Horse, Doesn't Hold Thy Breath

When doing up the cinch or girth on your horses saddle, a common myth you may of been led to believe is that the horse will hold their breath, or 'blows out' during the process.

What you are actually feeling is the horse tensing as a natural response to the feeling around them. When a girth is applied compassionately over time, the horse will remain relaxed throughout. Unfortunately, many horses become sour or cinchy due to over-girthing or rushing, causing the horse to become tense in anticipation to an unpleasant, and sometimes painful, experience, giving the impression of holding the breath.

The horse will only withhold their breath in one situation, and that is whilst they are suspended over a jump; not when being girthed.

I always check and do my girth 3/4 times before I ride away, ensuring my horse has ample time to relax, both physically and mentally.

- #RoscaHorsemanship #BlogRosca