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Welcome to Showdown International - Online Equestrian Competitions
Namast-hay!
HOGA or Yoga for Horses Suppleness Tests are uniquely designed especially for Showdown International competitors in collaboration with our amazing judge, Jenny Johnson.
The HOGA System
The HOGA Academy starts in January 2021
HOGA tests have been designed to help develop a more supple horse that has an elastic connection and flows with ease in all movements.
The main aim is for the horse to understand the aids and the lengthening and working through the neck whilst using the core muscle. The invisible and complex arrangement of internal “core” muscles controls the way a horse’s back functions and dictates the overall posture. A horse with a strong core and good posture will feel athletic and round underneath the rider, as if riding a slowly bouncing ball.
The process takes time as the horse’s body will need to acclimate to a new posture, however, if there is a tightness that seems to continue with degrees of tension, there may be underlying chronic pain in the back that should be identified and treated before following a programme with vigorous intent. With a wonderful blend of gentleness and focus, the principles behind these tests will hopefully be effective in helping your horse with the unique demands made upon his back and become the most supple and athletic version of itself. By conditioning areas that may be a little rusty, we can release the horse’s natural “dance” into every stride.
The bulk of the tests are in walk, the walk has a lot of action and it really helps to develop the horse.
