Why Total Balance?

Training creates attitude. Attitude controls performance.

When a horse is not performing at his best, often we seek to train him out of the resistance. Every action we take on behalf of our horse is a type of training. We train the muscles to do the work, we train the rider to request correctly, and we even feed the horse based on training concepts. But what if the resistance to training is caused by pain or weaknesses? Will training affect the pain in a positive or negative manner? If we try to train them through the pain, will he harm another area of his performance to do so? These are questions the Total Balance Method can answer. By dissecting the issues separately, and then evaluating how they affect the horse and his performance as a whole, the Total Balance Method provides you with the information and the tools for making true corrections for you and your horse. In the end, what are you doing but building your relationship on the training you do together. Is your relationship building on pain?

Conformation: The horse's bone structure-length of bone and angles-gives him a range of motion that is limited by the factors of the bone. Conformation issues exist for every horse, but not every issue has the same relationship to each horse and his job. Understanding the job and the conformation's relationship to that job helps the rider to protect his horse's weaknesses while promoting strength in the areas that can be optimized for his performance. We provide understanding of your horse's conformation.

Chiropractic alignment: Fixed skeletal structure is held together with flexible attachments to provide cushioning while flexing. When counter-balance occurs with relative force, the skeletal structure may become compromised and lose its alignment, applying undue pressure to the area of bone shift. Alignment issues will cause a horse to begin a pattern of compensation that will cause joint pain, poor performance and poor attitudes about his work. We assist with resolution to chiropractic alignment issues.

Foot Balance: Conformation begins the process of footfall, and chiropractic supports the conformation, but the science of hoof technology is also an element. If the foot is trimmed to accommodate a travel pattern that is currently out of alignment, the horse will have weight shifts to compensate. If the faulty alignment has caused long-term weight shift, the foot may not be landing balanced to his leg bones, causing counter shifting. Workload and stress change how the horse carries his weight to his feet. We work with you and your farrier to understand how the travel patterns of your horse change his performance.

Myotherapy: Muscles give the conformation movement. If alignment has compromised the conformation, the muscles are unable to maximize performance. If mal-alignment has caused dysfunction in the muscles, then training cannot progress. Myotherapy is a form of massage encompassing in-depth study of muscle physiology and the biomechanics of gait movement. Often over-exertion of muscles due to repetitive workouts causes muscle shortening, creates trigger points or in extreme cases, tears the muscles. Myotherapy promotes stimulation of blood flow, healthy activation of muscles seized by pain, as well as many other advantages. We affect the cause, not just the symptom with myotherapy.

Stretches: Some muscle distortions have an obvious role in performance transgressions. To work the muscles affected is an important step in the re-training of the muscle's memory so that it can begin to perform in the manner it should. A routine of selected stretches is used to assist the issues exhibited by your horse so that his issues are targeted directly for more precise performance goals. We teach you how, why and when to use them.
Nutrition: When the body's systems are forced to utilize its raw material to support distressed areas, the body often depletes its normal volume of proteins, vitamins and minerals, leaving an imbalance of resources. The body transmits clues as to what areas need additional assistance to meet the immediate needs of the work or issue depleting it. Without nourishment to his body systems, the horse will begin to exhibit loss in weight, muscle tone, an over abundance of weight to inappropriate areas or even emotional issues such as depression or aggression. We help you understand and investigate your options.

Rider awareness: The riders can support, correct and influence the horse's performance. As a consequence to this close relationship, they can also unwittingly inhibit the ability of the horse to do what is asked of him. Continued work patterns under the impact of chiropractic mal-alignment, muscle distortion; pain related resistance or foot balance issues causes the rider to learn compensation factors along with her horse. Total Balance Method Instructors can identify issues of compensation taking place and help you correct them. We can provide under-saddle or ground exercises to re-train your riding patterns to follow a balanced performance. We will help you improve your riding performance.

With additional tools in applied acupuncture theory, LED light pad therapy, supplements, essential oils, muscle testing plus innovative tools on the market in complimentary therapies, the Total Balance Method brings you an extremely comprehensive evaluation process that literally every horse and rider will benefit from.

Training creates attitude. Attitude controls performance.