With Jenny Adamson, Equine Physiotherapist & Rehabilitation Specialist
If you’ve ever felt like one rein is harder… your horse feels stiff… or something just isn’t quite even… You’re not alone. This is one of the most common things I see. And it’s easy to label it as stiffness. But in many cases, what you’re feeling isn’t actually stiffness at all.
The clocks have gone forward, evenings are lighter, and many of us are finally out riding more often. You’re excited to ride again — but maybe a little anxious too: Is my horse strong enough after winter? Am I doing too much too soon? Am I pushing them the wrong way? There’s a clear, practical way to set your horse up for strength, balance, and comfort — and enjoy every ride along the way.
You can have a horse that looks “fit”, but still feels stiff, heavy, or uneven to ride. More often than not, the missing piece isn’t more work. It’s flexibility. Because without it, your horse physically can’t move as well as they’re capable of — no matter how hard they try.
Most horse owners care deeply about their horses and want to do the best for them. But there’s something many riders simply haven’t been taught - a horse’s back is not automatically strong enough for riding. And riding alone does not necessarily build the strength needed to carry a rider properly.
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