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Equi’Sport Ease, Gold Coast (2024)

17/08/2024

A large smile from Ishka to wish everybody a happy, sunny week end ☀️

26/05/2024

Nothing more rewarding than a yawning, happy pony 🫶🏻

20/05/2024

Bonjour ☀️

Did you know… it isn’t just about our horses looking nice and fancy?

As temperature is decreasing in Queensland and « winter » (🤭) is arriving, it seems like a good time to talk about the benefits of clipping. Now of course: if your horse only does the occasional light work, has specific health issues or if you don’t know how to rug properly, having your horse clipped isn’t a very smart move.

But if your horse is in regular work and your vet does not say otherwise, clipping can offer a bunch of benefits - such as the prevention of excessive sweating, which in turns reduces the risk of post-exercise chills. A thick coat is more likely to trap sweat, making it hard for the horse to dry after his workout. This can lead to significant discomfort, such as stiffness or cold-related muscle cramps. Imagine going for a run and keeping your sweaty clothes on while the temperature drops (outside. In the shade. And if unlucky, in the wind)…

When thick coats trap heat, it also retains dirt and moisture - which creates an ideal environment for bacterial and fungal infections to develop such as the infamous rain rot. Dense hair can also cause itching and discomfort, especially when it starts to shed or when rubbing on the gear used for riding. Clipping allows the skin to breath better, stay cleaner and dry quicker, therefore reducing the risk of skin irritations and infections.

A short coat makes subtle changes in muscle tone and overall health easier and quicker to detect - which facilitates timely interventions. Although, it still requires for us to look at our horses - and even dare I add, take the time to properly groom them. Every horse owner knows the relevance of noticing cuts or swelling as early as possible!

Again, it isn’t about having a fancy looking horse, nor keep your bodyworker’s hands from becoming black of dirt (although when possible, it is quite nice). It is about our horses comfort and wellbeing, making their overall health and ability to perform a priority 🫶🏻

05/05/2024

Bonjour ☀️

Training does not have to be riding - we can be incredibly efficient from the ground. Lunging for instance, is an amazing training tool for all horses.

Training for a goal is hard. It is a lot of efforts, pain, doubts and patience. There are a lot of challenges - however, results do not just come from the difficulties. Small wins and easier sessions are absolutely necessary for the mind and body to heal from the hard ones, leading to the goal to achieve. And above all, we do not move up to the next level before being ready. We do not run a marathon when struggling on a semi, nor enter a 1.20m class when not jumping clear a meter.

The examples above would make total sense for most people - how about expecting a horse to carry his rider on a circle without struggle when he hasn’t been taught to do it on his own?

On the lunge, the young horse gets to learn about voice commands, get used to his tack, and learn how to organize and balance himself without the weight of an often unbalanced and asymmetrical rider. This is about getting the basics right before moving onto the next level.

The older horse gets to solidify his basics while working on his fitness. This is about moving his body the right way from a training perception without the tensions that can be caused by a rider.

Do train your horse. Vary the work, make sure your horse remains interested and prioritize a good relationship - which comes first from the ground rather than the saddle. 🫶🏻

28/04/2024

Bonjour ☀️

Working on an empty stomach makes you grumpy? Tired? Frustrated? Well, for our horses, it’s all that and worse.

Of course, a horse that’s not hungry tends to be more willing to work - relatable. And naturally, fueling up is important before exercising - have you tried running in the sand with somebody on your back before breakfast?

But did you know, feeding forage to our horses before a ride helps prevent gastric ulcers?

Horses are grazers, whose stomach is designed to consume small amounts of forage throughout the day. Although many working horses get 2 to 3 meals daily during which they also receive hard feeds - if they don’t, please run (with the horse) - horses ideally have access to quality forage 24/7.

Both food and saliva act as a buffer against stomach acids. Therefore, long hours between feeding time can result in the build up of acid - imagine this splashing around in the horses stomach while exercising. This is where painful gastric ulcers are most likely to develop, making the horse extremely uncomfortable when it comes to being saddled and ridden - signs include unwillingness to work, or resistance to girthing. Muscle soreness - especially through the back and the abdominals, is often associated with ulcers as the horse tenses to try and ease the pain.

If you suspect ulcers for your horse, do call your vet. Treat it, and do your best to prevent it. There is no good ride nor good relationship without a happy, pain-free horse 🫶🏻

More info at https://www.foxdenequine.com/blogs/equine-nutrition/feeding-horses-hay-and-grain-before-riding-why-you-should-feed-your-horse-before-rides #

17/04/2024

I am delighted to announce that I am now qualified as an Equine Massage Therapist ✨

This has been such an interesting course, and I am so excited to get started as an equine therapist. I am more motivated than ever to play a role in our horse’s wellbeing; advocate for them and help them feel their best.

Massive thank you to the teachers for their guidance and support, as well as all the owners of the beautiful horses that I practiced on - and everybody else that supported me along the way.

It’s only the start of the journey and I already have my eyes on other courses to further educate myself and offer more services 👀

Bookings are now open - DM for info about pricing and availability 📩

17/04/2024

I am delighted to announce that I am now qualified as an Equine Massage Therapist ✨

This has been such an interesting course, and I am so excited to get started as an equine therapist. I am more motivated than ever to play a role in our horse’s wellbeing; advocate for them and help them feel their best.

Massive thank you to the teachers of for their guidance and support, as well as all the owners of the beautiful horses that I practiced on - and everybody else that supported me along the way.

It’s only the start of the journey and I already have my eyes on other courses to further educate myself and offer more services 👀

Bookings are now open - DM for info about pricing and availability 📩

13/04/2024

Bonjour ☀️

If you are lucky enough to own your heart horse, you are probably dreading the moment your horse will be ‘too old’ to be ridden. If it is true that workload inevitably has to be reduced as horses age, it is possible to keep enjoying various activities with them beyond their twenties - and there are a few things worth knowing to keep them in great shape.

Of course, older horses still need to see their farrier, dentist, vet and bodyworker at least as often as they did in their youth. Just like humans do, horses tend to need health check-up more often in order to detect any health issue as early as possible. Losing teeth is also a part of the natural aging process, which makes regular dental checks vital to ensure the horse is able to chew, digest and absorb their food’s nutrients without pain.

Nutrition may need to change and adding supplements could be necessary - depending on veterinarian advice, either to adapt to an incomplete dentition, or to comfort aging joints and soft tissue.

Movement is paramount. If you do need to give your older horse’s body more time to warm up and cool down on walk, avoid giving them long holidays. Rebuilding muscles, flexibility and stamina after a month off takes longer for an older horse, and is increasing the risk of injury when returning to work. Ridden sessions need to be lighter but regular.

Bare in mind that older horses dehydrate faster, and are less efficient at regulating their body temperature. To prevent extreme discomfort and potential injuries, it is best to avoid riding in the heat.

Last but not least - keep the seniors going out in large paddocks with shelter, fresh water and friends. Bring them their (chewable…) favorite treat and keep on loving them. 🫶🏻

07/04/2024

Bonjour ☀️

Zoom on a stretch… 🧐

Here’s a fun one that involves the ultimate treat: the good old carrot. There are a few stretches that require the use of a bait to be performed - ‘carrot stretches’, that horses are usually greatly interested in (dah!). This is the neck extension.

The aim is to have the horse extend his neck in an upward position as they try to reach the carrot, without tilting their head in order to keep good alignment of the cervicales vertebrae. This exercise will stretch the group muscles associated with the neck and the whole top line, as well as the abdominal muscles. This is also excellent for improved balance and better core strength.

When performed regularly - again, consistency is key, carrot stretches will enhance the horse’s flexibility, proprioception and balance, as well as build core strength and improve range of motion. They are great exercises to not only promote suppleness but also develop the muscles horses need to work with healthiness in the arena.

Like all great things, it also comes with some ‘cons’ - main one being it’s not just about waving a treat under our horses nose. These stretches have to be performed in an adequate manner, in order to prevent over stretching or injuries from happening. Muscles need to be warm, horse needs to stand well on their 4 feet and not be pushed beyond their limits. Their comfort zone can be harder to see when carrots are involved. Take your time and bare in mind that with horses too little is better than too much.

Little read to learn more about performing these stretches in a safe way https://www.horsejournals.com/horse-care/alternative-therapies/performing-carrot-stretches-safely-effectively

31/03/2024

Bonjour ☀️

Let’s talk about ‘maintenance’ - aka what we do to keep our horses healthy, happy, ridable and even competitive. To me, maintenance has a lot to do with prevention.

In addition to the obvious appropriate feed and water the horse needs to survive - and the absolute basics of a happy daily life such as turn out, interactions with other horses, or a shelter when living out and a clean stall if living in, there are a few professionals whose expertise are needed fairly often to maintain and ensure the horse’s great condition.

It is safe to say that most people know about the farrier, as it is quite obvious when the horse needs a trim or a new pair of shoes. Most people also know about worming their horse and - hopefully, to call their vet for check-ups whenever something seems off or for needed care such as vaccines or other treatments. The dentist can get forgotten about more easily, even though teeth problems can cause severe pain, along with significant behavioral issues. The saddle-fitter isn’t called as often as they should either, as many people think a horse can keep the same saddle for life. They can, but at times it will potentially cause discomfort, slow progress down and can even lead to irreversible injuries. A horse’s body changes with training, weight loss/gain, aging… and the saddle often needs readjusting in order to maximize the horse’s comfort and performance.

Bodywork such as massages or red light therapy is not part of many horses maintenance, despite the many benefits it offers - such as keeping the muscle fibers long and supple, promoting overall relaxation and preventing injuries from happening. Muscles get tighter with work, and micro damage done to soft tissues can grow into problems that can require months of rest. Aging horses are more likely to suffer from muscle wasting, which can be difficult to recover from. If regular massages participate in improved posture and performance, it also increases our chances to keep our older horses in work for longer. A horse that is doing great under saddle still needs bodywork. To keep doing great. As maintenance.

25/03/2024

Bonjour ☀️

Did you know…? 💭

Turnout is absolutely vital for a happy and healthy horse. Now of course, a tiny paddock full of mud and without a shelter is not a nice outdoor experience - the horse needs space, safe ground to act like horses, shelter to stay out of the sun or rain, and of course, the option to interact with others. Even if it’s not on the same side of the fence.

Now there are the obvious reason behind the ‘why’ our horses should go out at least a few hours every day. Mental health. I mean, we’ve all gone through covid 19 crisis and have experienced what it’s like to be locked up in our houses. Not fun, most of us would say - and if we complained about having to stay in a place with different rooms to move to and from, we can imagine how uncomfortable and bored a large mammal is when forced to stay in their 4 walls enclosure.

For us humans, what’s good for the mind isn’t always best for our body. For animals, it often is different. Turnout for horses benefits both the mind and the body - indeed, a horse is built to graze all day and move around as it pleases. Free movement and gentle exercise horses do themselves in paddocks helps to maintain muscle mass & cardiovascular fitness, prevents bone mineral loss, increases tendons and ligaments strength, and supports joint health. The steps done during turnout also benefits hoof health, as it increases circulation within the hooves and therefore participate in keeping them healthy.

Also, interesting to mention horses tend to breath a lot better when outside - stables are often dusty and full of particles such as ammonia, which fumes from urine and stall bedding and can lead serious issues such as recurrent airway obstruction, inflammatory airway disease or pneumonia.

Let’s remember that it is not because we do not see the horse suffering when we look at it that we are not causing damage. Respiratory or musculoskeletal problems can take time to appear - why not do the best we can to keep our horses healthy, even if it means walking further to get them from the paddock and spending more time grooming after their happy roll in the mud?

25/03/2024

Bonjour ☀️

Zoom on a stretch… 🧐

Let’s talk about an odd one: the tongue pull. Although, it’s not really the tongue that we are stretching, and we definitely do not want to be ‘pulling’ on it. So, let’s talk about the tongue stretch. A horse’s tongue is a highly vascularized organ and is therefore highly sensitive - it must be handled with great care to not cause injury.

The tongue connects to the hyoid apparatus, which is a selection of small bones that articulate together. To understand the importance of keeping the hyoid healthy and tension-free (and to keep it short and simple), let’s bear in mind that every muscle in the horse’s body eventually connects to the hyoid. Tension in the tongue and the hyoid can therefore lead to sore muscles elsewhere in the body, and affect posture, locomotion, proprioception and balance.

Releasing the hyoid consists in reaching your hand into the back of the horse’s mouth - where the teeth can’t close around your fingers. We grab the tongue gently, and just hold it firmly enough to not loose it outside the horse’s mouth (again, no pulling!). The horse themselves will do the stretch by moving their jaw around as their tongue is held outside their mouth. Your elbow needs to stay soft and supple to follow the horse’s head when it moves.

Just like everything else, this may take the horse some getting used to. They may, at first, not be stocked about someone grabbing their tongue - which is kind of fair enough. I wouldn’t love it either. With patience, repetition and a soft hand, many of them grow to (almost?) enjoy this release as it is often followed by a softer eye along with some chewing, licking, yawns and head shacking. So for the releases it can provide, let’s deal with a bit of slobber!

Great read to learn more about the hyoid at https://vetphysiophyle.co.uk/2019/02/05/the-equine-hyoid-apparatus/

25/03/2024

Bonjour ☀️

Did you know?… 💭

Your training sessions do not need to look like a 45mn ride to be efficient and beneficial for your horse. Sometimes, it is good not to ride - there are ways to work your horse on the ground. Let’s take a look at an exercise easy done in hand or on the lunge.

Walking over poles is a great way to develop your horse’s musculature and improve their limbs range of motion. When walking over poles, your horse has to engage their core muscles as they lift their legs up and raise their back and thoracic sling. Therefore, walking over poles encourages the horse to work better through their back, which is most likely going to improve their ridden sessions. If in trot the horse can ‘cheat’ and use the momentum to bounce off their tendons to clear the poles, on walk, there is nothing else to rely on but the muscles. Since the back tends to round when the horse walks over poles, this leads to a better flexibility - especially in the sacroiliac region as the horse engages his hindquarters to clear the exercise.

Have you ever been on a horse that is heavy on the forehand? Has no body awareness, a poor understanding of what to do with their legs in a slightly challenging situation? Walking over poles encourages the horse to use their limbs at a controlled pace, giving them time to organize their body to stay balanced over the exercise. That is, if we get the distance right between each pole and if we do not try to go too fast by raising the poles when your horse is not yet perfectly confident when they’re still on the ground.

Now, you do understand that running around in circle in the arena is of limited fun for your horse. Adding some poles to their training sessions also offers mental benefits, as it brings some variety into their work routine. We do love our horses - of course, and we want them to not dread seeing us at the stables. Bare in mind that while having our horses in tip top physical condition is crucial for their ridden work, their mental health is just as important to perform. Let’s keep them interested in what we make them do.

Interesting read at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article

25/03/2024

Bonjour ☀️

Zoom on a stretch… 🧐

Let’s talk about the hind leg protraction. This is THE one to stretch the hamstring muscle group located down the back of the hind limb - aka the Biceps Femoris, the Semitendinosus and the Semimembranosus. This stretch is also interesting for the horse to learn to balance on three legs by engaging his core.

For the competition horse - no matter the discipline, these muscles are particularly important as they are involved in propulsion from behind, extended gaits and collection. The hamstring muscle group is also responsible for natural movements such as kicking or any forward movement.

Tightness in the hamstring muscle group will most likely result in shorter strides and difficulties to properly track up. Jumping can be challenging, as well as the horse’s ability to show self carriage. For the horse to remain comfortable and able to perform, it is crucial to keep their muscles healthy and supple through proper warm up and cool down, adequate training, good nutrition, bodywork sessions and regular stretching exercises.

To stretch the hamstring muscle group, bring your horse’s hind limb forward toward the forelimb fetlock. If your horse is comfortable, hold the leg there for 30 seconds or more, supporting the fetlock with your hands. Keep in mind that your horse needs to accept the stretch and relax into it: so make sure your horse is fine balancing himself on 3 legs before trying to do any stretches. If you have a stiff horse, ask very little, very often. This is the only way to see real improvement.

Remember - if you suspect an injury or extreme tightness, always ask for your vet’s opinion first before performing any stretches.

More info about the equine hamstring at http://www.healthequinetherapies.ca/resources/ & https://www.mctimoneyanimaltherapy.co/blog/2021-5-24-the-equine-hamstring/

25/03/2024

Bonjour ☀️

Did you know?… 💭

Backing-up your horse in hand is an excellent exercise to include in your routine at the stables.

When done properly - in a relaxed manner (but with impulsion!), with a low head, the limbs moving in diagonal pairs, this exercise offers great benefits to your horse’s musculature, balance and proprioception. A horse that backs up needs to transfer the weight off their forehand onto their hind end - which is strengthening the muscles involved in engagement of the hind legs. How many times during your rides have you heard your coach say that your horse is too much on the forehand?

Yes you read the above right: for the benefits, your horse needs to be comfortable backing-up and therefore, it has to understand the exercise. You do not want to be constantly pushing your horse backwards by heavily pulling down on the halter or hitting it with a stick on the chest. If that’s what you’re doing, your horse will most likely resist - raising its head up and hollowing its back. That will make it uncomfortable for the both of you, and you might just give up.

Be prepared to show patience and consistency. Do not expect your horse to back up for 10 steps if it’s never done it. The 10 steps will come once the exercise is properly understood and once the body is ready to do so. Backing up is hard and long sequences of it is not natural for horses. Repeat as often as possible, to make these 10 steps happen.

Besides the physical benefits, backing up your horse reinforces boundaries and respect: there is nothing worse than a horse that will run you over to get to that gloomy patch of grass. A pushy horse can be dangerous, and ground work exercises such as backing up will build a relationship based on trust and respect - making your horse aware of your space.

Great read at https://horsemassagecourse.com.au/blog/the-power-of-reverse-training

25/03/2024

Bonjour ☀️

Did you know?… 💭

Stretching our horses is underrated. Well, they’re big, heavy, sometimes uncooperative so it often is easier to tell ourselves we’ll do it tomorrow, rather than go through the discomfort of holding our horse’s leg in the air when they desperately want it back on the ground.

And progress is slow! You don’t see lot of improvement after a few days so is it really working? Well yes, progress IS slow. It takes weeks, months, sometimes years to have healthy muscles for a supple horse. And above all, it requires ongoing care and attention.

Again, what we ask of our horses is difficult. On top of their own balance, they have to worry about ours - and we want them to bend around our inside leg, perform elegant trot extension or clear a triple combination with style. It does require balance, coordination, flexibility, good posture, healthy muscles - which can all be built partly through regular stretching exercises.

Think about it: you are either overusing or underusing your muscles, and are therefore a very stiff person. Someone comes along and wants you to do the splits, now (yes, because they’re not very patient). It will be hard for you. Maybe impossible even. That will make you grumpy. Well, it is the same for your horse. Worse even, because they’re carrying someone on their back.

Be understanding, patient and consistent. Take the time, stretch your horses and help them be the best version of themselves.

Great read at https://www.horsesinsideout.com/amp/pilates-for-horses-part-1-carrot-exercises

25/03/2024

Bonjour ☀️

Did you know?… 💭

Horses do not always look lame when they’re uncomfortable. Your horse can display various signs - sometimes more subtle than lameness, that should draw your attention to their wellbeing. There may be only one symptom such as bucking under saddle when you’re asking for the left lead canter - or several combined. It all depends on the intensity of the discomfort, you’re horse’s personality and tolerance to pain, and what you ask of them.

Yes, your horse may have bad habits. But in most cases, a horse that pins their ears back at you, grinds their teeth when you tighten the girth or won’t stand still when you’re about to hop on is trying to tell you something is bothering him. The horse’s only way of communicating with you is through their body language.

Pay attention to your horse’s behavior. Before assuming that it’s just a naughty horse and giving him a smack, think about getting your vet out. To check. Bodywork sessions may be needed to help your horse, but remember to ask for your vet’s opinion first.

Remember: your horse’s back is not designed to carry weight. A lot of what we ask of them is difficult, and can only be done with proper training, adequate gear and care. In order to not only have a harmonious relationship with your horse but also ride longer, jump higher and perform more advanced dressage movements, it is vital for your horse to feel good.

Interesting quick read at https://www.countrysidevets.com/post/decoding-equine-pain & https://ker.com/equinews/dont-miss-subtle-signs-pain-horses/

25/03/2024

Bonjour ☀️

I don’t know what summer feels like at your home, but here in SE Queensland, it’s particularly hot and humid at the moment. Nothing but a casual 38 degrees forecast for tomorrow on the Gold Coast.

While we have the option to sit in the aircon at home (at least when we’re off work), horses are most often relying on us to help keep them nice and cool. Here are a few easy things we can do to make our horse’s life nicer in this heat.

First, make sure your horse has access to a shady spot in his paddock. If not, a good option to avoid keeping your horse in the stables constantly is to keep them inside during the day, and out at night. You can put some fans in the stables to keep the air flowing. You know how good a little breeze feels like when the air is cooking!

Of course, make sure your horse has access to clean and cool water at all times. You can also add some electrolytes to your horse’s water if you’re noticing lots of sweating. Dehydration happens quicker than you think! Bathing your horse with fresh cool water can definitely provide some relief as well.

Try to exercise your horse early in the morning or late in the evening, when the air temperature is cooler and you’re out of the direct sun. Reduce the intensity and length of your ride to prevent heat stroke or just extreme discomfort. If going through a proper heat wave, you may wanna just give your horse a few days off or just go for a swim if you’re lucky enough to have access to a river or the ocean 🌊 (well, isn’t swimming or even just walking in water a real workout anyways!)

Interesting read at https://extension.umn.edu/horse-care-and-management/caring-horses-during-hot-weather for more info!

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