Releasing tension in the psoas for dressage horses

If your horse has tension in the back and lumbar area and you have already checked the common primary issues for back pain (prior injury, poor saddle fit, compensation for feet or leg issues, and/or dental issues), you should not overlook the possibility of tension in the psoas muscles.
These unseen muscles are major stabilizers of the horse's lumbar and pelvic area. They also flex the hip and are involved in the transference of power from the hind limbs to the trunk. They connect the underside of the lumbar with the pelvis and hind legs. The initial burden of responsibility for flexing the hip joints and bracing the back is borne by the psoas and iliopsoas muscles. There is a connection between tension in the back and tension in the hind end, therefore it would be a good approach to start releasing tension on the hind end with the hind end release points.
One of the subtle but powerful techniques that works very well is the Psoas Point as one of the Hind End Release points. It consists of doing Search-Response-Stay-Release (SRSR) in the lumbar area, especially when the horse is resting that hind leg. Watch Jim explain it in the video and how the horse releases tension shortly after.
Share this video with anyone who may find this information useful! If you’d like to learn more, join a hands-on Weekend Seminar to learn the Masterson Method® Techniques you can use with your horse to improve mobility, release tension, and deepen your bond.
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