Spotted Horse Bit Fittings and Massage

01/26/2025

Fun day teaching bodywork on Haig Point Equestrian!

Started off with a basic outline of what bodywork is and is not, different modalities, how they are used, species appropriate care and management , and more! Then I taught some bodywork for three muscle groups for everyone and did a few new client horses.

01/24/2025

Horse Owners Guide to Bit Fitting is open for pre-order now! No times, no quizzes, just easy to follow educational material.

Master the art of equine bit fitting to enhance your horse's comfort and performance. Join now!

01/24/2025

What are the 3 rules in choosing a bit your horse likes? I’ll be answering the comments as I receive them!

Bonus question:
What is one major indicator your horse DOES NOT like their bit

01/21/2025

Why Does Cold, Hard Ground Make Your Horse Stiff?

If your horse feels extra stiff or uncomfortable during the colder months, you’re not alone! Cold weather and hard ground can make movement more challenging for horses, especially as they age or if they have a history of joint or soft tissue issues.

Here’s why:

• Hard Ground: Hard ground absorbs less of the concussion created by each step or landing your horse takes so your horse has to absorb the extra concussion through their own soft tissues. That means more stress and strain is put on the back, hocks, shoulder sling, feet, and other joints. This leads to tension, soreness, and potential injury over time.
• Reduced Circulation: Cold weather naturally slows blood flow to muscles, making them less pliable and more prone to stiffness.
• Impact on Joints: Hard, frozen ground increases the impact on your horse’s joints, ligaments, and tendons with every step, which can lead to discomfort.
• Tighter Muscles: Horses tend to brace against the cold, leading to tighter muscles and restricted range of motion.

Massage Can Keep Your Horse More Comfortable

Massage therapy is a powerful tool to keep your horse moving freely and staying sound through the winter. Here’s how it helps:

• Relieves Tension: Concussion causes muscles and other soft tissues tighten and tense up. Massage can soothe, soften, lengthen and separate tight muscles and fascia.
• Improved Circulation: Massage promotes blood flow to stiff muscles, warming them up and restoring elasticity.
• Relief for Sore Areas: It addresses tension and pain caused by bracing against the cold or uneven movement.
• Preventative Care: Keeping muscles and fascia loose helps reduce strain on joints, minimizing the risk of injuries caused by frozen footing.
• Increased Comfort: Regular massage helps your horse feel their best, improving mobility and overall well-being.

Keeping your horse warm, mobile, and supported with therapies like massage can make a big difference during the winter months. If you want to help your horse stay comfortable and sound this season, let me know 👍

Learn more here - Tips for Maintaining Your Horse’s Muscles, Tendons, and Joints in Cold Weather - https://koperequine.com/tips-for-maintaining-your-horses-muscles-tendons-and-joints-in-cold-weather/

01/19/2025

Maverick getting bodywork

01/18/2025

One of my favorite client photos of all time. Picturedis a wonderful 34 year old Appaloosa. He has since passed, but his owner had him almost his entire life. I will always feel blessed to give him a little love and care. He has become known to my clients as “the horse I sedated” during bodywork. He *really* enjoyed CST and his mom took his halter off and just held his head up for him.

He is a great example of wonderful management practices that kept him so happy and healthy. He was still full of life at 34!

01/18/2025

Pleased to announce I’m opening up Fridays starting in February!

My services:
Bodywork: $100
Includes
- CST (nervous system)
- Red light therapy
- Balance pads
- Energy work
Bit fitting: $150
Includes:
- 2 week bit rental
- cell number for follow up questions
- access to educational material

CST can be purchased at a discount for horses with these ailments:
- EPM
- consistent tripping/stumbling
- chronic neck and back tension
- coordination issues
- pull back injuries

For my “in the works” info being offered for free please see my pinned profile post! You’ll also find a list of classes I’m taking and have completed.

Currently I do not have a travel fee within 1 hour. Travel fees are waived if there are enough clients.

Pictured: client horse Senna and the barn cat Zoie Hopkinson

01/16/2025

Here is a short copy and paste from a barrel racing news website talking about gag bits:

———

“Gags really work on the shoulders,” decorated trainer Sharin Hall said. “If I have a big-made horse that wants to carry its head too low, a gag is going to elevate the shoulders while shill giving lift and bend.”

Brazilian trainer Andre Coelho echoed Hall’s reasoning, saying he liked to move to a gag bit after a snaffle on young horses.

“I have a Dave Elliot bit that’s a sliding gag with a port mouthpiece, and it’s good for horses that are a little ratey going into a barrel,” NFR Qualifier and Barrelracing.com coach Shali Lord said. “It lets me pick up their shoulders and keeps them soft and moving off my hands.”

————-—

Listen yall, I LOVE my western riders! But when you get your information from professionals you need to keep in mind, it’s probably not correct. Just because you are a professional doesn’t mean you need to know everything about everything. We as horse people need to hold others to a higher standard. The use of harsh bits in competition has gone beyond what many have expected. There are very few regulations in barrel racing and show jumping. But you can go to almost any higher level competition and see it.

I think as horse folks we need to help advocate for horses. Below I’m going to list a few of what I call my “golden bit rules and sayings” that you can keep in the back of your mind when purchasing bit:

“The bit can only be as soft as mechanics allow it to be. You cannot change a harsh but with soft hands”

“ Does your horse * really* like this bit or is it just the one you fight in the least?”

“ Does this look like comfort or compliance?”

“When a bit promises something that a bit can’t do then it’s best to chose another”

BarrelRacing.com fuels the barrel racing industry by telling the stories of top riders, horses and events, plus providing top-tier training.

01/12/2025

What is a subject in the horse world you wish you knew more about and why?

01/10/2025

Deets giving me some serious side eye after I started to leave after his session.

01/09/2025

The Magic of Mirror Neurons in Horses

Horses are remarkable creatures with an extraordinary ability to connect with humans on a deep, almost magical level. One fascinating aspect of this connection is the role of mirror neurons, which are special brain cells that allow horses to "mirror" the actions and emotions of those around them.

Mirror neurons were first discovered in monkeys, but they are also present in many animals, including horses. These neurons fire both when an animal performs an action and when it observes the same action performed by another. This mirroring effect helps horses understand and empathize with the emotions and behaviors of their human companions.

When it comes to interactions with humans, horses are particularly attuned to the emotional states of those around them. They can sense changes in our emotions and respond accordingly. For example, if you are calm and relaxed, your horse is likely to mirror this state. Conversely, if you are anxious or stressed, your horse may also become tense and uneasy.

This awareness of human emotions is not just a one-way street. Horses can also influence our emotional states. Spending time with a calm and relaxed horse can help us feel more at ease and reduce stress. This mutual exchange of emotions creates a harmonious bond between horse and human.

Incorporating mindful practices into your interactions with horses can enhance this connection. Try practicing deep breathing exercises while grooming or riding your horse. Pay attention to how your horse responds to your emotions and see if you can synchronize your emotional states. This simple practice can deepen your bond and create a more mindful and present experience for both you and your horse.

So, the next time you spend time with your horse, remember the magic of mirror neurons and the power of emotional connection. By being mindful of your own emotions and tuning into your horse's responses, you can create a beautiful, harmonious connection that benefits both of you.

Link to a study:

From Neurons to Social Beings: Short Review of the Mirror Neuron System Research and Its Socio-Psychological and Psychiatric Implications - PMC

01/08/2025

🌟 Unlock Your Horse's Full Potential with Equine Bodywork! 🌟

Is your horse feeling a bit off? Do they struggle with balance or show signs of discomfort? Look no further! As a certified equine bodyworker, I specialize in helping your horse achieve optimal performance and well-being through a unique blend of therapies tailored to their needs.

✨ Services Offered:
- Equine Bodywork & Craniosacral Therapy: Restore your horse's natural alignment and ease tension with gentle, effective techniques.

CST works directly on the nervous system instead of the muscles and tends to benefit horses who:
- have a history of EPM
- trip over themselves
- struggle to have awareness of where the place their feet
- have chronic TMJ and poll discomfort
- trouble opening their mouth fully
- displaying odd signs of discomfort ( biting or kicking out at odd times)
- past trauma (physical or mental)
- pull back injuries

- Bit Fitting: Ensure your horse is comfortable and responsive with a certified bit fitting consultation.

Included in bodywork with no up charge:
- Red Light Therapy: Promote healing and reduce inflammation with the power of red light therapy.
- Balance Pads: Improve strength and coordination with specialized balance pads.

Specialties:
- Nervous System Support: Focused techniques designed to soothe and regulate your horse's nervous system, enhancing overall performance.
- Gaited Horse Expertise: Tailored solutions for gaited horses to improve their unique movement patterns and comfort.

🐴 Why Choose Me?
With a deep understanding of equine physiology and behavior, I am dedicated to providing a holistic approach that addresses both physical and emotional, and mental well-being. Your horse deserves the best—let’s work together to help them feel their best!

📞 Book Your Session Today!
Contact me to schedule an appointment or to learn more about how I can help your horse thrive.

Because every horse deserves to feel great!

01/07/2025

Whoop whoop!!!
Thank you to my clients who gave my instructor some awesome feedback!

The feedback was amazingly heart warming and embodied everything I try to be.

⭐️ Here’s to many more certifications to come ⭐️

01/07/2025

New TikTok posted!

Watch, follow, and discover more trending content.

01/04/2025

Sweet maverick was a client today on a shortened schedule (2 weeks between bodywork)
Maverick was having pelvic issues that were affecting his lumbar and thoracic portions of his spine and after a longer session today (including a dynamic evaluation) I’m happy to report ZERO reactivity or spasms! This boy pushed me to do some pretty extensive research as nothing seemed to add up at first 💖

⭐️Here’s to the first WIN of 2025! ⭐️

* Maverick was compensated for his time with his favorite treats *

01/03/2025

Bit check:

Tell me how this works, its name, and all the thinks you would change to improve it.