The base chakra or Root chakra is located in the perineum at the base of the spine at the dock of the tail. This chakra moves the energy up from the magnetic field at the earth's core through the feet and legs, energizing blood and tissues in the body. On a physical level this chakra stimulates th~ aggressiv~ dr~ve linked to survival and if controls the adrenal cortex (on the upper end of each kidney), which IS the storehouse for inherited ancestral energy. It holds both our genetic inheritance for vitality and our predispositions to disease. This chakra also holds qualities of courage, assertiveness, competitive behavior, stamina and resilience. This chakra is the "survival" center controlling the horses' response to flight-freight situations. It governs the functions of the kidneys and adrenal glands. Physical p~oblems of the root chakra are conditions that affect the feet, knees, kidney issues, osteoporosis, bone problems and autoimmune deficiency conditions. The second chakra or sacral chakra is located in the pelvis near the sacrum. This energy center affects emotions and our sense of sexuality. In Chinese Medicine this chakra is governed by the water element. When this chakra is out of balance, it can cause fluid retention in the body. It effects our emotions, creativity and sense of sensuality. The glands that it governs are the ovaries and the test~s. The associated body parts are the sex organs and the bladder. Physical problems related to this chakra are sterility, sexual dysfunction, fibroids and sciatica. The third chakra is the Solar Plexus Chakra, This sits over the stomach and is directly related to the breakdown of nutrients for digestion. This is the horses' power and fear center. Anger, stress and fear is stored here; the flight/fright response is reflected in their sense of self esteem. This center governs the stomach and the pancreas gland behind the stomach. I believe that this is the most important center to be open because if left closed, it can cause colic, ulcers and inflammation of the pancreas. The fourth chakra is the Heart chakra which is the center of love. It governs the Thymus gland and is responsible for building a strong immune system to ward off disease and pain. The physical ailments associated with this chakra are circulatory issues, auto-immune and all lung related conditions. There are two schools of thought as to which of these two chakras is more important to the wellbeing and survival of the horse. In my opinion and from personal experience I have found it is critical that the stomach chakra always be open since this chakra responds so dramatically to stresses that the horses is subjected to on a daily basis. These stresses can be anything from haying a rigorous training program with little down time to dramatic fluctuations in the weather. It has been my experience that if the stomach chakra is left out of balance for any length of time, especiall in your more sensitive breeds, it can trigger the onset of a colic situation or the development of symptoms that are similar to a horse with stomach ulcers. However, the important role of the heart chakra is not to be dismissed. The fifth chakra is the Throat chakra situated over the thyroid gland. It is responsible for omrolling metabolism, the throat, mouth, teeth, jaw and ears. It also affects physical and mental development. When in balance, this is the center that allows the horse to properly express its' emotions and feelings without being aggressive or uncontrollable. When this center is out of balance throat related issues may occur, tooth decay, gum problems, T.M.] and cervical problems of the neck. You may also find that neurotic vices such as cribbing, weaving, or aggressive behavior such as biting will develop as a result of this center being out of balance. The sixth chakra is the Brow chakra referred to by most as the "Third EY~". It is situated ab~~ - an inch above the center point between the eyes on the forehead. It controls the function ofthe Pituitary gland. Body parts and issues related to this chakra are the eyes, sinuses, the poll, and neurological related conditions. On an emotional level, this is the horse's sense of intuition, his or her intelligence and ability to process and execute difficult maneuvers. On a negative note, it is also responsible for a horse being very stubborn, rigid and unable to adapt to change.