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"Non-Scale Victories" in Equine Therapy

March 12, 2025 Kaiti Elliott

***Have you ever heard of "Non-Scale Victories"?***

Essentially, non-scale victories are improvements in health that aren't measured by purely objective metrics. Objective measurements are very important to assess the effectiveness of things like equine bodywork and equine physiotherapy.

The thing is - I really do see value in all of the other ways I can help horses outside of purely objective metrics. Here are some of the ways that my work has helped to change many of my equine clients' lives for the better - "non-scale victories", if you will.

Equine Bodywork - for the Ears

January 31, 2025 Kaiti Elliott

**As an Equine Craniosacral Therapist, the ears are an important part of my work.**

Horses are highly sensitive animals, and their ears play a critical role in interpreting their environment. Not only necessary for sensory input and communication with people and other horses, equine ears are also connected to other very important structures in the body, and their function plays a considerable role in the horse's overall health and comfort.

Equine bodywork practitioners generally focus on restoring balance to a horse’s musculoskeletal system. Most of the attention is often directed at the larger muscles and joints, and an area that can be overlooked is the horse's ears.

Supporting Your Horse When On Rest

January 9, 2025 Kaiti Elliott

There are so many ways to support a horse that is on rest from an injury. A common misconception that we see in the equine therapy/physio/bodywork industry is that such work only has value for horses if they are ridden regularly. When a horse is on rest, especially with a restricted movement recovery space (stall or paddock), it is vital to ensure that their body is receiving support throughout their recovery.

Facilitating Nervous System Regulation for Horses

January 9, 2025 Kaiti Elliott

What are some of the ways that I facilitate nervous system regulation for horses in my equine wellness sessions?

The importance of honouring the horse's nervous system in their environment, relationships, training, riding, bodywork, etc. cannot be denied when you see first hand what a positive difference it makes for their welfare.

The importance of honouring the horse's nervous system in their environment, relationships, training, riding, bodywork, etc. cannot be denied when you see first hand what a positive difference it makes for their welfare. What are some of the ways that I facilitate nervous system regulation in my equine wellness sessions?

Correct Terminology in Bodywork

September 17, 2024 Kaiti Elliott

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.

Holding Space

September 17, 2024 Kaiti Elliott

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.

Do All Horses Benefit From Bodywork?

March 4, 2024 Kaiti Elliott

Every once in a while I talk to someone who is interested in what I do, but comments that their horse doesn't really do much and therefore doesn't require any 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!

Always Be Softer

March 4, 2024 Kaiti Elliott

If there is one piece of advice I can offer to both new equine bodyworkers and to human partners of horses, it would be this: whatever you are doing, do it softer. When you think you're being soft, be softer still.

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.

When We Cannot "Fix" Our Horses

March 4, 2024 Kaiti Elliott

A letter to my dear fellow horse professionals, specifically equine therapists, but this can apply to anyone who helps or cares for horses for a living.

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.

Equine Craniosacral Therapy - How is it Different?

March 4, 2024 Kaiti Elliott

How is equine craniosacral therapy the same or different from other equine therapy methods?

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.