“Longitudinal” relaxation exercises, which mobilize the horse along the length of his body. Lateral relaxation exercises, which mobilize the sides of the horse’s body.”
― Guillaume Henry: Relaxation Exercises for Horses
This week I bring you a title that I found different than expected and delightful all the same. Today I bring you Relaxation Exercises for Horses: A Guide to Soft, Supple and Light by Guillaume Henry.
You can get your copy directly here at Trafalgar Square books!
“Remember, keeping the aids applied continuously only leads to resistance and tensions in the horse; applying the aids and then releasing them, and then applying them again, is what creates a continuous ongoing movement.”
― Guillaume Henry: Relaxation Exercises for Horses
Relaxation for Horses was first published in 2023 and covers only 96 pages including a number of helpful photographs and illustrations to describe the author’s points.
Though the page count is lower than some of my other reads the author covers quite a lot in short succinct sentences. This is the type of book you need to slow down to thoroughly read. Even then you may want to read through once and return to it again to practice just before riding.
“A tense or constrained horse (whose way of going is impaired) will extend his head upward, not forward, when he’s released by the opening of the rider’s fingers. By contrast, the horse whose posture and bearing are correct will extend forward, seeking the contact.”
― Guillaume Henry: Relaxation Exercises for Horses
Originally, I picked up this book because I wanted to help Stanley calm down. I was literally thinking of exercises to relax the mind…and help him find Zen. This book wasn’t “Zen-mind” for horses…it did not address a horse with anxiety or ADHD…but as I read it, I realized the outcome will in fact help him become more relaxed as he becomes better able to perform inside his own body.
Guillaume is a trainer who studied at the French National Riding Academy. Having written over 20 books focusing on the technique and history of riding he composes this book around the foundations of dressage. As with most of the horses we get today we find imbalances within the horse’s natural movements.
“A horse can only be straightened if he’s supple and relaxed, on both sides of his body; you need to alternate longitudinal stretching with lateral stretching, if you’re going to maintain the horse’s impulsion and energy and work on his flexibility and suppleness at the same time.”
― Guillaume Henry: Relaxation Exercises for Horses
Stanley is an off-track thoroughbred. He had a big pulling shoulder, heavier on the forehand, weaker in the hindquarters. He was significantly more developed (and tighter) on the right side than the left. The goal of this book is to help RELAX the muscles on the more tense side of the horse and help him become more balanced overall. In other words, to help Stanley stretch through is right side and use the left better. And to help him shift his weight back to his haunches and off his forehand.
I still consider myself new to the dressage world, but I was happy to realize that my trainer has already been working with us on everything Guillaume has written within these pages. Our training has progressed very similarly to the book, and I find it exciting, exhilarating, and a great reinforcement for what we’re doing.
“Worry about the impulsion later! It’s better to start a little slow than to demand too much from the start, jostling and nagging a horse who simply doesn’t have the strength or flexibility to give you what you’re asking for.”
― Guillaume Henry: Relaxation Exercises for Horses
Because I’m so focused on listening to my trainer and applying the movements I’m told I don’t always have the capacity to store the knowledge away in my memory after our lessons. The text is clear and informative; Guillaume describes everything very well so that you can learn and understand OUT of the saddle. Sometimes I find I need that OUT of the saddle education in addition to the “doing it, practicing, practicing, practicing.”
Learning the theory and committing it to memory also helps with recall once the trainer is no longer there. I have said many times among friends…I am too dependent on my trainer. I can never remember what I should do with my rides and sometimes simply go in circles and do the same half ring serpentines as I do on other days. If that sounds familiar to you books like this one show you the way.
“Working on the canter, in dressage, is an exacting task. It comes with three stages: strengthening it, straightening it, and collecting it.”
― Guillaume Henry: Relaxation Exercises for Horses
Final Word:
Although it was not what I expected, I am delighted by Relaxation Exercises For Horses by Guillaume Henry. The book is brief but loaded with information that will in fact relax the horse’s body. Not for a short period of time but if done well for his working career. This book will create long-term relaxation and balance to your horse and help him
This book is excellent if you ride dressage already. If you don’t consider this book anyway. Any ridden horse can benefit from the thoughtful exercises that will help him develop into a softer more balanced version of himself.
After realizing I’ve been working these exercises with my trainer all along…and having had a few really major breakthroughs in the last few weeks I would shout it from the highest rooftops. WOW! My horse is REMARKABLY more balanced and softer…and more relaxed, supple, and engaged than he ever has been. We’re on a journey but the changes are noticeable.
“Don’t wait-like certain riders who will never make real progress-for the weather to be nice, for a better horse, a better trainer, a better saddle, for the day when you’re sleeping better, eating better, more fit. Don’t look for excuses not to maximize what you’re getting out of your time with your horse-not to maximize your concentration, your effort, and your joy, here and now.”
― Guillaume Henry: Relaxation Exercises for Horses
I also want to add that I buy most of my horse books from Trafalgar Square Books. I’m excited to say that I am an affiliate with the publisher, and so proud to be. Trafalgar Square embodies the spirit of horse people…. they ARE horse people. The operation is based in an old barn in Vermont and run by only a few people…people you can talk to and meet in person at events. It’s not a big corporate conglomerate, and for that I am grateful. This happens to be one of such books. You can find your copy through my affiliate link here, it’ll let TSB know I sent you!
Relaxation Exercises for Horses: A Guide to Soft, Supple, and Light by Guillaume Henry
Published by Trafalgar Square books, North Pomfret, VT
If you have any questions, comments, or would like further information, please contact:
contact@trafalgarbooks.com / (802) 356 6706
The Green Horseman 
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