Latest Articles
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22 Interesting Facts About the Equine Lymphatic System
Here are 22 interesting facts about the equine lymphatic system: Lymph needs to be flowing for the horse to be healthy. Lymphatic drainage massage helps stimulate the movement of stagnant lymph and enhance the performance and natural flow of the lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage massage can help by reducing stocking up, improving recovery after strenuous… Read more
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Vitamin E and Vitamin E-Responsive Myopathy
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and an important antioxidant for horses. It helps maintain a healthy immune system and supports normal nerve and muscle function. Horses cannot synthesize vitamin E in their body. It’s found in fresh, green grasses and forage. Horses on lush pasture often get enough vitamin E by grazing fresh grass.… Read more
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Fun Fact – French Jump Racing
Unlike most countries, where the majority of the horses used for jump racing are thoroughbreds, many of the horses in French jump racing are AQPS (Autre Que Pur-Sang) a breed of horse now known as “French Chasers” developed in France by crossing thoroughbreds with other breeds. These horses have competed and won the Grand National,… Read more
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Exercise Combined With Massage Builds Healthier, Stronger Muscles
The micro tears and trigger points caused by exercise and building muscles heal faster, stronger and with a healthier range of motion when a horse receives regular massage sessions. Benefits of massage with myofascial release include improved muscle function, improved joint alignment, improved self-awareness, mobilized fascia, an increase in stride length and range of motion,… Read more
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What are Plyometrics?
Plyometrics or “plyo,” is a form of exercise that focuses on explosive, high-intensity movements to develop power, speed, and athleticism. It involves rapid stretching and contracting of muscles, which enables them to generate maximum force in a short amount of time. Plyometric exercises typically involve jumping, bounding, and other explosive movements. The primary goal is… Read more
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Seek Small Improvements, One Day At A Time
If you work to improve a little each day, great things can happen. A little bit of daily exercise and training will add up over time until one day you realize how far you’ve progressed. Not tomorrow, not the next day, but eventually a big gain is made. Don’t look for the big, quick improvement.… Read more
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What is Tensor Fascia Lata (TFL)
Location: Anchors on to the tuber coxae, inserting into the fascia lata, lateral patella ligament, cranial border of the tibia, and third trochanter with the superficial gluteal muscle. Function: Extends stifle, draws limb cranially (forward), contributes to hip flexion and abduction, tenses the fascia lata to stabilize the limb on the ground. The TFL is… Read more
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My Favorite Sports Psychology Exercise
This post is a little different than what I usually put up, but I’d like to share it anyway. This exercise has had such a positive effect on me; perhaps it might do the same for one of you… Years ago, I read an article about a sports psychologist who worked with several members of… Read more
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Exercise Creates Inflammation, Massage Reduces Inflammation
When your horse has a challenging exercise session, the fibers in their muscles micro tear – it’s the healing of these micro tears that causes their muscles to grow. These micro tears also cause the soreness and inflammation your horse experiences after a tough work. Inflammation is a normal and natural response to injury. It… Read more