02/13/2026
Great article!!
Caren Dougall from North of 9 Equine & Canine Bodywork and Equi-Bow Equine Bodywork Technique will speak on this topic at the The evolution in whole horse soundness conference
Have you naughts your tickets already???
2 MORE WEEKS FOR EARLY BIRD PRICES.
Link for tickets-
https://canadianequinehoofcare.com/conference-registration/
Your horse’s posture doesn’t start at the hoof — and it doesn’t end there either. 👣🐎
It's young horse / foal season at North of 9. The time of year where we get to check in with clients who have 2-5 year olds that are moving into new stages of their young horse development programs.
This is such an important time for young horses to receive top hoof care and bodywork to ensure we are setting their bodies up for proper biomechanics.
The myofascial kinetic lines running through the front limb and elbow influence how your horse loads the hoof, moves through the shoulder, and maintains overall posture.
When restriction or compensation exists higher up the limb, it can change how the hoof lands and grows, and if you see limb rotations. Likewise, imbalances in the hoof can travel upward and affect movement and comfort through the elbow and shoulder.
Think about those horses you see who toe out , land narrow or have a paddle like movement in one limb
By working together, we can support healthier movement patterns, better posture, and more sustainable hoof balance from the ground up.
Take a look at this demo image showing how these kinetic lines connect — it’s all one system. This case was a fun one because Caren bet Kelsey what the hoof heel balance was going to look like from a distance, while the hooves were buried in straw ... All because those elbows don't lie😉
Mild Abducted RF - elbow pointing slightly out to the side and off the ribcage , uneven balance in the two heels, but evidence that he was loading one side of the hoof more. Subtle flares starting
Moderate Adduction LF- overloading weight on the medial heel, contraction starting from the tension pulling upward from the elbow and latissimus tension.
Plan- Bodywork session to release soft tissue tension & farrier tweaks in a few days .
At 2 week follow up session he has perfect balance in the RF and a straight limb. The LF was less contracted & straighter limb loading - sadly no pics as he was a happier & wild 2yr stud c**t who felt pics were silly - cue 10 blurry heel pics 😂😂
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