Equine Hanna Somatic® (EHS) is a new and emerging field. Dr. Eleanor Criswell Hanna, director of The Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training, developed EHS in 1996. She offered the first professional training in 2006 in California.
The Session includes
· Assessment of the horse: standing posture and evaluation of its gait.
· Evaluation of contracted muscle groups. · · A hands-on session with the horse to re-educate the neuromuscular system, tailored to meet the specific needs of the horse.
· Teaching the owner or horse handler how to continue working with EHS with his or her horse.
The Principles
· Horses learn on the release of pressure.
· Joints and bones are moved by muscles and muscles are moved by nerves. EHS improves the function of the nervous to improve the mobility of muscles and joints so that there is more fluidity with movement.
· EHS teaches the horse slow voluntary, defined movement.
· It is based on the principle of going with the horse’s contraction patterns, followed by slowly coming out of them. We call this pandiculation, which all healthy vertebrates practice. Pandiculation and assisted pandiculation works with the higher brain functions. Through assisted pandiculation and other techniques EHS delivers many of the positive benefits described above.
Benefits for the Horse
· Increased flexibility and ease of movement.
· A longer stride; improved walking, trotting and cantering; legs pick up more easily.
· Improved performance and endurance.
· Decreased pain, discomfort and restricted movement in muscles and joints.
· Improved coordination and precision of movement.
· Improved integration between left and right side of the horse’s body.
· Improved bonding between horse and rider/horse handler.
· Riding: smoother movement, more supple, responds to requests easier.
· Happier and more satisfied horse.
· Improved condition of the horse’s coat.
The benefits described above are a result of a more balanced and functional nervous system. EHS works directly with this system. Improvement in action and movement will appear only after a prior change in the brain and nervous system has occurred. This is true for human beings and also true for horses.
Testimonials
“We apply this work to our horses and they have never been happier, softer or more relaxed… EHS goes beyond bodywork”. Dennis Reis, founder of Universal Horsemanship.
“The only technique that improves the function of the nervous system, reconnects the horse’s body and mind resulting in improved performance, avoidance of injury and an overall more integrated horse.” Barbara Chasteen, veteran equine body worker, teacher and author.
