The Art of Natural Dressage

Hello all. I'm quite new, and I hope this topic has not already been discussed (I searched for it). I have been reading that it can be painful and damaging to your horse's back to ride for a certain amount of time. I've heard 5 minutes is the right time, I've also heard 15 minutes is the right time.

I have always thought ways your horse's back could be hurt were if he is not in shape for the riding you want to do, the saddle or saddle pad does not fit properly (or riding bareback hitting pressure points?), the rider weight is too heavy for the horse, or if the rider is riding very sloppy. But I read in an article that riding shuts down the blood flow, causing pain, and then goes numb. I would be horrified if that was true and everytime I have been riding my horse that has happened. But wouldn't my horse show signs of pain? I don't understand.

I really love to go on trails with my horse and he is always very energetic/excited when we are on a trail. Sometimes we ride for long trail rides, is this is a bad thing? Or if my horse and I go camping and ride a few hours each day (if he is in shape for it)?

I am still learning so I want to understand :). Thank you.

Hi Kali,

I started a similiar disscussion in the Research Material section. Under Does Riding Harm Our Horses. I was reffering to the same article you are it sounds like.

Anyways, you might find some posts there that would be helpful.

Leah

Oh really? Oops, I thought I'd checked everywhere. I'll go look at that now, thank you :).