Latest Articles
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Equine Sports Massage For Fox-Hunters
Equine Massage is a holistic bodywork technique designed to improve the overall well-being and performance of your horse. It differs from chiropractic work by specifically targeting muscles, fascia, and skin. It combines a detailed understanding of anatomy, physiology, muscular kinetics, and the specific physical demands of the client’s sport. Done well, massage can be used Read more
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What is Epimuscular Myofascial Force Transmission?
Epimuscular myofascial force transmission describes how mechanical forces are transmitted between muscles through the connective tissue structures known as fascia, which form a dense, fibrous network surrounding and permeating muscles and other structures within the body. Fascia provides structural support and helps maintain the integrity of muscle groups. Within this fascial network, myofascial connections or Read more
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The Surprising Truth: Insights from Research on Flexibility and Perception
I once read a study by researchers attempting to find a correlation between the feeling of being stiff and its relationship to the body actually being physically “stiff”. Surprisingly, they found zero correlation between the two. In fact, the people who reported feeling stiff were actually more flexible than those who didn’t. The study concluded Read more
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Serpentine Exercise: Using Footing to Enhance Self-Awareness and Symmetry of Movement
Are you interested in improving your horse’s proprioception and symmetry of movement/ambidexterity? Walking a serpentine pattern across different types of footing, such as grass, packed dirt, and sand, can stimulate your horse’s proprioception and kinesthesia —their sense of their body’s position and movement in space—and help them develop a heightened awareness of their movement patterns. Read more
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15 Interesting Facts About Your Horse’s Muscles
1. Up to 70% of muscle fibers do not span the complete distance between insertion and origin; however, as the endomysium (the thin layer of connective tissue or fascia that surrounds each individual muscle fiber within a muscle) of adjacent fibers are structurally connected, they can still transmit force. 2. During an isometric contraction, muscle Read more
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Clover: A Nutritious Treat for Horses and Its Considerations
In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and its association with the shamrock, also known as clover—a delicious and nutritious treat for horses—here’s some interesting information about this iconic plant. In the USA, there are several species of clover that horses can eat, with the most common ones being: 1. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Red clover* Read more
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Exploring the Functions of Sensory Receptors in Muscles
Muscles contain several types of sensory receptors that play a crucial role in proprioception (the sense of body position and movement), monitoring muscle tension, and providing feedback to the central nervous system. Here are some of the main sensory receptors found in muscles: 1. Muscle Spindles: Muscle spindles are specialized sensory receptors embedded within the Read more
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False Dandelion Poisoning in Horses
Carolina False Dandelion, also known as Carolina desert-chicory (Pyrrhopappus Carolinianus), is native to the southeastern United States. It can be found in states such as North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, typically in dry, sandy habitats such as roadsides, fields, and pastures and lawns. It’s similar in appearance to a “true” Dandelion. It’s hardy, Read more
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Massage can be a Game-Changer For Horses with Kissing Spines
Recent Research The gene linked to *kissing spines* in horses has recently been discovered, which may help in preventing and managing this painful condition. Researchers in the U.S. identified a specific gene variant that is associated with the severity of kissing spines. Horses carrying two copies of this variant tend to have a higher risk Read more