Balance and Bodywork for All Animals

19/12/2025

I rarely share dissection images as they can be deeply upsetting, so please read and don't watch the videos if you might find it too hard.
These are tests I have taken part in, for many years, in my time learning with Dr Sharon May-Davis. I have seen and felt these for myself. If you read to the end you will see that both bitless and bits will cause some restrictions of the hind limb, however in bitless we only have restriction from one place on the body, most horses ridden in bits will also have a noseband. It is also extremely difficult to keep the bit off the bars of the mouth when you are riding.
I do think it is past time our governing bodies allowed choice.
The epidemic of riding horses behind the vertical and poll high makes no sense whatsoever when you understand the mechanical forces. If you want your horse to go forward you must take off the 'handbrake'. Otherwise your horse is doomed to endless kicking, prodding, poking, whipping etc.

18/12/2025

Hot weather affects fascia, including the connective tissues,when fascia becomes dehydrated (which often happens in patches and the skin might look wrinkled or corrugated ). That area becomes less elastic which then restricts the flow of blood and lymph, leading to deeper levels of dehydration. I believe this is one of the least talked about effects of hot weather and yet it has a huge impact on soundness, performance and gut health. In tropical areas fascia often feels overly tight, with reduced stretch and recoil. Recoil is critical to the ridden horse, the ability to spring off the ground is the first part of any stride.
The list of effects from too dry fascia is quite long and I am not going to cover them all here.
I just want you the horse and dog owner to know, that lack of hydration can lead to injury at a later date, or a steady loss of mobility and function if the weather continues.
Everyday, when I arrive at my horse paddock, Doc will go to a specific area and have a long p*e, this makes it easy to check if his urine looks clear and he is absorbing enough water. In the video today I am very happy to see it is clear and copious. Wishes quite often joins Doc in weeing, but not always.
So, what do I do for extra support in hot weather?
I ensure they have access to shade, this morning I opened up the dam paddock for them as I know they love resting in the shade on the dam bank, it's their favorite.
I hang their haynets in shade too.
I put extra water in their hard feed so it is quite sloppy and I increase their salt by a half measure.
I top up the large, concrete trough they drink out of so their water stays cooler and tastes fresher.
I leave a salt block out.
If I owned my own property I would also put up a big fan, or two.
Do you have other hot weather tips?

17/12/2025

Environment, what does that mean for your horse, dog or other pet?
Over many decades of working with animals and people I have come to realize there are some fundamentals that get missed. Often we talk about them, but we don't truly follow through in meaningful ways to help ourselves or our companions.
So, over the next few weeks I am going to offer you a few challenges to try. I encourage you to post what you discover in the comments, or send me a DM.
The first challenge is to go into your training area with your horse or dog, or the area your animal lives in, unplug yourself from all distractions and watch your animal closely. They can be loose, or on a loose lead. Watch what makes them look up, move, sniff etc. What catches their attention? Do they truly relax? What can you hear, see, smell or feel that they react to? A truck passing, dog barking, lawnmower running etc etc
How long can you stay in this space without the need to distract yourself?
Aim for 5 minutes, you can always stay observant for longer if you wish but 5 minutes is a good start.
What happens?
What does your companion notice?
Remember they may be able to smell (definitely) or hear way better than you. Horses can also see fast movements that our eye cannot possibly catch.
Video is from a recent workshop, what can you hear?

15/12/2025

Dogs, horses, cats, cows, humans, basically anybody that walks can benefit from wading.
Wading is low impact, resistance training and supported joint mobilisation. Water also improves body awareness and it can be Fun!
When people think of hydrotherapy for their animals they tend to think of swimming, but many dogs don't enjoy swimming and all dogs swimming for therapy should be wearing a life jacket. Supported swimming can be fantastic for dogs with hip dysplasia, paralysis or severe arthritis.
Horses should not be swimming regularly, swimming puts a horse's body into compromising positions, the occasional swim is ok, if the horse enjoys it, but wading has a better strengthening effect and is a natural activity for horses.
Cats tend not to like water at all, but some do hydrotherapy and manage it well.
In the series, 'Saved by the Barn', a young steer has his life turned around by a month of hydrotherapy which strengthens a hind limb that was weakened by injury and stiff with scar tissue. The steer did his hydro in a professional hydro unit that had been built for horses.
Hydrotherapy treadmills are brilliant but can be expensive and there may not be one in your area. Ensure the operator is well trained as it is very easy to overdo a workout on an enclosed treadmill where the animal has no choice. Less is always better!
In the 1980s I rode high level 3 day event horses. We had access to a sandy bottom creek, once or twice a week they spent 20 to 40 minutes at walk, trot and canter in the creek. The height of the water varied a bit but it was usually about hock height for the horses. They truly enjoyed these workouts, and so did the riders! Of all their regular activities, if they could choose, I am sure those horses would have always chosen the creek.
A Standardbred trainer once asked me for advice on putting in a swimming pool, my advice was put in a wading pool instead. This turned out to be a cheaper and simpler option, they put in a long channel with a firm bottom. They credit this (and postural feeding) with an increase in their success on the track and becoming known for turning injured horses into winners.
For all animals start short and steady!!! More is not better. If your animal has an injury or had surgery get advice from your vet or bodyworker before starting water work.
It's so tempting to do more but it's always better to stop before fatigue, and watch them for the next 48 hours for any sign of discomfort.
Wading can be done anywhere you have a firm bottom and the right water level. Check out local dams, rivers, beaches etc. ensure there is no rubbish or rocks under the water.
Be very aware of the ballistic running before and after (Amber in the video) especially if your animal is injured, and also avoid allowing them to run around in loose sand if they have hip, elbow, stifle, knee, shoulder or spinal issues.
4 years ago my dog Athena was lame for weeks on her right front, we ruled out bone cancer and elbow injuries. She was seen by a vet chiro who ruled out neck and spinal problems. Being my own dog, if I can't figure it out I always ask others for help.
So I decided it was likely a non specific shoulder injury and I would begin rehab, as though the shoulder was the problem.
Part of her rehab was wading here in the river, as seen in the video, how lucky are we!!! On the lead I walked her at wrist deep for 1 minute, 1 minute rest and repeated 3 times. Roughly 5 days a week.
Over several weeks we increased to 15 minutes of wading, at varying depths, and walking much faster so some of the time Athena was trotting in the water.We were now about 3 times a week.
Slowly her lameness disappeared and I was gratified to see significant muscle development in all 4 limbs and her posture improved.
During the spring,summer months I now wade all of our resident dogs. I don't overthink it, we just have fun and walk up and down a few times at each visit..
However, at times we have a dog for rehab staying with us, and then I get back to being very specific.
I think wading is a much under utilized tool for fitness, injury prevention and performance. In particular, the epidemic of stifle issues in horses, and knee issues in dogs, could be prevented in many cases, with regular wading.

11/12/2025

Put this on your Xmas wish list! Start the new year with a clinic that will give you simple tools to effectively assess your horse for pain and tension, and learn how you can release this yourself.
Intro to Fascial Release at Jamberoo, NSW Feb 21/22. More info under the event on this page or phone me 0431387787.
Cost $450. This is also a special price as I am so close to home.

10/12/2025

So many cruciate injuries in dogs are preventable.
How? By understanding your dog's structure, it's strengths and weaknesses, and how to improve them.
Another key factor in many injuries is ball throwing, or frisbee throwing. I know, I know, your dog LOVES this, you can't deprive them of this fun activity. However, there are alternatives to ball throwing that work with species appropriate exercise, that help your dog become calmer and not raise their cortisol levels.
If you could spend a few minutes a day strengthening your dog, and make a few changes in their lifestyle, which might save you thousands of dollars in a year or two, would you change now? Would you want to save your dog the severe pain of that injury?
If the answer is yes read on...
First, you need to understand your dog's structure, where they may have a weakness such as an upright hind limb, hip laxity etc. Then you need a guided exercise program to improve strength and balance. The programs I devise typically take 5 minutes twice a day, 5 days a week and if paired with mealtimes, your dog will be eager to complete their 'pilates'.
Secondly, we need to look at where your dog spends their time and how they get around in their environment. Slippery floors combined with an excitable temperament, or fluffy feet/long toenails can be a disaster waiting to happen. Jumping over the couch, or off the verandah can be another danger zone.
Now to the balls, instead of throwing you can teach your dog to 'find' the ball instead, this could become scent works training. You can play moderated tug of war. You can teach tricks. It takes a bit more investment in your dog, but if you don't want to do this then why have one?!
If you are interested in preventation give me a call or find a canine rehab specialist/ physiotherapist in your area.

07/12/2025

Dogs live everywhere on Sweden and can be met in lifts, at coffee shops, on the trains etc
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14RAcLe3M52/

Sweden has long been considered one of the most animal-friendly countries on Earth, and their approach to dog welfare is built on a simple belief: companionship matters. Dogs aren’t meant to spend long, lonely days waiting by a door or staring out a window. They’re social beings who need company, stimulation, and emotional connection.

While it isn’t a brand-new “law,” Sweden’s long-standing animal welfare regulations make something very clear:
👉 Dogs should not be left alone for extended hours — and never long enough to cause stress, anxiety, or suffering.

Under the Swedish Board of Agriculture’s guidelines, dogs must have:
🟢 Regular human contact
🟢 Access to bathroom breaks
🟢 Social interaction
🟢 Mental and physical stimulation

Many Swedish municipalities interpret this to mean no dog should be left alone for more than about 6 hours, and puppies much less. It’s part of a bigger culture that places a high value on animal emotional wellbeing — not just food, water, and shelter.

And what’s beautiful is how seriously people take it.

Employers allow pet-friendly workspaces.
Dog-sitting cooperatives exist in nearly every town.
Communities check on one another’s pets.
And, in many cases, people build their schedules around making sure their dogs never feel forgotten.

Because in Sweden — and in the hearts of dog lovers everywhere — a dog isn’t “just a pet.”
They’re family.
They’re emotional beings.
They’re loyal companions who deserve more than long hours alone in an empty home.

Imagine a world where every country took emotional welfare this seriously.
Where every dog felt seen, included, and valued — not just fed and housed, but truly cared for.

Maybe that’s why Sweden keeps inspiring the world:
They’re not enforcing punishment…
They’re encouraging kindness.

And that’s a law worth spreading. 🐾❤️

06/12/2025

Guess the type of gorgeous creature who owns this smile......

04/12/2025