JnL Helping Hands Equine Massage

18/04/2025

The Diaphragm
We can only control the quality of the breath for the horse in the moment; long-term goals are to simply provide the horse with an environment that enables it to balance its internal response to the external environment. For the subconscious is king when it comes to the rhythm of breath for the horse.
Often, at points where humans appear most relaxed, the subconscious takes over, and for those who suffer from anxiety or other issues affecting respiratory quality, it is likely that they will appear relaxed on the surface while experiencing internal stress, only to be followed by a sharp intake of breath that disrupts the balance of respiration.
When we apply this to horses, who live in a world of micro-stresses, often caused by human involvement, we tend to focus on external visual cues of relaxation, yet they may be experiencing internal stress, evident only in the quality of their breath during brief moments that often go unnoticed. By placing horses in postures that we perceive as relaxed, based on misinterpreted visual cues, we may inadvertently be causing internal stress, which can be detrimental to their well-being.
The addition of saddles, girths, gadgets, and bits can further exacerbate this issue, despite our intentions to promote relaxation. I recall reading a statement from a professional claiming that only bits can release the hyoid, which is a misleading and potentially damaging assertion.
We often oversimplify the relationship between the diaphragm and iliopsoas, believing that releasing one will free the other, when in reality, the situation is far more complex. Movement combined with controlled breathing can redesign our bodies, allowing us to develop awareness of the future benefits of moments where we may not feel in control, ultimately leading to greater control. However, horses live in the present, constantly assessing their environment for potential threats, so is the solution to create an environment that allows them to feel safe and relaxed, thereby promoting freedom of movement and respiratory quality?
Are we focusing too much on short-term effects and not allowing horses to choose which systems they need to employ at any given time to achieve balance in both their external posture and internal function? For horses, feeling safe is not just a technique, but a way of life, and the healthier their body and mind, the safer they will feel.
However, many horses struggle to feel safe in their own bodies and movement patterns, which can be a significant obstacle. This is where I question whether we can directly apply human experiences to horses, for they are fundamentally different from us. While we can look to the future and understand that temporary discomfort may lead to long-term rewards, horses can only see the discomfort in the present moment.

14/06/2023

⭐ Exercises to strengthen your horse's hind end ⭐

It's important to incorporate these exercises slowly into your horse's routine. You don't want to over face or fatigue them. Strength and fitness does not happen in 1-2 weeks, it is a long term commitment. If your horse has a history of joint dysfunction, discuss with your vet and bodyworker on how to correctly incorporate these exercises.

🦄ALL of these exercises should be done with a low head position and soft neck! 🦄

🌟Pole work🌟
Start by using 4 poles 2.5 feet apart at the walk. This will engage the core and hind end, without too much concussion on the joints. By starting at the walk you are also activating your horse's postural muscles. This is a great exercise to incorporate in your 15 minute walk warm up.

At the trot, you can place 4-5 poles 4.5 feet apart and create a figure eight pattern with the poles in the center. This will engage the core and hind end while creating bend in the ribcage.

🌟Hill Work🌟
Please be cautious of your horse's current fitness with this exercise!!!
Start with a slight incline, rather than a large hill! A slight incline will engage more postural muscles and encourage correct hind end engagement. Once your horse has mastered the slight incline, you can introduce a larger hill. Keep this fun for them and be mindful of your position on their back during this exercise.

🌟Backing Up🌟
The best kept secret for hind end health! This exercise is great for mobilizing the pelvis, lumbar and thoracic area while engaging the core.

The KEY is to keep your horse's head low with a soft neck, then back 5-6 steps then walk forward. If the neck is braced with a high head, you are creating tension. Master this exercise on the ground before asking for it under saddle.
The next level of this exercise is to ask for them to back up a gentle incline, this will give them an extra "crunch" through the core and more pelvis mobility.

🌟Canter Transitions🌟
Start with trot to canter transitions, building up to walk to canter transitions. This exercise encourages your horse to push from behind while lifting through the core. Keep this exercise fun, if it becomes a drill your horse will anticipate it and brace creating tension.

Create a figure eight pattern with a transition in the middle. You could also incorporate ground poles into this exercise by setting 3-4 poles up 4.5 feet apart in the middle of the arena, canter a large circle, coming down into the trot 10 feet before the poles, trot through the poles, then pick up the opposite lead canter, and repeat the exercise that direction.

Have fun!! And don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!! 💜

14/06/2023

Benefits of ground poles at the walk, trot and canter.

Having the appropriate distance between poles is key in getting the full benefits of pole work.
These are the stride lengths for an average sized horse. What your horse needs may vary, be prepared to adjust based on their comfort level.

✨WALK ✨ You should always start ground pole work at the walk.
Walking ground poles, improves core stability, joint flexion and vertebra spacing.
Walking poles can be challenging for them because they are unable to use the momentum like in the trot, so they are having to really engage every muscle and think of each foot fall.
Walking poles also reduce tension and increases range of motion

✨TROT✨
Trotting ground poles plays a strengthening role.
It creates back, hindend and pelvic stability.
Releases stored tension along the topline (think hollow back), which helps strengthen the spinal stabilizing muscles.

✨CANTER✨ – cantering ground poles should only be done when they’ve become comfortable with poles at the walk and trot. Cantering poles too soon can cause back tension and anxiety.
When done in a relaxed state, cantering poles will tone the thoracic sling, loosen the shoulder and improve flexion and extension in the back.

22/04/2023

19/04/2023

13/04/2023

Massage releases tension and toxins, and helps our equine friends relax. If your horse if recovery from a injury or being stalled up they will enjoy this massage and finally get some peace. Sports massage helps horses recover from major stresses faster.

Y'all can call me or DM to set up consultation