THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD ROLL

When we talk about the rights of horses, most of us know and understand what our horses need to keep themselves happy and healthy. But there is one right that most people are very unaware of, and yet it is something that can make a huge difference to the neurology of the horse. My horse, Jazz, has demonstrated just how much of a difference it can make.

Like many people, I had never given much thought to the horse’s habit of rolling in the dirt. It seemed pretty obvious to me why they did it. It protected them from flies and the elements, it could provide them with extra insulation, and after a ride, it was a means of getting rid of sweat or aching muscles. All pretty obvious, right?

A few years ago, Jazz channeled a book through me. Even though I was the one experiencing the magical and miraculous unfolding of this, I still wondered at the start, whether it was really coming from my horse, or whether it was coming from my deep subconscious. I may have continued to wonder, if it was not for the fact that Jazz enlightened me on things that I had absolutely no awareness of.

Rolling was one such topic. Yes, Jazz told me, they roll for all the reasons I know. But had I ever noticed how the horse walks around sniffing the ground, before they roll? Yes, I had noticed, but had never given it a moment’s thought.

Jazz went on to enlighten me. The reason they do this, is to search out the best energetic properties in the soil. This, as well as the physical release of the roll, actually changes their neurology. It brings them “down to earth” and grounds them.

I have to confess that I was deeply skeptical of this information. I couldn’t think of a single time that I had witnessed my horse’s energy changing through having a roll.

Then, just a week later, Jazz demonstrated this very thing to me.

Jazz was in season, and unusually for her, she had been flirting outrageously with two of the geldings in the neighbouring field. It didn’t take long for one of them to rear, bringing the fence down as he landed on it. In the blink of an eye, Jazz was happily ensconced in the field with the two geldings, and it took very little time before she was joined at the hip with one of them.

Attempts to catch either of them were absolutely fruitless. They were having none of it. Very wisely they recognised that being caught meant separation and the end of their fun. So hooves up to that idea! As they happily galloped and cavorted around together (looking amazing in the way that flighty horses float above the ground), I decided to retreat and try again a few hours later. Seeing them quietly grazing side by side, encouraged me to try again about three hours later. The sight of me, just resulted in a replay of their earlier antics, so I retreated again.

Five minutes later, I noticed Jazz rolling. As she stood up, her companion went down, and he vigorously started rolling too. I decided to put the grounding theory to the test. Would the adrenaline have dissipated? As I approached the horses, I sensed a completely different energy. They were calm, their heads lowered and their eyes soft - and yes - they let us just walk up to them without even the slightest movement of their heads, as their head collars were placed on. Success!

More recently I was made aware of how vital it is to let them have a good roll, and how their peace of mind can depend on it.

Jazz had spent ten days in hospital with inflammation around her heart and lungs, and an infection in one of the valves of her heart. She had been very poorly, hence the time in hospital.

Returning home, I was acutely aware of how “fizzy” her energy appeared and how erratic she seemed. Her eyes were darting everywhere, and her ears were barely still. I had been told that it was very important with her heart condition to keep her calm and quiet, yet seeing her in this flighty state, I worried how I was going to achieve it.

As she bounced around the yard after coming off the lorry, it suddenly occurred to me what she needed. A damn good roll!

I led her into the medical paddock. For five or ten minutes she proceeded to walk erratically around the paddock, me hanging gainly on to her rope. She wasn’t just sniffing the ground. She was licking it too. Spot chosen, her legs buckled, and she moaned and groaned ecstatically, as she rolled vigorously and thoroughly in the sandy soil. Her joy and relief were palpable!

As she rose from the ground, shaking herself, I couldn’t fail to notice the altered expression in her eyes. They were soft and gentle, and the whole energy of her being was completely altered. Calm and settled, the only thing that now interested her was the grass. She had ten days of catching up to do!

From that moment on, Jazz was the perfect patient. She was only allowed short stints in the paddock for the first couple of days, gradually building up the time, but it mattered not. She came when called, she was calm and willing at all times, and took her medicine (six syringes a day) happily and without fuss.

Science has also validated this discovery. A couple of years after Jazz first enlightened me, I read in a journal that one of the species of bacteria in the soil, M Vaccae, has been found to affect the brain and increase stress resilience. So not only had my horse demonstrated this fact through her actions, but the proof was now there in writing.

This should raise important questions, and considerations. How about stabled horses who do not have access to a field/paddock to roll in? How about horses who are rugged and fly sheeted? Yes, they can roll, but they are still missing out on a “mud bath” and those vital nutrients.

Once again, I am humbled by the wisdom of my horse. They have much to teach us! It is up to us to catch up with their innate wisdom and allow them what they need.