Valkyrie Equine Bodywork

Valkyrie Equine Bodywork Integrated bodywork through connection for enhanced wellness and performance. MMCP certified.
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Let’s talk about connection. I think this is something the horse industry needs to talk more about. Does your horse pull...
11/02/2024

Let’s talk about connection.

I think this is something the horse industry needs to talk more about. Does your horse pull against the bit, have their head up and evading you, curl when there is pressure put on the reins, cross-fire when cantering? There are obviously a lot of other factors, but let’s look at if your horse is connected first. Is the back end and hind end talking to each other? Are the hamstrings overdeveloped because they are compensating for lack of connection in the body?

All things to think about! If your horse is not connected in its body, the front legs are hind legs won’t communicate, causing them to work twice as hard and they will have to use muscles that aren’t meant for stabilizing to stabilize.

Message me if you would like to schedule an appointment to get your horse connected again!



Such great information to read about! Gelding scars can really wreak havoc on the body if not done properly or the fasci...
10/18/2024

Such great information to read about! Gelding scars can really wreak havoc on the body if not done properly or the fascial adhesions not released.

ABOUT GELDING SCARS:
When a stallion is castrated, his entire functioning body system is turned upside down. (The same applies to dogs, cats and other animals!) The flow of energy is interrupted.
Castration therefore represents a trauma for every gelding, both physically and psychologically, no matter how uncomplicated it is.
Castration changes a lot psychologically, especially in terms of gender-typical behavior. Removing the testicles reduces testosterone production. Testosterone is responsible for sexually motivated behavior, aggression and activity. This is why most geldings become calmer after castration. But castration also has an impact on the physical level - and this is often not even considered. Castration results in a scar. The inflammatory substances that are formed during the surgical procedure cause adhesions between the skin layers, muscle layers and the fascia tissue. This can lead to pain and tension.

The influence of castration on the pelvic diaphragm:

Horses have a very long lasting pain memory. During castration, the horse mentally separates itself from its hindquarters. As a result of castration, for example, it walks with its legs wide apart, very narrow, or it pulls upwards like a cat's hunchback. A gelding can have problems using his hindquarters correctly. Castration therefore negatively affects the function of the craniosacral system and the mobility of the pelvic diaphragm in the long term.
The pelvic diaphragm runs from the p***c bone to the sacrum and is connected to the organs of the urogenital tract. The front part of the pelvic diaphragm is the boundary to the abdominal cavity. This area is disturbed in its own movement by castration. The pelvic diaphragm also has a major influence on the mobility of the sacrum and caudal vertebrae.
If the mobility of the pelvic diaphragm is negatively affected, this can lead to a blockage of the sacrum and the lumbar spine and thus to imbalances in the movement sequence. A possible consequence would be inactive hindquarters. The blockages in the spine are the symptom. The actual cause is the restriction of movement of the pelvic diaphragm.

Always look at the body as a whole!

The sacroiliac joint is located directly under the highest point of the croup and connects the bones of the pelvic girdle to the trunk and transmits the forces and movement impulses of the hindquarters forward to the spine and trunk. The individual body parts are connected to each other, which is why they can never be treated separately from one another.
If the hindquarters are inactive due to a blockage in the sacroiliac joint or a tight pelvic diaphragm, the forehand is put under greater strain, which causes further blockages in the atlas, cervical spine, thoracic spine and sternum. This leads to pressure on the head and thus headaches.
It can also be the other way around and a blockage in the cervical area can lead to an inactive hindquarters.
If a bodyworker only looks at the hindquarters, the visible symptom will be remedied in the short term, but in the long term the problem will keep reoccurring until the actual cause, i.e. the blockage in the cervical vertebra area, is found and corrected. Cause and effect (visible symptom) are not always directly related.
Adjusting joints, as is often practiced by chiropractors, does not help if the castration scar is disturbed: When adjusting, an impulse is sent out that the body cannot implement. This is a shock for the body and it cannot sustain this change, which for example is caused by muscles being pulled apart. The muscle retracts again and the problem persists. Only when the actual cause is found can the problem be solved

Connection between the spine and organs:

Not only movement restrictions are caused by unresolved castration trauma, but also organic problems. If the body's natural flow, which consists of blood, lymph and spinal fluid, is hindered by restricted mobility, then the tissue is less supplied with blood. Metabolism is disrupted, which in turn has negative effects on organs and other structures in the body.
If the hindquarters are blocked, the movement of the internal organs is also disrupted. This leads to many metabolic diseases such as water in f***s, diarrhea, cough, etc.
Conversely, organ problems show up as spinal problems. Both areas should therefore never be viewed separately from each other.
The diaphragm is a large plate made up of muscles and tendons. It separates the thorax from the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm is the most important breathing muscle.

Changes after treatment:

After treatment of a gelding scar adhesion the posture often changes, the top line appears more even, and a potential cat hump disappears.
Also, many horses scratch themselves on different parts of their body because the energy flow, which was previously disturbed, is working again and all parts of the body are sufficiently supplied with blood.
After treatment riders notice that the hindquarters are more active, the tail swings more loosely and the horse appears more balanced.

(Stock image of a female cat to draw general attention to the topic of surgical scars, something more visible as most people don't recognise a gelding scar as such)

Still points. These are so important during a bodywork session. Still points are the body’s way of releasing stored tens...
10/18/2024

Still points.

These are so important during a bodywork session. Still points are the body’s way of releasing stored tension that was buried pretty deep down. Sometimes, the body can really contort itself if it was a traumatic event. It is so so important to allow the horse to just stay in this still point until the tension is finished releasing.

I’ve been seeing some very interesting still points in the horses I’ve been working on lately, which means we are really peeling back layers. It’s so cool to watch this in person.

It is also a great reminder to slow down, allow the horse to process, and just hold space. No micromanaging, just allowing.

The horse in this photo put herself in this position, stood there for a few minutes, and released tension in her scapula. It was beautiful to witness.





A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:This weekend I attended the Progressive Hoof Care Practitioner 2024 co...
10/06/2024

A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:

This weekend I attended the Progressive Hoof Care Practitioner 2024 conference, and it was an incredible source of knowledge that really ties into the bodywork that I do. People came from all over the globe to attend, and they had some wonderful presenters like Ida Hammer, , and .

Some key takeaways were:

- the nuchal ligament is the main stabilization for the neck. It should be attached to the entire cervical spine, but most horses are missing the attachments from C5-T1. Meaning most horses have no support at the base of the neck that they should have ➡️ horses then go behind the vertical to support the head and neck or compensate in other ways
- Activation of the thoracic sling can cause an increase in hoof angles up to 2-5 degrees.
- The nervous system is designed to recognize ease. We as humans are too busy running around, on our phones, working, etc. to recognize ease as most humans are always in their sympathetic nervous system. Our horses pick up on this.
- Horses are masters at compensation
- Blood flow/nerve compression needs to be addressed in most horses, especially those with flat feet or no soles as the blood cannot get to the hoof
- Wear patterns on the teeth will be the same at the wear patterns on the hooves
- When there is a negative spine angle, the heart is displaced (among other things) and it cannot pump blood properly, affecting the hooves
- Horses are non-predatory flight animals, NOT prey animals
- Safety = relaxed bracheocephalicus muscle and open throat latch. We need to develop a safe space for horses to do this
- Age is not a disease
- The horse always knows what its body needs

I learned so much valuable information and I am really excited to have more knowledge to pass onto my clients and help more horses. It was an incredible weekend and I’m so grateful to learn from such knowledgeable equine professionals.







A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:Friday, .leblanc and I donated bodywork sessions to 10 horses at .hors...
09/29/2024

A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:

Friday, .leblanc and I donated bodywork sessions to 10 horses at .horse.haven. It is so important to both of us to be able to give back to our community, and especially to these horses who really needed a safe space to take a breath and know they were safe. It was really amazing to be able to help so many horses, and especially a foal!

My cup is full ❤️





A good rule of thumb!
09/17/2024

A good rule of thumb!

Fascia is such a huge part of the body that can lead to disconnection in the body and soundness issues, along with a who...
09/16/2024

Fascia is such a huge part of the body that can lead to disconnection in the body and soundness issues, along with a whole host of other issues in the body like organ function. This is why I address the fascia in every session ❤️

A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:Sneaking in some much needed bodywork for my main man Shelton in betwe...
09/12/2024

A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:

Sneaking in some much needed bodywork for my main man Shelton in between client sessions today. As you can probably guess, he released quite a bit of tension in his neck and poll, which then allowed his pelvis to re-align.

Even retired horses still need bodywork to help keep their bodies connected and in balance!






“Watch any plant or animal and let it teach you acceptance of what is, surrender to the Now. Let it teach you Being. Let...
09/11/2024

“Watch any plant or animal and let it teach you acceptance of what is, surrender to the Now. Let it teach you Being. Let it teach you integrity - which means to be one, to be yourself, to be real. Let it teach you how to live and how to die, and how to not make a living and dying into a problem.” - Eckhart Tolle





A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:This. This is what I aim to accomplish in my bodywork sessions. Helpin...
09/01/2024

A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:

This. This is what I aim to accomplish in my bodywork sessions. Helping horses feel comfortable in their body and know they have a safe space to release deep, old tension.

My client today sent me this picture right after my session with her mare and said “Hope and I went for a long walk and then came back to the arena to cool off. This is the first time in the 10 months that we have been here that she has laid down in the arena.”

To be able to show horses they have a safe space to release is truly such a gift, and I love showing owners ways they can continue to build on this.




A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:I got to work on this adorable 10 month old filly named Skittles today...
08/24/2024

A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:

I got to work on this adorable 10 month old filly named Skittles today. She did SO GOOD for her first bodywork session! She was really in tune and released quite a bit of tension, which will help her develop correctly as she gets older ❤️ thank you for allowing me to work on your girl.




I have been getting a lot of positive feedback from clients, including vets! I’d love to be able to capture some of this...
08/14/2024

I have been getting a lot of positive feedback from clients, including vets! I’d love to be able to capture some of this wonderful feedback. If anyone would like to write a testimonial that I can post on my website and social media, please email me at [email protected]. It would be greatly appreciated!


A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:Continuing education today, as we never stop learning and growing! Thi...
08/14/2024

A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:

Continuing education today, as we never stop learning and growing! This lecture was all about science-based saddle fit, which was fascinating. It really solidified that saddle fit is just one key aspect when looking at the whole horse, and all the members of the horse’s team need to be in communication!

Girth fit is just as important as saddle fit. A properly fitted girth was shown to help horses become more symmetrical in each gait, and hock flexion increased.

They also found that there was a decrease in pressure on the horse’s back using air panels versus wool, but it was not statistically significant.

In the end, we want to try to stabilize the saddle (not anchor it) on an animal that will always be asymmetrical and dynamic. No horse is symmetrical and we need to fit the saddle as best as we can, which is why yearly or bi-yearly saddle fit checks are so important.

Doing regular bodywork on your horse can help them become as symmetrical as possible. This also means that as their body changes to new, healthy patterns, getting your saddle checked regularly is crucial!






I captured this in a spider web on the side of our truck as I was on my way to Reiki II class. What do you see?I see the...
08/12/2024

I captured this in a spider web on the side of our truck as I was on my way to Reiki II class.

What do you see?

I see the seven chakras, perfectly balanced in the web that is our body.

Our bodies mirror nature if we only open our eyes and look. See the beauty in how the macrocosm is reflected in the microcosm 🌎




A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:I have officially been Reiki I attuned! The first part of my Reiki jou...
07/29/2024

A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:

I have officially been Reiki I attuned! The first part of my Reiki journey is complete, and I cannot wait to start Reiki II in a couple of weeks. As I stated in a previous post, Reiki is a way of life, and it certainly has changed my way of life for the better. I am so humbled to be a part of this journey and be a part of such an amazing community of Practitioners.

I am very excited to be able to start facilitating healing for people, as well as animals, in a few more months (once I have practiced enough!).

Thank you again to my amazing mentor, teacher, and soul sister Daniela LeBlanc, who I am forever grateful for her guidance and support. Feel free to reach out to her if you are interested in becoming Reiki attuned as well!






Lilith says “Hey everyone! Bodywork is really important for us equines to look and feel our best!”There are sooooo many ...
07/29/2024

Lilith says “Hey everyone! Bodywork is really important for us equines to look and feel our best!”

There are sooooo many benefits to bodywork for horses, and all of my clients have been seeing such great results! Message me if you’d like more information on the services I offer, pricing, and availability!



A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:PART TWOAdditional takeaways from the Nerve Tour!- The left brain and ...
07/12/2024

A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:

PART TWO

Additional takeaways from the Nerve Tour!

- The left brain and the right brain are not "good" and "bad" or separate. They just offer a different perspective of your world. The right brain looks at the big picture, while the left brain takes the big picture and breaks it into small parts. The more you are in an excited, frenzied state, the more you use your left brain and become hyper-focused, becoming "left brain blind". It's like looking at the world through a straw. Bring yourself back into your right brain to see the world/situation as a whole.

- Pay attention to what is in front of you, not what story your mind has made up. We need to look at the human or horse in front of us, not what the book tells us. We are all unique and individuals, not statistics in a book. The body is always right, so let the body correct the book/research/statistic.

- You can see yourself in nature. This beautiful tree and the one in my last post look just like our nerve trees in our bodies. The macrocosm can be seen in the microcosm. Nature repeats herself.

- There are autonomic nerve plexuses in our body. Which are in the SAME spots as our chakras. Chakras can be seen in the body!

- When working with living tissue, your goal should be to work with the tissue to enhance its wellness, not p**s it off. This is why CONSENT of tissue is so important in bodywork!

There were many more takeaways, and I am so grateful that I was able to attend this lecture. Please check out Gil's website at www.gilhedley.com for more information about nerves and fascia!







A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:PART ONEYesterday, I had the opportunity to attend The Nerve Tour by  ...
07/12/2024

A Day in the Life of a Valkyrie Equine Bodyworker:

PART ONE

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend The Nerve Tour by in Madison, WI with my mentor .leblanc and my great friend Suzanne Galdun. What Gil shared with us in that conference room blew my mind. He presented a real-life dissection of the nerve tree and how it is all interconnected in the human body. Here are some of the key takeaways I came home with that also apply to our equine partners:

- Humans are imitators. You don't see deer trying to imitate a cougar. But us humans try to imitate others that we view as "better" than us. How does this affect our partnership with our horses?

- There is no separation of the heart and brain in your body. In fact, 80% of the neural pathways go from the heart to the brain and only 20% of the pathways go from the brain to the heart. Meaning, our heart can have a MUCH bigger influence over our brain if we allow it.

- Our senses and body transduce vibrations all of the time. Meaning we are transforming our environment to our vibrations continuously. When you walk into the barn to greet your horse, how are you feeling? Do you continue to think about the fight you had with your significant other or what you still have to do that day or that you are on a time crunch? Those feelings transmit into your environment and your horse picks up on that, which then, in turn, transmits back to you. Be present.

- Our bodies are asymmetrical. Our bodies are spiraling and self-replicating in our structures. We are fractal geometry in motion. Just because we have two arms does not mean they are perfectly symmetrical (as you are probably aware). Going deeper, our veins and nerves going to each arm are not the same either. How does this translate into your riding? Going to the left is not the same as going to the right.

Follow for part two to learn even more!







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Elburn, IL

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