A Plus Equine Bodywork

A Plus Equine Bodywork Specialist in equine bodywork and barefoot trimming in Southwestern Ontario

03/30/2025
The industry needs to normalize shorter trim cycles. It will save you money in the long run and be more beneficial for y...
03/29/2025

The industry needs to normalize shorter trim cycles. It will save you money in the long run and be more beneficial for your horse’s body.

Psst.

8+ weeks is too long.

I said what I said. 🤷‍♀️

Hooves grow an average of a 1/4" per month.

What's traditional is not always harmless.

Just because it "didn't kill them" doesn't mean it is optimal.

It isn't about "looking long" or not.

It's about the entire animal above the hoof. It's time to get curious about it.

It's the difference between damage control, good enough, and the best we can give them.

03/29/2025

Criticism

Perfection is the flaw of the vain, and we all can be guilty of criticising as we all have our standards and often, we forget that we all our on a journey and if we have reached ours, we must not stop others some time taking the same path and making all the mistakes that we made as it is at that point when we can learn the most.

Often when I go out to a horse and maybe find something that another professional hasn't, owners can think why didn't they, now I never criticise because (and the other way round)

A. we see our horses for maybe an hour a day and the rest of the day they are trying to injure themselves

B. I don't know at what stage that other professional is at in the horse's rehab

C. we all need to have the opportunity to change and often it is at these moments we think f**k I have to look at this issue differently

D. different views see different things

E. we are all human and we all make mistakes

But social media can be cruel for those that don't fit the new ideal of perfect we now need to have a certain look of perfect teeth, perfect hair, perfect lips and sadly it doesn't matter what you say, you could have the most poignant point to make but if your image is not matching everyone else the only replies you often on your appearance not the powerful point you are making.

And it's no different when you post about horses everything must be perfect. All horses must have the same thing the same feet, the same posture, the same diet, the same rehab routine almost emulating some weird stepford wives of the equine world

But in real life this is not always possible if your horse has fused joints, it may not move the same as one that doesn't, if your horse has dental issues then the body will follow suit...if your horse has ever had an accident, it will be different.... if your horse has gut issues then how can it move without compensation ...the point is every horse is an individual and should be treated like so. I often say there are idealists and realists in the equine industry and often the realists (and often owners aswell) sit with their head in their hands at the end of the night as out there the ideal sometimes is not just achievable.

But when we do put our work out there then we must be open that someone else may see something we do not and constructive criticism can often make you sit back and think blummin heck I didn't even see that, but remember what you mean when you type your words can often be read differently and we can never negate or tell someone how they should feel, often a flippant remark can do a lot of damage...i used to employ staff and often if a customer had said something horrible to them, I would explain that the customer will say the word to make the biggest impact in a short space of time and not think of it again yet you will carry that word all day affecting how the rest of your day goes and even beyond, so when I talk to someone, I try to think how would I feel if someone was saying that to me.

We never carry the positive we will always reflect back on the negative as our bodies try to not get into that situation again,,,,,so remember when we are working with horses that positive will always carry through to the next sessions, negativity will carry through all its life

And to put it into perspective can you imagine if sharks had social media

I’m so looking forward to teaching some awesome horse owners bodywork techniques they can use to support their horses in...
03/29/2025

I’m so looking forward to teaching some awesome horse owners bodywork techniques they can use to support their horses in between professional sessions! We’ve only got a couple spots left in each clinic so sign up quick!

The online portion completed ahead of the clinic will help familiarize you with the anatomy, how to assess your horse, and how you can support and work with your horse’s nervous system so that when we get to the hands on day (either April 19 or 26), we can spend the day working with the horses and learning the hands on techniques that you can use to support your horse at any time!

Any questions, please reach out and I’m happy to answer them!

https://equi-bowcanada.thinkific.com/bundles/equi-bow-foundations-online-clinic-day-live-learning-with-ashley?ref=ebdcb8

So incredibly honoured to have received a PHCP scholarship for this year.  With only one mentor in Canada, I have to tra...
03/27/2025

So incredibly honoured to have received a PHCP scholarship for this year. With only one mentor in Canada, I have to travel to the US frequently for my hoof care training and these funds will help subsidize that cost.

Why did I choose Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners to do my certification through? I couldn’t find a more comprehensive program here. With the intensive mentorships, required courses on nutrition, metabolic issues, reading radiographs, hoof protection, and their whole horse approach to trimming, it has been a really good fit that aligns with my bodywork practice.

So very excited to see what this year brings and the new knowledge I can bring to my clients.

https://progressivehoofcare.org/2021/03/phcp-education-scholarship/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR09x2GUFui6XvJEvsKdZocQS5IuW3v8UJoa0mrcgdYFGB-8kR-pAVQR_NI_aem_YKvwalSqyO7PPnWg8U

Read about funds that help students in need cover required clinics, webinars, mentorship fees, and travel expenses.

03/24/2025
03/23/2025
03/23/2025

Don't rush young horses!

I see it all the time.

Someone buys a young horse full of potential. They are excited to get started with riding and competing. I often see these horses a few years down the road when they are struggling with injuries and their owners are disappointed in the lack of progress.

Look...

I totally get the excitement of starting your young horse, but the truth is these are large animals and they take a long time to develop their bones, musculature, and mental maturity.

The top photo is of a 2 year-old horse during his first bodywork session with me. His neck and shoulder are visibly weak and immature. He is tight along the lower portion of the neck and underdeveloped along the topline, with a dip in front of the withers. If this horse was pushed to work too hard, too quickly, it would be setting his body up for failure.

The bottom photo is this same horse now as a 4 year-old. There is significantly more muscle mass throughout the body. The muscle development is also much more mature and appropriate. The topline and middle portion of the neck have filled in, giving the neck a softer, rounded appearance. As this horse's workload begins to increase, he is showing some tension near his shoulder blades and triceps... which is where I come in as a bodyworker (PS. this is why young horses need bodywork too). 😉

While I won't get into when is the exact right time to start young horses (as it really depends on the individual), I urge horse owners to be patient! Start your youngsters slowly, with an emphasis on developing their muscles so that they can be healthy, strong adults.

03/22/2025
Horse friends, if you’re going to be at the Ontario Equine Expo  next weekend, I’ll have some stock of Pure Sole Hoof Mu...
03/11/2025

Horse friends, if you’re going to be at the Ontario Equine Expo next weekend, I’ll have some stock of Pure Sole Hoof Mud, Hoof Cleanse, and Thrush Dust and Red Horse Artimud, Sole Cleanse, and Stronghorn with me if you want to order some and save on shipping!

Message me with your order and I’ll bring it with me! I’ll be at the expo all weekend.

Friendly reminder that if any horses on your property are displaying signs of illness to reschedule your appointments.
03/10/2025

Friendly reminder that if any horses on your property are displaying signs of illness to reschedule your appointments.

The upper respiratory disease commonly referred to as strangles is caused by Streptococcus equi subsp equi. Strangles is spread from horse to horse through direct contact. Horses can also contract the disease by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. The disease is highly infectious.

03/08/2025

Why I Trim on a 4-Week Cycle (With Exceptions)

One of the most important aspects of hoof care is consistency. I strongly advocate for a 4-week trim cycle for most horses because waiting too long between trims often leads to subtle imbalances that can quickly turn into serious problems. Here’s why regular maintenance is key—especially when it comes to preventing pathologies and distortions.

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1. Preventing & Managing Pathologies

Hoof pathologies don’t develop overnight, but they often begin with small, gradual changes that go unnoticed until they cause pain or lameness. A 4-week trim cycle helps catch and correct these issues early, rather than letting them worsen.

✅ Laminitis & Metabolic Horses (EMS, PPID) – Horses with laminitis or metabolic conditions often have hoof capsules prone to distortion due to weakened laminae (Pollitt, 2018). Regular trims help maintain correct angles, reduce mechanical leverage, and prevent excessive hoof wall separation.

✅ Navicular & Caudal Heel Pain – Long toes and underrun heels place strain on the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and the navicular apparatus (Turner, 2022). Keeping toes short and heels well-supported every 4 weeks helps reduce pressure on these structures.

✅ White Line Disease & Seedy Toe – Overgrowth and flaring create mechanical separation in the hoof wall, allowing bacteria and fungi to invade. Regular trims minimise these separations, reducing the risk of infections (O'Grady, 2020).

✅ Thrush & Heel Collapse – Long trimming cycles can lead to contracted or collapsing heels, which trap moisture and create the perfect environment for thrush. Keeping heels in balance encourages frog engagement and proper function (Bowker, 2017).

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2. Preventing Hoof Distortions

Hoof distortions develop when imbalances are left unchecked, altering the hoof capsule’s shape and function. These distortions affect movement, joint health, and even saddle fit over time. A 4-week trim schedule helps prevent:

🔸 Underrun Heels – Caused by excessive toe growth and lack of heel support, leading to increased strain on the tendons and ligaments.

🔸 Long Toes & Low Heels – Excessive toe growth can delay breakover, forcing the horse to compensate and increasing the risk of tendon injuries.

🔸 Flared Hoof Walls – As the hoof wall grows out, mechanical forces cause flaring, leading to separations, cracks, and weaker hoof structures.

🔸 Medial-Lateral Imbalances – Uneven weight distribution (from conformation or poor trimming) can create asymmetry in the hoof, leading to uneven loading of joints and ligaments.

🔸 Contracted or Crushed Heels – Delayed trims allow heels to overgrow, roll under, or collapse, reducing frog function and leading to discomfort or long-term lameness.

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3. The Exceptions – When a Longer or Shorter Cycle May Be Needed

While a 4-week cycle works best for most horses, I do take individual needs into account. Some horses naturally wear their feet down more efficiently, while others may need even more frequent maintenance. Here’s where adjustments may be necessary:

Horses that may manage on a slightly longer cycle (5-6 weeks):

✔️ Horses on Abrasive Terrain – If a horse is living on dry, rocky, or firm ground, the natural wear may keep excessive growth in check.
✔️ Very Slow-Growing Hooves – Some horses naturally have slower hoof growth rates due to genetics, age, or diet.
✔️ Horses with Strong, Balanced Hoof Shape – If a horse has naturally well-shaped hooves with no history of distortion or pathology, a slightly longer trim cycle may be sustainable.

Horses that may need a shorter cycle (2-3 weeks):

✔️ Laminitic Horses – To maintain proper mechanics and prevent excessive separation, some laminitic horses need very frequent touch-ups.
✔️ Severe Distortions or Rehab Cases – If a horse is undergoing corrective trimming, small, frequent adjustments help the hoof realign without excessive stress.
✔️ Horses Prone to Rapid Flare or Chipping – Some hooves flare quickly or start to break down if left too long, making shorter cycles beneficial.

Even when exceptions apply, I always monitor growth carefully and adjust trimming frequency as needed to maintain soundness.

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4. Final Thoughts

Regular hoof care isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about soundness, longevity, and preventing problems before they start. A 4-week trim cycle keeps hooves balanced, reduces strain on soft tissues, and supports long-term soundness. While I do make exceptions based on individual needs, the risks of waiting too long between trims far outweigh any benefits.

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References

Bowker, R. (2017). "The Function of the Hoof Capsule in Movement." Equine Veterinary Journal.

O'Grady, S. (2020). "White Line Disease: Causes and Management." The Veterinary Journal.

Pollitt, C. (2018). "Laminitis: Understanding the Hoof's Response to Metabolic Challenges." The Veterinary Journal.

Turner, T. (2022). "Frog Health, Heel Structure, and Sole Function in Horses." Journal of Equine Science.

03/08/2025

As a bodyworker I’m the first to advocate for the power of manual modalities in our equines. But if a horse is being rode in dysfunction, even the best bodywork schedule won’t override poor biomechanics. 😣

I’ve worked in barns where horses have incredible bodywork schedules— monthly massage, PEMF, laser, acupuncture—you name it, yet they’re still struggling.
Why? Because their movement patterns are reinforcing tension instead of releasing it.

⚖️ Biomechanics & Biotensegrity:

A horse’s body isn’t just a stack of parts—it’s a tensegrity system, where posture and movement rely on proper muscle activation. Locomotion muscles (glutes, hamstrings, triceps) should propel movement, while postural muscles (thoracic sling, core stabilizers) should stabilize it. 🪨 But if a horse can’t fire and release the right muscles at the right time they develop compensations, instability, and, eventually, breakdown.

🔎 Other Key Players in the Equation:
✅ The Nervous System – A horse locked in “fight or flight” won’t release tension or access postural stability. The ability to switch between sympathetic (go mode) and parasympathetic (recovery mode) is key for soft tissue health. Most importantly, it’s something a horse – (and most humans!) needs to be taught.
✅ Hoof Balance – If the foundation is off, the rest of the body compensates. Negative plantar angles or mismatched medial/lateral balance directly impact muscle function and joint alignment.
✅ Training Mechanics – Are they being encouraged to carry from behind and lift through the core?

✨ Bodywork is a GAME-CHANGER when paired with correct movement!

It’s not about choosing between one or the other—it’s about making sure they complement each other. If you need help- reach out!

www.primeequine.ca

03/07/2025

I still believe one of the biggest disservices to horses is saying “we ruled out pain”. Not all training challenges are rooted in pain. Absolutely. So much goes into training and there is nearly always room for improvement, alternative approaches, time, help, etc.

But when we encounter a horse who is actively displaying pain behaviors and struggling in training, it does not matter how many tests we do, we cannot rule out pain. Ever.

If you asked 10 people who said they ruled out pain what exactly that meant and what tests were done, you would get 10 different answers.

We might not find a source of pain that we can visualize or prove, but that does not mean it does not exist.

So what does this mean? It means a shift in thought. It means put the idea that pain is still a possibility in your pocket and keep it with you. It means working with the horse within their limits. It means accepting that we do not have a right to make it happen with whatever means necessary because “pain has been ruled out”.

It means accepting the horse is allowed to have an opinion and say in the process. It means “attitude problems” do not make harsh training methods acceptable.

It means learning equine behaviors for what they are and not what society has long mislabeled them as (i.e. just a mare, just taking advantage, just girthy, just a witch, just a pony).

To create a true partnership, we have to let the horse speak.

Friendly PSA to check your saddles for symmetry!You do not have to be a saddle fitter or knowledgable on saddles to do t...
03/06/2025

Friendly PSA to check your saddles for symmetry!

You do not have to be a saddle fitter or knowledgable on saddles to do this 😊

If your horse is asymmetrical (which most are because they are a living being dealing with a lot of external factors), the saddle should not be made asymmetrical to match them. How can the horse ever improve that way?

If you are struggling with trying to saddle fit an asymmetrical horse, take a short break from riding, call in your horse’s wellness team (vet, farrier, bodyworker, your own bodyworker to help you with your asymmetries!), and work on supporting their body to help them balance out as much as they can.

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