Muscle tightness in the ridden horse is rarely the primary issue. More often, it reflects how the body compensates when stability, coordination, or strength is lacking. Understanding tightness as a response—rather than a problem to erase—changes how we approach training, movement, and long-term soundness.

Stress affects far more than a horse’s mindset. Chronic stress changes posture, increases baseline muscle tension, and alters how the body organizes movement. Understanding stress as a physical influence—rather than a purely behavioral one—helps explain why some horses struggle to release tension, develop coordination, or progress in rehabilitation despite correct training.