Aligned Equine Therapies

13/02/2025

X-rays and scans show the status of the tissues being imaged BUT they don’t measure pain.

Horses can, same as people, have severe changes but absolutely no pain or conversely have minor changes sadly suffering significant pain.

We need to be aware of any signs of pain but also be aware that there is not automatically pain, as the changes can be incidental findings.

I had two cases today demonstrating this point. One with severe osteoarthritis of the hind fetlocks and one with very advanced kissing spines. If you over-read their x-rays you’d have thought the pain would have been extreme and end of the road for them. In both horses the severity of the changes in the x-rays were a complete surprise to the vets and the owners.

Future management plans and training expectations have been modified as a result of the findings. However both horses are staying in work with very caring owners and an a multi-disciplinary team supporting them.

At the moment the plan is to ride the horse in front of them each day, look out for but don’t anticipate clinical signs that are not there.

If your horse has a diagnosis, remember to care for them as horse first, pathology/injury second and take each day at a time.

09/02/2025

I’m still so shocked over these results 🤩

Initial assessment showed reactivity in the muscles of the back and hindquarters, his movement and posture coincided with this. Limited motion of the pelvis, head, neck and restricted range of motion mainly in the hind legs. He was camped under with the hind legs and had asymmetry in the pelvis.

After massage, some light touch techniques, red light therapy and kinesiology taping we saw a more symmetrical pelvis and relaxed posture. His walk showed more freedom in the pelvis, head and neck and he was able to stride out further post treatment. While his posture may still be compensating for the changes that occurred during this session, some rehabilitation exercises and follow-up sessions will aid in continuous improvements.

The positive changes that occurred shows the huge impact we can have on our horses. Listening and paying attention to their behaviour and posture can be a huge insight into what’s happening with their body.

29/01/2025

This is a great chance to have your horse checked for ulcers.

Suspect your horse may have ulcers or not quite sure, speak to the team and they’ll be able to help you out

26/01/2025

Are you getting prepared for the competition season? Or the racing season?

Make sure your horse feeling their best to allow them to perform at their best. Book in to release tension, sore muscles, maintain suppleness and range of motion or just treat your horse for the hard work they are doing.

Proposed trips (if temperature allows)
📍Table top and surrounds - 01.02.25
📍Cootamundra and surrounds - 08.02.25
📍Leeton and surrounds - 15.02.25
📍Wagga and surrounds - All other days

📞0428294891 or Pm to book

18/01/2025

Why Is Riding Behind the Vertical Acceptable to So Many?

Understanding the implications of "behind the vertical" and hyperflexion is crucial for horse owners, trainers, and equine professionals committed to safeguarding equine welfare.

Behind the vertical describes a horse's head position where the nose is pulled inward beyond the perpendicular line to the ground.

Hyperflexion, or rollkur, involves an extreme over-flexion of the horse's neck, often achieved through aggressive force.

Both positions are frequently pursued to achieve a certain aesthetic or perceived control, but they can be detrimental to the horse's well-being.

The emphasis on achieving these head and neck positions has led to the widespread use of training aids such as draw reins and martingales.

Our own Dr. Gerd Heuschmann, a veterinarian and advocate for classical riding principles, emphasizes that true self-carriage cannot be achieved through force.

In his teachings, he underscores that forcing a horse into a particular head position using gadgets or harsh methods not only fails to promote self-carriage but actively prevents it.

Such practices can lead to physical issues, including musculoskeletal problems, and psychological stress, manifesting as resistance or behavioral problems.

Research indicates that training aids, especially when tightened excessively to force the horse behind the vertical, can result in negative consequences for the horse's welfare.

These include restricted airway function, increased stress responses, and the development of tension in the poll and neck regions.

The prevalence of focusing on head and neck position, often to the detriment of the horse's overall posture and movement, is a deeply embedded issue in most equestrian circles, and, sadly, can be seen at the top levels of equestrian sport.

This focus can lead to the normalization of using gadgets and forceful methods to achieve desired aesthetics, overshadowing the fundamental principles of balance, rhythm, and harmony between horse and rider.

This is why we constantly emphasize how imperative it is for all individuals involved in horse training and care to educate themselves about the implications of behind the vertical and hyperflexion.

Ethical horsemanship requires that we understand topics such as these, from the horse's perspective, not the human agenda.

In our December webinar, Dr. Eva Van Avermaet gave a comprehensive overview of the damages done by manipulating head and neck positions.

Learn more about why this is so important for horse welfare and skilled horsemanship at www.equitopiacenter.com

08/01/2025

Entries have closed and the winner is….

Cee Jay Congratulations! Please send a message to organise your massage and your choice of a hat ☺️

Thank you to everyone who entered!
If you would still like to book in please send me a message.

I will also be taking pre-orders for hats, so if you are interested please shoot me a message to place an order!

03/01/2025

Time to get back into it…
After taking some time to spend with family, it’s time to start taking bookings again.

So… if your wanting your horse to start fresh this year with equine massage, red light therapy or kinesiology taping then get in touch to book an appointment.

Proposed trips (if temperature allows)
📍Table top and surrounds - 11.01.24
📍Cootamundra and surrounds - 12.01.24
📍Leeton and surrounds - 18.01.24
📍Wagga and surrounds - All other days

📞0428294891 or Pm

31/12/2024

Looking back on 2024 I feel extremely privileged to treat the horses I have and to spoil my own. Can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store!

28/12/2024

Have you entered our giveaway?
If you have you’re in the running to win a massage and one hat of your choosing!

Find the original post and enter now before the 8th of Jan 2025

24/12/2024

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas filled with joy and laughter 🎄

17/12/2024

I was playing around with some basic Masterson method techniques and I must say I love it! The pure relaxation, processing and release that was seen from that lightest of touch was unbelievable!

07/12/2024

✨Giveaway✨

Aligned Equine Therapies is thrilled to celebrate its first anniversary! Over the past year, it has been a privilege to contribute to the well-being of your horses and to learn from each session. I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me to care for your horses.

As a token of appreciation, I am excited to offer a giveaway. The winner will recieve a full massage session, which includes an assessment, massage, red light therapy, and kinesiology taping (where applicable), along with a branded hat.

How to Enter:
- Like and share this post.
- For a bonus entry, tag someone and mention what you love about horses or bodywork.
*Entries close on the 8th of Jan 2025*

In my commitment to continuous learning and growth in this profession, I am excited about the developments that lie ahead in the coming year.

01/12/2024

Here we are in December all ready!
Limited trips left before Christmas and new year, so here’s you last chance to book in for the year.

7th - Table top, Albury and surrounds
14th - Narrandera, Leeton and surrounds

All other days will be based in Wagga and surrounding areas
Any other bookings don’t hesitate to contact me

📞0428294891 or PM to book in

29/11/2024

Needing something new to listen to?
This podcast has some amazing information that is easy to understand and can be applied to everyday interactions with your horses.
It will not only have you learning new things but also thinking and questioning things that happen in your horses everyday life and their interactions with you.

I know I’ve loved the podcast so far ☺️

Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Podbean!!

https://open.spotify.com/show/3SodZ8cLj1uX7zjjOuRYVP?si=suwRYgeHQ2qY9Iru4yZC0g

20/11/2024

📍Table top

I have spots available in the table top/ Albury and surrounding areas this Saturday (23rd).

Equine sports massage, red light therapy and kinesiology tape

📞0428294892 or pm to book in

30/10/2024

November calendar 📅

9th - Bethungra, Cootamundra, Temora and surrounds
16th - Narrandera and Leeton
23rd - Table top and surrounds

All other dates will be based in Wagga and surrounding areas

📞 0428294891 or FB messenger

27/10/2024

Red light therapy… my favourite way to start a session for a horse that needs a subtle approach or end a session 😍

Pic: Super torch from Equine Therapy Products

21/10/2024

Do you notice when something has changed with your horses?

The other day I noticed buddy was as shaking his head in a sudden and sporadic way, almost as though he was being super sensitive to the flies but fly spray, fly mask or mesh rug didn’t help.

So I investigated this and found he was tight in his jaw and TMJ on one side and around his C1/C2 vertebrae.

So… some massage, redlight and vetkin taping we stood there processing for 15minutes. Long story short… listen to your horses. Changes in behaviour may be them trying to communicate with you that something has changed, and it’s your job to advocate for this and solve the problem with a good team of equine professionals by your side.
See comments for before.