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Equine Stretching

Foreleg Stretch

This front leg exercise can be done by yourself, but it is easier with someone helping you especially if they can do myofascial work simultaneously. 3 repetitions of of 15-30 seconds with applied myofascial equine type massage, using origins and insertions can be very powerful!

You can see the general area all the way from the nuchal ligament of the top line right down to the hoof is getting a good stretch.

forelegStretchmuscleNames forelegClose

Again all these techniques, in my not so humble opinion, are better preceded by a few minutes of equine massage work of your choice to limber the muscles up and accelerate the process of removing the by products of the metabolic process. Try to go slowly. It s great stretch for Dressage and cutting horses!

Learn more about equine myofascial massage with our Equine Myofascial Massage course.

The Benefits of Equine Massage

Benefits of Equine Massage

Equine Massage Therapy offers several potential benefits for horses, both physical and psychological. Here are some of the key values of equine massage:

  1. Muscle Relaxation: Equine Massage therapy helps to release tension and tightness in the muscles, promoting relaxation and flexibility. This can be particularly beneficial for horses engaged in strenuous activities such as training, competition, or work, as it can help prevent muscle stiffness and soreness.
  2. [Read more…]

Equine Massage Therapy

Equine Massage Therapy

Equine massage therapy, cranial sacral therapy, and myofascial release, are all holistic approaches to improving the well-being and performance of horses. Here’s a brief overview of each:

1.Equine Cranial Sacral Therapy: This therapy focuses on the cranial sacral system, which includes the bones of the skull, spine, and sacrum, as well as the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. PractitionerS use gentle manipulation of these structures to release tension and promote balance within the horse’s body. The goal is to enhance the horse’s overall health and performance by improving the function of the nervous system and addressing issues such as head and mouth issues as well as TMJ problems, and spinal misalignments.

2. Equine Myofascial Release: Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and organs in the body. Myofascial release techniques involve applying sustained pressure to the fascia to release tension and restore mobility. In equine myofascial release therapy, we use hands to locate areas of tightness or restriction in the horse’s body and apply gentle pressure to encourage relaxation and release. This can help improve flexibility, range of motion, and overall comfort for the horse.

3. Equine Massage Therapy: Equine massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissues, such as muscles and tendons, to alleviate tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. Massage techniques vary widely and may include stroking, kneading, compression, and stretching movements. Equine massage therapists often work with horses to address specific issues such as muscle soreness, stiffness, or injuries, as well as to help prevent injuries and enhance performance. Massage therapy can also have psychological benefits for horses, helping to reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.

These therapies are often used in conjunction with other holistic approaches, such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, and herbal medicine, to provide comprehensive support for the horse’s health and well-being.

When You Touch A Horse with Intention

heart to heart projection

 

When you touch a horse with focus and purpose to create better performance, I would say that your are engaging in a practice commonly referred to as “natural horsemanship” or “equine communication.” This approach emphasizes building a strong bond and understanding between the horse and the handler/rider through a new type of mind set that develops deeper trust and respect. Here’s what  I believe unfolds when you introduce a new aspect of “training” that requires absolutely nothing from your steed other to be present to receiving something and requiring absolutely nothing of them in return. Now that is is a completely different paradigm. Did you ever hear the expression, There’s nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse,” I think almost all of us get it! I believe it might have been Winston Churchill but it also sounds a bit Mark Twain like!  Everyone knows though that it is absolutely true!  [Read more…]

Training Techniques That Prioritize The Well-Being Of The Horse.

My  life around horse exceeds a half of a century. Some of the techniques I witnessed  that “horseman” asked of their mounts to create behavior and physical changes border on cruelty. Obviously, approaches to any discipline are handed down and the negative ones become ingrained. I have witnessed “trainers” using methods to get their horses to pick up their knees while jumping that instilled fear in them to where jumping became a frightening and painful experience where the horse avoided jumping altogether which  then cascaded into more training techniques that I consider not only cruel but stupid! I have witnessed Park horse that were asked to exaggerate their knee movements using shoeing techniques and tying annoying things around their feet so that the horse lifted its feet abnormally high because they were frightened of what might get “attacking” their feet. 

Using fear and pain as tools in horse training is not only ethically questionable but can also lead to long-term physical and psychological harm to the animals. Positive reinforcement and humane training methods that focus on understanding the horse’s natural behavior and using it to shape desired responses tend to yield better results in terms of both performance and the horse’s overall welfare.

 In either case, where the knees aren’t being raised up and held up, or held up  long enough in a jumper’s case. It might be as simple as a muscular imbalance. Maybe, just maybe, there is an issue with the triceps and the serratus thororacis that could be addressed simply by manual intervention of these muscles. And if there is no apparent issue in the presence. Working those muscles could prevent future problems. It’s quite simple to address those muscles and find out if there is a potential that they are involved in the problem.

As the equestrian community evolves, there is a growing emphasis on science-based, horse-friendly training techniques that prioritize the well-being of the animal. Many trainers and riders are adopting methods that prioritize building a positive relationship between the horse and rider, and that focus on clear communication, trust, and the horse’s natural abilities.

Continuing to raise awareness about these issues, sharing your insights, and advocating for ethical and responsible training methods can contribute to positive changes within the equestrian world.

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Lyons Institute Blog

Recent Posts

  • Equine Stretching
  • The Benefits of Equine Massage
  • Equine Massage Therapy
  • When You Touch A Horse with Intention
  • Training Techniques That Prioritize The Well-Being Of The Horse.

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  • Equine Stretching
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