Ahead of the Herd - Equine Bodyworks

12/10/2024

Another Rehab Sucess Story!!
This beautiful mare (Autumn)and her owner (Cindy) had a horrible accident in which they were T- b***d while hauling to an event. Both sustained significant injuries as the truck and trailer were slammed and ended up resting on its side in a ditch.
Cindy reached out to me in hopes that Autumn's injuries could be rehabbed and she could return to her dressage career. Although she'd been cleared by the vet of any skeletal damage, she had soft tissue and nerve damage, an adema on her ribcage, cervical trauma, and physiological trauma. Her worst outward symptom was chronic headshaking.
I made a rehab plan after my initial assessment and worked with Cindy and the insurance company to provide the necessary information for Autumn's rehab to be covered. And got to work!!!
I'm happy to report that after a year, Autumn has made a full recovery!! It was a journey that required patience and dedication to allow Autumn to heal at her own pace. Physical trauma can be easy to rehab, but rehabbing psychological trauma can be a more daunting skill that requires not only knowledge but a compassionate space. I've worked with Cindy to understand that part of the process. As a final step, I spent a session teaching Cindy how to connect with Autumn through touch and energy. They're both learning to heal and reestablish their connection after the accident. I will continue to provide follow-up maintenance, but I'm excited to have been part of their journey ❤️
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12/08/2024

⚠️ GRAPHIC PHOTOS⚠️

DId you know as an Equine Holistic Practitioner, herbal support isn't just about what goes into the feed pan.
I'm constantly testing and making products to support all aspects of wellness. Wound care is definitely a regular part of equine husbandry. I wanted a salve for wounds that had everything to cover the important aspects of healing and protecting vital tissues that are exposed to injuries.
And of course, when I've put together a product I'm confident will not only do what it's intended but also my clients will love ❤️ I have a horse that decides to make sure it passes the most rigorous tests.
Lightning decided to somehow give himself a deep laceration to his front limb and on the heel bulb (that's his specialty😉). So, if you're wondering if this works Day 1 on the bottom when I found him to Day 3 of only the wound being cleaned, then packed with salve and bandaged.
All organically source, natural products infused with small batch homemade calendula oil along with mango butter and a few other trade secrets. Maximum ANTI-BACTERIAL properties as well as a thick enough consistency to provide maximum coverage with or without bandaging!!
So introducing our all natural organic wound care product - ⚡️HEALS LIKE LIGHTNING ⚡️
Yes, I thought it only fitting that we name it after the horse who gave me the reason to create this 🤣🤣 because - He doesn't pay his bills - didn't sound quite as catchy 😉
As a side note, it's great for dogs and amazing for humans as well (my hands and feet never felt better😉) it's HYPOALLERGENIC too!!!
AVAILABLE IN 4oz ($25) OR 8oz ($40) tins
Makes a great stocking stuffer🎄🎅

12/07/2024

Recent research has shown that to massage can stimulate the release of myokines, signaling proteins released by muscle tissue that play an important role in regulating inflammation, metabolism, and tissue repair.

Massage can influence cellular activity in muscles and surrounding tissues, and promote the release of myokines like IL-6, IGF-1, and certain myostatin regulators. These proteins are involved in muscle repair, anti-inflammatory effects, and overall tissue health. Massage also enhances circulation and lymphatic flow, indirectly supporting the biochemical environment necessary for myokine production.

Massage Promotes Healing - https://koperequine.com/how-massage-promotes-healing-massage-increases-the-production-of-cytokines/

11/19/2024

Massage/Bodywork is not just about 'a feel good spa day'. Healing all aspects of the body is an important part of the process.

Neuro Affective Touch is a therapeutic approach that combines elements of touch therapy with insights from neurobiology and affective (emotional) science. It focuses on the relationship between the body and emotions, aiming to address early developmental trauma and deep-seated emotional patterns by working directly with the body’s nervous system. This method integrates the emotional and physical aspects of healing by using touch to help regulate the nervous system, resolve trauma, and promote healthy emotional integration.

Learn more here - Massage With Myofascial Release for Building Self-Confidence - https://koperequine.com/massage-with-myofascial-release-for-building-self-confidence/

11/18/2024

From heartbreak to stealing hearts 💕 This sweet guy is a recent success story I'm excited to share.
I originally assessed him and had a few sessions with his previous owner, who decided to go in a different direction with purchasing another horse and sold him. 9 months later, while I was working with a client, I noticed a familiar face watching from his stall. When I asked my client if the familiar face was who I thought he was, she verified it with his new owner. She also said he was struggling with unknown issues, and she had started to give up on him ever being what she'd hoped for. After a quick chat, she quickly jumped at the chance to change that outlook. The first session wasn't pretty, but by the end, she saw a glimmer of hope. We set out a groundwork rehab plan and regular rehab bodywork. She is a therapist's dream and did the homework as prescribed 😊 The improvements began to show in every aspect of their relationship, and for the first time, she had hope that she was giving him what he'd been trying to tell her he needed but she wasn't able to understand (she had him vetted, chiro and bodywork from another person with no improvement).
Once his pain and dysfunction were corrected, we moved on to rehab riding - she's a champ and took the feedback on what she needed as a rider to strengthen and change in her own body. She was so invested in the process that she had a chance to watch him be ridden by my daughter (who does all my rehab riding /biomechanical retraining work - ). Building a relationship from the ground up for these 2 has been a wonderful experience to have been a part of (and continue to be).
In a few months, not only were they rocking the barn trail rides. They did the planned camping/trail ride trip she was unsure about doing initially (the previous year, shortly after she bought him, they went, and it wasn't a pleasant time). These two have become a beautiful example of how I approach every horse and owner. It's about the complete rehabilitation process - physical, emotional, mental, and the relationship between horse and owner. Happy trails to you both❤️

11/17/2024

When you get messages like this, it is a reminder that following my passion to make a difference in the industry and in the horses I've had the pleasure to work with was the right decision.
Thank you to all my wonderful clients 🥰

10/21/2024

It's been a very busy summer and we're enjoying the fall season and these foggy mornings.
Don't forget that although show season has finished bodywork and nutrition are important going into the winter months. It's the perfect time if you're not already making this part of your horse's routine to start!!

08/26/2024

To decrease the amount of messages requesting dates, I thought it was time to start letting potential and regular clients know how far ahead my schedule is booked.
I'm booking a minimum of a month ahead. SEPTEMBER IS BOOKED . OCTOBER has approximately 10 open days ( I do this full-time year round ) available. Bookings are booked with regular clientele getting priority. Emergency/urgent spaces are available upon request.
Thanks to my wonderful clients ❤️

07/21/2024

Kinesology Taping can improve performance as well as aid recovery. My clients are discovering the benefits of taping!

07/01/2024

Enjoy the Canada Day long weekend 🇨🇦

06/02/2024

What a wonderful day Conestogo River Horseback Adventures Open House. Having an opportunity to talk about Bodywork and Rehabilitation with visitors and demonstrate what a session entails was so refreshing. Also, creating awareness that behind the barn doors, this family run business prioritizes each horses well-being. As they are clients, I see each horse on a regularly scheduled basis, and we work together to keep them healthy, sound, and rewarded for the work they do. Such a pleasure to work with this family and all their amazing staff.
Not only do they run an amazing trail riding business, but they also have a lesson program and a kids pony club, along with opportunities for community service experience for people of all ages.
Check them out 😁
Thanks again for including me in your Open House! Congrats on a very successful event 🎉

06/01/2024

I see a lot of people recommending chiropractors and pemf and excluding massage therapists. I want to give you a few reasons why I believe a massage therapist should be used regularly at times in a horse’s life:

We all have different skills to contribute to your horse’s care. Bodies need different kinds of help at different times.

Remember that it’s the muscles that create tensile strength and hold the bones and organs in place. They are also what pulls the body out of optimum, by strength or weakness, which combine to create imbalance and potential unsoundness. This is especially true and important when a horse is coming into increased work, coming back into fitness, or when a horse is older and needs a little help staying loose and comfortable. You can be a great trainer, your horse will still build strength unevenly, it’s simply what happens when out of shape horses are put into exercise. It’s natural, normal and expected.

By being proactive and working with a great massage therapist you can help your horse be more balanced and comfortable and so sounder, more mentally balanced and train more easily. We can help the horse through the process by manually suppling, helping him learn his body, improving awareness and letting him use himself the best he can while he works to build and become, hopefully, the best version of himself.

Learn more here - https://koperequine.com/why-hands-on-massage-is-the-best-way-to-for-sore-care-muscles/

Massage Speeds Exercise Recovery - https://koperequine.com/massage-speeds-muscle-recovery/

05/26/2024

I ❤️ my clients and the relationships made. So much gratitude that I spend my days doing this 🙏

Total Relaxation ❤️ does it again! Jen has brought so much calm and relaxation to our herd. I cannot recommend her services enough! Holistic and clean nutritional guidance, full body care, and expert knowledge. Give Jen a follow on to learn more!

05/24/2024

Hard keeper or diet/nutrition deficiencies? This is something that you need to consider when you're labeling horses based on how well or not they do on a feed program. Is your horse's current feed program not fulfilling their nutritional needs?
This is my daughter's retired mare - at 25, she's always been labeled at previous barns as a hard keeper. These photos are 2 months apart - bottom photo is coming out of winter in March, and the top photo is May.
The bottom photo was typical of her being fed on a different mindset of hay and grain - keep giving more grain to try to keep weight on. Only looking at calorie consumption as a means to try to meet her body's needs. This led to the belief and label of ' she's just a hard keeper'.
Changing our mindset and education on Equine nutrition is why the top photo is how she looks today. Meeting her nutritional needs by knowing more than just calorie intake. It's about balancing out her dietary needs and correcting deficiencies. Knowing how much protein, fats, minerals, and fibrous starches she requires to maintain muscle mass, meet her energy requirements, and support overall body functions was vital to improving her health and body. With age comes muscle loss, which in turn creates a load of health issues and dysfunction. Our goal was to help regain the lost muscle, get rid of that bloated 'hay belly', and improve her overall health. The results in just a few months are not only astonishing to see, but watching her enjoy her senior years with more zest and comfort brings us such happiness.
Is your horse struggling with your current program? Don't fret, it's easy to correct and doesn't have to be overwhelming or complicated.
Need help? Let's talk 😁

05/18/2024

What a wonderful way to start the morning! Watching the horses and riders from show at the Burford Saddle Club first show of the season.
Congrats to all that participated!!! Our lovely sponsored horse Chance strutted his stuff in both in-hand showmanship and riding classes❤️

05/13/2024

My Mother's Day was complete when I got to follow up on a foal I had helped with Thursday night.
On my way home from clients, I got a text from another client asking if I was able to help a foal born at 3am that morning. This filly hadn't been able to latch. This is a very experienced and knowledgeable family, and they'd been working with the vet all day, so of course, I headed out to their farm - foals are very fragile and time is againstyou when things don't run smoothly. After an assessment, I quickly realized the muscles in her cervical and facial areas were tightly contracted to the point that this filly wasn't able to open her mouth beyond a tiny space only the tip of her tongue fit through. Applying techniques to release the muscles and relax her (she immediately fell asleep, allowing the body to reset itself). It wasn't long before she was opening her mouth . We weren't successful that night with getting her to latch, ( she was working through now being able to move her jaw and neck freely) but she did start drinking from syringes then out of a bucket, and 24 hrs later, I got the update that she started nursing on her own.
It was absolutely heartwarming to see her yesterday frolicking in pasture with mom and nursing💗
This is a reminder that BODYWORK CAN BE LIFESAVING!! If you needed a reason to seek out a trained and qualified professional, this is it!

I continue to be grateful to my clients for their trust in me to have a positive impact on their horses.