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.

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.

 

Bill Berryman was a highly experienced and skilled farrier from Wales who immigrated to Colorado  in the early part of the 20th century with a unique background and a deep understanding of horses and their movements. His years spent driving teams of horses hauling the red slate rock that was used in the building of the University of Colorado from the Lukenon Quarry in Lyons to Boulder, Colorado which was 17 miles in each direction gave him a unique perspective on shoeing. Really in many ways he was the last of breed of horsemen (and maybe I should include women) who used horses to haul freight over rough dirt roads for years on end, and had the ability to observe long hours of the horses movements and the use that knowledge to the best of his ability to craft shoes to enhance their movement and protect their feet.

Farriers who have spent considerable time observing and working with horses in real-world situations often develop a keen eye for confirmation and a deep understanding of equine biomechanics. This knowledge enables them to provide customized shoeing solutions that address the specific needs of each individual horse, whether it be for general maintenance, performance enhancement, or corrective purposes. Such experienced farriers are valuable assets to the equestrian community, as they play a crucial role in maintaining the health and soundness of horses across various disciplines and activities as we all know. I also believe even the best shoeing job isn’t as good as nature intended, unless the horse has some very challenging confirmation problems. That is why I believe the various forms of myofascial manipulation and cranial sacral therapy can be a perfect addition to the horse overall well being and performance if the shoes might create some imbalances in the lower leg that would translate in to the shoulder and then through the entire structure. [Read more…]