"Find the 'movement' without you on their back. The 'movement' will organically bloom from a balanced space, both physically and mentally. Trusted relationships will improve !!" ~ Karen Jones
A Study of Motivation, FUNctional Movement with Autonomy and Trust
Movement and Motion Science definition:
The act of moving; change of place or posture; transference, by any means, from one situation to another; natural or appropriate motion; progress.
I practice and teach FUNctional movement...starting with FUN!
This photo and below videos are from a fun study session in movement science and the emotional systems with Rhett.
He didn't always move this way with this kind of power, balance, coordination and confidence.
At liberty.
With autonomy. Choice. Voice.
Here are 2 short videos, less than a minute each. Reality videos. I slowed them down so you can see the movements and study his balance, strength and coordination in each moment.
Watch the progression of the brain chemical releases, which ignites the emotional systems.
Click HERE for first short video.
This was at the beginning of our play session with absolutely NO motivation to move, NO motivation for a reward, NO motivation period.
Just like paint drying!
So I decided to bring out my 'limited use tool', the long long stick. Since horses are natural followers, perhaps this could motivate Rhett to 'chase' the stick.
I call this game "Chase the Dragon" or "Chase the Cat Toy", depending on the energy and motivation the movements create.
Click HERE for second short video.
This was about 20 minutes later after 3 short mental breaks built into our session. He grazed and mugged me for scratches and food during a significant part of those breaks. The canter depart was a surprise to me but the 'fancy trot' had powered up his core and his hindquarters...and confidence!
We have been playing with duration in Panther Walk with a longer reach, not higher reach, and have just started playing with duration of this 'fancy trot'.
It's a 'Plyometric Trot', an exercise in trot which Rhett's muscles exert maximum force for short periods of time, with the goal of increasing his power, speed and strength.
'Functional movements are movements based on real-world situational biomechanics. They usually involve multi-planar, multi-joint movements which place demand on the body's core musculature and innervation.' (nervous system)
Simply put, Functional Movement is the ability to move the body with proper muscle and joint function for effortless, pain-free movement. Something we long for as humans too. That sounds incredibly boring, so I added reward based training and FUN !
Rhett's movement ability, capacity and mobility has changed dramatically since we began playing with FUNctional movement.
We are changing the way the brain assimilates his movements...his agile movement. His true, born with movement
What is right for him in time and space in the moment.
Confirm it with 'default' responses (behavior) on the ground first, while building up the horse's strength through his core and back.
Then it's time to take it to riding. All the movements on the ground should be able to be ridden.
"Find the 'movement' without you on their back. The 'movement' will organically bloom from a balanced space, both physically and mentally. Trusted relationships will improve !!" ~ Karen Jones
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