Latest Articles
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A Study On DMEs And Gymnastic Training
A study by the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science (2015) found that dynamic mobilization exercises (DMEs) and gymnastic training (GYM) in therapy horses can improve stride quality and increase epaxial muscle size in these horses. Gymnastic training and mobilization exercises in therapy horses Horses were were divided into 3 groups (sedentary, DMEs only and DMEs… Read more
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Bodywork Is Not A Spectator Sport
There are quite a few bodywork videos going around currently that showcase the “wow factor” of a particular maneuver or technique. In my opinion, these videos are more about the featured person’s salesmanship skills and less about their horsemanship or bodywork skills. In fact, I’m concerned about how those horses’ bodies feel in the days… Read more
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Carrot Stretches After Riding
When you ride your horse, his muscles work hard to support you and perform whatever task you ask of him. You can help him keep his muscles healthy and limber by asking for some simple stretches at the end of your ride. (Video in the comments) Baited Stretches, often called Carrot Stretches, target muscles in… Read more
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Walking Improves Gut Motility
Walking around the pasture can help improve a horse’s gut motility in several ways. Firstly, low key physical activity such as walking stimulates the movement of the muscles in the horse’s digestive tract, helping to promote gut motility and prevent constipation. The rhythmic movement of the legs and the contraction and relaxation of the abdominal… Read more
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The Pain Gate Theory
Understanding the pain gate theory is important for body workers and massage therapists because it provides a scientific basis for understanding how their techniques can alleviate pain. This theory, proposed by Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall in 1965, suggests that the perception of pain is not solely a direct result of activation of pain receptors,… Read more
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Everything You Need To Know About Electrolytes
Electrolytes are essential minerals involved in regulating your horse’s fluid balance, nerve and muscle function, and other important physiological processes. If your horse is training, competing or living in hot and humid conditions it may require more electrolytes than if it were less active or in cooler environments. Some of the most important electrolytes for… Read more
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26 Interesting Facts About A Horse’s Heart
1. The average horse’s heart weighs between 8 and 10 pounds, making it one of the largest hearts of any land mammal. 2. A horse’s heart beats approximately 30-40 times per minute at rest, and can increase to over 220 beats per minute during exercise. 3. The heart rate of a foal is typically higher… Read more
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Understanding Biotensegrity
Biotensegrity is the structural concept of harmony between compression and tension. Biological structures (muscles, bones, fascia, ligaments, tendons, rigid and elastic cell membranes) are made strong by the balance of tensioned and compressed parts. The word “Biotensegrity” was created out of a combination of the following 3 words; Tight or painful muscles and fascia affect… Read more
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The Technique of Stripping Strokes
This technique involves the application of slow, deep, gliding pressure along the length of the muscle fibers. Stripping strokes release and elongate tightened muscle and fascia, flush the muscles with fresh blood, and ease trigger points (trigger points are hyperirritable muscle tissue that refer pain). A masseuse might use a hand or forearm for larger muscles… Read more