December 2009

Issue No.14

Drowning The Fish

Greetings!

Help Us to Help Him.

"The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible." (Arthur C. Clarke) In Manchester's case, the limits of the possible are not good enough. We invite you into the "impossible", a blend of classical aspiration and modern science that may restore Manchester's soundness.

Manchester's re-education is a unique experience. The horse is not a case of abuse, neglect, or poor training that could be fixed by improving on methods previously used. Rather, Manchester case is one of these idiopathic lameness that are beyond the scope of conventional and alternative therapies.

Helping us you will enter a world that will further your own experience, riding skill and training philosophy. The science of motion can achieve recoveries beyond the scope of conventional thinking because the science of motion focuses on the source of all body's movement, the horse's vertebral column and reeducate the vertebral column through the horse's movements.

Manchester was bred, born, and raised at a very successful breeding farm, which is owned by Ludwin and Alain Verdier. Blauenstein Farm has produced many international level horses. Manchester's Sire is the stallion Macho which was imported to Canada in 1998, and successfully ridden by Ashley Holtzer. Manchester's half -brother is the famous Canadian breeding stallion Royal Senna.

Manchester has won Alain's heart. He was his favorite horse and the decision to donate him to the Science of Motion is motivated by the pure desire to give him a chance to succeed, where all else has failed.

If the problem were simple, it would already have been fixed. Breeding farms of this caliber are optimally equipped and work with superior veterinarians and other aids. If Manchester's re-education proves to be a success, it is because we do not hesitate to explore pertinent applications of advanced scientific discoveries.

By helping us to help Manchester, you are placing yourself on the cutting edge. Whether or not we fully or partially succeed, you will gain the knowledge of the scientific studies supporting our working hypothesis. You will discover how the practical application of advanced scientific knowledge fundamentally transforms riding and training principles.

Conventional approaches to riding and training do not act on the biomechanical properties of the horse's vertebral column that are influencing the kinematics of the hind and front legs, and so, have failed to rehabilitate. Driving the horse onto a low, deep and round neck are precisely the principles of riding and training that have lead the horse into his physical predicament.

Helping us to help Manchester, you will observe how the rider lets the horse think and guides the horse's mental processing toward an awareness in order to gradually master the biomechanical properties of his vertebral column.

The endeavor is costly, however. The transport from Canada to Florida in a large box, cost $2,650.00. In our estimation, the cost of the horse's maintenance, care, daily training, documentation, data processing, video recording and computer works is approximately $2000.00 per month. We imagine that Manchester's soundness might be restored within a six- month period.

Enter the team. Donate to Manchester; he will give back in so many ways.

Sincerely,

Jean Luc Cornille

Manchester's Last Chance

MEDICAL EXAM

Manchester was presented at the Montreal University of Veterinary Medicine for complete assessment of his condition.

(CLICK IMAGE FOR ENLARGE VIEW)

The exam diagnosed;

Stifle Problem. The stifle joint is stabilized between two main muscles on the outside and ligaments on the inside. Often this type of stifle problem results from imbalance between the tension created by the muscles and the ligaments. The two muscles are the quadriceps femora and a branch of the biceps femora. Proper tension can be recreated through gymnastic exercises developing the strength and tone of the Quadriceps and Biceps.

Other times the problem results from excessive rotation of the hind limb around the hip joint. The problem can be resolved increasing the dorso-ventral rotation of the pelvis. Frequently, stifle situations result from a combination of both issues. This will be a great opportunity to show how these gymnastics can be done.

Hocks problem. As the joints are fused, the reeducation will have to focus on the abnormal stresses that created the collapse between the joints. Finding the source will ease excessive strains on the hock joints. This will be a great opportunity to show and explain how hocks problems can be prevented

Irregularity of the solar surface of the distal phalanx

(Coffin Bone). The solar surface of the coffin bone is situated under the coffin bone. This issue will require a combined action between training and shoeing. The training will have to focus on reducing the weight on the forelegs. The shoeing will have to be done regularly, probably a four weeks period and the hoof will have to be well balanced. We will ask the farrier to explain his work.

Neurological problem of the hind legs. We have often observed that kinematics abnormalities were diagnosed as neurological when in fact they resulted from imbalance of the back muscles and consequent lateral or transversal deviation of the spine. Both, lateral bending and/or axial rotation will place the pelvis into an abnormal alignment in relation to the direction of the motion and consequently affect the kinematics of one or both hind legs.

For example, the horse pictured here

on collected trot was diagnosed as having a neurological problem. Previously the horse did not have any motion of the cranial thoracic vertebrae. If Manchester's situation is about back muscles' imbalance and consequent deviation of the spine, the problem might be fixable.

Execution and documentation of such reeducation are costly. Helping us financially may give you in return a knowledge that will save much greater expenses. For each issue, we will complete the documentation with references to other horses that presented similar problems and have been reeducated.

For us to help Manchester, we need your help please donate HERE

Dynamic Laryngeal Collapse Associated with Poll Flexion
Summary by Elizabeth Gormley

Dynamic Laryngeal Collapse Associated with Poll Flexion at the World Equine Airways Symposium 2009 (WEAS 09) was presented by Eric Strand, Associate Professor of Equine Surgery, Norwegian School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway. The focus of his talk was the recently identified upper respiratory tract obstructive disorder named dynamic laryngeal collapse, and its association with the specific head carriage of poll flexion.

Dynamic laryngeal collapse was defined by Strand as bilateral vocal fold collapse with some degree of concurrent bilateral arytenoid cartilage collapse diagnosed by high speed treadmill video endoscopy with the horse wearing full head gear, including head check rein, and driving them on the treadmill with long reins.

The basic theme of Strand's presentation was to characterize signs of respiratory tract obstruction or abnormal noise problems suffered by Norwegian Coldblooded Trotters in poll flexed head carriage while harness racing. Complaints of abnormal upper respiratory tract noise and poor performance, Strand said, are associated with periods of poll flexion during training and racing. Although harness racehorses are encouraged to race with an extended head and neck position, poll flexion occurs when horses are restrained onto the bit to prevent premature exhaustion during races, according to earlier research by Strand. In defining the new diagnostic criteria for dynamic laryngeal collapse Strand focused on whether or not the condition is breed specific to the Norwegian Coldblooded Trotter. It was concluded by the results of the study that any breed of horse during poll flexion can suffer from dynamic laryngeal collapse. Diagnosed horses have normal laryngeal function at rest, and when exercised with a free head carriage, but develop dynamic laryngeal collapse when the poll region is flexed.

READ ON

TRAINING MYTHUNDERSTANDINGS:

KEEPING A HORSE'S ATTENTION

by Ron Meredith

There are probably as many jokes about getting a mule's attention with a two-by-four as there are pickup trucks in Texas. When you are teaching your horse to heed, you must keep bringing its attention back to you. But you don't want to use a two-by-four. You don't want do a lot of exciting or loud things that will cause the horse to do a lot of exciting or loud things. You want to use body position and body language that is noticeable to the horse to keep its attention or send it in the direction you want. I call this "heeding.

For example, stand at the horse's front legs with your belt buckle facing its shoulder as you scratch the horse. Continue to keep the line through your shoulders parallel to the horse's body all the time you are scratching and rubbing him. If you find a place the horse really likes being scratched, you have his attention on you. Your goal is to captivate the horse, to keep the horse heeding everything you do, paying attention to everything you do. And everything you do, you do in a perceivable pattern with a calm attitude.

Horses only pay attention to one thing at a time. Their eyes are out on the sides of their head to see any approaching attacker and their instincts tell them to constantly look out for those attackers. This superb peripheral vision is what makes it so easy to get horses to heed your body position. They can see all the way to the back of their hindquarters with just a slight tilt of their head. But what gets their attention keeps changing all the time.

READ ON

Basa's First New Steps

Equine Author

Susan Hopf

After all that happened to her, regardless of the specifics, my lovely TB mare turned from a talented riding partner into an evil four-legged creature bent on revenge against the human race. Running away from me and everyone else in the pasture, biting, kicking, extremely uneasy, at best, anytime she was handled - if you were lucky enough to catch her in the first place - with limbs and flesh in tact that is. She started attacking and dumping her food, losing weight and continued to make it clear, in no uncertain terms, that she had had it with people and their strange ways.

The one and only thing I attended to, strictly out of having no choice, was her badly damaged back. The muscles directly under the saddle area were swollen, hot and too sore to touch. My equine chiropractor was not able to get close enough to do a thorough exam, due to the hostile reaction of the horse, but the swelling and lack of movement around those muscles was enough for the diagnosis - a severe strain. I was instructed to perform ice massages twice a day. A paper cup filled with water and then frozen is used to massage the affected area. Needless to say this presented a huge challenge since the mare had already made it quite clear that touching her was not an option.

Cold hosing the area managed to serve the purpose for about two weeks and with some improvement I decided to try the ice massage again - success!! The pain had apparently been reduced enough to create less reactivity in the mare. She was still hostile but with time and patience she accepted and then grew to enjoy the massages. The other side of this treatment regimen was to include heat prior to working her. Since working her was not in the program at that time the heat was not applied until the time when the weather grew cold enough to warrant some assisted circulation to the area.

READ ON

A Great Xmas Gift

Give The Gift Of Soundness

Jean Luc Cornille DVD

In the Series

Educating your Eye,

We are proud to present

"The Horse Who Could Not Trot"

DVD Video

"The story of "The Horse that Could Not Trot" is a fascinating journey of rehabilitation guided by a blend of classical dressage riding and the application of modern biomechanics. The young horse in the CD could not carry a rider at trot. Jean Luc Cornille used logic based on the science of motion to locate the root cause of the problem in a debilitating habit of motion. Rational choices for training and strengthening exercises arose from this analysis. In time the horse developed as his potential originally suggested to become a picture of elegance under saddle. The result is inspirational. The CD allows us to witness the progress of this horse almost as if we were at the scene over the months of progressive work. The documentary is skillfully photographed and presented, allowing us to relive a true dressage adventure. This is an extraordinary lesson in practical training. Any viewer will come away with much more than a warm heart by following through the clearly discussed analysis of the problem and the steps taken toward remediation.

Jean Luc approaches his challenge drawing on the wisdom of the traditional masters, especially de la Gueriniere, combined with a deep understanding of the functional anatomy of the horse given by more modern scientific investigations. The anatomical illustrations are especially noteworthy for their clarity. These illustrations are combined with high quality video clips of horses in motion. Seeing them together is what really makes clear the connection between the horse's skeletal alignment while in motion and either a balanced, supple gait or a strained, damaging gait. This horse's problem may be unique, but in using this case Jean Luc has provided insights into the biomechanics of horse and rider that throw light on all sorts of training issues. I will enjoy viewing this video many times over for guidance in riding and training my own horse. I recommended it especially to people who enjoy thinking about how horses move in that magical way they can".Bradley Bockrath

Give The Gift Of Soundness

What is the Science of Motion

Jean Luc Cornille

85 Pages

Finally, a DVD book to bring it all together: the science, the training, for the good of the horse.

The accuracy of one's perception depends on the accuracy of the mental image associated with the feeling. Antiquated theories are wasting equines and humans talent.

This book is a new encyclopedia. It explains how the horse's vertebral column actually works. Each pertinent finding is explored from the rider and trainer perspective; how such new knowledge does modernize previous perceptions in terms of riding and training techniques.

Leading horses to performances previously inaccessible and recoveries beyond the scope of conventional views demands to think and act beyond the scope of conventional views. It should not come as a surprise that to the contrary of conventional thinking, the science of motion treats the horses back as the root cause of most limbs' issues.

Outstanding illustrations

The aim being to associate the proper mental image with the feeling, great attention has been given to the illustrations. The pictures show real horses playing and working. They clearly illustrate how limbs and vertebral structures have to be organized in order to maximize the horse's talent while preserving the horse's soundness.

Pertinent Practical Application

The practical application is based on two levels of experience: experience in riding and training horses at the higher level of competitions and experience in achieving "impossible" recoveries.

At every level, if the horse is talented enough, a gifted rider will gain some successes even if ignoring the horse's back muscle imbalance or other dysfunction. When the horse's dysfunction claims its toll and the horse becomes lame, the rider's skill needs then the support of actual knowledge.

Creating a functional horse differs widely from exploiting a dysfunctional horse. The fact is that if the techniques creating a functional horse had been applied on the first place, the horse would be currently winning instead of being reeducated.

A gifted horse will lead a good rider to victory. A great rider will give to the horse the gift of soundness.

The science of motion is about addressing and correcting the muscles imbalance or the source of the abnormality. It is not done submitting the horse to another system but rather engaging the rider as well as the horse's intelligence. It is a partnership where the rider's knowledge and the horse's mental processing reach a level of body control that opens performances previously inaccessible and the capacity to perform at the horse's fullest potential while remaining sound.

Listening to numerous requests, I decided to provide this "explanation." "What is the Science of Motion" is the long due reference that anyone already engaged in this new perspective expected. For everyone hoping to further their riding skill and their horses' talent, the unprecedented quality of the illustrations and simple clarity of the text elevates
What is the Science of Motion
as the greatest learning materiel ever made available.

I just finished reading your new CD for the second time and want to thank you for it. Though it gives a great deal of meaty science-based material, the excellent anatomical renderings really help to illustrate the text. Finally, a book to bring it all together: the science, the training, for the good of the horse. Your unique sense of humor and cartoons were appreciated, as were the photos of you riding. I have to assume that there are other books on the way, and will look for them on your website. Caroyln Sanchez

Jean Luc Cornille's CD "What is the Science of Motion?" offers up many gifts. One of the most priceless, in my view, is that the clear explanations combine with photographic images that show precisely what is happening when the rider experiences that glorious (and addictive!) feeling of lightness and self-carriage. Riding with correct images in the mind lets the rider visualize how best to use his or her body in order to help the horse.Pam Black

Susan Schoettle says:

"Not only did Mac learn how to use his body properly, he has become even more than the horse I hoped he could be. His talent and athletic ability has blossomed and continues to develop. A horse that rejected moving and any hint of collection, now enjoys exploring his abilities and embraces high collection. Those rides of harmony and incredible expression - when you are in "the zone" - aren't unpredictable gifts from heaven but occur almost every day. Without Jean Luc's knowledge, ability and, just as important, willingness to share that knowledge and skill, Mac and I would not have found the window. I look forward to returning to the show ring with my "new" partner who enjoys his work and is a joy to ride."

Jean Luc Cornille has gained worldwide recognition by applying practical science to the training of the equine athlete. Influenced by his background as a gymnast, Jean Luc deeply understands how equine training can be enhanced by contemporary scientific research. A unique combination of riding skill, training experience and extensive knowledge of the equine physiology enables Jean Luc to "translate" scientific insights into a language comprehensible to both horse and rider. This approach has been the trademark of his training.

Jean Luc and I want too thank the ones that have donated to this important mission with Manchester. We look forward to seeing more of you involved with Manchester's Last Chance. At this point we have not raised the funds for his shipping which is scheduled for the first week of January. Please donate, any amount is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Editor Helyn Cornille
Science Of Motion

In This Issue

MANCHESTER"S MEDICAL EXAM

ELIZABETH GORMLEY

RON MEREDITH

SUSAN HOPF

XMAS GIFTS

Gift Of Soundness

Why Drowning The Fish?

Rollkur Petition

Video of the Water jump