Latest Articles
-
Understanding Equine Cooling Mechanisms: How Horses Beat the Heat
Summer heat and exertion cause your horse’s temperature to rise. How does your horse keep its internal temperature at a healthy level when faced with these challenges? 4 primary cooling mechanisms for horses: Understanding how your horse cools itself can help you design your care and exercise program. Read more
-
Massage Can Help Your Horse Through The Training Process
When working with your horse, remember that it’s the muscles that create movement, strength, power, posture, hold the bones in place and support the organs. Muscles are also what pull the body out of optimum, by strength or weakness, which combine to create imbalance and potential unsoundness. You can be a great trainer, conditioner or… Read more
-
What is Visceral Fascia?
Visceral fascia is a layer of connective tissue that surrounds the internal organs of a horse. It is also known as the “serosa” or the “visceral peritoneum”, depending on its location within the body. The visceral fascia is a thin, transparent layer that is composed of collagen fibers and other extracellular matrix components. It provides… Read more
-
The Art of Somatic Movement & Exercise
The word somatic means “of or relating to the living body,” A somatic movement is performed consciously and with the intention of focusing on the internal experience of the movement rather than the external appearance or result of the movement. Somatic education uses somatic movement to improve motor control and sensation. Somatic movement education can… Read more
-
Elements of Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release refers to a collection of techniques for separating layers of fascia, releasing restrictions and restoring elasticity and hydration. Restricted fascia will often lead to undiagnosed pain, exhaustion and immune system dysfunctions. Specific releases for different parts of the body vary, but generally include gentle application of pressure or sustained low load stretch to… Read more
-
Funny Faces During A Massage
My horse makes funny facial expressions when it gets a massage. What do they mean? Behavioral scientists have done research on equine facial and behavioral expressions related to their feelings about the job they were doing or about to do or had just finished doing. Here’s what they say; Relaxed snorting is related to expressions… Read more
-
Understanding Muscle Adhesions
Muscle adhesions, also known as myofascial adhesions, are areas of fibrous tissue that form between the layers of muscle and connective tissue, known as fascia. These adhesions can occur as a result of muscle injury, overuse, lack of use or repetitive motion. Muscle adhesions act like internal scar tissue, and the spots can become tight,… Read more
-
How Rib Stripping Can Help Your Horse Move More Freely
Your horse’s ribs are intimately involved in breathing, bend, swing, rotation and lift. Your horse’s ribs need to be able to move. Your horse has 18 pairs of ribs (probably; some have 17, some 19). 8 ribs connect directly to the sternum and 10 ribs connect through fibrous tissue to the costal cartilage of rib… Read more
-
Components of Fascia
Components of Fascia Fascia is composed of cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM includes two main elements: a fibrous component and a hydrated gel-like substance called ground substance. Cells within fascia are responsible for producing, regulating, breaking down, and maintaining all ECM components. Cells Found in Fascia Fibroblasts The primary cells of fascia.… Read more