Healthy or Not?
Health is more than simply the absence of illness. It is the active state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being.
—UN World Health Organization
Signs of health
- Energy flow
- Ease, freedom of movement
- Eyes clear, shining, open
- Coat smooth, shining, satin feel
- Elasticity, suppleness
- Positive attitude
- Flowing lines
- Smooth gaits
- Lightness
- Straightness – alignment – in body and limbs
- Balanced, coordinated
- Presence, attention
- Clarity, sharpness
- Confidence
- Self-awareness
Signs of ill health or “dis-ease”
- Stillness (“checked out”)
- Stagnation (“dead in the water”)
- Meaningless movement (“pacey”, “flighty”, “weaver”)
- Dull or narrowed eyes (“mean”)
- Coat dull, thick, rough, patchy (“just the way she is”)
- Lack of energy (“lazy”)
- Stiffness (“getting old”)
- Pain (“bad attitude”)
- Awkward anatomical lines – angles, not curves; bulges (“bad conformation”)
- Jerky movement (“rough gaited”)
- Crookedness (“put together by a committee”)
- Uneven balance (“heavy-footed”, “on the forehand”)
- Lack of presence and awareness (“stupid”)
- Uncoordinated, confused (“autistic”)
- Repetitive injuries (“klutzy”)