ARR Training
We have worked with Klaus Schöneich and Gabriele Rachen-Schöneich,
the founders of the ARR Centre in Germany, for over 10 years, and hold regular clinics with them at Hollow Farm Equestrian.
Klaus Schöneich’s functional training, known as the “Schiefen-Therapie” or “Crookedness Therapy,” addresses the inherent asymmetries in horses that can lead to movement issues, health problems, and reduced performance.
This approach emphasizes correcting a horse’s natural asymmetry to promote balance, straightness, and overall well-being.
Understanding Schöneich functional training
The Schöneichs' functional training focuses on identifying and rectifying a horse’s innate crookedness, which often manifests as uneven weight distribution and compromised movement. By employing specific groundwork techniques, particularly lunging exercises, the training aims to:
• Enhance Balance and Straightness: Through controlled exercises, horses learn to distribute their weight evenly, leading to improved posture and movement.
• Develop Musculature Symmetrically: Targeted training ensures balanced muscle development, reducing the risk of strain and injury.
• Foster Self-Carriage: Horses become capable of maintaining proper posture without constant rider intervention, promoting independence and confidence.
Mechanics of the Approach
The core of Schöneichs' training involves systematic lunging on curved lines to encourage the horse to engage its hindquarters effectively. This engagement facilitates:
• Activation of the Inside Hind Leg: Encouraging the horse to step under its body enhances propulsion and balance.
• Improvement in Suppleness: Regular bending and flexing exercises increase flexibility, allowing for more fluid movements.
• Rehabilitation and Prevention: Addressing crookedness can prevent common locomotion problems and aid in the rehabilitation of existing issues.
Efficacy and Benefits
Over his extensive career, Klaus Schöneich has applied this training to over 5,000 horses, observing significant improvements such as:
• Enhanced Performance: Horses exhibit more efficient and graceful movements, benefiting various equestrian disciplines.
• Increased Longevity: Proper alignment and muscle development contribute to prolonged soundness and career longevity.
• Improved Behaviour: Balanced horses often display calmer temperaments and a willingness to work, as discomfort and frustration diminish.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Several misconceptions surround Schöneichs' functional training:
• Circle Work on Small Diameters is Harmful: Critics argue that small circles can strain a horse’s joints. However, when executed correctly, these exercises enhance balance and strength without causing harm.
• Straight Lines Alone Ensure Straightness: While straight-line work is beneficial, it doesn’t address inherent crookedness. Curved-line training is essential for achieving true straightness.
• Lunging is Merely a Warm-Up: In Schöneich’s training, lunging is a fundamental training tool, not just a preliminary exercise, crucial for developing balance and coordination. However the goal remains achieving a rhythmic, supple and balanced and sound ridden horse, capable of true self-carriage, whatever discipline it may be destined for.
Supporting Perspectives
Dr. Kerry Ridgway, a renowned veterinarian and equine therapist, emphasized the importance of addressing a horse’s natural asymmetries. He observed that many musculoskeletal issues stem from uncorrected crookedness, aligning with Schöneich’s approach.
"It matters not, whether you are a rider (pleasure or performance), a trainer, a veterinarian (conventional or integrative medicine orientated), a groom, a farrier/trimmer or a massage/physiotherapist, nearly every musculo-skeletal injury or pathology that we identify and attempt to cure or manage is related to the "Crooked Horse Syndrome."
Ridgway advocated for training methods that promote straightness to enhance performance and prevent injuries. Ridgway spent time at the Schöneichs' training centre, observing the training and examining the horses, and became a strong advocate for the Schöneichs' training, recognising that the vast majority of the issues he would have treated the horse for on arrival, had disappeared after 2 weeks of this training.
Conclusion
Klaus Schöneich’s “Crookedness Therapy” offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and correcting the natural asymmetries in horses. By focusing on balance, straightness, and proper muscle development, this training not only improves performance but also contributes to the overall health and longevity of the horse.
Addressing and dispelling common misconceptions allows for a broader acceptance and application of these effective training techniques.
Further links:
ARR Centre: www.arr.de
Helen
“I have just come back from the most fantastic weekend with Zahra and Klaus and the ARR straightness training.
The difference in my horse over the 3 days was mind blowing.
Klaus’ knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for this work was evident and his genuine desire to help you with your horse.
I can’t wait for the next one!
"
Sarah
“
It was an honour and privilege to have a horseman such as Klaus to help my mare. She has had a history of crookedness that has never resolved despite lots of rehab attempts from in-hand work, belly bands, long reining etc. Klaus seems to have a sixth sense around horses. His years and years of working with all varieties of horses shines through as he channels that for your horse.
The sessions are short but incredibly effective. Within one session my mare started to lift and move her back. After a few more her back had come up about an inch and she was in self carriage on a circle.
I am looking forward to continuing this approach with Klaus’ guidance and to see the transformation of my mare to a dancing partner.
"
Penelope
“
Thank you SO much for organising the clinic with Klaus. It was absolutely fascinating, and gave us all endless food for thought.
His lungeing technique is a real eye-opener, very different to conventional practice. We have been implementing it at home with very happy results.
The horses are developing more straightness and suppleness, and we can see a real change in their musculature and ability to take weight behind.
"