11/01/2025
✨CONSISTENCY✨
I assign “homework” at every session. It is a combination of targeted stretches/exercises and general range of motion (ROM) work that I feel every horse should be doing.
With consistency and discipline on the owner’s part, huge changes can be seen in a short amount of time.
Often, we only want to enjoy the “fun” part of horse ownership like riding only, get too busy, are unmotivated by weather, or there are outside entities that say the work isn’t important. I’m here to tell you that it is incredibly important.
Sure, you ride your horse often so they are “in shape,” but are they flexible in a way that doesn’t compromise their joints or soft tissue? Is their spine mobile and healthy while having the strength to support a rider? Is their hind end working well with their front? There’s so much more to your horse’s performance and long term soundness/comfort than how often you ride them.
Groundwork and targeted exercises are a fantastic way to assess where your horse is now and work towards healthier movement.
This video is a great example that shows how quickly consistent work can take hold and transform your horse for the better.
In the “day one” video, you can see he is clearly uncomfortable:
-sitting while reversing
-struggling to keep his head lowered and back lifted
-uneven steps
-moving very slowly and unsure.
After just seven days (5 days of stretches and exercises), his body is much more comfortable with the exercise and all of the points above are improved upon.
Making the extra time for your homework will only make your horse perform and feel better in the long run. If you really want to see progress between bodywork sessions, it’s a must.
Taking a step back and doing it for your horse is 100% worth it, I promise!
***Nationally Board Certified, State Licensed, & Insured Large Animal Massage Practitioner. Certified Veterinary Thermographer.***
