Level Gaits - Equine Body Work

09/01/2026

Meet Mac who REALLY released after I worked his gelding scars….he couldn’t stop yawning 🥱

Gelding scars are fibrous tissue remnants from castration that can restrict movement and cause pain. This can lead to problems like bucking, resistance, hind-limb lameness and poor performance. The scars create adhesions to surrounding muscles, fascia and ligaments affecting the pelvis stifles and lumbar spine. Signs include difficulty tracking up, tightness, reluctance to move forward and pelvic pain. Treatments often involve scar tissue manipulation and massage.

- Signs of problematic gelding scars include:
-
- * Behavioural: Bucking, resistance to work, kicking out, reluctance to move forward, sensitivity in the hindquarters and difficulty performing lateral movements.
- * Movement-Related: Difficulty stepping hind legs under, poor engagement, hind-limb lameness, trouble jumping, tightness in the adductor muscles and inability to track up.
- * Physical: Tense iliopsoas muscles, lumbosacral pain, coldness or heat in the prepuce and a feeling of being “stuck” in the hindquarters.

Bodywork can help resolve these issues.

07/01/2026

Happy New Year!

2025 has been a hectic year for me as I’ve expanded back into teaching. I’ve been using my knowledge of horse anatomy to help a few horses riding nicely under saddle and helping riders gain confidence.

Kara Arnold Equestrian my sponsored rider, has been successful with a tricky horse named Lilly. Patience is key, and she’s shown great progress. Fluff is still going strong into his twenties! More horses and ponies are also heading out for the 2026 show season. It’s wonderful to be part of this team where the ponies’ well-being comes first.

I feel excited for a few clients who have an exciting 2026 ahead. I’m looking forward to being part of their journey.

amelia_hopehouse, the first of her breeding programme, will start their ridden competition in 2026. This seems like a long time coming, and I’m curious to see what Hope House breeding programme has produced.

I’ve been proud to be part of the education of Orca. He came to Emily as an unbroken project to riding alongside RAF Consingsby airfield out hacking! Not bad for a four-year-old! Regular lessons and bodywork sessions have helped him progress. Here’s to 2026 and hitting those pleasure rides and shows!

These are just a few clients, and I’m so proud to be part of so many people’s horses.

Here’s to a good 2026 and setting big or small goals. I’m here to support you!

06/01/2026

One of my favourite muscles 💪🏼

Muscle Monday - Tensor Fasciae Latae
This week we are checking out the tensor fasciae latae. Firstly, let's break down this long name.

Tensor = "to tense/stretch"
Fasciae = "band"
Latae = "side"

Once you understand the name it is easy to picture this "stretchy side band" and how it works.

--- Function ---
The tensor fasciae latae (abbreviated to TFL) is a superficial muscle that has a pretty cool job. It originates on the tuber coxa (point of the hip). From there, it surrounds the patella (stifle/knee) and top of the tibia, both laterally and medially. The tissue that makes up the TFL becomes more fascia than muscle as it gets closer to the stifle.

In movement the TFL flexes the hip and extend the stifle, an action that pulls the hindlimb forward. As the TFL surrounds the stifle in fascia, it may also aid in protecting the stifle joint.

In the next post we'll take a look at the TFL in some real horses and find the difference in correct and dysfunctional muscle development.

06/01/2026

The cold 🥶 didn’t deter us today!

I visited , home to the rising stars of the future. I’m part of the team responsible for ensuring these young horses are comfortable and developing correctly, so they can excel for years to come. This also make sure they’re educated with the hands-on care I provide though out their careers.

As you can see, Hope House Bucks Fizz (by Numer Uno) is a rather large boy at just four years old! 😱 But happy to stand under the lights! Happy to work with young horses and nervous.

30/12/2025

As a bodywork therapist, I’m here to help keep your horse’s fitness up during the winter months.

I offer the following services:

- Long lining
- Balance pads
- Stretching programme
- Coaching flat or groundwork

Let’s discuss how we can create a bespoke package tailored to your needs.

21/12/2025

Embracing the Winter Solstice: The Longest Night of the Year

The Winter Solstice, which typically falls around December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the official start of winter and the shortest day and longest night of the year. It happens when the Earth’s axial tilt is farthest from the Sun, making the Sun appear at its lowest point in the sky at noon.

For many cultures, the Winter Solstice has held deep significance throughout history. In ancient times, it was seen as a time of renewal and hope. After the solstice, the days begin to lengthen, and the sunlight slowly starts to return, bringing a sense of warmth and light after the long, dark days of winter. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, the light will return.

In modern times, the Winter Solstice is often celebrated with festivals, traditions, and gatherings, marking the turning point from darkness to light. Some people observe this day with quiet reflection, while others enjoy festivities like bonfires, feasts, or even stargazing. It’s a beautiful time to take a pause, look inward, and honor the natural cycles of the Earth.

Whether you’re bundled up in front of a fire or out watching the night sky, the Winter Solstice is a moment to connect with the rhythm of the seasons and appreciate the world’s quiet beauty during the colder months. 🌌 ❄️

07/11/2025

Beautiful moment caught on camera 📸

Thanks to the young talent I met on Wednesday Melie's Media give her a follow!

05/11/2025

Thank you Level Gaits - Equine Body Work for coming out today!

I’ve been working with Laura for over 5 years now, her passion towards the horses and the sport are what make her so good at her job. The horses feel fantastic all year round and i believe it is an essential part to your horse/ ponies routine

Thank you Melie's Media for the pictures of laura working📸

28/10/2025

Working with Molly today, we focused on finding her centre using balance pads to improve equine balance. This is crucial for stabilising and protecting the spinal column, especially after proprioceptive deficits or musculoskeletal injury.

27/10/2025

I’m not just a bodywork therapist; winter is coming, need a helping hand to keep up your horses fitness.

I can offer the following services:

- Long Lining
- Balance Pads
- Stretching Program
- Equine Taping

DM me to discuss how we can create a bespoke package that works for you.

19/09/2025

Things certainly happen for a reason…..but look 👀 at Kara smile!

That’s one of the reasons I’m proud to work with Kara Arnold Equestrian horses well being comes first!

21/08/2025

Love 🥰 this, I’ve always sung in my head while riding

Wednesday Wisdom - Why Forward???
If you ride dressage long enough, you will inevitably hear that “forward fixes everything.” Surely, you have had a comment or two on a test that says that the horse needs to be “more forward.” Or perhaps, you have had the comment, “forward, not fast” or "rushing." Let's talk through the concept of forward.

Forward, in the literal sense, is about the direction of travel. But in the context of dressage, we are talking about both the physical aspect and the mental aspect. Forward in the physical sense is when the horse is covering ground in their normal rhythm. If the horse is pushed beyond their balance point, they will fall onto the forward and will begin running. This would be similar to a person running down a hill and then leaning forward slightly. If the person continues to go faster, they will eventually fall on their nose. The horse will do the same.

The rider should be aware of this feeling and apply the appropriate half halts to re-balance the horse and encourage a slower, more appropriate rhythm. The appropriate beats per minute (bpm) for each gait and some popular songs that correspond are listed below.

Walk: 50-65 bpm
songs like “My Girl” by the Temptations (50-60 bpm) or “Me too” by Meghan Trainor (60-65 bpm)

Trot:75-90 bpm -
songs like “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood (75 bpm), Paul McCartney’s Can’t Buy Me Love (89.5 bpm) or Mambo No. 5 by Lou Bega (89.5 bpm)

Canter: 95-110 bpm -
Songs like “I Love Rock N Roll” by Joan Jett (90 bpm) or “Think” by Aretha Franklin (110.1 bpm)

Physically forward is only part of the equation though. In order for a horse to be truly “forward,” he must be forward thinking - meaning that he must be promptly responsive to the driving aids. Believe it or not, horses can cover ground nicely without being forward thinking as is indicated by a delayed response to your seat and leg aids. A horse that is mentally forward will respond appropriately to the slightest seat and leg aids by moving forward. Additionally, a forward thinking horse will maintain his own energy. In our Thinking Thursday, we will look at ways to get the horse forward.