Proprioception

Proprioception is almost like a 'sixth sense' to horses.  It is an awareness of where limbs are placed and moved in response to various stimuli.  Unconscious proprioception is the awareness of body position and movement, whereas conscious proprioception facilitates more complex mobility and locomotive tasks.

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Proprioception is important in all aspects of horse care from training and conditioning to recovery and rehabilitation.  To improve proprioception, horses should be exercised on a variety of surfaces and uneven terrain.  By doing this, we are able to educate or re-educate the neural pathways controlling the horse's muscles and joints by making the horse aware of their movements and balance as well as integrating a mind/body link.  Strength, ability and response will all improve.