Beyond te Shoulder- Rebalancing the Modern Dressage Horse

Modern dressage breeding has produced horses with impressive movement and expressive gaits, but it has also created a prevalence of “legmovers” – horses that move predominantly from the limbs rather than through a functional, engaged back. This shift in biomechanics can lead to postural imbalances, shoulder diving, hollow backs, and ultimately lameness if not addressed proactively.

 

Beyond the Shoulder – Rebalancing the Modern Dressage Horse is a comprehensive, modular program designed to equip both equine physiotherapists and riders with the tools to restore balance, function, and long-term soundness in these modern sport horses. Each module combines theory and extensive hands-on practice, including:

Lunging and groundwork to develop vertical balance and functional bend

Manual therapy and postural assessment

Under-saddle instruction to integrate correct movement patterns

Training for qualified instructors on how to teach these concepts to their students

 

Modules are fully stand-alone and delivered in English, allowing participants to build their knowledge progressively or focus on the areas most relevant to their practice or riding.

 

The program emphasizes prevention of lameness and long-term soundness, teaching participants to recognize biomechanical limitations, understand compensatory movement patterns, and work effectively with horses that have been influenced by modern breeding trends.

Whether you are a physiotherapist seeking deeper biomechanical insight, a rider aiming to improve your horse’s function, or an instructor wanting to deliver high-quality education to your students, Beyond the Shoulder provides practical, evidence-based solutions to develop stronger, healthier, and more balanced horses.

 Day 1 – Observation, Assessment & Core Principles

1. Introduction: The Modern Dressage Horse

Understanding “legmover” vs. “backmover” mechanics

How lack of thoracic lift leads to falling over the shoulder and vertical imbalance and dropping of the sternum.

Importance of engaging the thoracic sling and core muscles for functional movement.

 

2. Observation & Assessment on the Line

Evaluating vertical balance and symmetry in walk and trot

Identifying shoulder diving, hollow back, or compensatory stiffness

Explaining how a bridle and bit can influence ribcage rotation as well.

 

3. Correct Lunging Setup

Circle size, body position, and line handling for optimal engagement

Choice and correct use of aids (whip, voice, body cues)

Encouraging thoracic lift and back-driven movement from the start 

 

4. Invisible Corrections: Using Energy & Body Language

Becoming aware of your own body posture, alignment, and center of gravity

Using subtle weight shifts, energy, and intention to influence horse posture

Hands-on exercises: guiding the horse into vertical lift without visible aids

Reading horse reactions and adjusting your own energy to maintain balance

Applying these corrections during walk and trot patterns on the lunge

 

 Day 2 – Advanced Lunging & Functional Bend

 

5. Introducing Functional Lateral Flexion

Encouraging correct lateroflexion on the lunge without collapsing the back

Exercises for thoracic mobility and shoulder stability

Controlled transitions to improve rhythm, coordination, and balance

 

6. Dynamic Exercises for Back Engagement

Circle exercises with varying tempo and bend

Spiral-ins and spiral-outs to encourage stretch and lift

Backward steps and halt transitions to increase core engagement

 

7. Correcting Common Compensations

Shoulder diving, hollow back, and overuse of forelimbs

Hands-on demonstration of line corrections and subtle aid adjustments

Guided practice with feedback for each participant

 

8. Putting It All Together

Sequencing exercises into a complete lunging session

Maintaining vertical balance and functional bend throughout

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

Set up and conduct lunging sessions that encourage back-driven movement

Identify and correct shoulder diving, hollow back, and vertical imbalance

Use subtle, “invisible” corrections through energy and body language to influence posture

Apply circles, transitions, spirals, and lateral flexion exercises to restore functional engagement

Develop home lunging plans for continued postural improvement