𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆: 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗲

Did you know that a horse's tongue plays a crucial role in their overall movement and comfort?

Bio-mechanically and anatomically, the tongue, which is the largest muscle in the horses head, is connected to various muscles and structures throughout the horse's body - both the Top Line (Dorsal Chain) and Bottom Line (Ventral Chain) of muscles see 2nd Pic. The tongue's position and freedom can influence the horse's balance, posture, and movement.

When the tongue is restricted (by tight nosebands, an uncomfortable bit, and or a heavy or strong contact from the rider), it can cause tension in the tongue, which affects the hyoid apparatus and the muscles connected to the sternum (sternohyoid) and shoulders (omnohyoid), leading to stiffness and compromised movement in the shoulders which has a knock on effect to the movement of the back and hind quarters. I cover this aspect in my initial stable check on all of my consultations and in my pamphlet.

The worst thing we get taught when riding is to "ride the horse onto the contact with the legs". as this implies that we 'set a contact with our hands' and drive the horse into the contact - Except the horse can not move through it's back and hind 1/4's correctly if we are blocking it's movement with a 'contact' that applies and causes tension to the horse's toungue.

We are used to hearing the hind quarters of the horse being described as "the engine" as the large muscle groups in the hindquarters (of which the gluteals and biceps femoris are two) are essential part of the horses propulsion - no different to us. I describe the shoulder and its muscles as being like the handbreak, as when there is tension in the shoulder area, the forelegs will not swing fluidly and openly as they could and should. Tension is applied to the shoulder areas "the handbreake" via the head and neck. Just like us if we suffer from tension in our jaw, and head it inevitably spreads into our neck and then shoulders, which can become sore.

Ensuring that your horse's bit and bridle, and you have with the bit, are not the cause of any tension and allow the tongue to move freely helps, maintain a natural bio-mechanically correct posture and promotes fluid, unrestricted movement.

This not only enhances performance but also supports your horse's overall well-being and happiness. Remember, a comfortable horse is a happy horse!