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You can have all the titles you can earn, take all the courses and learn all the modalities, hop on all of the latest bodywork and therapeutic gizmo trends - it won't get you anywhere near as far as this.
I'm coming up on 11 years as an equine manual therapist, and something that has become increasingly clear to me is that there is one quality - or skill, since it can be learned - that stands out as the thing that allows me to be good at what I do.
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Cross training is not just for horses, and it's not purely physical!
Cross training is not just for horses, and it's not purely physical!
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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.
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Myofascial therapy, sometimes called myofascial release (MFR), is a hands-on therapy that works to relieve tension and restrictions in the fascial system. Fascia is the connective tissue network that surrounds and permeates all soft tissues, nerves, bones, and organs.
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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.
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I read a very interesting study published earlier this year that validates what many horse people have already been seeing and experiencing. Through this study, researchers have developed a tool to aid in the assessment of musculoskeletal pain in horses. You can find the full research article cited at the bottom of this post.
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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?
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Correct Terminology in Bodywork
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.
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Holding space, and the beauty in the pause.
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.
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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!
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