Gorse is always used as my demonstration horse for a lot of my assignments. I thought Iād share with you the simplicity of a back up. Asking for a few nice straight and controlled paces on flat ground, on a decline or incline can be really beneficial for hindlimb activation and core stimulation and much more. It links to the back, the hamstrings, the core and is a great rehab technique when used correctly :)
Our poor neighbours patch of grass was in Blazeās mind for our entire ride. Sometimes controversial but I actually admire that he likes to be a pig when hacking and much prefer that he stops to eat every so often where I know he is relaxed than rush his rides. Itās also a great free reinforcer when used correctly. I let him graze next to sheep , when cars are passing (if safe to do so) and on a day like today, next to a childrenās play area with screaming kids. Itās great desensitising :)
This lad was well proportioned, well muscled and overall nicely framed but he had some slight muscle tension along his back. Sometimes, even the slightest change in rider mechanics or their own shape could mean that your saddle needs a tiny bit of adjusting. Make sure to keep an eye on these signs when tacking up. The rider mentioned that this boy kept falling out of his canter but once his back was released, we fixed his canter! Happy days :)
Some of you may know Lexie and if you do, you will be aware that she is not always easy. She is tense by nature and occasionally, has her own reasons (always warranted) as to why she canāt settle in her stable. She can have good days and she can have bad days. On her worst days, sometimes she needs a little helping hand from a gentle massage to just encourage relaxation before I leave for the night.
The intercostals are a huge network of fibres running behind and between the ribs and allow for different movements such as expansion and contraction to aid the breathing process. Often overlooked but can be a key form of tension relief. #massagetherapist #equinetherapist
Keeper enjoyed a nice release of his brachiocephalic and splenius muscle groups this morning making him extra sleepy!
You may be glad to see a bit of rain restoring the moisture in the ground, but donāt be fooled! Please continue to walk your usual canter/gallop routes on foot before opening your horse up. So many tendon injuries can be prevented by resisting the urge to gallop fresh stubble!
Dexter is a beautiful cob who had his first session with me yesterday. He was so relaxed throughout the entire thing which was so refreshing to see!
Tension can appear in an individual muscle group or an entire linear chain. This shows just how much of a knock on effect sore spots can have on the body. When inspecting the longissimus/latissimus and iliopsoas, you could see the fibres responding through to the gluteals and even the bicep femoris.
Blaze put his good boy pants on this morning for his mums birthday . Thank you Blaze š„ š
I just love that my client horses are comfortable enough to interrupt me in the middle of another horseās session to relax. Holly was rather politely asking for her to be next on the list šš»
Erin Dixon - Fully Insured Equine Sports Massage & Rehabilitation Therapy Student. Qualify March 2025
