Affinity Equine Bodywork

01/23/2025

The neck showing a significant reduction in tension following manual massage.

01/20/2025

💕

A mindful moment...

BRR. IT'S COLD. This winter has been filled with some crazy weather and it's so easy to fall into the frustration trap.
Frustration for not being able to ensure your horses comfort. Frustration for not being able to maintain a consistent exercise routine. Frustration for frozen water buckets, rock hard arenas, and muddy fields with infinite slip risks. Frustration for not being able to just RIDE. UGH. It's just too tempting to stay in that head space and want for all the things we can do when it's sunny and 75 degrees.

When I find myself moving towards this headspace I challenge myself to take a step back. While all these frustrations are valid, it's important to remember why we put up with all of them in the first place... We LOVE these animals. My heart beats for my horses and I know I'm not alone in that.

As this next week of cold temps rolls in, I'm challenging myself to just BE with my horses. Simply exist with them. Go out to the field with a pocket full of treats, a brush, and maybe a snack for myself. Sit with them while they nap, groom them as they graze, whatever feels right for that moment.

Just as humans are, horses are social creatures and I can guarantee most of them will enjoy associating time with you that does not involve a task to complete or a predictable part of their routine. Just BE with them, without force or expectations. Some of the most intimate moments I've had with my horses have come from just existing in their presence and I wouldn't trade those moments for anything.

Good luck to everyone as we continue to battle winter weather! Take a moment to give your ponies some love as we all look forward to warmer days.

01/14/2025

Congrats to my longtime client Ace Horsemanship! Looking good Remi!

01/04/2025

❤️❤️❤️

Every time you step into the arena, remember this: you are mastering one of the most beautiful and complex forms of art and sport. Dressage is not just about perfection; it's about connection, grace, and growth.

You have chosen to communicate with a powerful, majestic animal through harmony and trust. That alone is extraordinary. Progress in dressage is not measured by a judge’s score but by the partnership you build with your horse, stride by stride.

Mistakes are not failures; they are stepping stones. Each challenge teaches you something new, sharpens your skills, and makes you stronger. Great riders weren’t born perfect—they grew through persistence, passion, and resilience, just like you are doing now.

Believe in yourself, trust your horse, and honor the journey. You belong in the saddle. You are capable of greatness. Ride boldly, with heart and confidence, because every ride is a victory in itself.

You've got this.

01/01/2025

May this new year bring health, joy, and peace to all horses and their people ❤️

12/25/2024

🎄 Merry Christmas 🎄

12/16/2024

This holiday season I’m sharing some of my favorite things!

HORSES! I’ve been an obsessed horse girl since I was super young. I started riding at age 7 and horses have been my lifelong passion. My love for horses is why I do what I do.

Love the horse first, and the sport second ❤️❤️❤️

12/15/2024

This holiday season I am sharing some of my favorite things!

All tack and equipment used on your horse should fit the horse well. Anything ill fitting could cause pain, rubs, restriction, compensations, altered gaits, irritation, etc.

I’m not just talking about saddles but also saddle pads, girths, bridles, bits, halters, and blankets. If you’re not sure if something fits well, ask a professional or trusted and experienced horse person.

12/14/2024

This holiday season I am sharing some of my favorite things!

Whenever possible allow the horse’s posture to be as natural and neutral as possible.

Feeding from the ground or using a hay feeder or low hanging hay net decreases unnatural back tension caused by eating from high up.

12/13/2024

This holiday season I am sharing some of my favorite things!

Everyone should have a flexible jelly curry and use it daily. Not only does currying your horse remove loose hair and dead skin, it increases circulation. Added bonus is currying the horse across the direction of the muscle fibers (muscle fibers often run parallel to the direction of hair growth) to break up restrictive fascia and reduce muscular tension.

12/12/2024

This holiday season I am sharing some of my favorite things!

Whenever possible choose breathable material for anything touching your horse. Natural materials such as cotton, wool, felt, and sheepskin allow the air to circulate whereas gel, foam, and neoprene trap heat. If a natural material isn’t an option, some girths and horse boots have holes designed to increase air flow.

Decreased air flow = increased temperature = less comfortable and healthy for your horse’s tissues

11/08/2024

This older thoroughbred was able to find more symmetry and comfort after tension and compensation patterns were reduced during his bodywork session.

Special areas to notice:
⭐️ height of shoulders
⭐️ symmetry of barrel
⭐️ evenness of hips

11/06/2024

It was a beautiful 80 degree day to work on horses!

10/31/2024

🎃 Happy Halloween 🎃

10/28/2024

The BEMER horse set cuffs may look like shipping boots but they are really a versatile accessory to target areas of the body the blanket does not cover.

Each cuff has 3 PEMF coils and I have configured them to target this horse’s hamstrings.

10/25/2024

Last month during my first session with Taz, he was very unsure of what I was doing and could not settle.

During today’s session his relaxed lip couldn’t get much longer! It is so rewarding when they understand how good they can feel and relax instantly.

09/20/2024

That Friday afternoon feeling!

09/14/2024

New client Taz took a bit to settle into his first bodywork session - he was tense, guarded, and skeptical. As he realized what I was doing felt good, he began to relax and really tune into his body.

The before and after pictures don’t do justice to the transformation in his demeanor but look closely at how the tension in his face and tail (top photo) are no longer present in the after photo (bottom). His pelvis is more neutral and belly more lifted afterwards also.