Koper Equine

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Koper Equine

Equine Massage, Bodywork & Movement Therapist, Educator, Riding Instructor, Training, 30 + years exp. Recommended by and referred to by top vets. Will travel.
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A former Eventer, Vanessa has spent over 30 years riding, training and caring for Equine Athletes. She brings her extensive knowledge and experience to Equine Massage and Bodywork helping horses of all disciplines improve performance and stay sounder and happier longer. Equine Massage will improve your horse's performance, train-ability and soundness. Equine Massage and Bodywork
Myofascial
Red li

ght therapy
Kinesiology tape
Post operative and injury
Sports Massage
EPM recovery

Certified by Washington Board of Massage and the Workforce Training Education Board. Currently based out of Camden, SC and surrounding areas. Koper Equine, LLC
Happy horses.

22/09/2024

Could Equine Neuro Fascial Release (ENFR) help your horse?

ENFR is a specialized bodywork technique that focuses on the interaction between the horse’s fascial system and nervous system to promote healing, enhance mobility, and improve overall function. This therapy draws from principles of fascial therapy, myofascial release, and neuromuscular techniques, addressing the body as a whole by targeting restrictions, imbalances, and tension within the horse’s tissues.

Facilitated by massage ENFR can alleviate tightness and soreness, lengthen and soften myofascia, relieve pain, increase range of motion, and restore balance and biotensegrity to the body, ultimately enhancing performance soundness,and career longevity.

Contact me today to make an appointment and discover how much good soft tissue therapy can do for your horse.

“Get set up as a client as soon as you can! The wealth of knowledge Vanessa can share and the good she can do for your horses cannot be overstated.”
– Heather Craven, DVM Chiropractor

21/09/2024

Horses replenish their muscle fuel (glycogen) stores more slowly than humans, and working them hard on consecutive days will gradually result in impaired performance due to a lack of muscle fuel.

Fit horses should not be worked hard 5 or 6 days a week, and an easy day should always follow a hard day.

These rest (nil or easy work) days aren’t just key for muscle fuel stores, but also for muscle repair, strength and stamina. Muscles break down during work, then build up in the rest period post exercise.

Performance horses should have their work tapered back in the run up to an event, to ensure optimal muscle glycogen levels and to ensure full recovery from the last bout of challenging exercise.

2 more tips for optimal muscle glycogen replenishment:

Ensure that your horse is well hydrated and has sufficient electrolyte intake.

Massage helps accelerate glycogen uptake in muscles by promoting the release of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and other biochemical messengers that support cellular repair and glucose metabolism. This can enable muscles to more efficiently absorb and store glucose as glycogen, ensuring that energy reserves are quickly replenished. By optimizing glycogen storage, massage not only aids in quicker recovery but also helps improve overall muscle performance and readiness for subsequent exercise.

Something to think about…

Massage Speeds Muscle Recovery - https://koperequine.com/massage-speeds-muscle-recovery/

20/09/2024

Combining shockwave therapy with massage provides synergistic benefits by enhancing tissue healing, reducing pain, and improving mobility. Shockwave therapy stimulates deep tissue repair and reduces inflammation, while massage promotes circulation, releases muscle tension, and improves flexibility. Together, they accelerate recovery and optimize the horse's overall performance and well-being.

Learn more about how they work better together here - https://koperequine.com/shockwave-therapy-eswt-detailed-steps-and-mechanisms/

18/09/2024

“A happy horse is truly the gift that keeps on giving. And monthly body work is a big contributor to the recipe for making my horse happy.”

A happy horse that wants to work with you, who wants to participate in your adventures - this is what we all strive for, it’s why we get into horses in the first place.

If you have a tool that keeps your horse comfortable in his body and happy in his work, then it’s worth every effort to make it a priority in your care routine, just as you prioritize keeping their feet balanced and comfortable, their food healthy and regular, their water clean and tasty.

Learn more about how massage will benefit your horse in a way that other body therapies cannot - https://koperequine.com/why-hands-on-massage-is-the-best-way-to-for-sore-care-muscles/

16/09/2024

Fascia is a connective tissue that links structures together, helping them move in coordination, transfer stress from one to another, and share the load. It provides slip, allowing structures to slide across each other, and it protects and supports what is contained within.

Fascia does all these things, but it is not infallible. One picture shows an area of tension* that led to a tear forming near the end, where the fascia needed to be more mobile than the tension allowed for. The other picture shows a hole caused by a kick. Neither is expected to self-repair.

*If a horse is asked to overuse his muscles, to do more with them than he has the strength for fascia will develop adhesions to help stabilize the structure and provide extra support. While this does enhance the stability of the underdeveloped muscle it also reduces the elasticity of the fascia over the muscle and can even hindersthe growth of proper, healthy muscle tissue. Just like the fabric of your clothes, fascia can separate or “tear” at a stress point where reinforced and less elastic areas meet unreinforced and more elastic areas.

Time off alone is unlikely to improve remodeling. Manual massage is needed to relieve uneven tension and restore more normal, correct muscle and myofascial function in areas that have been built up incorrectly.

Learn more about fascia and how it affects your horse here - Understanding Massage and Fascia – Koper Equine

https://koperequine.com/10-most-important-things-fascia-does-for-your-horse/

15/09/2024

Pain slows down gut transit. The mechanism involves the sympathetic nervous system actively inhibiting the enteric nervous system (the “second brain” of the gut) that normally promotes digestion. This inhibition can result in decreased peristalsis (the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the intestines), leading to slowed gut transit.

Also, posturing to defecate, which involves spinal flexion and abdominal muscle contractions, can exacerbate pain if the horse has underlying back, ulcer or pelvic issues.

If your horse is older, is body sore, suffers from kissing spines, arthritis or some other degenerative condition, massage can reduce the discomfort these conditions cause naturally, and can even help improve motility.

Learn more here - https://koperequine.com/supporting-horses-with-degenerative-conditions-strategies-for-mobility-well-being/

and

https://koperequine.com/understanding-ulcers-how-massage-can-play-a-role/

13/09/2024

Recent research has discovered a gene linked to *kissing spines*, which may help in preventing and managing this painful condition. Researchers in the U.S. identified a specific gene variant that is associated with the severity of kissing spines. Horses carrying two copies of this variant tend to have a higher risk of developing more severe forms of the condition, although the presence of the gene doesn't guarantee a horse will develop it.

This discovery offers potential for selective breeding, where horses with the variant can be bred with more caution to reduce the likelihood of passing on the condition. In addition, if a horse is known to carry this variant, owners and veterinarians can take proactive steps, like focusing on strengthening the horse's back and managing their workload to mitigate the risks before symptoms arise.

This new genetic insight doesn't mean the condition will automatically occur in horses carrying the gene, but it helps in managing and preventing the development of severe cases.

Personally, I’d like to see mandatory testing put in place and rules to govern which horses can be bred (or bred to whom) going forward. But what will it take to make this happen, so that we can have sounder, happier horses in the future?

Learn more about it here - https://koperequine.com/massage-can-be-a-game-changer-for-horses-with-kissing-spines/

12/09/2024

Muscles and fascia don’t develop at the same speed and respond to the same effort. Muscles do well with repetitive patterns, while fascia demands a larger diversity of forces and movements. A well-rounded athlete needs both. This is one of the reasons why a variety of activities and surfaces are needed for healthy training.

Massage can help your horse develop better quality muscle and fascia.

https://koper-equine.myspreadshop.com/superficial+equine+muscles+24x18+poster-A65ba6347d48cc730c895f818?productType=1317&sellable=GBZ4yZQMlQiOEDZqbXqe-1317-209&appearance=1&size=29

09/09/2024

The other day a trainer walked behind me while I was working on one of her clients’ horses and made a comment that “that horse doesn’t deserve a massage, he’s too big of a pain in the a**” - and she meant it.

Yep, I was astonished, too, partly because she had made sure that I could hear her.

So, why is this horse (that I now feel really sorry for) such a “pain in the a**”?

Perhaps he hasn’t been well prepared for his job yet, he hasn’t developed the physical skills you expected, or his mental ability to cope with your demands? Perhaps in pain, imbalanced, somehow out of sorts physically? Or, perhaps, he’s simply a square peg in a round hole?

Either way, it’s likely not his fault and he’s doing the best he can in what possibly is a bad spot for him.

I don’t understand begrudging a horse a help, begrudging him a positive body-mind care experience that could make him feel better - not to mention very possibly improving his train-ability. Just because you don’t like a horse on a personal level (or he’s pointing out the holes in your training game).

Make your horse happy to please you, give him something that makes him want to want what you want, don’t punish him, help him flourish. Who knows, maybe that muscular tension is making impossible for him to function how you expect him to? Maybe the stress of failing in your program is an experience that sucks for him, too?

Your horse deserves a massage and your clients horses do, too. Period.

07/09/2024

21 Interesting Facts About Horses Eyes and Vision

1. Horses have the 2nd largest eyes of any land mammal on earth. Mule’s eyes are bigger.
2. The eye is given extra protection by a third eyelid on the inside of the eye, which can close over the eyeball in a diagonal manner like a shield.
3. One of the most interesting things about horses’ eyes is - https://koperequine.com/21-interesting-facts-about-horses-eyes-and-vision/

06/09/2024

Do you want your horse to thrive or survive?

Massage can help your horse relieve tension, and stress, relax muscles and reduce pain. All these benefits can help your horse perform better at your shows as well as handle them better mentally.

Use massage to help your horse warm-up, recover between classes or go home feeling as fabulous as he did at the start of the show.

Attn COMPETITORS - I will be available for appointments at SCEP Palmetto Paint Horse Club show this weekend - text or message if you can’t find me to set up a massage there.

Let massage improve your horse’s show performance and recovery.

“Get set up as a client as soon as you can! The wealth of knowledge Vanessa can share and the good she can do for your horses cannot be overstated.”
– Heather Craven, DVM Chiropractor

Good luck to all the competitors and their support teams!

05/09/2024

To maintain optimal musculoskeletal health, experts recommend that every horse should move each joint and muscle through a full range of motion at least every third day, in a controlled manner. This regular, full-range movement engages muscles, stretches fascia, and lubricates joints, helping to preserve tissue elasticity and resilience. Controlled movement also provides important proprioceptive feedback, enhancing the horse's body awareness and coordination, which is essential for maintaining balance and overall physical function.

7 Simple Exercises to Help Keep Your Horses’ Topline Healthy
https://youtu.be/ucUXW5u1NLE

A Full Body In Barn Exercise Routine for Bad Weather
https://youtu.be/F7hfEhQh6N8

These are just a few of the exercises that I can help you learn on your own horses in my sessions, plus you’ll have access to the rest of my vast array of potential “homework” that’s in my head, ready to help you improve your work with your horse. Contact me if you’re interested in learning more.

03/09/2024

After intense exercise, muscles need to replenish their glycogen stores to prepare for future physical demands. Massage can help accelerate this recovery process by enhancing blood circulation, which increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, including glucose, to the muscles. This improved circulation can also help reduce inflammation and remove metabolic waste products that accumulate during exercise, further facilitating muscle recovery.

Additionally, massage promotes the release of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and other biochemical messengers that support cellular repair and glucose metabolism. This can enable muscles to more efficiently absorb and store glucose as glycogen, ensuring that energy reserves are quickly replenished. By optimizing glycogen storage, massage not only aids in quicker recovery but also helps improve overall muscle performance and readiness for subsequent exercise.

What is equine sports massage- https://koperequine.com/what-is-equine-sports-massage/

Why massage is the best way to care for sore muscles - https://koperequine.com/why-hands-on-massage-is-the-best-way-to-for-sore-care-muscles/

(Pics are in honor of the upcoming paint show at SCEP) - I’ll be available this weekend for bodywork, text or message me to set it up.

03/09/2024

Methocarbamol, is a centrally acting muscle relaxant commonly prescribed by veterinarians for horses to alleviate muscle spasms, pain, and discomfort associated with musculoskeletal conditions. If your horse was prescribed this medication for sore muscles and related fascia, it makes sense to combine it with a therapy that focuses on the soft tissues, muscles, and fascia of the musculoskeletal system to enhance its overall effectiveness.

Why? Read on - https://koperequine.com/synergistic-effects-of-methocarbamol-and-therapeutic-massage-on-horses/

01/09/2024

Interesting Things About Thoracolumbar Fascia

1. Thoracolumbar fascia connects directly with no fewer than five myofascial lines and coordinates directly with at least two more. (more on these coming soon).
2. The thoracolumbar fascia, paraspinal muscles, and other integrated muscles can only perform their functions correctly if the fascia surrounding them is mobile enough to allow full sensory input, and function.
3. The thoracolumbar fascia helps distribute mechanical loads more evenly across the lumbar spine and pelvis.

Read on at https://koperequine.com/thoracolumbar-fascia-in-horses-function-and-importance/

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31/08/2024

My new car tag. What do you think?

30/08/2024

The term "tensegrity," derived from "tension" and "integrity," describes a system where tensile and compressive forces interact to maintain structural integrity. In such a system, the compression elements (like bones) are suspended within a network of tension elements (such as muscles, fascia and fluids), creating a balanced and stable framework. The tensegrity model views the body as a dynamic structure in which forces are distributed throughout, allowing for flexibility, stability, and resilience.

Disruptions in this system, such as tight or painful muscles and fascia, can compromise tensegrity, leading to distortions in muscle function, range of motion, joint alignment, and posture.

Massage focuses on enhancing the balance and coordination of the tensegrity structure, promoting optimal movement and overall well-being. By addressing muscle tension, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation, massage therapy can complement the body's natural tensegrity, supporting dynamic stability efficient movement, and its natural self-healing process.

“Get set up as a client as soon as you can! The wealth of knowledge Vanessa can share and the good she can do for your horses cannot be overstated.”
– Heather Craven, DVM Chiropractor

And contact me to ask questions or to set up an appointment for your horse

Learn more here - https://koperequine.com/the-importance-of-understanding-biomechanics-and-tensegrity-in-horse-movement-and-structural-integrity/

Beautifully designed Equine Anatomy Posters, T’s and more - https://koper-equine.myspreadshop.com/

27/08/2024

A fibrillar network refers to a complex and intricate arrangement of fibrous proteins within the extracellular matrix (ECM) of connective tissues. This network is primarily composed of collagen fibers, but it also includes elastin and other structural proteins. The fibrillar network provides mechanical strength, support, and elasticity to tissues, allowing them to withstand various stresses and strains.

In the context of nerves and connective tissue, the fibrillar network supports and surrounds nerves, blood vessels, and other cellular structures, facilitating their movement and function within the tissue. The network's composition and organization are essential for maintaining tissue integrity and facilitating cellular communication and nutrient transport.

https://koperequine.com/understanding-fascial-adhesions-causes-effects-and-reducing-the-risk-of-developing/ - Understanding Fascial Adhesions: Causes, Effects, and Reducing the Risk of Developing

26/08/2024

Did you know?

Massage can stimulate the release of growth factors like VEGF, FGF, and TGF-β, which promote new blood vessel formation, collagen synthesis, fibroblast activity, and cellular proliferation. These processes are important for repairing damaged tissues, building muscle, enhancing overall recovery, and supporting optimal physical development and performance.

Learn more here: https://koperequine.com/exercise-creates-inflammation-massage-reduces-inflammation/

We have new anatomy themed wear - ideal for sparking conversations with your clients while celebrating Halloween!🎃 👻- https://koper-equine.myspreadshop.com/

25/08/2024

🤣🤣🤣 this is so funny !

24/08/2024

“I was honestly astonished by the difference in him. He was able to do everything better after you came out, and it was all easier for him to do.”

Yes! Many people mistakenly believe that young horses don’t need massage and bodywork as much as more advanced sport horses do but many young horses need a little help learning how to use their bodies and build their muscles optimally. They need a little support that makes it’s easier for them to use their body well, to learn healthy movement patterns, to build healthy muscles and supporting tissues, to educate body and mind.

If ww can make it easier for your horse to do his job better, he will.

Learn more here - https://koperequine.com/understanding-fascial-adhesions-causes-effects-and-reducing-the-risk-of-developing/

23/08/2024

Kitty of the week. This pretty kitty was a rescue and has turned into a wonderful, loving barn kitty.

22/08/2024

We have anatomy-themed Halloween shirts 🎃available in our shop—ideal for sparking conversations with your clients while celebrating the season!

I’m so excited about this collection, I think they look amazing!

https://koper-equine.myspreadshop.com/

20/08/2024

The spinal cord dura mater sleeve, or simply the spinal sleeve, refers to a unique structure of the equine fascial system that runs along the length of the horse’s spine.
The spinal sleeve is https://koperequine.com/the-spinal-sleeve-exploring-its-role-in-horse-health-and-performance/

19/08/2024

Aligned: from withers - to - ears, withers - to - tail, withers - to - feet = balanced = capable.

*prerquisites: balanced and comfortable feet, tack, rider, body, timing of information given/aids, not rushing training/fitness work.

Misaligned = weight shifts laterally (onto one side of the chest/sternum/shoulder and takes base of neck with them (here shown as offset to the right) as well as offsetting the ribs and hips = crooked = on forehand = imbalanced = compromised ability, agility and often in the end, soundness.

*prrequisites: opposite to those listed above (any or all of).

“The muscles of the neck and back, if stretched and supporting will draw up the base of the neck and lead to the raised and arched appearance which is sought after. This of course must be volunteered by the horse rather than imposed by the rider’s hands. The stretching of the neck upwards will lead to the greater freedom of the forehand, and a rounder action from the shoulder, because the muscle which draws the forearm forward is attached at the poll.” Christopher Bartle

Bodywork is one part. Riding exercise is another.

Muscles pull the horse tight on one side and long on another. Exercise, supple, strengthen and lengthen until the horse can build muscular and fascial support that contribute to healthy alignment. Healthy for balanced, active movement as well as cellular exchange and organ, nerve, blood vessel function.

It’s simple, but it’s not always easy. The good thing is that the more you practice aligning your horse correctly, and the better you get at it, the easier and more capable your horse will become.

Train your eye. Train your hands. Train your seat.

*this advice is coming to you from me both as a professional bodyworker and as a long-time professional trainer, rider and coach.

Learn more here -https://koperequine.com/what-is-the-therapeutic-approach-called-nerve-flossing/

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Hyper-realistic robot horse. #robots #equine #horse #koperequine

Flashback Friday 1st time jumping the green blocks, no problem.

1st time jumping the green blocks, no problem. Flashback Friday with Junior

High action, highly trained , hard working sport horses like these polo ponies need all the support they can get to stay fit, healthy and at the top of their game. Benefits of massage for your equine athlete include: ✅ Improved exercise recovery✅ Enhanced muscle function✅ Heightened self-awareness✅ Heightened power, agility, and endurance✅ Longer stride length✅ Enhanced mental focus and relaxation✅ Healthier joint alignment✅ Reduced risk of injury✅ Extended career longevity✅ Increased performance✅ Enhanced overall well-being #equinemassageandbodywork #horsecaretips #equinebiomechanics

You know you’re on a good horse when…Some days, I miss the old days galloping the racehorses. I gained a lot of experience and learned an absolute ton from them. One of the most important things they taught me is to appreciate a good, kind, well-adjusted, sensible horse that loves his life—like this one.

I was working on a bracciocephalic stretch and poll release when she pretty much fell asleep on my shoulder. I think I had a pretty special day 🐴♥️

I was working on a bracciocephalic stretch and poll release when she pretty much fell asleep on my shoulder. I think I had a pretty special day 🐴♥️ Learn more about the benefits of massage for your horse - https://koperequine.com/why-hands-on-massage-is-the-best-way-to-for-sore-care-muscles/ *** BRAND NEW Equine Anatomy Muscle Posters and T’s *** Thank you everyone for your support, we so appreciate it! T-Shirts, posters, and mugs designed by us! Check them out at - https://koper-equine.myspreadshop.com/all *** If you’d like to learn more about massage, bodywork, training, and more head over to my website where we have tons more fascinating articles - https://koperequine.com/articles/ #equinebodywork #equinebiomechanic #equinemassagetherapists #horseanatomy #equinemassage #equinemassagetherapy #equine #a#equineanatomyforbodyworkers #horses #horsemassagetherapy #horseman #horseriding #horse #dressagetrainer #horsesport #sporthorse #equineathlete #hunterjumper #ilovehorses

Flyn

This is one of my favorite exercises for people to do at home between sessions. They require balance and body control, activating the abdominal and back muscles as your horse bends to reach its treat while lengthening his topline and the entire outside line from his hips to his poll. They also encourage your horse to lift up through its thoracic sling, making baited stretches a great way to improve mobility in the area. This video is of a young, recently off the track racehorse. You can see just how much effort it takes him to reach the treat. As he gets better at it he will learn to keep his feet square on the ground and weight centered above them while he reaches down and around to the outside of his ankle for the treat. It might help to reduce the effort he’s being asked for as he learns. The next step is to learn to do the same while reaching for the treat between the front side of his ankles. Learn how to do this with your horse - https://koperequine.com/carrot-stretches-after-riding/

Sallie Gardner at a Gallop was the first Film ever, filmed in 1878 by Edward Muybridge. Read more and see the camera that was used at https://koperequine.com/first-ever-racehorse-on-film-1878/

Raz

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I’m very thankful for every moment with this beautiful soul.

Intercostals at work

Here are some hard working intercostals in action Learn more about them here and how they affect your horse’s movement and stamina. https://koperequine.com/how-rib-stripping-can-help-your-horse/

Happy horse after his first real lesson

Here’s a happy soul after his first real lesson post track life. 💕

A few of the reasons why Secretariat was such a success.

A few of the reasons why Secretariat was such an incredible success.

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Flashback Friday 1st time jumping the green blocks, no problem.

I was working on a bracciocephalic stretch and poll release when she pretty much fell asleep on my shoulder. I think I had a pretty special day 🐴♥️

Flyn

Raz

Intercostals at work

Happy horse after his first real lesson

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