03/05/2026
Barrel racer clients , have a read ! Remember we cannot " pick up " the shoulder ...
Honestly, shouldering into a turn is usually NOT a training issue. Of course, in some cases, yes training is a part of this. However… After lots and lots and LOTS of no times (and bruises🥲… Featured in the attached pictures) later I learned more commonly shouldering is actually a failure of dynamic stabilization. I thank a lot of this learning to Celeste Lazaris and Betsy Vonda, as well as Summer Terry.
For years I joked around calling this the motorcycle. Which really, that’s what it looks like. Later I heard this from Celeste, and it stuck. Except, no longer in a joking manner.
The equine forelimb is attached to the trunk exclusively through muscular and fascial structures. Horses do NOT have a clavicle. This is a really important concept to understand when differentiating horses’ biomechanics.
The thorax is suspended between the scapulae via the thoracic sling… primarily the serratus ventralis (thoracis and cervicis), deep and superficial pectorals, trapezius, rhomboids, and associated fascia.
The thoracic sling is everything here.
When neuromuscular fatigue or weakness exists within this, there is a decrease in the lift of the trunk. The scapula loses controlled glide. And… The shoulder collapses toward the ground.
Aka -
𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠.
However, this is rarely isolated just to the front end.
If pelvic stabilizers (multifidus, deep gluteals, iliopsoas, abdominals) are weak or in dysfunction there is a decrease in hip extension, asymmetrical pelvic rotation, and reduced propulsive force.
The front end compensates.
Now take a look at the attached images.
The lunging images -
This immediately connects us back to the perfect circle.
Let’s use that knowledge and pick apart what’s going on here.
First, we can see a little dip in front of the withers here. That dip tells a story.
This already gives a lot of information.
This dip often corresponds with a chain of biomechanical compensations. Remember how important I said the small details are? Here’s a great example. This is a small detail that matters.
When a horse elevates the head and neck without true thoracic lift -
* The back hollows
* The hind end disengages
* The thoracic spine is pushed downward between the scapula
As the spine drops, the surrounding soft tissues (muscle and fascia) are pulled downward with it. That visible dip is often a sign of reduced thoracic sling support and/or hind end weakness or pain.
In many cases, the horse does this to relieve pain originating from the hind end or to compensate for hind end weakness. It's a protective mechanism that often leads to long term consequences if not properly addressed.
Now let’s look closer.
Her head is positioned to the outside of the shoulder.
Her inside front leg is collapsing inward on the circle.
There is limited lift through the thoracic region.
Minimal abdominal engagement.
She is landing toe first.
There’s a lot of information here. And a LOT that connects back to the other images.
Not only that, but what you see here is also developing the body in a way that is ultimately detrimental. This is something to think about when it comes to relaying heavily on lunging and/or walkers. These images are dramatic to really illustrate a visual; however, this can be happening in a much more subtle manner as well.
The musculoskeletal system will always default to the most mechanically accessible strategy available.
So that being said -
If pelvic engagement is insufficient and thoracic sling is underdeveloped… we see inward collapse. 𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈. Why? Because the body does not have access to a better strategy.
Think about that.
Truly, that perspective shift changes everything.
This is where Celeste’s magic comes in. The Balance Through Movement Method has shifted my perspective altogether over the years. ESPECIALLY with this.
She made an analogy that is incredibly eye opening.
She said -
“Stand up, and walk a little circle.
In order to correctly balance your body around a bend, you have to be walking with about 15-25% abduction on your outside leg.
If you walk neutral, you'll end up collapsing into the inside leg for support and that will have a direct effect on your pelvis. 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫.
If engage your core and make sure your center of gravity is grounded and then step out and into your outside leg, your pelvis will stay upright and support your spine. 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐝.
If you try to abduct your outside leg without engaging your core or having good balance, you'll likely just tip over into that leg. 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫.”
Strengthen the thoracic sling.
Strengthen pelvic stabilizers.
Create symmetry in both abduction and adduction.
Teach the body how to use the new strength in movement including circles, transitions, and lateral work.
Learn how to apply under saddle.
#𝙐𝙣𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨
Top graphic illustration made by Rozenn Grosjean.
