A capacitor (originally
known as condenser) is an electrical
component used to store energy in an electric field.
When there is a potential
difference (voltage) across the conductors, a static electric field develops across the
dielectric, causing positive charge to collect on one plate and negative charge
on the other plate. Energy is stored in
the electrostatic field.
I often think that
horses are capacitors. Put them in a stable at night, give them highly
calorific, sugary food, or worry them in some way and they will store energy for
a little while before it bursts out of them in an energy spike. How that
expresses itself will depend on the horse. If your horse's behaviour has
suddenly changed this winter have a think about what has changed and what may
have put that extra energy in - is it more hours in the stable or a sudden
change of diet? Something as simple as haylage rather than hay?
This morning I
went to work with Coco again. She has been
ridden regularly for weeks now and she has been absolutely fine, already going
out on the Forest without a lead-rein. This
morning, for 'no apparent reason', she started bucking as soon as she moved
forward from the mounting block. Poor S hit the deck but fortunately the ground
was soft and she was wearing a hat and body protector. We went back a few
stages, long reining for a second time and then leaning over before S got on
board for a second time. We took the precaution of taking just a few steps in a
small circle before going in a straight line. All was well this time and we
were able to go out for a short while on the Forest .
The good news is that Coco was not frightened
by S landing on the floor (some horses are terrified the first time this
happens) and she recovered her equilibrium really easily. The only factor that
has changed recently was the introduction of haylage as supplemental feed. So not for no apparent reason perhaps at all!
When you think of the
effect that a small pill can have in preventing disease and changing body
chemicals, it should come as no surprise I suppose that a change in diet can
have a dramatic effect on a horse's temperament and energy levels. Needless to
say, S is ringing the hay man this afternoon!
