Bright Equine Therapy & Biomechanics

Home
United Kingdom
Crawley
Bright Equine Therapy & Biomechanics

Helping you help your horse. Jess offers a variety of services both in person and from a distance
(8)

29/11/2024

Treat yourself and your horse this Black Friday with some great offers! Drop the page a message to find out more 😊

11/11/2024

🎄 Give your horse the gift of comfort this Christmas!

🎁 There are still a few spots left for bodywork sessions in November and December.

Don't wait—book now to ensure your horse is in top shape for the holidays and beyond!

🌟 Contact us today to reserve your appointment.

07/09/2024

Using just 4 poles in a square shape, there are so many different things you can do in walk, trot and canter! You can create set patterns or random lines, either way your horse is going to reap the benefits.

Benefits of Pole Work in a Square:

Improves Coordination: Navigating the poles enhances your horse’s coordination and body awareness.

Builds Muscle: Stepping over poles engages different muscle groups, promoting strength and conditioning.

Encourages Balance: The square setup challenges your horse to maintain balance and rhythm.

Enhances Flexibility: Varying the stride lengths over poles improves your horse’s flexibility and suppleness.

Mental Stimulation: This exercise keeps your horse mentally engaged, reducing boredom and increasing focus.

Rider convenience: using a square shape gives you the option of using multiple different patterns in all 3 gaits without having to get off and change things around.

04/09/2024

🐴 Back Pain: Signs, Causes, and How Bodywork Can Help 🌿

Back pain is a common issue that can significantly impact your horse’s comfort and performance. Recognizing the signs of back pain and understanding how to manage it is crucial for your horse's well-being. Bodywork can play a vital role in alleviating back pain and improving your horse’s quality of life. Here’s what you need to know about back pain in horses and how Bodywork can help.

⭐What Causes Back Pain?

Poor Saddle Fit: An ill-fitting saddle can create pressure points and cause discomfort.

Muscle Strain: Overexertion or improper training techniques can lead to muscle strain.

Conformation Issues: Certain conformation traits can predispose horses to back problems.

Injury: Trauma from falls or accidents can result in back pain.

Degenerative Conditions: Conditions such as arthritis or kissing spines can affect the back.

⭐Common Signs of Back Pain:

Behavioural Changes: Resistance to being saddled or ridden, bucking, or rearing.

Stiffness: Difficulty bending or flexing during movement.

Lameness: Intermittent lameness that doesn’t seem linked to the legs.

Poor Performance: Reluctance to perform usual activities or a decrease in
performance levels.

Muscle Atrophy: Noticeable muscle wasting along the back.

⭐How Bodywork Helps:

Pain Relief: Varied techniques help reduce muscle tension and pain.

Improved Mobility: Stretching and strengthening exercises enhance flexibility and muscle tone.

Postural Correction: Training programs focused on correct posture to alleviate strain on the back.

Targeted Exercises: Personalized exercise plans to address specific back issues and prevent further injury.

Consistent Monitoring: Ongoing sessions to track progress and adjust treatments as needed.

Is your horse showing signs of back pain? Book a session with us today and help your horse find relief and regain its performance.

03/09/2024

🐴 Is Your Horse's Saddle a Perfect Fit? 🔍

A well-fitting saddle is crucial for your horse's comfort, performance, and overall health. An ill-fitting saddle can lead to discomfort, behavioural issues, and even long-term physical problems. Here’s why saddle fit matters and what signs to watch for to ensure your horse is happy and healthy under the saddle.

💡Why Proper Saddle Fit is Important:

Comfort: A properly fitted saddle distributes weight evenly, preventing pressure points and discomfort.

Performance: When a horse is comfortable, it can move more freely and perform at its best.

Prevent Injury: An ill-fitting saddle can cause muscle soreness, back pain, and even long-term damage to your horse’s spine.

🚩Signs Your Horse’s Saddle Might Not Fit:

Behavioural Issues: Reluctance to be saddled, pinned ears, tail swishing, or resistance during rides can all indicate discomfort.

Uneven Sweat Marks: After a ride, uneven sweat marks under the saddle suggest uneven pressure distribution.

Sore Spots or Swelling: Check for sore spots, swelling, or white hairs (indicating pressure points) on your horse’s back.

Poor Performance: Noticeable changes in performance, such as stiffness, reluctance to move forward, or a hollowed back, can be signs of an ill-fitting saddle.

Saddle Movement: A saddle that shifts, rocks, or slides excessively during rides is likely not fitting correctly.

⭐How to Ensure a Good Saddle Fit:

Professional Assessment: Have a qualified saddle fitter assess your horse and saddle to ensure a perfect fit.

Regular Checks: Regularly check your horse’s back and the fit of the saddle, especially if your horse’s body condition changes.

Regular Bodywork: Your professional of choice will be able to notice if/when the saddle may be causing tension and soreness through the body, and advise when a saddle check may be necessary.

02/09/2024

Does your horse show signs of pain or struggle with mobility? 🐴😓

They may be feeling:

Back Pain: Incorrect saddle fit, restrictions in their movement when being ridden and poor posture are just a small number of reasons your horse may be getting uncomfortable.

Mobility Issues: Age and lack of activity can cause movement restrictions for horses.

Bodywork treatments help relieve discomfort and restore proper alignment. Mobility exercises enhance your horse’s movement, making your time spent in the saddle more enjoyable.

🔹 Help your horse feel its best! Book a Bodywork session now! 📅

31/08/2024

Half Moon is a fantastic exercise for working on lateral flexion throughout the entire body. It encourages your horse to lift their shoulder, engage their core, open their ribcage and bring their pelvis and hindlegs underneath them. It is an exercise that targets mobility, suppleness and coordination through the whole body.

▪️ Place a cone (or any object) in the middle on the arena.

▪️ Bring your horse onto a 10m circle around the cone.

▪️ Drop your outside rein and open your inside hand as much as possible, keeping your inside leg on.

▪️ Don’t worry if they drift to begin with.

▪️ Make the circle as small as possible.

▪️ Release when you feel the horse fully bend through the rib cage and drop their head. Allow them to walk out to stretch before asking again.

It may take time for them to get it but persevere!

30/08/2024

🐴Pony of the Week

Bug is my own horse and, I know I’m bias, but one of the most beautiful horses I have ever met, in looks and personality. She sustained an injury to her shoulder when she was a youngster after getting cast. Although she didn’t have any significant damage, she has had a pretty impressive and loud click in her left shoulder since. The restriction can be noticed in her ridden work when she has had time off... Not helped by her naturally high knee action.

Her work is tailored to target good hind engagement, to allow her pelvis to stay under, core to engage and back to lift. This helps support the lift through her shoulders and reduce the impact that shoulder takes, whilst encouraging full range of motion.

Alongside her corrective work, she has vibrational therapy on her shoulder once a week and regular bodywork sessions to make sure she is not compensating anywhere else in her body.

The management of this injury has stopped her being limited by her body and she gets to enjoy every aspect of life comfortably.

28/08/2024

🦄 Locking Stifles in Horses and the Benefits of Bodywork 🦄

Locking stifles, or upward fixation of the patella, is a common issue in horses that can cause discomfort and affect their mobility. This condition occurs when the patella gets temporarily stuck, causing the leg to lock in an extended position.

Signs of Locking Stifles:

• Intermittent hind limb lameness
• Difficulty in backing up
• Dragging the toe
• Sudden locking of the leg during movement

💡Why Bodywork Helps:

Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises build muscle around the stifle joint, reducing the occurrence of locking.

Improved Flexibility: Stretching routines increase the range of motion, helping the patella move smoothly.

Pain Management: Techniques like massage and laser therapy alleviate discomfort associated with locking stifles.

Enhanced Circulation: Promotes better blood flow to the affected area, aiding in recovery and overall joint health.

Personalized Care: Each horse receives a tailored Bodywork plan that addresses their specific needs and helps them regain their natural movement.

Regular Bodywork sessions can make a significant difference, allowing your horse to move more comfortably and confidently. 🌟

If your horse is showing signs of locking stifles, book a Bodywork session today and help them get back to feeling their best! 🐾💖

27/08/2024

🔍 Foregut and Hindgut Ulcers: What Every Horse Owner Should Know 🐴💡

Did you know that ulcers are a common issue in horses, affecting their foregut (stomach) and hindgut (intestines)? Understanding the signs and prevention methods is crucial to keeping your horse healthy and comfortable. Let’s explore the differences between foregut and hindgut ulcers, common signs to watch for, and how you can help prevent them.

⭐Foregut Ulcers (Stomach Ulcers):

🚩Common Signs:

Poor Appetite: Your horse may eat less or show disinterest in food.

Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss despite normal feeding.

Colic Symptoms: Mild, recurring colic or discomfort after eating.

Behavioural Changes: Increased irritability, especially when girthing or riding.

Dull Coat: A lackluster coat can indicate nutritional deficiencies due to ulcers.

⭐Hindgut Ulcers (Intestinal Ulcers):

🚩Common Signs:

Weight Loss: Noticeable weight loss and a poor body condition.

Loose Stools: Diarrhea or inconsistent manure.

Colic Symptoms: Signs of colic, particularly after meals.

Poor Performance: Reduced performance and reluctance to work.

Increased Sensitivity: Sensitivity or discomfort when touching, rugging, saddling/ girthing.

💡Prevention Tips:

High-Quality Forage: Provide high-quality, digestible forage to support gut health.

Feeding low sugar and starch feeds.

Probiotics and Prebiotics: Incorporate probiotics and prebiotics to promote a healthy gut flora.

Regular Deworming: Maintain a regular deworming schedule to prevent parasitic damage to the gut lining.

26/08/2024

Worried about your horse’s joint health and comfort? 🐴🦵

Your horse may be experiencing:

Joint Stiffness: Arthritis or increased workloads can lead to stiff joints.

Poor Posture: Bad posture can cause long-term discomfort and injury.

Joint mobilization in bodywork sessions can improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. Postural correction techniques ensure your horse moves correctly, preventing future injuries.

🔹 Don’t wait until it’s too late! Book a preventive Bodywork session today! 📅

24/08/2024

5-3-5 is a fun game I like to play with horses throughout a session. I like to do it on a longer rein at the start and end of a session and, also, when they're in a more working contact during the session. It's a super simple exercise!

Start with 5 strides with a very slight outside bend. When I say slight, you literally only want their neck turned enough that you begin to see the outside of the nostril and the back of the eye. Any further and you risk a "false bend".

Then move into 3 strides keeping the neck as straight as possible. Imagine you're walking along a tightrope.

Then into 5 strides with a slight inside bend, before returning to 3 strides dead straight.

It is a helpful exercise to help open up the neck and shoulders, releasing tension through the jaw, which allows the back to become loose and engaged.

23/08/2024

🐴Pony of the Week

Altivo is a 16-year-old Anglo Arab who had bone shaves for kissing spine before he was even backed! To accompany that, he has severe sarcoids all over his body (leading to a lot of scar tissue) and osteoarthritis in both front legs. His body has been his worst enemy from day 1!

This wonder horse is the proof that Kissing Spine does not have to be the end of a horse’s career. Correct and effective rehab leads to healthy and happy horses for years to come!

How do we keep him comfy?

Alongside routine bodywork session, he has a very strict corrective exercise plan that has allowed him to complete a 100km in a day endurance race, previously jump up to 1.20m and is currently working at medium level dressage with the aim of going higher.

Before and after each ride he has a back massager on and completes a set of dynamic stretches to help create suppleness and relaxation so he can access every part of his body without compensating.

The bodywork helps us to keep an eye on changes throughout his body, catch things before they become a problem and tailor his work accordingly.

21/08/2024

🐴 Shoulder and Neck Tightness in Horses: Signs, Causes and How Bodywork Can Help 🌿

Shoulder and neck tightness can significantly impact your horse's comfort and performance, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. Recognizing the signs and addressing the causes early on can help maintain your horse’s well-being. Bodywork offers effective solutions to alleviate tightness and enhance your horse's flexibility and performance. Here’s what you need to know about shoulder and neck tightness in horses and how Bodywork can help.

⭐️What Causes Shoulder and Neck Tightness?

Injury or Trauma: Accidents or falls can cause strain or injury to the shoulder and neck muscles.

Overuse: Repetitive movements or overtraining can lead to muscle fatigue and tightness.

Poor Posture: Horses with poor conformation or postural habits can develop muscle tightness over time.

⭐️Common Signs of Shoulder and Neck Tightness:

Stiffness: Difficulty bending or flexing the neck and shoulders during movement.

Pain Response: Sensitivity or discomfort when touched around the neck and shoulders.

Behavioural Changes: Resistance to being saddled, bridled, or ridden.

Asymmetry: Uneven muscle development or atrophy in the neck and shoulders.

⭐️How Bodywork Helps:

Pain Relief: Techniques like massage, myofascial release, and vibrational therapy help release muscle tension and pain.

Improved Flexibility: Stretching exercises and mobilization techniques enhance the flexibility and range of motion in the neck and shoulders.

Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to build strength and support muscle recovery.

Postural Training: Training programs focused on improving posture to alleviate muscle strain.

Ongoing Monitoring: Regular sessions to track progress and adjust treatments as needed.

Is your horse showing signs of shoulder or neck tightness? Book a session with us today to help your horse find relief and regain its full range of motion.

20/08/2024

🐴 Arthritis in Horses: Signs, Prevention, and Bodywork Benefits 🌿

Arthritis is a common condition that affects many horses, particularly as they age or if they have had an active performance career. Understanding the signs of arthritis and how to manage it can significantly improve your horse’s quality of life. Bodywork is an excellent tool in managing arthritis, offering relief and improving mobility. Here’s what you need to know about arthritis in horses and how Bodywork can help.
What is Arthritis? Arthritis in horses is the inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It can be caused by wear and tear, injury, or genetic predisposition.

Common Signs of Arthritis:

▪ Stiffness: Difficulty moving, especially after rest.
▪ Lameness: Intermittent or persistent lameness, often worsening with exercise.
▪ Swelling: Visible swelling or heat around the affected joints.
▪ Reduced Performance: Decreased willingness to work or perform usual activities.
▪ Behavioural Changes: Irritability or resistance to being saddled or ridden.

⭐Preventing Arthritis:

Regular Exercise: Maintain a consistent, moderate exercise routine to keep joints flexible and muscles strong.

Weight Management: Ensure your horse maintains a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints.

Regular Vet Checks: Routine veterinary care can catch early signs of arthritis and allow for prompt management.

⭐How Bodywork Helps:

▪ Pain Relief
▪ Increase Blood Flow
▪ Reduce Inflammation
▪ Improved Mobility
▪ Personalized Exercise Plans
▪ Regular Monitoring

Hydrotherapy: Water exercises provide low-impact resistance training, ideal for arthritic horses to build strength without stressing the joints.

Is your horse showing signs of arthritis? Let us help! Book a session today to manage arthritis and improve your horse’s quality of life.

19/08/2024

Does your horse seem stiff or have trouble moving smoothly? 🐴💤

They may be experiencing:

Muscle Tension: Horses can develop muscle tension from general day-to-day training, incorrect posture, saddle fit and so much more.

Reduced Flexibility: Aging or lack of proper mobility can reduce a horse’s range of motion.

Asymmetrical muscle development: Like us, our horses tend to favour one side. This can lead to the muscles developing more on one side than the other, making it harder for them to use their body correctly and effectively.

Bodywork techniques can help release tension, improving your horse’s comfort and performance. Stretching exercises increase flexibility, making every ride smoother and more enjoyable.

🔹 Book your session today and see the difference! 📅
🔹 Check out our website or DM us for appointments.

17/08/2024

This one can be tricky for your horse to figure out to begin with, but it has such huge benefits for the body. There are a huge number of videos available on Youtube on how to teach your horse how to do this.

The aim is to keep the pole under the middle of the horses body and for them to move along, sideways, crossing their front and hind legs. You should see a notable rock in their body as they move, a motion similar to how a snake slithers.

💡Benefits:

This exercise encourages lateral flexion through the whole body, opening up the ribcage to allow the pelvis to come under, core to engage and back to lift. This also encourages the shoulders to come up, engaging the thoracic sling, lowering the head to stretch up the neck.

It is fantastic for our friends who struggle to know where their feet are, helping improve proprioception, coordination and improve mental stamina.

Give it a go and let us know how you get on!

16/08/2024

🐴Pony of the week

Ziggy was an amazing gelding, but he had a huge amount going on in his body! Throughout 4 years of vet investigation, we found navicular changes in both front feet and significant facet joint remodeling through his neck and back. You can understand why he needed a helping hand to feel comfortable in his body.

What made up us thinks something may be wrong?

Ziggy has a few interesting quirks, but there were 3 distinct things that stood out:

🚩One was his rodeo impression. Admittedly it was not hugely impressive and only ever in a straight line, but they seemed to just come out of nowhere. A little like something twinged in his body and off he would go.

🚩The other thing was his Inability to keep consistency in his canter work. One day he would be fantastic. You could lengthen him out, collect him right up, change his head and neck position like he was made of butter. The next day he would barely be able to do the long side and it would be fast! He just couldn’t hold himself together.

🚩The final thing was when he lost his love for jumping. He adored jumping more than anything and would really lock onto a fence. One day he just said no… and that was it. He lost all confidence even approaching a fence and, if he did jump, would bronc on landing.

So how did we manage him?

Ziggy had bi-weekly treatments which included a lot of myofascial work, positional release and vibrational therapy, alongside continuous corrective training. He was kept in low impact but consistent work to keep his weight down and help maintain muscle mass to support the affected areas, reducing the chance of compensation patterns forming.

His work included a slightly longer active warm up and cool down routine, with a shorter period of intensive work. This helped reduce the amount of lactic acid building up in the muscles, to prevent him stiffening up and becoming tight/sore around his problem areas.

By doing this, he had a very enjoyable ridden career, training up to Medium level dressage.

Address

Crawley
RH104UZ

Website

https://www.brightequinetherapy.co.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Bright Equine Therapy & Biomechanics posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Bright Equine Therapy & Biomechanics:

Videos

After a busy day out at work, we spent the evening topping the field and watching these 2 play 😍 #equestrian #dressage #pferd #paard #cheval #horseriding #britishdressage #eventing #horse #warmblood #dressagehorse #dressagerider #equine #horse #caballo #eventhorse #dressagetraining #naturalhorsemanship #horsemanship #britisheventing #equinesofinstagram #equinelife #equestrianlife #horserider #equineprofessional #equinesportsmassage #equinerehabilitation

Thank you so much to our wonderful clients for your patience with us the last 2 weeks after we pretty much obliterated both front wheel bearings and wheel hubs on a pot hole 🤦‍♀️ We've been lucky enough to have our amazing mechanic who got it good enough last week to get to local and non-motorway clients whilst we waited for the new parts to arrive, but we are now back on the road ❤️

Reduced movement and discomfort in the pelvis can create a lot more issues than we think and end up effecting the entire body! To the extent that what looks like our horse being unsettled in their mouth with the contact is actually just a restriction in the hindquarters #equestrian #dressage #pferd #paard #cheval #horseriding #britishdressage #eventing #horse #warmblood #dressagehorse #dressagerider #equine #horse #caballo #eventhorse #dressagetraining #naturalhorsemanship #horsemanship #britisheventing #equinesofinstagram #equinelife #equestrianlife #horserider #equineprofessional #equinesportsmassage #equinerehabilitation

Just a tiny handful of a millions of thoughts going through my head in what is ultimately a 30 second movement. This movement helps us learn so much about your horse and what they may be struggling with . . . . . . . . . #equestrian #dressage #pferd #paard #cheval #horseriding #britishdressage #eventing #horse #warmblood #dressagehorse #dressagerider #equine #horse #caballo #eventhorse #dressagetraining #naturalhorsemanship #horsemanship #britisheventing #equinesofinstagram #equinelife #equestrianlife #horserider #equineprofessional #equinesportsmassage #equinerehabilitation #equinephysio