Hoof and Paw Body Workers

01/10/2025

THIS!! This is where I got my education in body work and it has laid the perfect foundation to expand my knowledge and techniques over the past decade 🐎❤️

The equestrian world talks a lot about how “you can’t teach feel” when riding. I don’t know if I believe that, but I do believe that what people mean is that there is an art to working with horses which can be difficult to put into words or curriculum.

Just like painting or drawing, most people do not wake up as artistic geniuses. Many have developed their art style overtime with practice, repetition, and daily habits that build their skills.

Body work is the same way. I have been teaching for over 30 years, and am still learning and growing everyday.

A few things I have learned over the years that have helped improve my art:

1️⃣Listen to the horse. You’re not just developing as a body worker, you’re also refining your skills in the art of listening. Horses cannot talk, but they are also not silent communicators. Pay attention to body language cues - this will serve you well.

2️⃣Listen to others who care for the horse. The owner, the trainer, the barn manager, the veterinarian, the farrier. All of these people may see the horse more frequently than you. Stay open to hearing their input and observations.

3️⃣Listen to experts who continue to learn. Science is always changing. We learn new things which can then be applied to our practices. Just like artists today have better tools to paint with, we learn new knowledge that helps us help the horse more effectively. Listen to and continue to learn with those who do the same. We are all in this together with one common goal.

To find out more about upcoming learning opportunities in 2025 and continue developing your art, check out equinologyinstitute.com➡️

11/15/2024

Worth the read...

Foam pads of varying levels of firmness are marketed to help improve equine balance, with veterinarians and owners reporting anecdotal success. Now, a scientific study on the use of balance pads has been published, and shows promising results.

11/10/2024

Why do dogs need Bodywork? Well....cause...life!! 🤣🤣

09/17/2024

08/07/2024

I get asked about online courses all the time....don't fall for it!!

08/02/2024

06/09/2024

Don't be fooled by the flash up front!! The true biomechnaics of extension occur in the front AND the back - remember the propulsion comes from behind!!

https://youtube.com/shorts/hjZ3iop1NjE?si=dPsJOFbMH7k8YNYA

06/09/2024

Really good info!!

Wooden and tiled floors are frequently hazardous for our patients. Slipping can predispose them to iliopsoas tears or strains and flare-ups of arthritic joints, which eventually results in more pain and discomfort for the pet. Once a patient has slipped or fallen, it is not uncommon that they lose confidence in walking on these surfaces, which increases their anxiety and stress levels.

Dogs gain traction through their nails and their paw pads. Some of the strategies to prevent slipping involve increasing traction through either the nails, paw pads, or both.

Learn more about strategies and tools to help you provide owners with a tailor-made solution to help their dog. https://onlinepethealth.com/8-ways-to-prevent-dogs-from-slipping-on-tiled-floors/

06/06/2024

Good for a giggle!! 🤣

06/05/2024

Research confirms what some Veterinarians have been saying for quite some time – we may have been taught the wrong approach to cool a hot horse. This time of year, many horse owners are taking additional measures to prevent their horses from overheating, as well as implementing an effective routin...