Yogi is surrendered to St Francis Horse Rescue, described as well trained in Western Pleasure and 'cinchy'. Upon evaluation it is found, that Yogi bucks violently and runs backwards in panic for various reasons. I receive Yogi to investigate his issues and possibly rehab him. When he gets off the trailer, he displays a 'crooked' facial expression, a crooked muzzle and mostly tight lips, a flared left nostril and squinted eyes. Even in the pasture, he moves with his head down, as if 'pushing peanuts'.

The horse is extremely withdrawn and fearful, reacts volatile to slightest perceived threat.

Dr. Ketover of Irongate Equine examines Yogi thoroughly, he receives immunizations, teeth float, lameness exam, and exam of movement. Yogi shows a violent reaction when a bailing twine is gently tugged around his girth line and moves 'disconnected', head down and with bouncing hind end. Upon observing Yogi's movement in the round pen Dr. Ketover observes Upward Fixation of the Patella and recommends exercise as a first step.

A call to the former owner reveals that Yogi's condition had not been diagnosed before. Instead his bucking issues had been treated as a training issue, escalating from hopping into violent bucking. It is likely, that his hopping to unlock his stifle was misinterpreted as bucking, for which he was punished. A vicious circle of locking, punishment and bucking escalated. This resulted in frustration on the owner's side and deep seated trauma in the horse.

Yogi is exercized on the lunge line, over cavaletti and in the round pen to encourage a better self carriage and build muscle. He receives regular Masterson Method bodywork and work to build trust. He also receives a chiropractic treatment by Dr. Mark McCann.

His behavioral training involves learning how to trust pressure around the girth line and trusting the saddle again (lunging with two ropes, feeding while wearing a bareback pad, then reintroducing saddle and ignoring bucking, working through the expectation of punishment, using non-violent/non punishing techniques)

Yogi continues to be exercised on hills during summer/fall, receives Masterson Method bodywork and has turned into a trusting and happy horse without observable physical problems. He is desensitized to cracking whips as a prep for shooting training. (Not sure who'd be shooting around him, but you never know ;-).

YOGI IS LOOKING FOR A JOB THAT DOES NOT INVOLVE RIDING OR PACKING (therapy, equine assisted learning, equine assisted leadership training, driving...) If you need a horse that will fit into any herd, is pleasant to be around, a real people-lover, respectful and gentle when taking treats, fearless in new environments and kind in every way and can provide a meaningful job for this wonderful horse, please email me

T.'s owner invests considerable time and resources into discovering reasons for T.'s consistent refusal to canter and odd 'hopping'. While valuable observations are made and some treatments result in temporary relief, the problem reocurrs and the root cause is not found.

--> "T" in 2009, very 'sickel-hocked' and 'upside-down' appearance

Owner has been diligently exercising T. from the ground 3 x per week per instructions. The horse has filled out, his topline looks healthier, he looks less 'sickle hocked' and most restrictions in his body have resolved. His neck carriage is lower and he no longer resembles an 'upside down' horse when moving. His neck musculature is changing, strengthening upper neck musculature. He now volunteers a relaxed canter, but his stifle still locks on occasion. Gymnasticizing in walk and trot only.

--> T. in May 2011, less of a 'sickel-hocked' appearance, carrying neck more efficiently, filling out behind shoulders and in topline