WHAT IS PROPRIOCEPTION
This is a mechanism by which neuromuscular information is fed back to the brain and informs us and our horses where our bodies and limbs are in space.
In a way this is a mechanism by which a 3D image is created for the horse or rider. When you stand on one leg with your eyes open you are likely to be able to manage this and you may wobble a little, when you close your eyes you are likely to wobble a lot or not be able to stand safely on one leg. This is made even worse when you stand on a pillow. When you complete these simple exercises it’s easy to understand how proprioception works. Proprioception is not about ‘seeing’ it’s about ‘feeling’. A normal human or equine brain receives proprioceptive signals from the body through specific cells that are called muscle spindles, Golgi organs and joint angle receptors.
1. Muscle spindles are highly sensitive and can tell our brain about the length of a muscle as we move and the speed of that lengthening process. If this system did not exist we would need to look at our legs as we move.
2. Golgi organs are located in tendons (which join muscle to bone) and monitor muscle tension, thereby allowing us to increase or decrease tension to remain balanced and upright.
3. Joint angle receptors as the name suggest are located at joints and they tell us about how joint angles change as we move along different surfaces, terrains and gradients. They are essential in helping to remain balanced and to protect joints from damage.
So what’s the big deal about proprioception?
It’s pretty clear that without it or when it is not well tuned movement and balance become compromised. The down side is that poorly tuned proprioception prevents joints from loading correctly; in effect leading to micro-damage of the joint. If this continues long enough joints will suffer degenerative joint disease at a greater rate than if this system had been working effectively. When horses are not worked on varied surfaces, terrains or gradients we effectively turn off the protective benefit of proprioception. This highlights the importance of cross training our horses regardless of discipline…not only does it protect your horses joints but it also makes for a better and more balanced equine athlete.
Like proprioception, Joint Performance Equine Joint Support Formula 2 assists in future proofing your horse’s joint health. Visit www.jointperformance.com.au for information and online ordering.
2019 NSW State Endurance Champion. A brilliant 160km ride over challenging terrain gave Emily Streckfuss another huge win. In 12 hours 22 minutes 54 seconds Emily and her super fit horse Webb's Creek Starlight (aka Captain) crossed the finish line as Champions. The weather was really cold on the Saturday but fortunately improved for the rest of the weekend, not that the riders and horses cared at all. St Albans is a beautiful area and offers very challenging trails for both horse and rider. Congratulations also to Shaun Jones on Zarafa completing his first 160km ride and being awarded 2nd place in the Heavyweight division. Joint Performance is delighted to be able to supply our Joint Support Supplement for both Captain and Zarafa. For information on how our Joint Support Supplement can help your horse, whether ridden in Endurance or any other discipline, please visit www.jointperformance.com.au or email info@jointperformance.com.au. ALSO in the June issue of Hills & Hawkesbury Equestrian News there is has a fantastic article about the ride and also about Emily and her achievements (some great photos as well). Visit equestriannews.com.au/regional-magazines.html
Huge thank you to Joint Performance!! I am so happy with the product 😊 the horses both look fantastic today with no swelling in their legs!
Well done Emily. Remember when you used to come and ride Raz for us in East Kurrajong?
For all Show Jumping National and International results and news visit www.australianjumping.com.au. Fabulous articles and photos. Profiles on riders and horses. Dates of upcoming events. It's a great read and Joint Performance is a proud supporter.
Australian Jumping – for showjumpers competing at home and overseas
australianjumping.com.au
Endurance Event -- NSW State Championships are being held on 8th 9th & 10th June 2019 at Camp Wollemi, St Albans. Four Divisions in the 160km event. Heavyweight, Middleweight, Lightweight and Junior. Hundreds of riders and super fit horses all competing in the beautiful St Albans area. Joint Performance has provided product for prizes and we will be having a trade stand, so please come and visit. Joint Performance is a proud sponsor of Emily Streckfuss, a talented and successful endurance rider with her horse Webb's Creek Starlight aka Captain. We wish all riders a safe and successful weekend. For more information visit www.sydneyregionenduranceriding.com.au/state-championships. www.jointperformance.com.au
Emily Streckfuss Amy Moss
Ady McIntosh
Sponsored Rider Robert Schmerglatt's update on the progress of his team.of dressage horses. At Clarendon in April, Robert rode Dor Danseur a young horse he brought from Germany. Stable name Dodo, did really well getting over 70% in both the classes he competed in. Arnage Royal Edition "Eddie" won at preliminary with a score of over 70%. Callum Park Starbucks "Bucky" competed in his 2nd Prix St George and first Intermediate 1. Robert believes this horse has "so much potential" and is looking forward to training him through the levels. Brumali competed Prix St George and Boronia HG in Inter A/B. Robert was happy with both horses especially considering the heavy going conditions.
That was Saturday - then Sunday
Competing for the first time on Hemingway "Hemi" in the two Advanced tests. "although a tad nervous, he tried really hard". Receiving 68% and winning both classes. Callum Park Starbucks (Bucky) competed in the Indoor Arena for the first time and found the experience rather nerve wracking but still received a score of 65.9%. Dor Danseur (Dodo) scored a 73% in the novice, coming 2nd to one of Robert's students who scored a fantastic 76% making him a very proud coach. To find out more about Robert visit build.dressageunravelled.com.au/robert-schmerglatt/
He’s such a beautiful rider coach and role model. We are lucky to have him back in Australia
He’s such a beautiful rider coach and role model. We are lucky to have him back in Australia
