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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.

Fast vs Slow Improvements

August 27, 2024 Kaiti Elliott

There are two kinds of situations I experience in my equine therapy practice; horses who improve drastically over a short period of time, and those who improve incrementally over a long period of time. Why does this happen?

This is a complex topic that I'm going to break down as simply as possible, but I can't possibly cover all of the infinite reasons why every horse responds differently - they are all individuals with unique situations.

Receiving Energy

August 27, 2024 Kaiti Elliott

Despite the fact that many - including some of the teachers and mentors who have taught me over the years - have been working in respect of those states for a very long time, sadly the information is still missing from a lot of professional development.

"One is a treat, more is a treatment"

August 27, 2024 Kaiti Elliott

There isn't anything wrong with booking a single bodywork session for your horse, as long as you understand the difference between a single appointment and ongoing care with an equine wellness professional.

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.