTime":1594.4910000000002,"body":"And get overwhelmed and not start."},{"startTime":1594.4910000000002,"endTime":1596.3680000000002,"body":"And we want to be doing it consistently."},{"startTime":1596.3680000000002,"endTime":1601.874,"body":"We're talking 3 to 5 times a week"},{"startTime":1596.3680000000002,"endTime":1601.874,"body":"for 6 to 8 weeks in a row to establish"},{"startTime":1601.874,"endTime":1608.4640000000002,"body":"new neural pathways, and adjust,"},{"startTime":1601.874,"endTime":1608.4640000000002,"body":"sort of what's going on"},{"startTime":1608.4640000000002,"endTime":1612.009,"body":"with our intensity and duration"},{"startTime":1608.4640000000002,"endTime":1612.009,"body":"based on those horses responses."},{"startTime":1612.4260000000002,"endTime":1615.429,"body":"Watch for signs of fatigue, discomfort,"},{"startTime":1612.4260000000002,"endTime":1615.429,"body":"uneven movement."},{"startTime":1615.429,"endTime":1620.142,"body":"And remember, consult your vet if"},{"startTime":1615.429,"endTime":1620.142,"body":"there are underlying neurologic conditions"},{"startTime":1620.601,"endTime":1625.8980000000001,"body":"or anything like that, and integrate"},{"startTime":1620.601,"endTime":1625.8980000000001,"body":"these into your warm up and cool down"},{"startTime":1625.8980000000001,"endTime":1629.7350000000001,"body":"just five minutes of, walking,"},{"startTime":1630.0690000000002,"endTime":1633.989,"body":"and doing these exercises at the walk"},{"startTime":1630.0690000000002,"endTime":1633.989,"body":"building up"},{"startTime":1633.989,"endTime":1638.077,"body":"to ten minutes at the beginning"},{"startTime":1633.989,"endTime":1638.077,"body":"and end of your ridden sessions"},{"startTime":1638.3690000000001,"endTime":1642.9150000000002,"body":"can really help"},{"startTime":1638.3690000000001,"endTime":1642.9150000000002,"body":"to both prepare and relax the horses."},{"startTime":1643.7910000000002,"endTime":1645.6680000000001,"body":"Neuromuscular system."},{"startTime":1646.96,"endTime":1650.7140000000002,"body":"So I hope you guys have"},{"startTime":1646.96,"endTime":1650.7140000000002,"body":"taken some practical insights from these"},{"startTime":1650.7140000000002,"endTime":1651.632,"body":"and takeaways."},{"startTime":1651.632,"endTime":1654.968,"body":"Grab your pen and paper, playback"},{"startTime":1651.632,"endTime":1654.968,"body":"this exercise"},{"startTime":1655.3860000000002,"endTime":1658.5970000000002,"body":"or this episode,"},{"startTime":1655.3860000000002,"endTime":1658.5970000000002,"body":"and write down these exercises,"},{"startTime":1658.7640000000001,"endTime":1661.642,"body":"knowing that they are targeting"},{"startTime":1658.7640000000001,"endTime":1661.642,"body":"that interplay"},{"startTime":1661.642,"endTime":1665.1450000000002,"body":"between the horse's nervous system"},{"startTime":1661.642,"endTime":1665.1450000000002,"body":"and musculoskeletal structure,"},{"startTime":1665.354,"endTime":1668.9820000000002,"body":"which is only going to foster"},{"startTime":1665.354,"endTime":1668.9820000000002,"body":"better movement patterns and resilience."},{"startTime":1668.9820000000002,"endTime":1673.862,"body":"For your horses, they can be adapted"},{"startTime":1668.9820000000002,"endTime":1673.862,"body":"for your specific goals, whether you're"},{"startTime":1673.862,"endTime":1679.159,"body":"rehabbing from an injury or enhancing"},{"startTime":1673.862,"endTime":1679.159,"body":"their sort of athletic, performance."},{"startTime":1679.159,"endTime":1685.082,"body":"If they're a show horse and they can be"},{"startTime":1679.159,"endTime":1685.082,"body":"tailored to any horse's specific needs."}]}