https://www.facebook.com/458278950707305/

Mane Frame Alignment, Battle Ground, WA (2025)

02/26/2025

Finally got my transcript back, and here is a basic list/overview of everything iv learned over the last year. 🥰🙌🤓 Now that I have my transcript i can apply to take the NBCAAM exam. Then I'll be licensed and ready to go! So stay tuned to get your horses on the schedule ;)

01/31/2025

Just got confirmation from my instructor that I am now 99% finished with my homework. ☺️🙌 Which means I'll be taking my final exam for my license very soon! 😁 Just want to take a moment and thank everyone who offered me their horses to use while doing my schooling! Couldn't have done it without you guys! Once I'm licensed I'll be taking on new clients. Photos of me and my boy just cause. 🥰

01/27/2025

Tink’s Fourth Session: Progress and Sass

Today, I had the pleasure of working with Tink again for her fourth session, and as always, she kept things interesting with her personality shining through. Tink is an active and competitive barrel and gaming horse, and these sessions are designed to support her performance by keeping her body balanced and helping her release stress and tension from the demands of competition.

During today’s massage session, I noticed some tightness in the lower portion of her hamstrings on both sides. This is a common area of strain for high-performance horses like Tink, as their hindquarters are their powerhouse. I worked to release those muscles, helping her regain comfort and mobility in those areas.

Her sternum and cinch area still showed some sensitivity, which has been a recurring focus in her sessions. However, I was encouraged to see that Tink was more willing to let me work there today. Progress like this is always rewarding to witness, as it shows her trust and the positive changes happening in her body.

Of course, Tink’s sass was in full effect. She’s not shy about expressing herself, pinning her ears, swishing her tail, and even lifting a leg when something wasn’t quite to her liking. Her attitude is a reminder that every horse has a voice, and it’s our job to listen and adjust our approach to meet their needs.

One unexpected challenge today was static electricity. While working through my strokes, it was noticeable and added a layer of distraction for both of us. These environmental factors are something I’ll keep in mind moving forward to ensure Tink stays as comfortable as possible during her sessions.

I also spent some time on her poll, which initially she wasn’t thrilled about. However, after a minute or two of gentle, patient work, she began to relax. It was a beautiful moment when she lowered her head and allowed me to continue, a sign that she was feeling relief and releasing tension. Her eyes gave it away—they softened, calm and full of trust. Seeing that kind of relaxation is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.

Tink’s journey has been one of incremental progress, and she has one more session left in this current series. Given her demanding schedule as a competitive horse, I believe she would greatly benefit from continued maintenance sessions. Regular bodywork would help her stay balanced, release the inevitable stress and tension that comes from competing, and keep her performing at her best.

For now, I’m thrilled with the improvements we’ve seen in Tink. She may be sassy, but her willingness to give in and relax shows the trust we’ve built over these sessions. It’s a reminder that this work is not just about physical changes but about building a connection with each horse, meeting them where they are, and helping them feel their best.

Here’s to Tink and her continued journey toward balance and success—one session at a time!

01/21/2025

Blog #5: Tilly’s Final Chapter in Our Structural Integration Journey

Yesterday marked the final session in Tilly’s structural integration series, and what a journey it has been! Working with her has been a truly rewarding experience, and I’m thrilled with how far we’ve come.

Honing in on the Details

For this last session, my primary focus was on the areas where Tilly was still holding tension, with special attention to her front right shoulder. From the very beginning of her series, that shoulder has carried significant restrictions, and I was determined to help her find release in this critical area.

Using a combination of techniques, I was able to access deeper layers of tension. Her responses told me everything I needed to know—she gave clear signs of relief, from softening her eyes to relaxing her neck and jaw. As we worked through the tension, I could feel her body letting go, layer by layer, until the muscles moved fluidly under my hands.

Tilly's expressive personality shone through during this session, just as it has throughout her series. She has an incredible way of communicating her feelings during bodywork—her facial expressions are a window into her experience. At one point, she let out a long, exaggerated sigh, followed by a gentle head shake, as if to say, “Finally, that feels better!” Moments like these are why I do this work.

Adjusting for Comfort

One unexpected challenge during this session was static electricity. While working on her rump, I noticed that the cool, dry air had created a buildup of static, and my touch occasionally gave Tilly a tiny shock. It startled both of us, so I made some adjustments to my movements and hand placement to prevent further discomfort. Tilly, being the kind and patient soul she is, quickly forgave the mishap and relaxed again. It’s a testament to her trust in the process and in me.

Celebrating Progress

By the end of our time together, Tilly felt absolutely amazing. Her movements were free and balanced, her demeanor calm yet vibrant. The difference in her overall alignment and comfort compared to our first session was remarkable. It’s incredible to witness how a series of intentional bodywork sessions can transform not just a horse’s body but their entire sense of well-being.

Watching her stride away afterward—her head low, her steps fluid—I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride in her progress. This journey was a partnership, and Tilly played a huge role in her own healing by being so receptive and communicative throughout the series.

Closing the Chapter

Tilly’s structural integration series may be complete, but her journey is far from over. The work we’ve done has laid the foundation for lasting change in her body, and with continued care, she’ll be able to maintain this newfound balance.

I feel so fortunate to have been part of her story. Horses like Tilly, with their openness and willingness to engage in the process, make this work so fulfilling. While I’ll miss our sessions, I know that she’s in a great place to continue thriving.

Thank you, Tilly, for reminding me why I’m so passionate about what I do. Here’s to balanced bodies and better rides ahead!

---

If you have a horse like Tilly who could benefit from structural integration or massage therapy, don’t hesitate to reach out. Every horse deserves to feel this good!

01/11/2025

Blog Post: Tinkerbell's Journey – Session 3 Progress

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of working with Tinkerbell for her third structural integration session. It’s been amazing to watch her progress over the last few weeks, and this session marked another important step forward in her journey.

Our main focus this time was on improving her flexibility and comfort throughout the barrel. This area is crucial for her performance, especially as a gaming and barrel horse, where agility and freedom of movement make all the difference.

Tinkerbell has come a long way in learning to relax and accept the work. She’s becoming more open to the process of releasing tension, though she still holds onto her signature sass and strong opinions! She’s never shy about letting me know what feels good and what she’d rather I avoid. It’s part of what makes her so special—her honesty allows me to tailor each session to exactly what she needs.

Since she had a gaming event the day before, I wasn’t surprised to find some tightness in her front end, particularly around her sternum and cinch area. This tension can restrict her ability to fully extend and engage through her shoulders, which impacts her turns and overall movement. I focused on working through these areas to encourage release and restore balance.

Throughout the session, I was able to achieve some great releases, helping her let go of that post-event tightness. You could almost see her body soften as the work settled in, giving her more freedom in her movement.

With two more sessions to go, I’m excited to continue supporting Tinkerbell’s progress. Each session builds on the last, and I’m confident that by the end of this series, she’ll feel even more balanced, comfortable, and ready to tackle her next event with ease.

Tinkerbell may be opinionated, but her willingness to engage in this work shows how much she’s benefiting from it. I’m so grateful to be part of her journey and can’t wait to see how she feels after her next session!

Stay tuned for more updates on Tink’s progress!

01/10/2025

Coolie’s Fourth Session: Unlocking Deeper Relaxation and Balance

This past Wednesday, I had the pleasure of working with Coolie for his fourth session, and I’m excited to share how much progress he’s made. With each session, he continues to show more openness and responsiveness, and this time was no different.

For this session, I focused primarily on massage techniques, using slow and intentional strokes to help release tension throughout his body. I was thrilled to feel how incredible his body was responding—muscles that once held tightness were now soft and supple. His barrel, in particular, showed significant improvement, allowing me to achieve even more releases than before. These deep releases are crucial in helping horses move more freely and comfortably, and Coolie’s willingness to let go of that tension was a promising sign of how far he’s come.

One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been hearing feedback from his owner. Over the last few weeks, she’s noticed a remarkable shift in Coolie’s demeanor. He’s been calmer, more relaxed, and there’s a softness in his eyes that wasn’t there before. This change speaks volumes about how much bodywork can impact not just physical movement but also mental and emotional well-being.

With only one session left in his series, I’m looking forward to helping Coolie continue this path toward full-body balance and relaxation. Watching his transformation has been an incredible reminder of why I’m so passionate about equine bodywork—seeing horses like Coolie find comfort and ease in their bodies makes every session worthwhile.

Stay tuned for an update on his final session!

01/08/2025

Tilly's Fourth Session: Progress and Transformation

This Monday, I had the pleasure of working with Tilly for her fourth session. Over the past few weeks, it's been incredible to watch her transformation, and this session was no exception. I spent about an hour focusing on her, and she felt really good overall.

For this session, I concentrated heavily on massage strokes, allowing for deeper relaxation and connection. Massage strokes are a fantastic tool for loosening up tension, promoting circulation, and helping the horse feel at ease. Tilly responded beautifully to this approach, and I noticed how receptive she was to the work.

One of the standout moments of the session was the significant amount of release I got from her front right shoulder. This area had been holding tension in previous sessions, and it was amazing to witness her let go of it. These releases are a testament to the progress we've made together and how her body is responding to the work.

Over the course of these four sessions, the changes in Tilly's body have been remarkable. She's moving more freely, her posture is improving, and she seems more comfortable in her own skin. It's rewarding to see these shifts unfold and to know that the work is making a meaningful difference for her.

Each session builds on the last, and I’m excited to see where the next steps take us. Tilly is a wonderful example of how consistent, focused bodywork can create lasting change.

12/20/2024

Coolie’s Third Session: Easygoing and Productive

Two days ago, I had the pleasure of working on Coolie for his third session. This particular session unfolded with a gentle ease, reflecting Coolie’s relaxed and willing demeanor. Unlike sessions where specific areas demand immediate attention, this one was more balanced and smooth. While no major issues stood out, the subtle releases we achieved felt just as meaningful, contributing to his overall comfort and alignment.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this session was the work along Coolie’s ribs and topline. These areas seemed to call for attention, and as I worked, it became clear how much Coolie appreciated it. His responses were soft and communicative—his eyes relaxed, his breathing deepened, and his body softened under my touch. The work around his ribs brought noticeable releases, creating a sense of freedom and expansion through his midsection.

The topline work was equally significant. This area, which plays such a vital role in a horse’s posture and movement, allowed for deeper relaxation and alignment. I could feel the subtle changes as we progressed—tension melting away and the tissues becoming more supple. Coolie’s trust in the process was evident, and it made every adjustment feel purposeful and effective.

What stood out most during this session was Coolie’s overall demeanor. He remained calm, attentive, and engaged, making the experience feel like a quiet partnership. His willingness to participate made it easier to connect with him on a deeper level, allowing the work to flow naturally. It’s always a joy to work with a horse who is so tuned in and responsive.

By the end of our time together, Coolie’s body felt more open, his movement freer, and his energy more balanced. While the session didn’t uncover anything major, it was a powerful reminder of the value in these quieter moments. Even without dramatic breakthroughs, the accumulation of small adjustments and releases builds a strong foundation for long-term well-being.

I’m excited to see how Coolie continues to progress. Watching these subtle shifts add up over time is one of the most rewarding parts of this work, and with his easygoing nature and openness, I have no doubt we’re creating meaningful, lasting changes together.

12/17/2024

Tilly’s Third Session: A Day of Release, Relaxation, and Breakthroughs

Tonight marked Tilly’s third bodywork session, and I can confidently say it was her favorite so far. The session stretched just over an hour, and from start to finish, she was engaged, relaxed, and genuinely enjoying herself.

This session focused heavily on barrel work, a critical area for her mobility and overall comfort. The amount of release I was able to facilitate tonight was remarkable, particularly on her right side. I started with her ribs and topline, where she allowed significant softening and relaxation. However, the main area of focus quickly became her cinch area—that sensitive spot just behind her shoulder where the girth or cinch rests.

Tilly was holding a lot of tension in this area, which isn’t uncommon in horses who compensate for other restrictions or past injuries. As I worked through the layers of tightness, she began to respond almost immediately—licking, chewing, yawning—all clear signs of release. I spent a considerable amount of time here, patiently revisiting the area throughout the session. Each time I returned, she released deeper and deeper, as if peeling back layers of stored tension.

It’s no coincidence that this is also the side of her previous hip injury. When a horse compensates for an injury, the tension doesn’t just stay in one spot; it radiates to other areas of the body, often creating restrictions in places like the shoulders, ribs, and barrel. This is why working through these patterns is so important—it allows the horse to move more freely, realigning the body to its natural state.

Switching over to her left side, I found another area of focus through her gaskin (the large muscle group in the upper hind leg) and along her ribs. Here, Tilly let go beautifully. The tension in her gaskin melted away, and as I worked along her ribs, she continued to release, showing me how much she was benefiting from the session. It’s always amazing to witness these subtle, yet powerful, changes as the horse lets go of stored tension that may have been there for months, even years.

By the end of the session, Tilly had entered a state of complete relaxation. She was practically asleep, her head lowering and her breathing softening as she processed the work. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a horse go from tension and restriction to total peace and comfort—it’s a beautiful transformation that speaks volumes about how much the bodywork is helping her.

This session marks the third out of five for Tilly, and now she’ll get her biggest break yet. She’ll have 2-3 weeks off to rest, recover, and integrate the work we’ve done so far. These breaks are just as important as the sessions themselves. Giving her body time to adapt allows the changes to “settle” and creates a stronger foundation for future progress.

Tilly is such an expressive and animated horse, which makes my job even more rewarding. Her ability to clearly communicate how she feels—whether through a gentle sigh, a big yawn, or a sleepy eye—makes each session feel like a shared experience. She truly makes it easy to read her emotions and needs, which has been invaluable as we move through her bodywork journey.

I’m incredibly proud of the progress Tilly has made so far. She continues to trust the process and give me her best every session. I’m excited to see how she feels after her well-earned break and can’t wait to dive into our fourth session when the time comes.

Stay tuned—Tilly’s journey is just getting better with every step! Videos in comments

12/15/2024

Unwinding Star: Session 2 in Her Journey to Balance

Every horse has its own story, and Star is no exception. Her body holds patterns of tension that tell the tale of her movements, habits, and past experiences. In our second session together, we focused on helping her find relief and restore fluidity in areas that have been holding her back.

This time, Star’s shoulders demanded attention. The supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subclavius muscles were especially tight, almost as if she was guarding these areas. The tension here could impact not only her ability to move freely through her front end but also her overall posture and balance. Working patiently and intentionally, we encouraged those muscles to soften, one layer at a time.

Moving to her inner back legs, the gracilis, adductor, and sartorius showed significant restriction. These muscles are essential for stabilization and propulsion, so releasing tension here was crucial for improving her mobility and comfort. Star was initially hesitant to let go, but as the session progressed, her trust in the process grew, allowing for deeper work and better results.

Interestingly, Star’s ribcage and intercostal muscles were less reactive this time compared to her first session. However, she was still sensitive along the cinch area and sternum. These regions are often hotspots for tension in horses, as they are closely tied to breathing, saddle fit, and core engagement. While not as pronounced as other areas, this tenderness revealed a layer of underlying discomfort that we’ll continue to address in future sessions.

After an hour of focused work, Star began to let go. Subtle releases—like a shift in posture, a deep sigh, or softening through her eyes—marked her progress. While she still has a journey ahead, these moments are a testament to her resilience and willingness to heal.

Now, Star gets a week off to rest and integrate the changes from our session. This break is just as important as the bodywork itself, giving her nervous system the time it needs to recalibrate and adapt.

As we approach her third session, I’m optimistic about her progress. Each session builds on the last, helping Star not only feel better but move and perform with more ease and grace. Stay tuned for the next chapter in her journey—Star is truly beginning to shine.

12/13/2024

Tinkerbell’s Journey to Balance: Session 2 Update

Yesterday marked Tinkerbell's second session, and I’m thrilled to share the progress we’re making in her journey toward better balance and comfort.

On her left side, I noticed a significant improvement compared to our first session. This time, her muscles felt much looser, and I was able to really get "inside" her shoulder and work behind the scapula. This deeper access allowed me to target areas that were previously too tight to address effectively. Even better, Tinkerbell was far less reactive during this work and seemed more willing to stand calmly and receive the session.

Her right side, however, still has some lingering tension and tenderness. While her shoulder on this side was noticeably looser than before, she continues to show some sensitivity around her sternum and remains a bit cinchy on this side overall. That said, even on her tender right side, she showed subtle signs of improvement, which is encouraging.

After discussing with her owners, I learned that Tinkerbell typically starts her runs to the right during gaming events. This is a fascinating insight, as it highlights how repetitive movement patterns can create or exacerbate imbalances in her body. These patterns can lead to the kind of tension and soreness we’re seeing, particularly on her right side.

For now, Tinkerbell has a week or two off to rest and integrate the work from this session before we move on to session three. I’m optimistic about the progress we’ll see as she continues to release old tension and build a more balanced and comfortable foundation for her athletic performance.

Tinkerbell is such a special mare, and it’s a joy to see her start to relax and respond to the work. Stay tuned for more updates on her journey!

12/07/2024

Working with Blue: A First Session Overview

Today, I had the privilege of working on Blue, a 19/20-year-old pinto gelding who is currently serving as a therapy horse in a recovery program. Blue is a striking horse with a unique build that sets him apart from the more traditional equine conformations. He is tall and slender, with a notably flat croup that hints at a possibly mixed or uncommon lineage. Unfortunately, his exact breed and early history remain a mystery.

Initial Observations

As I began the session, I immediately noticed an area of tension in Blue’s shoulder. The tension presented itself as a golf ball-sized holding pattern beneath the surface. This kind of tension often indicates chronic stress or compensatory patterns that the body has developed over time. With careful and deliberate work, I was able to free this holding, prompting soft licking and chewing responses from Blue. These subtle yet significant releases are his way of communicating relaxation and a shift in his nervous system.

Key Areas of Tension

Throughout the session, it became apparent that Blue holds the majority of his tension in his back half, specifically from his croup to his gaskins. The gluteal muscles, in particular, showed significant areas of restriction and holding patterns. Horses often carry tension in their hindquarters due to various factors, including posture, workload, or past trauma. Addressing these areas required a focused and patient approach.

Challenges and Adaptations

Blue’s personality added another layer of complexity to the session. He is a bit of a fidgety boy, which required me to adapt my techniques and approach. Rather than pushing through his discomfort, I worked around his movements and respected his boundaries, allowing him to feel more comfortable and engaged in the process. Building trust is crucial, especially in a horse’s first session.

Looking Ahead

This session was the first of five planned sessions for Blue. Each session will provide an opportunity to further address his physical tension and support his overall well-being. Therapy horses like Blue play an essential role in the lives of those they help, and ensuring they feel their best is equally important. With time, I hope to help Blue achieve greater freedom of movement and comfort in his body, which will, in turn, enhance his ability to serve as a therapy horse.

Working with horses like Blue is a rewarding experience that underscores the importance of understanding each horse’s unique needs and responses. I look forward to seeing his progress and continuing to support him on his journey.

Mane Frame Alignment

02/26/2025

01/31/2025

01/27/2025

01/21/2025

01/11/2025

01/10/2025

01/08/2025

12/20/2024

12/17/2024

12/15/2024

12/13/2024

12/07/2024

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category