Walk Align Animal Therapy

05/30/2025

04/21/2025

Horses continuing to humble me in the best possible ways. 🥰

Friday I got a text asking if I’d be able to come look at a mare who had been presenting with extreme lameness in her left hind foot following a traumatic birth. When I arrived Saturday morning, it was clear she was in a significant amount of pain -unable to place her heel to the ground, with intense muscle tightness, body soreness, and knotting throughout. The swelling in her leg was severe, and based on her presentation, I was deeply concerned there might be a fracture in her fetlock.

Despite my initial worries, we decided to move forward and see what I could do to support her. I found a severe rotation in her pelvis to the left, misalignment in her lumbar, and substantial restriction in the fascia and surrounding muscle tissue. With very gentle pelvic adjustments, targeted acupressure, and fascia release work, I aimed to reduce the tension and allow her body the chance to realign and begin healing.

I left that session cautiously hopeful, but uncertain what the next days/week would bring.

Then I got a video the next day.

Just one day post-treatment, this sweet little mare is walking smoother, more comfortably, and—most importantly—making full contact with that left hind foot.

The relief and gratitude I feel is hard to put into words. This is why I love what I do. Helping animals feel better, supporting their recovery, and seeing the joy it brings their people… it fills my heart.

*posted with permission. 🥰

03/24/2025

Is Your Horse Spring-Ready? Let’s Get Those Muscles Moving! 🌿🐴

Winter has a way of leaving our horses a little stiff, a little creaky, and maybe not quite ready to hit the ground running for the 2025 season. That’s where I come in! I’m here to help your horse transition smoothly into spring with proper stretching, bodywork, and muscle release.

✅ Loosen up winter stiffness
✅ Improve flexibility and performance
✅ Prevent early-season soreness

Let’s make sure your horse feels their best so you can have a strong, successful season ahead. Book a session today, and let’s get to work!

📍Serving The Kootenays
📩 DM to book!

02/04/2025

Horse Logic: “I Can Run From a Plastic Bag but Not Move My Neck to the Left”

If your horse suddenly refuses to bend in one direction, struggles to pick up a lead, or moves like a stiff board, muscle tension or misalignment might be to blame.

A massage can work out those knots and restrictions—so they can go back to running properly from terrifying plastic bags.

02/02/2025

Signs Your Horse May Need Some Massage:

• Sudden side-eye when you tighten the girth or go to step up
• Acting like a wiggly spaghetti noodle when asked to stand still
• Stiffness, tripping, or moving differently
• Overreacting (or underreacting) to your cues
• That one spooky corner is extra haunted

If they’re moving weird, acting weird, or just feeling weird -massage can help. Tight muscle can have such a huge impact on their overall demeanour.

01/31/2025

Acupressure: Basically a Reset Button for Horses

Ever had a friend poke a spot on your shoulder and suddenly your headache disappears? That’s acupressure. Horses have specific points on their bodies that, when gently pressed, can help with pain relief, circulation, and relaxation.

It’s like hitting “refresh” on their muscles and nervous system. 💛

01/27/2025

❄️ As the temperatures drop and we settle into winter, it’s easy to focus on keeping our horses warm and cozy. But have you thought about how the colder weather can affect their muscles? Just like us, their bodies can tense up more in the chill, especially if they’re moving a little less during these quieter months. ❄️

Booking a massage for your horse during the winter isn’t just a treat -it’s a way to set them up for success. Whether they’re out braving the snow or enjoying some extra rest, regular massage can help keep their muscles loose, improve circulation, and support overall well-being. Plus, it’s a great way to check in on their body and make sure they’re feeling their best through the season.

Winter may mean a bit of a slowdown, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep them in tip-top shape while they recharge. A relaxed and happy horse is a healthier horse, ready to take on spring with ease!

10/19/2024

Variety in equine discipline is crucial for the mental and physical well-being of both horses and riders. Horses, like people, benefit from cross-training and exposure to different activities, which keeps them engaged and healthy in body and mind.

Physical Benefits:
Engaging in different disciplines helps a horse develop a balanced, strong body. For instance, combining dressage with jumping or trail riding encourages different muscle groups to work in tandem, improving overall fitness and flexibility. Sticking to one discipline can lead to overuse injuries as certain muscles are repeatedly stressed, while others are underutilized. Variety helps create a more well-rounded athlete, minimizing the risk of injury and enhancing endurance.

Mental Benefits:
Monotony can lead to boredom and frustration for horses. Trying out different disciplines prevents mental fatigue by keeping their minds stimulated. Horses are highly intelligent animals that thrive when given new challenges. A fresh environment or task can reawaken their curiosity and interest, improving their willingness to learn and perform.

Improved Behavior:
Variety also helps with a horse’s behavior. Horses that are repeatedly exposed to new experiences become more adaptable and less likely to spook or stress in unfamiliar situations. They learn to think through challenges instead of reacting out of fear, making them safer and more enjoyable to work with in any setting.

Better Bond with Riders:
Cross-training and trying new disciplines can also deepen the bond between horse and rider. Riders must learn new skills, work together in different ways, and understand their horse’s reactions in various contexts, all of which build trust and a stronger partnership.

Ultimately, mixing things up ensures that horses stay physically fit, mentally sharp, and emotionally content—resulting in happier, healthier animals that are more willing partners across the board.

Photo of my sweet gal and the amazing Confident Equine

06/24/2024

Sometimes, part of my work is just a good old belly scratch. It’s hard to make a positive impact on any animal if they’re tense and unsettled during my visit. Lola may be comfortable with me and our bodywork sessions, but she definitely appreciates those extra bug bite scratches! 🐴❤️

06/21/2024

💫Understanding Stress Points in Animals: Key to Better Health💫

As an equine therapist, I see firsthand how stress can impact our beloved animals. Identifying and addressing these stress points is crucial for their well-being. Here are some common stress points in horses and how to recognize them:

🌕1. Poll Area (Top of the Head)**
- **Signs:** Head shaking, resistance to bridle, difficulty bending.
- **Relief Tips:** Gentle massage, correct fitting tack, regular chiropractic adjustments.

🌖2. Neck and Shoulders**
- **Signs:** Stiffness, reluctance to turn, uneven gait.
- **Relief Tips:** Stretching exercises, proper warm-ups, massage therapy.

🌗3. Back and Spine**
- **Signs:** Sensitivity to touch, hollowing of the back, bucking.
- **Relief Tips:** Ensure saddle fits properly, regular back checks, core strengthening exercises.

🌘4. Girth Area**
- **Signs:** Girthiness, nipping when being saddled, tension.
- **Relief Tips:** Use a well-padded girth, gradual tightening of the girth, desensitization training.

🌑5. Legs and Joints**
- **Signs:** Swelling, lameness, reluctance to move.
- **Relief Tips:** Adequate rest, cold therapy post-exercise, joint supplements.

🌒6. Hooves**
- **Signs:** Tenderness, reluctance to walk on hard surfaces, uneven wear.
- **Relief Tips:** Regular hoof trimming and care, proper shoeing, avoiding hard or rocky terrain.

🌒7. Digestive System**
- **Signs:** Colic, changes in eating habits, weight loss.
- **Relief Tips:** Balanced diet, regular feeding schedule, avoiding stress during feeding, lumbar adjustments.

🌓Remember:** Regular check-ups and early intervention are key to keeping our equine friends happy and healthy. If you notice any of these signs, consider consulting with an equine therapist or veterinarian.