Engagement and the Lumbosacral Joint

Has your coach ever told you to ask for more engagement? As a rider, you know the feeling of lift- off, that moment of suspension, almost like flying. This couldn't happen without engagement.  

Engagement happens when the back is flexed at the lumbosacral joint (where the croup and sacrum meet), this brings the hindquarters under the body, and shifts the center of gravity backwards, resulting in the power to drive the horses body forward in space, as well as carry a rider. 

Horse’s are rear wheel drive, which means the power comes from behind. The psoas muscle group as well as the abdominal muscles are the major players in flexion of the lumbosacral joint. The psoas muscles are located deep within the pelvis and attach behind the last rib, the abdominals run along the belly of the horse.

As the horse steps forward, hind legs reach under the body, the croup tilts, and the hindquarters engage. The lumbosacral joint is involved in every movement the horse makes, and is a key component of both power and collection. If this area is stiff or hollow, it greatly decreases the horse’s ability to shift their center of gravity, move with power or carry a rider.

It would cause compensation in other parts of the body, to get these tasks done, which could lead to injury later on. 

Harris, S., 2017. Horse Gaits, Balance, and Movement. La Vergne: Souvenir Press, pp.42-43.