Just because they can compete, doesn't mean they should
Poor performance can be a very subtle symptom that many riders fail to notice. Here are some things to look out for, especially as your horse progresses to higher levels.
Peeling the onion can be very tricky
As bodyworkers we often need to do detective work. Because the issue very often didn't start where the most obvious problem seems to be, we need to figure out what the restriction is protecting and address the deeper issue.
Is the problem really in the SI joint?
The SI joints are often blamed for any sort of pelvic dysfunction, but the region is a complex one and there are more factors to investigate than just those two joints.
Elbow pain – more common than you might think
Elbow pain is very common in horses who struggle to use their front end correctly. It is a problem many riders are unaware of, so it's important to educate ourselves on signs of elbow pain.
Taking care of the ribcage
Try these two bodywork techniques to restore range of motion and enable to ribcage to function better.
Can winter rugs cause tension?
Proper rug fit is very important as an ill-fitting rug can cause a lot of tension in the front end. In the long run, this can negatively impact your horse's performance and wellbeing.
Can I work my horse after a bodywork session?
Most bodyworkers will recommend a break from work following a bodywork session, but this does not mean the horse should be kept in a stall.
Things to keep in mind when coming back from in injury
Coming back from in injury can be scary, so here are some things to keep in mind to reduce the risk of re-injury.
Try this move for the neck fascia.
Tightness in the neck is very common in horses and it is often caused by restrictions in the fascis. Here is a simple move you can try to loosen up your horse's neck.