How to Release Endorphins in a Horse

Practicing endotapping on your horse will make you both much happier.

Endorphins are chemicals released in the brains of humans and animals that reduce the feelings of pain and activate our opiate receptors, filling us with a sense of euphoria and relaxation. Certain animals, such as horses, can be trained to release endorphins through a physical stimulation technique known as endotapping. Using endotapping on your horse will not only help calm the horse but will also strengthen the bond that you both share.

Things You'll Need

• Endotapping whip

Instructions

1. Hold your horse by its reins and gently tap the area on its flank where your leg would rest if you were riding the horse. Continue this motion in a rhythmic pattern until the horse lowers its head so its neck and its back form a straight line.

2. Tap the area around the base of the horse's neck after it has lowered its head to further relax the horse.

3. Look at the eyes of your horse. If the horse is looking away from you, it is going into a mild counter-flexion. This mental state will override the relaxation reflexes in the horse's mind and prevent the horse's body from releasing the endorphins.

4. Continue tapping the two areas on the horse until it has completely relaxed and lowered its head. When you can you move your horse's head around like it is attached by a string, you know that the endorphins are surging through the horse's body. The horse should be completely relaxed.

5. Continue using this technique until the horse automatically lowers its head every time you start tapping it with the whip. Placing the horse in this state of mind before training will make the horse much more susceptible to your demands.

Tips & Warnings

• Endotapping whips can be purchased wherever equestrian sporting goods are sold.

References

• Medicine Net: Endorphins
• PK Equestrian: Endotapping Part 2