Latest Articles
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Do Horses Have Mirror Neurons? What We Currently Know
Mirror neurons were first identified in primates. These specialized brain cells fire both when an animal performs an action and when it observes the same action performed by another. In horses, mirror neurons have not yet been directly studied using invasive neurological methods such as those used in primate research. Because of this, scientists cannot… Read more
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Fascia: The Body’s Rapid Communication Network
Fascia is often described as connective tissue that wraps and supports the body. In reality, it functions as far more than a structural layer. Fascia forms a body-wide communication network that carries sensation, tension, and mechanical information across the entire organism. Signals move through this network so quickly and efficiently that many of its pathways… Read more
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An active cool down is more beneficial than a passive cool down.
Why an Active Cool Down Is One of the Most Important Parts of a Ride Most riders understand the importance of a good warm-up. But the cool down is often treated as an afterthought. In reality, the way a ride ends can have a significant impact on how the horse’s body recovers from exercise. Muscles,… Read more
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How Your Nervous System Influences Your Horse
Horses are extraordinarily sensitive to the physiological and emotional states of the humans around them. Their nervous systems continuously read subtle signals—not only from other horses, but also from the people they interact with. This sensitivity means that the human nervous system becomes part of the horse’s environment. Through posture, timing, breath, muscle tone, and… Read more
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Why Horses Need Time to Experience and Process Bodywork
One important concept I try to share with horse owners is this: for a horse to truly understand an experience, they first have to go through it—and then have time to process it. Many owners expect their horse to “get it” immediately. But horses do not learn through verbal explanation. We cannot talk them into… Read more
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Why Saddle Fit Was So Important in the Military
Lessons from 18th–19th century cavalry horse management In tDuring the 18th and 19th centuries, cavalry horses were expected to work extremely hard under demanding conditions. These horses were essential to military mobility, transport, and combat operations. A typical cavalry horse might: Under these conditions, a poorly fitting saddle was far more than a comfort issue—it… Read more
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Fascia, Immunity, and the Role of Manual Therapy
Fascia plays a meaningful role in your horse’s immune health. It is not simply structural tissue. Instead, it is a fluid-rich, vascularized, and lymphatically connected network that participates in circulation, immune surveillance, and tissue defense. The fascial system is permeated by interstitial fluid and closely integrated with blood vessels and lymphatic channels. While these systems… Read more
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How ProSix Affects Posture, Movement, and Stress in Horses
A summary of recent research Tools that support horses during hand walking, stall rest, and early recovery are becoming increasingly valuable. During these phases, horses often experience reduced movement, altered posture, and elevated stress levels. One such tool is ProSix, a whole-body resistance band wrap designed to provide elastic resistance, full-body proprioceptive input, and gentle,… Read more
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Equine Gnathology: Why the Mouth Shapes the Whole Horse
For many years, equine dentistry was approached primarily as a mechanical task: remove sharp points, smooth rough edges, and reduce overgrowths. Traditional floating can certainly relieve acute discomfort, but it can overlook a critical reality. The horse’s mouth is not static—it is a dynamic, three-dimensional system that influences the entire body. This broader perspective is… Read more