B4 Equine Services, LLC

02/19/2025

How often do you stop and observe your horse? 👀

Do you know if they rest a hind foot more than the other?
Do they stand a specific way to graze?
Do they choose to stand uphill or downhill when grazing on an incline?
Does their blanket shift to one side?
Do they leave drag marks in the arena footing?
Do they get up and down when napping only from one side?

All these questions are crucial information not only for your bodyworker but also your farrier, vet, chiro. Often times I will have ask these or similar questions to owners and they say “well I haven’t really paid attention….” 🤔 which is fine, some of us have lives and don’t watch our horses like hawks! 🙋🏼‍♀️ But observing your horses and knowing what is normal and what is not can have a huge impact on catching something small before it becomes detrimental.

So next time your horse is snoozing, grazing, or even walking across the arena take a second to stop and look. 👀 They might just being giving you valuable information!

02/18/2025

I fumbled with a blanket clasp the other day in front of a client for a good 30 seconds, even the horse looked at me like 🤨 “you good bro?”

This really made me giggle.
www.justhorseriders.co.uk

02/17/2025

You can’t out-massage poorly balanced hooves!!! 📣

This particular horse is a new client of mine as well as a new client of RHF and I’m so excited to see the improvements this gelding will achieve with not only bodywork but properly balanced hooves!🖤

And shout out to the owner for going above and beyond for her equine athlete!!

RHF's Hooves for Thought: Posture, Compensation, Body Soreness and Farrier Work

Remember when I said that just because a horse moves without a head bob, doesn't mean the horse is sound?

Posture is one of the ways horses express their discomfort. Can your horse comfortably stand square? Does it always point one foot or rest diagonals? Can it stand on one hind leg easily? Or does it take the leg and slam the foot down? Does it fight with you when you hold one up and then immediately unload the other when you give it back? Or maybe always points a hind leg toe out? These can all be examples of them trying to tell you something.

Photos below are pre and post shoeing at a first appointment. This horse would not/could not physically stand square when we started. Not all behaviors during shoeing are just a bad attitude on the horse's part. Some of the biggest contributors to this when new clients come to me?
-Long toes/run forward heels
-High/low or "mismatched" front feet
-Mediolateral imbalances
-Negative angles (especially and more commonly on the hind end)
-or, all of the above!

THE FEET AFFECT EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING AFFECTS THE FEET.

Imbalances and leverage affect foot falls (how the hoof engages the ground), affects locomotion, affects performance, creates soreness, creates compensation in the body. All this also affects the teeth, and depending on pain/stress levels, the gut. All this while the horse moves without the typical lameness headbob, while the horse appears "sound." Horses express these things in myriad ways- bad behavior during shoeing, refusals during competition, rearing, losing seconds on the clock, bowing out in turns... or as simple as the inability to stand square comfortably.

THE FEET AFFECT EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING AFFECTS THE FEET.

This also means that- depending on the situation and how long it's been going on- it is not abnormal for your horse to be body sore and need bodywork after the feet are done. Especially the conformationally challenged situations, i.e. high/low on front, negative angles on the hind end. Rome was not built in a day, the horse did not break overnight (in this scenario). Sadly, that means that the farrier can't typically snap their fingers and fix it immediately either. Sometimes, things get worse before they get better. It takes a TEAM.

Just some things to ponder on a rainy weekend. I now respectfully ask: Watch how your horse moves when turned out, how they stand by choice/free will. How comfortable do you think your horse is, considering the above information?

Per always, interaction here and sharing the post is welcome, being a jerk is not. Share your story or photo in the commenst, or ask me some questions! Definitely though, have a great weekend!

Your,

02/15/2025

02/15/2025

2025 CLINIC #1 - DEMYSTIFYING HOOFCARE FOR OVERALL SOUNDESS!

Join us for a day of education with the incredible Red Headed Farrier! This farrier clinic is for the horse enthusiast: owner, recreational rider, competitor, and trainer alike!

REGISTER HERE (space is limited!): https://www.striderpro.com/a/wHalFeqR70O0AzFtzm8Rbg

Clinician: Dana Hall, Red Headed Farrier
Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025
Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
Location: Dorato Performance Horses at Foxmoor Farm
5636 Keyser Road, Hume, VA 22639
Cost:
Option A: $140 Full Clinic, including “hands on” experience:
i.e. shoe pulling, tightening clinches, thrush
flossing, abscess booties, etc.
Option B: $100 Regular Clinic, including: watch, learn, take notes & video

**Space is limited.
***Non-refundable deposit $25
****Demo horses will be utilized, no haul-ins.

TALKING POINTS AND TOPICS TO BE COVERED

*Farrier Tools every barn/horse owner should have, why and where to buy

*How to keep your farrier, and keep your farrier safe

*Basic Hoof Ailments:
-Thrush, Abscesses, Pulled Shoes, Foot soreness
-How to Identify, What to do, When to call the vet

*Assessing
-Conformation- How it relates to hooves, soundness/lameness and performance
-Watching the horse go, footfalls and their importance
-Different Types of Hooves & How to Identify them
Low angles, Club feet, Has that horse foundered before?
High-Low/Mismatched feet, how this presents in the body
Negative Angles and how/why they wreak havoc on soundness
Barefoot vs Shoes, is my horse a candidate?

*Hoof Mapping Demonstration: What is it, Why it’s so valuable

*Shoeing Demonstration:
-Including; How the mapping is used to help choose the style of shoe, decide where to apply it (hint: not always perimeter), and why
-How to pull a shoe
-how to tighten clinches

**IMPORTANT SIDENOTES**

Bring a chair if you wish we have about 10 on-site so seating will be limited. Upon arrival you will be directed to parking. Lunch will be approximately 12 – 1. We will provide light refreshments and snacks throughout the day, please bring your own lunch. Never fear, there will be space to get out of the cold. Indoor bathroom onsite. For accessibility needs, please note bathroom access requires walking up two stairs.

02/14/2025

❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

It’s either because they need us, we need them or both.

The universe knows exactly what it’s doing.

🖤🩶🤍🤎

02/14/2025

🩷🩷🩷

02/12/2025

Last week I discussed what you SHOULD expect from your equine massage therapist, this week I wanted to share what you should NOT expect! ❌

1: For them to adjust your horse in a chiropractor sense!

I get lots of messages asking for me to come “adjust” horses and sorry, but I ain’t your girl! On some occasions I have had horses pop and crack during a massage session but that is due to me releasing the tension within the soft tissue and the body realigning itself naturally. So unless your massage therapist is also a chiro don’t expect them to be snap, cracking, and popping your horses bones!

2: For your horse to be 100% after one session!

Unfortunately we can’t wave a magic wand and make all the problems within your horse disappear! Trust me, I’d charge a hell of a lot more money!! If you started massage for your horse after a problem arose, be patient and don’t expect miracles! A lot of clients come to me and say “he’s been doing this odd behavior for a few months so I thought I’d try bodywork/massage”…And you want me to work on your horse once and it to be resolved? Nice try!

3: For them to take the place of other professionals!

Massage/bodywork does not replace veterinary care, balanced hooves, properly balanced teeth, properly fitting saddles, properly fitting bridles/bits, or proper nutrition! I cannot “out massage” your 30 year old saddle that has never been reflocked or the fact that you use some Joe shmoe as a farrier. Your horse needs an entire team of trusted, capable, knowledgeable professionals to keep them going happy and pain free!

02/08/2025

The Masters of The Old Dominion Hounds would like to thank everyone in the Orlean and equestrian communities

for all their support and help. We were devastated early this am when the historical barn succumbed to fire at the kennels. Thankfully no horses, hounds,or staff were injured. It is nice to know, that no matter what is happening in the world around us, we live in a community that takes care of its own ! The support from the Orlean fire Department, other hunts, community businesses, subscribers and neighbors has been overwhelming!!!! We are so grateful to live in such a wonderful place !! Thanks again !
Kim Poe, MFH. Debbie Welch, MFH and Les Moeller, MFH

02/07/2025

With more and more equine massage therapists getting certified, and no governing body for equine massage in the US, how do you know who to hire for your horse? Here are a few things to pay attention to when looking for a massage therapist:⁠
⁠
🐴 The school they graduated from⁠
Not all schools are created equal. Look up the school, find out who is teaching it, and find out what the teacher's background is and how long they have been teaching. ⁠What do they teach and how long is their program? Keep in mind that the school doesn't "make" the practitioner. Every school teaches differently and it is up to the students to ensure they are grasping their education. One school I attended passed the other person I took the course with, even though they failed both the hands-on and written test 🤦‍♀️
⁠
🐴 Continuing education⁠
Are they attending additional courses or CE courses? CE courses are not required to be an equine massage therapist but this is a career that is always evolving. ⁠
⁠
🐴 Type of massage ⁠
Every massage therapist has their own technique depending on who they learned from, how they learned, and the results they received from working on horses over the years. Equine massage is an art and no one does art the same.
⁠
🐴 Experience/Case studies⁠
If your horse has a specific issue, ask the potential therapist if they have worked on a horse with something similar. ⁠If they believe they aren't a good fit for your horse based off of your horse's needs, they may be able to recommend someone else.
⁠
🐴 Know the laws⁠
This one is a little more on you as the owner. Veterinarians are the only ones who can diagnose, prescribe meds, or do acupuncture, and chiropractors (equine vets or human chiro) are the only ones who can make skeletal adjustments.

02/05/2025

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of R. Larry Johnson, an incredibly dedicated horseman and former MTHA Vice President.

Larry was a passionate advocate for the Maryland racing industry, a committed breeder and owner, and a steadfast voice for the industry. His leadership, vision, and tireless efforts helped shape the future of Thoroughbred racing in our state. His contributions will not be forgotten, and his impact will continue to be felt throughout the Maryland racing community.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

Rest in peace, Larry. 🕊️

02/05/2025

Here are 3 major things that you should expect from your equine massage therapist! 🐴

1: For them to be up to date and knowledgeable about majority of things within the equine industry!

Now I’m not expecting every massage therapist to be a walking equine / veterinary text book but if you start explaining your horses medical history and what your horse has had done, preventative treatment wise, and they look like a deer in the headlights, find a more experienced therapist!

2: For them to be able to “read the room” and be able to know when your horse is being overstimulated.

I have been told multiple times by newer clients that their horse wouldn’t stand still for so and so to work on them or they needed to be fed a copious amount of hay to stay distracted during a session and it honestly makes me cringe. If your horse isn’t enjoying themselves and not benefiting both physically and mentally from a massage you are wasting your money!!!

3: To check up on you and your horse!

If your therapist doesn’t care about you and your horse outside of that one hour a month when you’re paying them, move on to the next! I can’t tell you how many times I text clients asking how a vet appointment went, what was the result from a simple blood test, what did the farrier say this month, how did the horse do after a race, and on and on! I care about your horse so much more than you probably think I do.

There are too many good equine massage therapists to have a bad one!

02/01/2025

Less than 24 hours to get your bids in for Commonwealth Dressage and Combined Training Association: CDCTA auction! 🎟️

Lots of amazing things up for grabs, including a full PEMF / bodywork session from yours truly!! 😊

Auction item 'Equine Bodywork Session' hosted online at 32auctions.

01/29/2025

Riding season will be here before you know it so make sure your horses are feeling their best! ⭐️

I am accepting a limited number of new regular clients so if you’ve been interested in seeing what PEMF and manual bodywork can do for your horse send me a message to reap the benefits! 🖤

Offering:
PEMF
Myofascial Release
Sports Massage
Red light
K-tape
Coming soon:
Nerve impingement

📲
Text/call: 540-409-1597
Email: [email protected]
FB messenger: B4 Equine Services, LLC

01/22/2025

Cause and effect!
What are some of the effects of unaddressed pain and or tension when it comes to our equine athletes?

❄️Compensation: this can lead to more or bigger problems than the original pain
❄️ Poor or decreased performance
❄️ Bad behavior: either under saddle or on the ground
❄️ They development of gastric ulcers
❄️ The development of cribbing or other undesirable habits

Unfortunately our horses can’t verbally tell us where they are hurting so sometimes we miss the signs, it happens to the best of us. It’s our job as horse owners to listen as best we can!
Bodywork, in any form, can help alleviate pain or tension within your horse and can sometimes reverse the above effects. ❤️‍🩹
To get your horse scheduled for a bodywork session or to discuss the issues you’re having with your horse contact me at:
Text/call- 540-409-1597
Email- [email protected]
FB messenger- B4 Equine Services, LLC

01/20/2025

Such a cool graphic to show how the hoof can affect the body!! 🤯

You cannot escape ground reaction forces - and what I mean by this is you cannot escape the way the horse's hooves interact with the floor.

Your horse's hoof shape directly influences how they interact with the floor and equally the shape of their hooves directly influence their muscular recruitment and therefore their postural development.

As an example of this, here is a diagram of the horse's superficial retraction myofacial chain. This chain supports the retraction - i.e. the drawing back - of the horse's forelimb via connections from the solar surface of the pedal bone, through the back of the forelimb and shoulder, over the ribcage and over the top of the neck.

If there is loss of development, and therefore loss of depth, in the caudal hoof - i.e. the back third of the hoof - you're effectively creating 'fascial drag' which contributes to shortening the topline of the horse's neck and compression of their ribcage.

You can visualise how, if the heel drops, the whole fascial chain is suckered down.

Creating the appearance of a hollow horse with a short neck and perhaps overdevelopment of the underneck muscles.

Now of course you can bias your training for length and elevation through the neck, flexion through the back and expansion of the ribs; but if your horse's heels are low then you will be creating conflict.

Because you're asking that horse to inflate into restricted fascia which is being further implicated by ground reaction forces.

In doing this, you will contribute towards making movement uncomfortable - which lets be honest, poor training practices already do a good job of this(!)

You will perhaps bias towards the risk of injury or reinjury - which is slightly oxymoronic if you've chosen that movement plan as a means to rehabilitate or develop healthy posture.

Your horse will be spending more time practicing poor posture, which is more time teaching their nervous system that this is homeostasis.

And since movement and emotional health are intertwined, you may also be contributing to a negative emotional state.

Fascial chains do of course work both ways, so you can bias your training for healthy movement and it may help with caudal hoof orientation, but you cannot escape the influence of the ground and so, if you're not including your horse's hoof care within that picture, you are only giving your horse half the chance for success.

-

For this month's webinar, I am delighted to be joined by the wonderful Beccy Smith of Holistic Equine, where she will be discussing what healthy hoof morphology really is, the factors that influence it and what you can do to help your horse.

Beccy is an Integrative Equine Podiatrist who truly considers the whole horse with respect to hoof health. Her keen eye and attention to detail is second to none in the hoofcare sphere and I cannot wait for this webinar!

27.01.2025 19:00 GMT

Recording available if you can't make the live ❤️✨️