Sure Foot Pads are an equine balance and stability pad designed to promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall well-being in horses. They work by providing a unique, gentle, and subtle stimulation to the horse's feet, which helps to: 1. Reduce tension and pain in the legs, back, and joints. 2. Improve circulation and reduce inflammation. 3. Enhance balance and stability. 4. Encourage relaxation and calmness. 5. Support overall equine health and wellness. The pads come in different colors and textures, each with a specific purpose. By offering an assortment of pads, horses can choose which ones they prefer, allowing them to self-regulate and find comfort. It's fascinating to observe which pads they select! For more information, you can visit the Sure Foot Equine website or consult with an equine professional.
Beautifully rewarding first session with the lovely Gracie. A newbie to bodywork as a mature lady who has landed in an amazing home. You can see how much she “tuned in “ to the work and the results can be seen in her face
This is my Louie, allowing himself to release and restore his nervous system. My Louie who has defended and protected himself for years, led me into many rabbit holes.
He’s finally starting to let us in - especially face contact.
The benefits of regular bodywork often aren’t obvious until you have done it.
Layers being gradually worked through on the horses schedule, not ours.
Yes, there are quite a few factors at play, bodywork, nutrition, functional training, social interaction to name a few , but it’s so worth it!
Grateful for the opportunity to have Emma Loftus Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy for Horses and Humans helping with this journey
The many faces of Delfina ❤️. #nobleshadow #lusitanobaby #iberianhorse Cumberland Equine Body Therapy and Services
As part of my ongoing education, I have regular webinars with Functional Horse Training by Thirza Hendriks, this week - sleep deprivation.
I was reminded of the importance of sleep and how stress can prevent a horse getting the sleep it needs.
Horses need to sleep
It’s actually as important as diet and exercise for health. It is necessary for energy conservation, growing, healing and immunity, restoration of memory and learning and the ability to regulate and cope with stress levels.
Lack of sleep can have similar signs to stress and pain - impaired immune function, reduced learning ability, anxiety even metabolic and neurological problems.
Sleep has different levels or stages and wild horses have been observed sleeping for ½ to 2 hours 5 to 6 times a day. For some reason domestic horses actually sleep more.
The deepest level of sleep is called REM (Rapid Eye Movement), the muscles relax, the eyes move rapidly and they may twitch, run, neigh etc as if they are dreaming
This stage of sleep is vital for health and can only be obtained while lying down flat.
Adult horses need around 30 minutes REM sleep per day and foals up to 12 hours!
Therefore, it is very important that horses have safe, comfortable places to rest where stress and disturbance is minimal
There are so many factors around stress in horses, but bodywork and learning about healthy lifestyles is a great place to start
Appreciation post
Our dear Sydney - 25yo Thoroughbred, he’s suffered with poor quality feet and super thin soles since he came into our lives 12 years ago. Now in retirement, he was really struggling with the pain caused by the ground on his compromised hooves.
Last season was particularly harsh - resulting in abscessing, pedal bone infection and ongoing pain issues. With the amazing Southwest Equine vets, particularly Dr Feargal Ross, helping to resolve the infection and providing ongoing support, care and X-rays as required, and his saviour - local trimmer, Sacha Gasperini, who has applied glue on shoes to keep him comfortable. He’s returned to being his super comfortable old self
Pain free hooves are incredibly important for horses to be able to move and function. In his instance glue on plastic shoes are a fantastic solution as they don’t have nails further compromising his hooves, yet he has elevation off the ground to relieve his soles from constant pressure. Thank you to all involved
Mental stimulation - It’s a skill that is declining in domestic horses - to search for food. This is an important part of being a horse, their development of natural curiosity, mental stimulation and many other skills . We tend to (often for our own convenience) feed our horses in the same place every day and they never have to “think “ about how to find food. Even little things like rather than handing them a carrot, try tossing it on the ground for them to find. Brain games are a great way to stimulate our horses to develop seeking skills and stimulate curiosity, enjoyment and confidence It starts with the introduction of a variety of materials and “obstacles” then gradually adding treats to seek. I’m learning about these activities through Thirza Hendriks program and there is great information online for creative ideas for brain games . Here’s Louie having a play before a ride this morning. #cumberlandequinetherapy #braingamesforhorses
18 beautiful hands high of Clydie - of course I need a step 😊
Thank you @heatherpow
Delfina getting a lesson from Syd on how to stir the trough water 💦 ❤️
