Several horse people/trainers characterize horses in different ways but can be difficult to use and may not be as effective. With these FIVE ELEMENTS, we can more easily understand the individual horse and help it feel good and stay healthy. Each horse embodies common physical and behavioral characteristics of the Five Elements of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM).
By understanding how the Five Element patterns relate to your horse, you can learn how to keep your horse healthy and happy on a deep, lasting level. We can also complement it by learning acupressure through simple touch to bring health and happiness to our horses.
In a series of articles on my website, I describe the five different horse elements from Susan Tenney, an international teacher, author and practitioner of Shiatsu and Five Element Acupressure for animals. She describes the Five Elements in Classical Chinese Medicine and how to find out which element one's horse (or dog) belongs to. The elements are FIRE, EARTH, WATER, WOOD and METAL .
THE WOODEN HORSE
Dynamic, dominant, athletic
Organs: Liver
A horse that is prone to aggressive impatience especially in the spring, and to tendon damage and eye irritation may belong to the Wood element in CCM. If you have a Wood Horse, make sure you are aware that when it gets out of balance in terms of health, the liver is the organ most often affected.
This can cause muscular skeletal problems (stiffness that they never seem to work out) as well as chronic hoof problems (poor hoof quality and hoof abscesses). Additionally, their behavioral traits can become very difficult to manage with this physical imbalance. They benefit from herbs, acupressure and lifestyle changes that balance the wood element. Learn to keep tendons and eyes healthy and keep temper tantrums at bay.
Properties:
The wooden horse is like a powerful stallion full of energy. This horse often has a high rank in the herd and is often the leader when it is released. It thrives on movement and becomes angry, impatient and irritable when restricted or told what to do.
This horse can be challenging and you need to be sure of yourself as it is of itself. His strength is a dynamic sportsmanship and a powerful leadership ability. When this power is channeled into movement, through rigorous training or competition, the Wood Horse glows with vitality. It tends to be clear-headed, especially in a crisis, although many Wood Horses are easily spooked in the woods because they always stay alert and aware.
This horse is more willing to compromise than the other elements, but still likes independence and being the leader of the pack. Once you find this horse's discipline, it is likely to fulfill its obligations more than its other more volatile equine elements.
Behavior:
The wooden horse is the embodiment of the saying: "If you have to fight, you have already lost". Under pressure, Wood Horses are more likely to fight back than to flee in panic. They test their human daily and even hourly to see who is the leader. They require clear, firm boundaries and firm leadership if they are to respect human authority.
Inconsistent rules undermine the Wood Horse's respect for its owner and lead to power struggles. Don't mistake "firm" as an excuse to be tyrannical with these horses. They do not shy away from a fight and can become dangerously aggressive when handled roughly. What many horse owners of Wood individuals do not realize is that horses with this temperament are not testing them because they want to be bullies, they just want to know if you will take on the role of leader.
If a Wood Horse finds you unsuitable as a leader, it will take the leadership position itself. To earn the Wood Horse's respect as a leader, be clear, consistent, firm and above all present. When you establish a stable, consistent hierarchy, you will see the horse breathe a sigh of relief. Your Wood Horse may still test you regularly to make sure you will lead, but it will become a loyal follower, a peaceful warrior rather than a skeptical (and aggressive) minion. Stay firm and clear and it will get easier.
Suitable for:
Wooden horses are a great partner in rigorous sports such as racing, eventing or distance.
Training:
Training this horse is easy when you establish a hierarchy with clear boundaries. It is a keen learner and learns quickly so avoid repetition. Its impatient nature will be frustrated by slow, methodical lesson plans. Keep it interesting, varied and consider incorporating some challenges into the lesson to make smooth progress.
For successful training, it should be remembered that the Trä horse may have to dismount, or run away before you start. Honor the need for movement and class will be more fun and save you from starting the day with a struggle. You will have a clear, willing, attentive horse in your hands instead of a bomb waiting to go off. Since the horse is impatient to get started, you should keep the grooming before riding or training to the basics and save longer grooming for afterwards when the horse can enjoy after a good workout. Then it is a good idea for stretching, massage and acupressure.
Physical health:
On a physical level, the most important thing for the Wood Horse's health is lots of movement and for horses that means being outdoors. Many competition horses are kept in small boxes and this affects the Trä horse deeply. If you can't arrange enough outdoor time, especially during rainy months, be sure to schedule regular sessions of free movement, including in Liberty without a rider. If you skip this, you will pay for it with an overactive and impatient horse.
This horse is often athletically gifted, but there are still weaknesses that need support. It may have overall muscle tension, tendon damage, eye disease or poor hoof quality. Keeping the wood element balanced is recommended as wood animals do not make the best patients due to their impatience and sensitivity to physical discomfort and confinement.
Wooden horses are also prone to head injuries and they often have poor hoof growth, cracked and flaking hooves or other hoof problems. They are often difficult candidates for barefoot walking. For this to be possible, extra measures are needed such as dietary supplements, herbs, acupressure etc
Mares of this element can display very difficult behaviors and may need help being kept stable with hormone therapy that can help change behavioral symptoms, but will not determine the cause of the problem - an overactive wood horse. In fact, instead of curing the problem, hormone treatments can actually worsen the imbalance in a Wood horse. Through acupuncture or acupressure and herbs, you can form a program to even out the imbalance.
Old age:
This horse still needs support in his aging to stay healthy. It can easily turn gray and need extra acupuncture to age gracefully. The horse will also retain the physical vulnerabilities so be aware.
Retirement can be difficult for this horse and it often rebels against the limitations an aging body brings, due to its mind still ready for action. Keep it busy with light work so it feels engaged and useful. The Wood individual dislikes boredom. Getting plenty of time outside is the most important health measure you can give.
SUMMARY
Emotional Character
Emotional strengths: Leadership, clarity under pressure, strategic decisions
Stressed by: Restrictions, arrogant leadership, weak management, inconsistent rules and boundaries, repetitive work, lack of physical challenges, sentimentality, slow activities, retirement
Balanced by: Firm consistent boundaries, clear and competent leadership, challenging physical work, varied work, gentle kindness
Vulnerable to: Overexertion, fight first, ask later, pushed too hard, overexertion especially in competition
Responds to stress with: Aggression, impatience, frustration, anger, clawing, kicking, biting, ears laid back, testing the owner/rider, violently, explosion
Learning style: Takes advantage of challenges, competition, lots of movement and/or high work pace, variety in the lesson
Tips for success: Be PRESENT and guide this horse by being firm and friendly at all times
Physical character
Favorite sports: Racing, jumping, barrel racing, distance, something that is powerful and challenging
Common health problems: Tendon and ligament injuries, muscle soreness and stiffness, hoof problems, eye diseases, neck and neck tension, hip or hock pain, right-sided problems, heat cycle aggression in mares, spring sickness, "stallion behavior" - even in castrated horses
Tips for well-being: Regular massage for muscle tension, stretching for tendons and muscles, proper warm up and cool down, as much outdoor time as possible, excellent hoof care, spring detoxification program, herbs, acupressure and acupuncture to keep energy balanced and flowing, massage and acupressure after working - not before.
The wooden horse is the horse that is most often misunderstood and, because of its leadership qualities, is difficult to handle. It thus sadly risks being often subjected to violence and aggression in order to suppress its nature and make it surrender to the will of man.
Wood horses are not for all people because they require a certain person to step up to the challenge of being their person and leader. The wooden horse is like a CEO with his own company. Every person they come across unknowingly (or knowingly in some cases) submits their CV to be the right person for the job.
The wooden horse (CEO) looks at you and says that you are suitable to fetch his coffee but certainly not to be in charge or even Vice VD (Vice Chairman) of his company. So, you better have a very good resume if you even want to be co-pilot with a Wooden Horse. They are horses that are often abused because of their strong opinions. The problem is that they don't take abuse which often puts them through a lot of hard training, as they will fight back and not submit to dominance and dominant training methods.
That doesn't mean you can be a tit with a Wooden Horse because it will run you over if you are. Wood Horses look for balance and fairness in their education and a person who is a formidable match for them and worthy of their efforts at work.
They don't take fools and definitely outsmart a lot of people. They are a good challenge for someone who is a grounded and clear person who can convince Wood Horses that your idea is as good, if not better than theirs. Once you have proven yourself worthy of your Wood Horse, it will work hard and gladly for you as if it has deemed you worthy of its efforts.
Wooden horses need different herbs to keep their stomachs and hooves in good condition.
