Doing this massage therapy over the last 12 years has opened up some very interesting thoughts and observations.  Often while working on say a jumper, curiously the owner/rider exhibited similar issues, pain or complaints.  For instance, sore lower back, neck tension and stiffness even leg and shoulder pain.  How and what would cause this : coincidence or???  Most horse people might agree that we often inherit from or give our horses the identical issues they   or we are experiencing at any given time in our lives.  I won’t get into the reasons or ideas why  I believe this happens just that it does and  I have seen it time and time again and experienced it first hand.  From emotional to physical issues our animal friends sense and seem to absorb our pain or issues at times.   Take for instance our balance and when it is off it affects our body physically and also our horse. Put too much weight on the front right part of our saddle and that will throw off balance the right side arm and possibly shoulder of our horse.  I can almost guarantee that it will cause your horse to be OFF on that same side and the front extremity ( arm & shoulder).  So pay attention to your balance in the saddle and your emotional state that you bring with you the next time you ride.   If you are on a regular basis  feeling sore on say your right side of your neck, check your horse’s neck on that side or have someone who knows the muscular anatomy of horses check it for you.  I would be interested to hear your stories.  Deborah P.S. Wear a helmet and be safe!!