Prepping before applying kinesiology tape
Horses love to roll- especially in sand because it is soft! It’s a healthy natural behavior.** It is a good sign that there isn’t any pain or stiffness in their back! If your horse is reluctant to roll, chances are they have severe pain somewhere in the spine. Your horse will find it extremely uncomfortable to have to lie down, roll over and get up again because it puts a strain on the spine. Therapeutic sports massage can help relax and loosen their tight back muscles.
**Horses that are colicking may also roll but it is not a the same type of happy rolling. It is usually more violent and they are uncomfortable.
Getting those big tension release yawns from Bandit today!
Desensitizing Beaux to crinkly crispy tarps. He did so great! Wasn’t even phased.
Let’s talk about stifles. They are the most complex joint in the horse. It is where the femur and the tibia meet in the hind end. It is designed for flexion and extension of the hind leg, so needless to say it is a very important joint.
The stifle can be injured from repetitive stress, trauma, rapid deceleration or changes in direction. Jumpers and barrel racers are at most risk for stifle injuries.
When the stifle is injured, you may notice a reluctance to work from your horse. A shortened stride, rough canter, and dragging the toe on the affected side are all symptoms of injury.
A veterinarian should definitely rule out serious injury. If the injury is mild, a light rest period and anti-inflammatory medicine is advised. Light work is usually recommended after the rest period to build up the strength of the joint. A massage therapist can help at this point to work on the stifle and adjacent muscle tissue along with supportive kinesiology taping.
This beautiful palomino Jesse has been through a rough year. Her owner is doing fantastic with her weight gaining regimen and her recovery journey. Jesse hasn’t been ridden (due to being underweight) in a long time and hasn’t had very much in the way of exercise and movement. She then called me to help Jesse. After a very gentle massage and fascia scraping on her hind end (which showed signs of muscle overcompensation due to weakness in her front end) and a supportive pelvic/hind end kinesiology taping….this is Jesse now! She is starting to trot again! ❤️🥰❤️🥰
Stu is progressing nicely on his arthritic leg!
Turned out these two boys for some much needed exercise 🤩🤩