Helen Thornton - Equine Sports & PEMF Musculoskeletal Therapy

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Helen Thornton - Equine Sports & PEMF Musculoskeletal Therapy

Helen Thornton: Equine Sports Therapist, Equine Osteopath EDO stu. PEMF Musculoskeletal Therapist horse, rider & pets. www.helenthornton.com
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Thornton Equine Academy: Workshops & courses for horse owners & therapists. IAAT AHPR
Register @ https://helenthornton.com/contact

07/01/2025

🎉 Celebrating Success! 🎉

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching my courses is seeing how students take what they've learned and apply it to real-life challenges. Today, I want to give a big shoutout to Alison Brook Barn Equestrian a dedicated horse owner & rider trainer who attended my recent course.

After her horse underwent an operation, he was clearly uncomfortable and resistant to having his head handled—a tricky and stressful situation for both horse and owner. But instead of feeling stuck, Alison put her new skills to work. With patience, understanding, and the techniques she learned, she was able to identify areas of concern.

Her persistence to learn and compassion have made all the difference, and her horse is now on the road to feeling better, both physically and emotionally.

👏 Please join me in congratulating Alison for her dedication and incredible results! It’s stories like these that remind us of the power of learning and connection with our horses. 🐴💖

If you’ve had a similar experience or want to learn skills to support your horse’s well-being, let me know—I’d love to help.

All course coming up are listed under the events tab or can be found scrolling down this page.

06/01/2025

🐴 THE EASIEST test everyone should know🐎
Are You Riding a One-Sided Horse? Try This Simple Biomechanics Test!

Ever feel like your horse might be one-sided, stiffer, or more dominant on one rein? Here’s a quick and easy biomechanics test you can do to check:

👉 Watch the barrel/rib cage swing as your horse walks toward you.

Stand in front of your horse and observe how the rib cage moves with each step. The barrel should naturally swing side to side as the horse walks, reflecting the rhythm and balance of their stride.

What to look for:

➡️ Does the barrel swing evenly to both sides?

➡️ Or does it favour one direction, with a smaller or stiffer swing on one side?

➡️ Does it seem to bulge more to one side than the other as they walk towards you ?

The barrel should naturally swing side to side as the horse moves. When the hind limb comes forward, the barrel shifts slightly to the opposite side—this is the horse’s natural way of balancing. If the swing is uneven or restricted, it could indicate asymmetry in your horse’s movement.

💡 If the swing isn’t even, it might indicate your horse is carrying tension, favouring one side, or lacking suppleness. This is often linked to how they move under saddle—and could explain why one rein feels “better” than the other!

Try this out and see what you notice. Understanding your horse’s natural movement is a great first step toward better balance and partnership!

Have you tried this test before? Have you noticed unevenness in your horse’s barrel swing before? What did you notice? Let me know in the comments! 🐴

05/01/2025

Is Your Horse Difficult to Clip? Understanding the Underlying Physical Connections

As equine therapists, we often hear about the “difficult-to-clip” horse. You know the one—constantly flinching, tossing their head, or outright refusing during clipping sessions. While behaviour is often attributed to sensitivity or temperament, the root cause is frequently physical discomfort, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and surrounding areas. Let’s dive into why this might be happening and how it ties into deeper physiological structures like the phrenic nerve, brachial plexus, and fascia.

The Phrenic Nerve

The phrenic nerve is a critical structure originating from the cervical vertebrae (C3, C4, and C5 sometimes C7). It innervates the diaphragm and plays a key role in respiration. When tension or misalignment exists in the cervical spine or surrounding fascia, the phrenic nerve can become compressed or irritated. This can lead to referred discomfort or hypersensitivity, particularly in areas where the nerve travels.

For a horse, this hypersensitivity can translate into an overreaction to stimuli like the vibration of clippers near the neck or shoulder. If your horse resists clipping around the jugular groove or base of the neck, it might be a sign of tension or restriction involving the phrenic nerve.

The Brachial Plexus

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves originating from the lower cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae (C6-T2). These nerves provide sensory and motor control to the shoulder, forelimb, and parts of the chest. Dysfunction in this area—whether due to muscle tension, poor saddle fit, or fascial restrictions—can result in heightened sensitivity or even pain in the shoulder and surrounding areas.

When clippers approach these regions, the horse may perceive the vibration or pressure as intolerable, not because they are “difficult,” but because it exacerbates an underlying issue. You're literally on his nerves!!

Fascia: The Body’s Connective Web

Fascia is a dense, fibrous connective tissue like a web that envelops muscles, nerves, and organs. It plays a vital role in overall mobility and comfort. When fascia becomes restricted—due to trauma, repetitive strain, or poor posture—it can create widespread discomfort and reduced flexibility.

In horses, fascial restrictions often present as tightness or sensitivity, especially in high-stress areas like the neck and shoulders. Clipping can irritate these restrictions, causing the horse to flinch or resist. Addressing these fascial imbalances through bodywork or therapy can significantly improve comfort and behaviour..

Pain and Tension: The Core of the Problem

The “difficult-to-clip” horse is not necessarily trying to be challenging—it is often their way of communicating discomfort. Pain or tension in the neck and shoulders, whether originating from nerve irritation, muscle strain, or fascial restriction, can make the simple act of clipping unbearable. Recognizing this as a physical issue, rather than purely behavioural, is key.

What Can Be Done?

1. Bodywork and Therapy: Regular osteopath sessions involve myofascial release, adjustments of the parietal system, and cranial sacral and can address tension in the neck, shoulders, and back.

2. Assessment by a Professional: If your horse consistently resists clipping, have them evaluated by a suitable equine therapist to rule out nerve compression or fascial restrictions.

3. Desensitization with Care: Once physical discomfort has been addressed, you can work on gently reintroducing clippers in a calm, patient manner.

4. Check Equipment and Techniques: Ensure your clippers are sharp, quiet, and create minimal vibration. Use light, confident strokes to avoid aggravating sensitive areas.

Understanding the physiological connections in your horse’s body is crucial to addressing what may seem like behavioural issues. The next time your horse resists clipping, consider their neck, shoulders, and fascia—you might uncover a hidden source of pain or discomfort, making life easier for both of you.

❗️Remember: Horses communicate through their reactions. Listening to them and addressing their needs at the root cause will always lead to better results and a happier horse.

✂️

Image: Horse and hound.

04/01/2025

🐎🐎 ANNOUNCEMENT ! 🐎🐎
Posture assessment with prescription exercises via Zoom is available the week of
13th to 17th January

What you need is a connection either in a stable or arena depending on weather, etc.

Sessions Are 45 minutes with a 15-minute immediate follow-up phone call to ensure all was understood as I give out so much information that it can be a lot.

These are ideal for international horse owners and work really well. Or my UK clients /non clients who need help with where to start or how to proceed when it comes to helping your horse; post injury, post diagnosis, to change posture and way of going for a more positive future.

Also ideal for stressy horses to help you to change their body and mind. Bringing them down that staircase of stress has to be integrated into rehabilitation work, or you are totally wasting your time.

The prescription exercises are not difficult. they just come down to timing, the particular types personal to what your horse needs, how long to do certain ones, and so on. Which is very individual and often where things go wrong.

You'll be given an overview of where the posture is now so you understand why and how to change things.

Please dm or call 📞 07947 623 923 to book a session.

31/12/2024

🌟 Happy New Year from Thornton Equine Academy! 🐴

As we step into 2025, we want to thank all our incredible clients and followers for your support over the past year. It’s been an honour to help your horses feel and perform their best and to teach so many new faces on the workshops and courses.

We’re beyond excited for what this year holds because 2025 is set to be our best year yet at Thornton Equine Academy! 🎉

✨ Upcoming Courses and Workshops ✨
This year, we’re bringing you an expanded lineup of workshops and training opportunities designed for horse owners, equine professionals, and riders at all levels. Whether you want to deepen your understanding of equine biomechanics or enhance your horse care skills, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming:
✅ Learn hands-on techniques to support your horse's well-being.
✅ Performance and Rehabilitation Workshops – Enhance your horse's recovery and optimize performance.
✅ Horse Owner Education Sessions – Focused on preventative care, anatomy, and mobility.

📅 Keep an eye on our page for dates, details, and enrollment information – 2025 is the year to take your equestrian knowledge to new heights!

Thank you for trusting Thornton Equine Academy with your horse's health and for being part of our growing community. Here's to a year of learning, growth, and happy, healthy horses! 🐾

Cheers to 2025!

29/12/2024

🐎🌻 Why Regular Equine Osteopathy Assessments Keep Horses Mobile and Healthy🐴 and why keeping or restoring mobility in the WHOLE body is so important!

As horse owners, we all strive to keep our equine companions at their peak—whether they’re competing, happy hackers, or simply enjoying life in the paddock. Mobility is the cornerstone of a horse’s health, performance, and overall well-being. Regular equine osteopathy sessions are an essential part of maintaining that mobility, as they address the intricate systems that work together to keep your horse moving freely and comfortably.

The Importance of Mobility:

A horse’s body is an interconnected web of systems. When one area is restricted or imbalanced, it can affect the ENTIRE body. Symptoms can arise far away from the primary problem.

Mobility ensures proper circulation, neural communication, and mechanical function, allowing your horse to move, perform, and recover without discomfort or strain.

Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to mobility, focusing on four key systems:

1. The Parietal System (Musculoskeletal System)

This system includes bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Healthy mobility in the parietal system ensures:

Proper joint function to absorb shock and prevent wear.

Balanced muscle use, reducing the risk of strain or injury.

Optimal alignment to distribute weight and motion evenly.

Osteopathic assessments identify and resolve tension, misalignments, and restrictions in this system, allowing for smoother, pain-free movement.

2. The Cranial Sacral System 🧠

The cranial sacral system includes the bones, membranes, and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Mobility within this system is vital for:

Effective communication between the brain and body.

Proper nervous system function to support balance, coordination, and reflexes.

Reducing tension that can result in behavioural issues or resistance under saddle.

These combined techniques help maintain this delicate system's rhythm, ensuring your horse feels and moves their best.

3. The Visceral System 🫁 ❤️ l

The visceral system includes the internal organs and their surrounding connective tissues. While it’s easy to overlook, mobility in this system is essential for:

Healthy digestion and nutrient absorption to fuel muscles and performance. To maintain homeostasis.

Proper respiratory function to support stamina and endurance.

Overall vitality and comfort! 💜

Through osteopathic assessments, restrictions in visceral tissues can be addressed, supporting organ function, parietal movement, and overall energy levels and state of well-being.

4. The Myofascial System

Fascia is a web of connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, organ, and bone in the body. Mobility in this system:

Ensures smooth gliding of muscles during movement.

Prevents tightness and adhesions that can lead to compensation patterns.

Supports recovery from exercise and minor injuries.

Osteopathy uses gentle techniques to release fascial tension, promoting flexibility and reducing the risk of stiffness or injury.

Why Regular Sessions Are Crucial:

Horses are highly active animals, and even small imbalances can quickly escalate into larger issues if left unchecked. Regular osteopathic assessments provide:

1) ⚠️Early Detection: Catching minor restrictions before they lead to discomfort or poor performance. Horses mostly will not speak up very loudly until there is a lot of dysfunction. 😪

2) Preventative Care: Reducing the likelihood of injury or chronic conditions.💯

3) Long-Term Performance: Ensuring all systems work in harmony for optimal movement and well-being.

Mobility Equals Longevity‼️

CONCLUSION: ALL THE SYSTEMS THE WHOLE HORSE need to be involved in a regular assessment & treatment plan for happy mobile horses. IMPORTANT

Whether your horse is a competitive athlete or a beloved companion, mobility impacts every aspect of their life.❗️ By investing in regular equine osteopathy sessions, you’re prioritizing their health and happiness—ensuring they remain comfortable, capable, and ready to move freely for years to come.

📅Extending your skills as an owner/therapist/rider with our range of workshops at Thornton Equine Academy enables you to be able to care for your horse on another level. 2025 dates now live!

❇️ Please do send me reminders/requests for dates for your horse as I can't always spend my time reminding everyone, and January is already just about full. So please plan ahead as much as possible so we can keep your horse moving their best.

Mobility isn’t just important; it’s essential!✔️

21/12/2024

🎄🐴 Merry Christmas! 🐴🎄

As we wrap up for the Christmas holiday, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey this year. Your incredible support, dedication, and passion for equine health and care make our community truly special.

Wishing you, your loved ones, and your wonderful horses a joyful and peaceful Christmas. May your holidays be filled with warmth, laughter, and a well-deserved rest 🦄🐎(primarily from mud 🙏)😆

Thank you for your continued support and for being part of this amazing community. Here’s to more growth, learning, and shared successes in the New Year!

Stay warm and keep those horses happy! 🐴❤️🎅

I will see you all in 2025 wether that's for horse treatments, or courses & workshops. This is looking likely to be further than the UK too, so exciting.

Best wishes,
Helen and Lola

11/12/2024

🎉 WE HIT 7,000 FOLLOWERS! 🎉

To our incredible equine-loving community: THANK YOU! We've officially reached 7,000 followers, and we couldn’t have done it without your passion for equine health, posture, and well-being. 🐴💙

Every like, comment, and share helps spread awareness about how we can make life better for our equine companions. Together, we’re making a difference—one horse at a time! One THORNTON EQUINE ACADEMY by Helen Thornton student at a time!

We’d love to hear from you:
💬 What’s the most valuable tip or insight you’ve learned here?
📸 Got a favorite success story or photo of your horse thriving? Share it in the comments!

Your feedback and stories inspire me to keep growing and sharing. Let’s continue this journey together toward healthier, happier horses!

Stay tuned for some exciting resources and events I have in store. 🐎

Here’s to the next milestone—let’s gallop forward together!

.

06/12/2024

A great small group for today's

Musculoskeletal First Aid Body Check-ups Workshop - Dec 6th 2024- Helen Thornton Equine Academy

Lots of great questions and very good ponies 🥰 and lovely to see some re-attendees.
Humbled people from all over the UK travel to learn from me. Bristol to wales to Lincolnshire all covered ☺️

Thanks for attending folks.
2025 schedule will be available this weekend so keep a look out.

05/12/2024

🌟 Successes with head shaking! 🌟

This week, I've had the privilege of revisiting & working with two amazing horses experiencing head shaking – a condition that can be so challenging for both the horse and their owner. After just one session, both cases have shown an incredible 90% improvement! 🐴💆‍♀️

Equine osteopathy helps address underlying physical imbalances, tension, or misalignments that can cause discomfort and trigger symptoms like head shaking. Seeing these transformations reaffirms the importance of treating the whole horse for long-lasting results.

If your horse struggles with head shaking or other issues, let’s work together to help them feel their best. 💙

You can also Learn a set of must have skills at workshops such as Musculoskeletal First Aid Body Check-ups Workshop - Dec 6th 2024- Helen Thornton Equine Academy

2025 schedule will be out tomorrow for courses and workshops for horse owners * therapists.

30/11/2024

🎄 CHRISTMAS Vouchers 🎄
I've been asked, so would others like vouchers to be available for Xmas presents?
This will be vouchers of varying ££ available towards the cost of a workshop/course.
I guess it's ideal if you know someone who wants to attend in 2025.

These can also be for online physical therapy prescription exercises for those around the 🌎 if wanted.

Never have before, but after a few asks, I thought potentially I could make them available on my website.

.

26/11/2024

Yesterday, I saw a horse who the owner reported was clearly unhappy in his head as soon as any bridle went on.

What was interesting and kinda cool tbh, as soon as I tested the cranial sacral system and had my hand on the S2 area of the sacrum, he started to shake his head, just how the owner said he does when the bridle goes on.

So, I thought I'd explain how this could be. Why is a horse displaying this from the sacrum area?

Tensions in the psoas muscle and sacrum can have far-reaching effects on a horse’s body, including the development of pain in the skull. This phenomenon is rooted in the interconnectedness of the craniosacral system, which links the head and the base of the spine through a network of connective tissues, nerves, and fascial structures.

Understanding how tensions in the psoas and sacrum translate to discomfort in the skull involves exploring the anatomy and physiology of these regions and their connections.

1. Understanding the Craniosacral System in Horses

The craniosacral system encompasses the cranium (skull), the sacrum (base of the spine), and the dura mater (a protective membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord). In horses, this system plays a crucial role in maintaining spinal integrity, proprioception (awareness of body position), and overall neurological health. The dura mater extends from the brain down through the spinal column, anchoring at the sacrum via structures like the filum terminale.

2. Role of the Psoas Muscle and Sacrum

Psoas Muscle:

The psoas is a deep-seated core muscle that extends from the lumbar spine to the femur. In horses, it is essential for movements such as flexion of the hip and stabilization of the spine.

The psoas is closely associated with the lumbar vertebrae and can influence spinal alignment and tension.
It's also sharing fascia with the diaphragm! Another super important structure to be evaluated in horses due to its global reach in the body.

Sacrum:

The sacrum is a triangular bone at the base of the spine, connecting the spine to the pelvis. It consists of fused vertebrae that provide stability and support for the horse’s hindquarters.

The sacrum plays a vital role in proprioception, helping the horse sense its body position and movement.

3. How Tensions in Psoas and Sacrum Affect the Skull

Fascial Continuity:

Fascia is a continuous network of connective tissue that envelops muscles, bones, nerves, and organs. Tension in the psoas and sacrum can create a ripple effect through the fascial network, extending all the way to the cranial region.

Tightness in the psoas can alter the alignment of the lumbar spine, which in turn affects the sacrum’s position and tension. This imbalance can propagate upward through the spinal column, influencing the dural membranes connected to the skull.

Neural Pathways:

The nervous system is highly interconnected. Tensions in the sacrum can impinge on spinal nerves or affect the flow of cerebrospinal fluid within the dura mater.

Disruptions in neural signalling can lead to compensatory tensions in the cranial area as the body attempts to maintain balance and function, resulting in pain or discomfort in the skull. Tension in muscles in the head region can be very painful.

Biomechanical Stress:

Imbalances in the psoas and sacrum can lead to improper posture and movement patterns. For example, a tight psoas can cause hyperlordosis (excessive inward curvature) of the spine, placing additional stress on the sacrum.

This altered biomechanics can affect how the head and neck are held, potentially leading to tension in the muscles and connective tissues of the skull.

4. Physiological Implications

Proprioceptive Feedback:

The sacrum’s role in proprioception means that tensions here can disrupt the horse’s sense of balance and spatial orientation. The body may respond by adjusting the cranial structures to compensate, inadvertently causing pain or tension in the skull and vice versa.

Cranial Dural Membranes:

The dura mater connects the cranial and sacral regions. Tensions in the sacrum can create stress on these membranes, leading to restrictions or misalignments that manifest as cranial pain.

5. Manifestation of Symptoms

When tensions in the psoas and sacrum lead to cranial pain, horses may exhibit a range of symptoms, including:

Behavioural Signs:

Reluctance to move, changes in gait, or resistance to being ridden. Snatching at the reins.
Obvious contempt and the bridle going on.

Physical Indicators:

Stiffness in the neck and head, uneven muscle development, or sensitivity to touch around the skull and lower back.

Performance Issues:

Decreased athletic performance, difficulty in executing movements, or inconsistent responses to training.

6. Addressing the Issue

Proper Training and Conditioning:

Ensuring that the horse’s training regimen supports balanced muscle development and spinal health.

To alleviate cranial pain stemming from tensions in the psoas and sacrum, a comprehensive approach is necessary:

Cranial sacral & Myofascial Release:

Techniques targeting the psoas and sacral regions can help release tension and restore fascial continuity.

Osteopathic Adjustments & cranial sacral:

Manual adjustments can realign the spine and sacrum, reducing undue stress on the craniosacral system.

Integration of the Craniosacral System explained:

The dura mater anchors at the cranium (foramen magnum) and continues as the spinal dura along the vertebral column, tethering to the sacrum via the filum terminale

This dural membrane system connects the brain and sacrum physically and functionally, forming the core of the craniosacral system.

Conclusion:

Tensions in the psoas muscle and sacrum can indeed cause pain in the skull of a horse through the intricate connections of the craniosacral system. By understanding the anatomical and physiological pathways that link these regions, horse owners and veterinarians can better diagnose and treat issues that manifest as cranial discomfort, ultimately promoting the horse’s overall well-being and performance.

If you'd like to learn techniques to do valuable body check ups the next workshop is

Musculoskeletal First Aid Body Check-ups Workshop - Dec 6th 2024- Helen Thornton Equine Academy

Image: Google

20/11/2024

Work takes me to some amazing views
Heck of a road trip completed. And met some lovely new horses in need of my help.
Some amazing changes in the ones I saw last time.
And got to use my PEMF for a fractured leg and a check ligament injury.
So many were in need of cranial sacral the most.
Such a varied week.

16/11/2024

The spine and also the relationship to the kidneys.
The mechanical relationship of the kidneys within the body is vast and includes:
The diaphragm, the spleen, Psoas, and adrenals, to name a few.
In the image, the yellow circle shows the immediate SPINAL correlation Th17,18 (thoracics) right under the edge of the saddle,

The 2 kidneys also sit slightly differently and are of a differing shape, as shown in the image. The right kidney is securely held surrounded by other organs, but the left has the spleen coming off it via a ligament

The kidneys are a major part of your horse’s urinary system, responsible for the extraction and removal of waste products from the blood.
Each kidney weighs on average around 680g, but the right kidney is shaped like the heart on a playing card, whereas the left is a more conventional kidney shape. The left kidney sits slightly further back than the right, and due to its vascular connections with the spleen also hanging from it/pulling, this is often the one found to be under tension and in restriction. Creating a pull on the thoraco-lumbar region often when riding pushing the saddle off to the right. Add to this the psoas relationship, and you will eventually have a restricted left hind limb.
During respiration, the diaphragm moves caudal, so the kidney needs to move also.

So maybe you ride a lot of horses with the same feeling in the saddle, like your left stirrup feels shorter?the saddle moves off to the right? so presume it's you, or maybe actually you are riding a few horses with this common restriction!

Take home message: the WHOLE horse approach is invaluable when dealing with ridden horses!

More to come 😊

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Somatic Integration Movement Therapy WORKSHOP @DN214UQ for horse owners & therapists Equine Structural Balance Therapy Course (2-Days) For owners and therapists Musculoskeletal First Aid Body Check-ups Workshop - Dec 6th 2024- Helen Thornton Equine Academy #thorntonequineacademy #equineosteopathy #workshops2025 #horseownerproblems #equinesofttissuetherapy #horseowners

Changes not always captured on camera are a missed opportunity because often our eyes can't keep up with such changes #thorntonequineacademy #posturematters #horseownership #equinehealth #allforthegoodofthehorse #horsesforcourses

Simple palpation &don't let anyone tell you this is normal. (Horses do talk) #equinecranialsacral #helenthorntonequinesportstherapy #equineheadshaking #equineosteopathy #thorntonequineacademy #horsecourses #horseowners

Remember this guy from the last reel If your horse stands like this, there is a dysfunction that includes the elbows in the body. Exorotation of the elbows means chest pain, rib n sternum pain!!

Simple palpation often shows the extent of how much a horse is In trouble in their body. This showjumper is coming in for a few sessions. I'll post how we get on. Don't let your horses suffer when you get even not such extremes to simple palpation. Nothing should feel like a brick or in spam ! #showjumpinghorse #helenthorntonequinesportstherapy

All set up for the next Equine Structural Balance Therapy Course (2-Days) For owners and therapists tomorrow. I am looking forward to teaching another group of horse owners/therapists how they can achieve this. The 2 days always consist of some theory, body check-ups demonstrated, and how to also utilise those checks into gentle mobilisations in key areas such as the thoracic sling and pelvis. This is followed by my key listening sections and plenty of hands-on practice with discussion. We end the 2 days with an introduction into my prescription exercises and which horses would benefit most from that approach. Next year will include a day 3 of hoof mapping, which is very exciting.

Sometimes they just feel such a a deep release a somatic stretch ensues Epic #equinetherapy #equinecranialsacral ##equinecranialsacraltherapy #equinecranialsacraltherapist

Wait for it Huge duo TMJ n hyoid release #equinecranialsacral #jawrelease #hyoidbone #equinecraniosacraltherapy

Yes please Just there Have you a horse whose 1st reaction to being approached is head up and brace? Maybe they rear when being clipped only on their neck/getting nearer to ears. Probably their go-to under the smallest amount of pressure is to rear. All classic signs of probable cranial sacral issues. Add in a pelvis that needs constant realignment, a horse that bucks into canter. I'd say 99 % will have a cranial sacral system problem. This boy used to be extremely reactive. Didn't want to be caught. No one could get their hand up to the ears, top of head , major twitching throughout the withers. Also, a misaligned pelvis and generally aversion to any touch. 1 session and all that changed 😊🦄🐎 Here, he is having his 3 month check up. And has a lovely mobile pelvis to boot 🌷🦄🐎🐴 #equinetherapy #EquineWellness #equinesofttissuetherapy #helenthorntonequinesportstherapy #equinecranialsacraltherapy #equineosteopathy #horsebackriding

The importance of diaphragm work can not be under estimated EVEEYhorse needs this #equinetherapy #helenthorntonequinesportstherapy #thorntonequineacademy #cellularhealth

The concept of a horse's diaphragm being connected to the shoulders and jaw refers to the interrelationship of muscle chains and fascia (connective tissue) that run throughout the horse's body. This is often discussed in the context of equine biomechanics, myofascial connections, and how tension or movement in one area of the body affects others. 1. Diaphragm The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle that plays a crucial role in breathing. It separates the thoracic cavity (where the lungs and heart are) from the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm is connected to the lumbar vertebrae, ribs, and sternum, influencing the movement of the ribcage and spine. 2. Shoulder Connection The muscles and fascia of the diaphragm are connected to the shoulder area through a chain of muscles, including the serratus ventralis, which supports the weight of the horse's trunk between the shoulders The fascia also links to the latissimus dors and pectorals, which play a role in moving and stabilizing the shoulders. 3. Jaw Connection The fascial network and muscular chains continue to extend upwards from the shoulders through the neck. Muscles like the brachiocephalicus and sternocephalicus link the shoulders to the head and jaw. The jaw itself, via the masseter muscle and other associated muscles, can influence or be influenced by tension in the neck and shoulder muscles. 🐎The Interconnection: When the horse moves or carries tension in one part of this chain (such as in the jaw due to bit pressure or stress), it can create compensatory tension throughout the entire system. For instance: If the horse is tense in the jaw, it may restrict the natural movement of the neck muscles, which in turn can limit the movement of the shoulders. Limited shoulder movement affects the horse’s ability to use the diaphragm effectively, thereby impacting breathing and overall performance. 🦄Understanding this connection helps riders, trainers, and therapists address the horse

Regular sessions needed for competition horses. Although my treatments hold for quite a number of weeks usually. #showjumpinghorse showjump

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Our Story

I provide Equine Sports therapy and Magna wave PEMF for horses, people and pets. Treating horse and rider is invaluable as one affects the others movement, posture, tensions within fascia lines and centre of gravity. Thus our injuries and pains do effect the horses way of going, so intrinsically even the way we clench our jaw will carry through to the horse.

I have a weekly human clinic at Snitterby for any person not just riders. Common complaints treated are; back/neck pain, shoulder & knee injuries, arthritis management, sciatica, headaches/migraines, auto immune conditions, CFS/ME, sports injuries and much more. Because PEMF is a natural non invasive complimentary therapy that boosts cellular recovery it will target inflammation and damaged cells anywhere in the body. I am a registered PEMF practitioner also after completing training for people, horses and pets in USA.

I take horses in for treatment and I also travel. I provide rehabilitation livery and treatment packages with magna wave PEMF for injuries such as suspensory ligament inflammation or lesions, tendon injuries, fractures, sacro-iliac disease and most other common disorders in the ridden horse.

My CPD is continuous human and equine, I am insured with Balens and work alongside your vet, farrier, saddle fitter, instructor for a happier healthier horse. I am a registered member of IAAT, the International Association of Animal Therapists. I am happy to provide paper work and invoices for veterinary insurance claims.