It's important to me to use correct terminology in bodywork and to describe my findings and techniques accurately. Doing otherwise does a disservice to the horse owner. They should be getting correct, accurate information from their professionals so that they can fully understand what's going on with their horse and can make educated decisions about their care.
Read moreHolding Space
I've learned how much it enhances my bodywork when horses are 1. allowed the time and space needed to pause and integrate, and 2. have the self-regulation skills needed to be present in their bodies and process changes within their nervous system.
Read moreDo All Horses Benefit From Bodywork?
Everyone has a different opinion on whether any horse "requires" bodywork, but let's reframe it and pose this question - can a horse benefit from bodywork even if they "don't do much"? That I can confidently answer with a resounding yes!
Read moreAlways Be Softer
Intention is a form of energy that I find most people struggle to control around their horses. Equine therapists have to learn this skill quickly because without it, many horses - especially if they have pain or anxiety - will refuse our touch. It's an ongoing skill development that doesn't occur overnight and is never fully learned. But it is an easy one to begin and when you do, you will notice a significant shift in how your horse responds to you.
Read moreWhen We Cannot "Fix" Our Horses
To my dear fellow equine practitioners and caregivers, please give yourself some grace. I know it can be a very thankless career, and I want you to know that you are seen, understood, and you are not alone.
Read moreEquine Craniosacral Therapy - How is it Different?
CST has given me a whole new way of working with horses' minds and bodies. Embodiment of the necessity of consent from the body and appreciation of its ability to self regulate and heal. It has refined my palpation, deepened my listening, and opened my mind.
Read moreNew Certification - Equine Craniosacral Therapist!
It has been amazing to look at horses through the lens of CST and realize that many of their chronic symptoms can be traced to dysfunction in the craniosacral system. As someone who has always questioned things like WHY a certain muscle group is always tight for certain horses, CST has been a guiding light to discovering these answers.
Read moreBe A Good Listener - Not Just For The Horse's Sake
Being a good listener doesn't end with the horse. Half of the partnership that we are working with in equine manual therapy is the horse's human steward. And I can say with confidence, having been a horse owner for almost twenty years myself, that they are rarely truly listened to. As a horse owner, you get very accustomed to people telling you what to do - and what not to do - with your horse.
Read moreAnxiety At Your Horse's Appointments with Equine Professionals
I ran a poll in my Instagram Stories asking if you ever feel anxiety or nervous before your horse's bodywork, chiro or massage appointment. 47% said no, which was good to see. But 40% of you said yes, and 13% said sometimes! I want to get into why you may be feeling this way, and what to do about it.
Read moreThe Importance of Breathwork for Horses
Breathwork is likely not something most people think about when they imagine equine bodywork, but it has become an important part of my work and a vital step towards holistic well-being for my horse clients. Many horses develop restrictions that lead to reduced function of the ribcage and diaphragm.
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