The technique demonstrated in this session aims to release tension that may be pulling on the sacrum and putting torque on the sacroiliac joint. It also affects the entire spine through the back and into the poll/atlas.

This technique might look small, but it’s mighty! It’s important to remember that the aim of this technique is to slightly raise the tail in very small increments until you find a blink and to stay in that spot until tension on the sacrum starts to release. Don’t rush or feel like you must ‘pull’ the tail.

Technique Detail:

1.   Cup the palm, or place the back of the hand under the tail and place your other hand on top.

2.   Lift slightly, looking for the slightest blink, lip quiver, change in breathing, or other subtle responses from the horse to find “neutral” tension on the sacrum. Stop when you get the first blink.

3.   Take enough time for the Sacrum Float (at least two to three minutes, or until the horse shows some sign of release).

4.   You may use very slight traction or compression, guided by the horse’s responses. Think if it as moving the hairs on the tail rather than the whole tail.

While this might look like a simple technique, it can be really effective for horses that have a lot of tension accumulated in the sacrum and hamstrings. This technique affects the entire spine through the back and into the poll/atlas and it helps release tension that may be putting ‘torque’ or twist on the sacrum or sacroiliac joints. 

If your horse's tail is tucked in or sensitive, there is a good chance there is tension in the sacrum which can affect the hamstrings and hocks also. In this video, Jim is slowly bringing the horse's tail away from the body until he sees a response from the horse. By bringing their attention to the area the horse is an integral part of helping to relieve the tension with a release like licking and chewing, yawning or relaxing a hind leg.