In my upcoming book, In It for the Horses: A Journey from Whips to Whispers (July 2025), I advocate for a revolutionary shift in our approach to horsemanship. Challenging the long-held belief that horse training is a series of battles where humans, as supposedly superior beings, must dominate to achieve mastery. Instead, I propose a more compassionate, spiritually aware approach that transforms not just our relationship with horses, but potentially our connection to the natural world as a whole. In this video, you will see this philosophy in action and learn the importance of clearing yourself of any preplanned agenda and working solely on Equine Standard Time.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
So, my plan was to put an ace bandage head wrap on Jalila so you could watch how she responds. I’ve done it once before and she immediately put her head to the ground and went through all this releasing process.
Part of the problem here in what happened is that I couldn’t quite remember how I was supposed to handle the bandage. And so, I got an agenda in my head about tying the bandage and she sensed that disconnect. You can see already that she’s putting her head up higher and her tail is swishing. She’s telling me that I need to calm my brain. And I’m thinking: do I wrap it here? How do I get this to fasten so I can come across the forehead? I just came across… If I hadn’t let go, things might have been okay, but then the wind blew it and everything went south.
I went out to make a video about four things you can learn to do to help your horse after a pull-back incident. Don’t worry, those four things are in here, but the experience offered too many opportunities to limit it to just them.
I want to show that horses who understand positive reinforcement training are not nippy or pushy or food obsessed. Here, I clicked Jalila for looking at me and consenting to have the headgear put on and I want you to see what happens when the video resumes: I offer the treat, and she tells me she’d rather not take it from my hand. She wants me to put it on the ground instead.
That done, I step back and invite her to approach. The rapid clicks tell her, “You’re on the right track. Keep going.”
I have the bandage over my shoulder and I’m getting the side-eye. She’s willing to stay by me but not very crazy about the whole bandage idea yet. I’m happy that she’s not really moving away and she’s remaining engaged, but I really blew it as far as being able to put that head wrap on her for today.
I still need to deal with the fact that she has been traumatized and that has created tension in her body. So, much like a pull-back incident, we’re going to continue and see if we can release things and get her happy.
This presents a really good opportunity to show the value of teaching a horse to target. Because you can change the subject in a conversation and do something with the target––immediately go to something they’re very comfortable with, they’re very successful, and they understand everything about it. With that, you can reintroduce the scary thing. The clicker makes a bridge between the scary thing and the familiar. You see I can take the target very close to that bandage, where just a few minutes ago, she wouldn’t even come near me with it on my shoulder. She’s already touching it. I can place the treat on the board. She’ll touch the target. She’ll switch and put her nose by the bandage. She’s a little concerned, but it’s definitely taken a lot of the charge out of it.
Another thing that’s really important with a lot of horses, and this horse in particular, is movement for stress release. Confinement can amp her up to where her brain doesn’t work very well anymore. So, I’m going to ask her to travel around a little bit and then offer the target again. (Jalila approaches the target, which is placed by the bandage) Here, I can actually put it on the target and then pick it up with the target. She remains curious. All of this is good.
So, I spent probably a half hour getting to this point where we could be over the bandage thing. I’m not going to try and put it on her. That would be a bridge too far and a sure-fire step toward failure. It reminds me of my friend and favorite farrier, Doug Fraiser, who always said: It don’t pay to hurry a horse. When you’re working with a horse, you’re on Equine Standard Time. And that is one of the best lessons you could learn from this video.
AND NOW, THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ADDRESS THE TRAUMA OF PULLING BACK
Cross-fiber massage of the RECTUS CAPITUS LATERALIS muscle
There’s a muscle that runs from behind the ear, along the crest by the poll, that is often tight, and a cross-fiber massage is generally well received. For any reason, by most horses.
Wither and Tail Rock
To do a wither rock, I simply cup my hands over the withers and shift my weight back and forth from my heels to the balls of my feet. Now you notice that she stepped away. That’s not because she doesn’t like the wither rock. We do enough bodywork together that she’s telling me she wants her sacrum released. So, I switch to a tail rock. My hand is cupped over the top of the dock of her tail. You can see that her whole body moves in response to the slightest shift in my weight.
Connected Groundwork Cheek Delineation
Peggy’s Cumming’s Cheek Delineation exercise releases tension in the throatlatch and the TMJ joint. It’s beneficial after a pull-back incident, also after dental work, and can be part of a daily routine after riding or groundwork to help relax the horse’s throatlatch.
You can start at the center of the forehead. Then come along the side of the TMJ with your hand slightly cupped. Run your fingers along the groove behind the horse’s ear, along the cheekbone (the mandible) and when you get to about the center point, just pause, and hold to release the muscle.
Connected Groundwork Caterpillar
The Connected Groundwork exercise called Caterpillar not only releases a horse’s neck and poll, but it also promotes telescoping, an action necessary for a horse to lift through the shoulders in motion.
Begin at the base of the neck. Cup your hand gently (like a clamshell) then gently open and close your hand as you slide along the jugular groove toward the poll. This is not a massaging action, so don’t squeeze.
You’ll notice that I add a reward for the release, so Jalila knows she has done what I expect. I have not yet put this response on command, but I do click her for doing it when working around the round pen.
I also plan to bring the two together to improve her posture and self-carriage in movement.
Jalila Around the Round Pen
We’re in the early stages of this but you can see that by clicking I can encourage her to seek this certain posture and it does encourage telescoping. As I work to improve the duration of that posture, we will be able to work on different things like lengthened stride and how much she pushes from her hindquarters, but this is just the beginning of the application.
Crest Massage
Another exercise you can do for tension in the neck is to begin at the withers and gently squeeze the crest with an upward lifting action. Move up the entire neck in two-inch increments.
TTouch Zig Zag or Zebra
The Tellington Method, developed by Lind-Tellington Jones, is a unique system for handling animals. This exercise is called the Zig Zag or Zebra. Use it to connect your horse front to back and increase circulation.
Using a soft hand, begin at the shoulder or behind the ear and trace the the stripes of a zebra along the whole animal.
Peggy Cummings advocates using this TTouch under the saddle pad after a ride to increase airflow and promote cooling. Be sure to do both sides.
SUPPORTIVE INFORMATION
Introduction
I hope the two preceding posts have convinced you that shrugging your shoulders and doing nothing isn't an option. No pull-back event should be written off as insignificant. In the previous posts, I discussed the damage a pull-back incident can do to your horse and potential long-term effects. I also recommended seeking veterinary and/or bodyworker evaluation and taking steps to lessen the trauma. But what if professional care isn't accessible or affordable or you've determined the incident was minor?
So, let's look at some things you can do…
But first, let me briefly introduce you to these two modalities.
Connected Groundwork® is part of Connected Riding® and Connected Enterprises founded by Peggy Cummings. This training method aims to diminish bracing patterns in both horse and human. This dynamic approach allows horses to shift weight easily, move by releasing tension rather than creating it, and lengthen their muscles instead of compressing them. In these ways, Connected Groundwork® promotes/allows freedom of motion, elasticity, mental focus, and offers the horse an opportunity to participate in a meaningful way by offering choices in response to requests. Just as in humans, achieving a balance of mind, body, and spirit creates a connection, synchronizing two bodies in motion. This process not only empowers the rider but ultimately empowers the horse as well.
For more information:
Cummings, Peggy. Book Title: Connect with Your Horse from the Ground Up. Trafalgar Square, 2011. Website: https://www.connectedriding.com/
Tellington TTouch® Training Method, founded by Linda Tellington-Jones, is a unique and complete system of understanding, handling, and influencing our animals and ourselves. This forward-thinking approach sees behavior as a means of communication rather than attitude or personality. The Tellington Method combines observations and philosophy, bodywork, ground exercises, and equipment to help animals find physical, mental, and emotional balance as a way of enhancing communication, cooperation, and harmony. The Tellington Method does not use the escalation of pressure to create behavior, nor does it rely solely on positive reinforcement. TTouch® aims to clearly communicate our intentions to animals while breaking down the learning process into small, manageable steps, ensuring a low-stress and logical approach.
For more information:
Tellington-Jones, Linda. Book The Ultimate Horse Behavior and Training Book: Enlightened and Revolutionary Solutions for the 21st Century. Trafalgar Square, 2006. Website: https://ttouch.com/
Conclusion
Taking action after a pull-back incident, even if it seems minor, is crucial for your horse's well-being. These ground exercises offer a practical, accessible way to address potential issues and prevent long-term complications.
By incorporating these Connected Groundwork® and Tellington TTouch® exercises into your routine, you're not just addressing physical concerns. You're also enhancing your horse's mental and emotional balance, improving your communication, and strengthening your bond.
Remember, your horse's response to these exercises can provide valuable insights into their physical and emotional state. This awareness allows you to address issues proactively, leading to more comfortable and productive riding experiences for both of you.
I encourage you to explore more about Connected Groundwork® and The Tellington Method. These approaches offer a wealth of techniques that can benefit your horse in numerous ways, far beyond addressing pull-back incidents.
In the video, I do what has become “my version” of a few of the exercises. The following instructions are the way Connected Groundwork and The Tellington Method present instructions for three of the exercises:
Cheek Delineation Exercise:
Purpose:
This exercise releases tension in the throatlatch and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It's beneficial after pull-back incidents, dental procedures, and can be part of a daily routine before and after riding or groundwork.
Instructions:
Position: Stand on the left side of your horse, facing their cheek.
Hand Placement:
Remember, you're not forcing a release. You're inviting the horse to notice and release tension on their own.
Repetition:
Trace the groove 2-3 times, allowing the horse to process between each repetition.
Repeat on the right side.
Observe:
Watch for signs of release such as:
Without tugging or applying pressure to the lead rope, offer the horse an opportunity to walk. Observe their reactions.
Remember:
Always be gentle and attentive to your horse's responses throughout the exercise.
Caterpillar Exercise:
Purpose:
This exercise promotes telescoping of the horse's neck, releasing the poll and opening the throatlatch, effectively allowing the base of the neck to lift.
Note:
Before beginning, observe the location of the cervical vertebrae in your horse's neck. They do not run along the top, under the mane.
Instructions:
The goal is to promote relaxation and release tension, not to achieve a predetermined reaction.
Repetition:
Repeat this motion several times, allowing the horse time to process between repetitions.
Observe:
Watch for signs of release such as:
Be ready to let go of the halter should the horse choose to drop their head toward the ground.
Remember:
If the horse tenses, reduce the intensity of your touch. Always be gentle and attentive to your horse's responses throughout the exercise.
TTtouch Zebra (aka Zig-Zag)
Becoming mindful of HOW we touch an animal is as important as the specific technique itself. As is observing our 4-legged friend’s subtle feedback during and after contact.
A wonderfully simple way to make positive, mindful contact with nearly any species is the “Zebra” TTouch.
Also known as the “Zig Zag”, this technique is very simple to learn and teach others.
I find that it is a TTouch that I often use when first making contact with an animal. I can easily adjust speed, pressure and how much of my fingertips, finger pads, palm or even the back of the hand I use.
It is fabulous to connect front and back end and increase circulation.
It is in the “Slide” Family of TTouches.
As you slide your fingers, imagine a zig zag pattern across the coat.
1. Place a soft/flat hand on the animal behind the ear (or shoulder or wherever your animal is accepting of contact)
2. As you retract your hand towards your body, slightly curl your fingers inward.
3. As you extend your hand/arm away, flatten and opens your fingers softly.
4. Continue along the whole animal to the hind end and even down the legs, if acceptable.
5. Pause and breathe as you change direction with each “Zag”.
6. Melt off
The “Zebra” is a great TTouch for horses as well as dogs and cats.
I especially like to do short “Zebra”s under the saddle pad after a ride. I remove the saddle, leave the pad, and “Zebra” under the pad on both sides. This allows for air flow to gently decrease the temperature on the warm back. Much like putting on a layer before going outside, after working out at the gym, a few moments of “Zebra” significantly cools the back.
This tip came from Peggy Cummings.
So, my plan was to put an ace bandage head wrap on Jalila so you could watch how she responds. I’ve done it once before and she immediately put her head to the ground and went through all this releasing process.
Part of the problem here in what happened is that I couldn’t quite remember how I was supposed to handle the bandage. And so, I got an agenda in my head about tying the bandage and she sensed that disconnect. You can see already that she’s putting her head up higher and her tail is swishing. She’s telling me that I need to calm my brain. And I’m thinking: do I wrap it here? How do I get this to fasten so I can come across the forehead? I just came across… If I hadn’t let go, things might have been okay, but then the wind blew it and everything went south.
I went out to make a video about four things you can learn to do to help your horse after a pull-back incident. Don’t worry, those four things are in here, but the experience offered too many opportunities to limit it to just them.
I want to show that horses who understand positive reinforcement training are not nippy or pushy or food obsessed. Here, I clicked Jalila for looking at me and consenting to have the headgear put on and I want you to see what happens when the video resumes: I offer the treat, and she tells me she’d rather not take it from my hand. She wants me to put it on the ground instead.
That done, I step back and invite her to approach. The rapid clicks tell her, “You’re on the right track. Keep going.”
I have the bandage over my shoulder and I’m getting the side-eye. She’s willing to stay by me but not very crazy about the whole bandage idea yet. I’m happy that she’s not really moving away and she’s remaining engaged, but I really blew it as far as being able to put that head wrap on her for today.
I still need to deal with the fact that she has been traumatized and that has created tension in her body. So, much like a pull-back incident, we’re going to continue and see if we can release things and get her happy.
This presents a really good opportunity to show the value of teaching a horse to target. Because you can change the subject in a conversation and do something with the target––immediately go to something they’re very comfortable with, they’re very successful, and they understand everything about it. With that, you can reintroduce the scary thing. The clicker makes a bridge between the scary thing and the familiar. You see I can take the target very close to that bandage, where just a few minutes ago, she wouldn’t even come near me with it on my shoulder. She’s already touching it. I can place the treat on the board. She’ll touch the target. She’ll switch and put her nose by the bandage. She’s a little concerned, but it’s definitely taken a lot of the charge out of it.
Another thing that’s really important with a lot of horses, and this horse in particular, is movement for stress release. Confinement can amp her up to where her brain doesn’t work very well anymore. So, I’m going to ask her to travel around a little bit and then offer the target again. (Jalila approaches the target, which is placed by the bandage) Here, I can actually put it on the target and then pick it up with the target. She remains curious. All of this is good.
So, I spent probably a half hour getting to this point where we could be over the bandage thing. I’m not going to try and put it on her. That would be a bridge too far and a sure-fire step toward failure. It reminds me of my friend and favorite farrier, Doug Fraiser, who always said: It don’t pay to hurry a horse. When you’re working with a horse, you’re on Equine Standard Time. And that is one of the best lessons you could learn from this video.
AND NOW, THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ADDRESS THE TRAUMA OF PULLING BACK
Cross-fiber massage of the RECTUS CAPITUS LATERALIS muscle
There’s a muscle that runs from behind the ear, along the crest by the poll, that is often tight, and a cross-fiber massage is generally well received. For any reason, by most horses.
Wither and Tail Rock
To do a wither rock, I simply cup my hands over the withers and shift my weight back and forth from my heels to the balls of my feet. Now you notice that she stepped away. That’s not because she doesn’t like the wither rock. We do enough bodywork together that she’s telling me she wants her sacrum released. So, I switch to a tail rock. My hand is cupped over the top of the dock of her tail. You can see that her whole body moves in response to the slightest shift in my weight.
Connected Groundwork Cheek Delineation
Peggy’s Cumming’s Cheek Delineation exercise releases tension in the throatlatch and the TMJ joint. It’s beneficial after a pull-back incident, also after dental work, and can be part of a daily routine after riding or groundwork to help relax the horse’s throatlatch.
You can start at the center of the forehead. Then come along the side of the TMJ with your hand slightly cupped. Run your fingers along the groove behind the horse’s ear, along the cheekbone (the mandible) and when you get to about the center point, just pause, and hold to release the muscle.
Connected Groundwork Caterpillar
The Connected Groundwork exercise called Caterpillar not only releases a horse’s neck and poll, but it also promotes telescoping, an action necessary for a horse to lift through the shoulders in motion.
Begin at the base of the neck. Cup your hand gently (like a clamshell) then gently open and close your hand as you slide along the jugular groove toward the poll. This is not a massaging action, so don’t squeeze.
You’ll notice that I add a reward for the release, so Jalila knows she has done what I expect. I have not yet put this response on command, but I do click her for doing it when working around the round pen.
I also plan to bring the two together to improve her posture and self-carriage in movement.
Jalila Around the Round Pen
We’re in the early stages of this but you can see that by clicking I can encourage her to seek this certain posture and it does encourage telescoping. As I work to improve the duration of that posture, we will be able to work on different things like lengthened stride and how much she pushes from her hindquarters, but this is just the beginning of the application.
Crest Massage
Another exercise you can do for tension in the neck is to begin at the withers and gently squeeze the crest with an upward lifting action. Move up the entire neck in two-inch increments.
TTouch Zig Zag or Zebra
The Tellington Method, developed by Lind-Tellington Jones, is a unique system for handling animals. This exercise is called the Zig Zag or Zebra. Use it to connect your horse front to back and increase circulation.
Using a soft hand, begin at the shoulder or behind the ear and trace the the stripes of a zebra along the whole animal.
Peggy Cummings advocates using this TTouch under the saddle pad after a ride to increase airflow and promote cooling. Be sure to do both sides.
SUPPORTIVE INFORMATION
Introduction
I hope the two preceding posts have convinced you that shrugging your shoulders and doing nothing isn't an option. No pull-back event should be written off as insignificant. In the previous posts, I discussed the damage a pull-back incident can do to your horse and potential long-term effects. I also recommended seeking veterinary and/or bodyworker evaluation and taking steps to lessen the trauma. But what if professional care isn't accessible or affordable or you've determined the incident was minor?
So, let's look at some things you can do…
But first, let me briefly introduce you to these two modalities.
Connected Groundwork® is part of Connected Riding® and Connected Enterprises founded by Peggy Cummings. This training method aims to diminish bracing patterns in both horse and human. This dynamic approach allows horses to shift weight easily, move by releasing tension rather than creating it, and lengthen their muscles instead of compressing them. In these ways, Connected Groundwork® promotes/allows freedom of motion, elasticity, mental focus, and offers the horse an opportunity to participate in a meaningful way by offering choices in response to requests. Just as in humans, achieving a balance of mind, body, and spirit creates a connection, synchronizing two bodies in motion. This process not only empowers the rider but ultimately empowers the horse as well.
For more information:
Cummings, Peggy. Book Title: Connect with Your Horse from the Ground Up. Trafalgar Square, 2011. Website: https://www.connectedriding.com/
Tellington TTouch® Training Method, founded by Linda Tellington-Jones, is a unique and complete system of understanding, handling, and influencing our animals and ourselves. This forward-thinking approach sees behavior as a means of communication rather than attitude or personality. The Tellington Method combines observations and philosophy, bodywork, ground exercises, and equipment to help animals find physical, mental, and emotional balance as a way of enhancing communication, cooperation, and harmony. The Tellington Method does not use the escalation of pressure to create behavior, nor does it rely solely on positive reinforcement. TTouch® aims to clearly communicate our intentions to animals while breaking down the learning process into small, manageable steps, ensuring a low-stress and logical approach.
For more information:
Tellington-Jones, Linda. Book The Ultimate Horse Behavior and Training Book: Enlightened and Revolutionary Solutions for the 21st Century. Trafalgar Square, 2006. Website: https://ttouch.com/
Conclusion
Taking action after a pull-back incident, even if it seems minor, is crucial for your horse's well-being. These ground exercises offer a practical, accessible way to address potential issues and prevent long-term complications.
By incorporating these Connected Groundwork® and Tellington TTouch® exercises into your routine, you're not just addressing physical concerns. You're also enhancing your horse's mental and emotional balance, improving your communication, and strengthening your bond.
Remember, your horse's response to these exercises can provide valuable insights into their physical and emotional state. This awareness allows you to address issues proactively, leading to more comfortable and productive riding experiences for both of you.
I encourage you to explore more about Connected Groundwork® and The Tellington Method. These approaches offer a wealth of techniques that can benefit your horse in numerous ways, far beyond addressing pull-back incidents.
In the video, I do what has become “my version” of a few of the exercises. The following instructions are the way Connected Groundwork and The Tellington Method present instructions for three of the exercises:
Cheek Delineation Exercise:
Purpose:
This exercise releases tension in the throatlatch and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It's beneficial after pull-back incidents, dental procedures, and can be part of a daily routine before and after riding or groundwork.
Instructions:
Position: Stand on the left side of your horse, facing their cheek.
Hand Placement:
- Left hand: Gently hold the side of the halter.
- Right hand: Place your index, middle, and ring fingers in the groove just below the horse's ear, behind the cheekbone (mandible).
- Cup your right hand slightly so your fingertips "hook" onto the edge of the mandible.
- Slowly trace the groove that follows the outline of the cheekbone.
- Use moderate pressure but be flexible. Lighten your touch over areas that feel congested, thick, or hard.
- Be gentle around the middle of the groove, where salivary and lymph glands are located.
Remember, you're not forcing a release. You're inviting the horse to notice and release tension on their own.
Repetition:
Trace the groove 2-3 times, allowing the horse to process between each repetition.
Repeat on the right side.
Observe:
Watch for signs of release such as:
- Lowering of the head
- Lateral movement of the poll
- Licking or chewing
- Rolling of the eyes or blinking
Without tugging or applying pressure to the lead rope, offer the horse an opportunity to walk. Observe their reactions.
Remember:
Always be gentle and attentive to your horse's responses throughout the exercise.
Caterpillar Exercise:
Purpose:
This exercise promotes telescoping of the horse's neck, releasing the poll and opening the throatlatch, effectively allowing the base of the neck to lift.
Note:
Before beginning, observe the location of the cervical vertebrae in your horse's neck. They do not run along the top, under the mane.
Instructions:
- Position: Stand on the left side of your horse, facing their neck.
- Hand Placement:
- Left hand: Take a light contact with the halter to maintain connection. Don't grip or use it to position the horse's head.
- Right hand: Prepare to cup your hand around the neck, with your thumb in the jugular groove and fingers along the top ridge of the cervical vertebrae.
- Start at the base of the neck, near the shoulder.
- Hold your hand in a "clamshell" shape, with the outer edge in contact with the horse.
- Slowly open and close your hand as you slide it toward the horse's ear in 2-4" increments.
- Do not squeeze. Remember, less is more.
The goal is to promote relaxation and release tension, not to achieve a predetermined reaction.
Repetition:
Repeat this motion several times, allowing the horse time to process between repetitions.
Observe:
Watch for signs of release such as:
- Softening of the eye
- Deep breaths
- Snorting or shaking of the head
- Lengthening or "telescoping" of the neck
Be ready to let go of the halter should the horse choose to drop their head toward the ground.
Remember:
If the horse tenses, reduce the intensity of your touch. Always be gentle and attentive to your horse's responses throughout the exercise.
TTtouch Zebra (aka Zig-Zag)
Becoming mindful of HOW we touch an animal is as important as the specific technique itself. As is observing our 4-legged friend’s subtle feedback during and after contact.
A wonderfully simple way to make positive, mindful contact with nearly any species is the “Zebra” TTouch.
Also known as the “Zig Zag”, this technique is very simple to learn and teach others.
I find that it is a TTouch that I often use when first making contact with an animal. I can easily adjust speed, pressure and how much of my fingertips, finger pads, palm or even the back of the hand I use.
It is fabulous to connect front and back end and increase circulation.
It is in the “Slide” Family of TTouches.
As you slide your fingers, imagine a zig zag pattern across the coat.
1. Place a soft/flat hand on the animal behind the ear (or shoulder or wherever your animal is accepting of contact)
2. As you retract your hand towards your body, slightly curl your fingers inward.
3. As you extend your hand/arm away, flatten and opens your fingers softly.
4. Continue along the whole animal to the hind end and even down the legs, if acceptable.
5. Pause and breathe as you change direction with each “Zag”.
6. Melt off
The “Zebra” is a great TTouch for horses as well as dogs and cats.
I especially like to do short “Zebra”s under the saddle pad after a ride. I remove the saddle, leave the pad, and “Zebra” under the pad on both sides. This allows for air flow to gently decrease the temperature on the warm back. Much like putting on a layer before going outside, after working out at the gym, a few moments of “Zebra” significantly cools the back.
This tip came from Peggy Cummings.
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