Power of Touch Equine and Canine Therapies

10/08/2025

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10/01/2025

Muscle Monday - Latissimus Dorsi

This week we are taking a look at the latissimus dorsi muscle.

You may be saying "Wait a minute! Is this the same thing as the longissimus dorsi?"

Nope! Last time we talked about the LONG longissimus dorsi. This time it's the LATERAL latissimus dorsi. The logissimus dorsi runs parallel to the horse's spine. The latissimus dorsi on the other hand, is located along the lateral (outside) aspect of the body covering the rib cage.

--- Function ---
The latissimus dorsi is a triangular, flat muscle that affects both the forelimb and thoracic sling. It originates in the thoracolumbar fascia (back) and inserts on the medial (inside) aspect of the humerus (upper arm).

- While the forelimb is in motion, this muscle pulls the humerus upwards and backwards, which closes the shoulder joint and retracts the limb.

- If the forelimb is on the ground, the latissimus will pull the barrel forward. You often see this action while a horse is grazing. Rather than stepping forward to reach better grass, many horses will contract their latissimus, pulling their body forward without taking a step.

Stay tuned for part 2 where we will discuss dysfunction in the latissimus dorsi. If you have any guesses as to what causes pain and tension in this muscle please comment below. ⬇️

09/26/2025

October is almost here!
Most people are winding down their competition seasons and putting their horse to “pasture” until next season. Let me help you make sure your horse is going into winter in comfort! Doing this will make your spring leg-up much easier!

09/25/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞

Asking a horse to run barrels after a layoff is like asking a couch potato to sprint a marathon. It is not just about being “fresh” it's about tissues, lungs, and joints being ready to handle the stress.

Horses lose condition fast, and how long it takes to get them back depends on two key things:
1. How long they’ve been off – A horse off a couple weeks might need a light tune-up. A horse off for months often needs 6–8+ weeks of gradual work before competition.
2. Body condition – An overweight horse carries more stress on joints, ligaments, and lungs, so they need longer, slower work to avoid injury. A skinny horse lacks muscle reserves, so topline and strength must be built before asking for speed.

General conditioning guidelines:
- Frequency: 4–6 rides per week
- Duration: Start with 20–30 minutes of walk/trot, then add long trots, loping, and breezing sets gradually
- Progression: Add intensity slowly; don’t ask for hard turns until they can handle sustained long trots and controlled loping without heavy blowing

Skipping this step risks strains, tie-up episodes, joint flare-ups, or poor performance. It's not worth it if it costs long-term soundness.

Respect the time off. Respect their body condition. Consistency now means more seasons of success later.

Every horse is different, and their conditioning plan should fit their history, body type, and workload.

𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐗 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬
xxvets.com ◦ (940) 514-9500

09/16/2025

I have availability 9/18, 9/22, & 9/23!
Schedule an appointment and you will receive a loyalty card!

09/15/2025

People normally think of massage as a reward or a “treat”. Maybe we say that because we don’t prioritize taking care of our bodies in a physical way. The muscular system is not a system we think of often, but it is a massive and crucial system that allows us to live and move! So why would we not prioritize this system? If massage helped you move better do you think you would perform better? If your muscles are healthy, do you think you could maintain posture and disposition?
When it comes to your animals how is any different? Whether your animals work for you or they are your best friend they deserve to be taken care. I am here to help your athlete get prepped for the season, post competition recovery, maintain proper disposition, or rehab.

09/11/2025

Here it is! What you have been waiting for!
I'm excited to introduce the Power of Touch Equine & Canine Massage Therapies loyalty cards!

They work just like any other loyalty card
💥With the purchase of your next massage session, you will receive your card.
💥Each session earns a stamp toward your 50% off.
💥This card also holds the 2025 prices! In 2026 the prices will increase. You want to get in on this now!

This is my way of saying thank you for trusting me with your animals!
✅Animals are happy
✅Wallet in check

09/05/2025

To my dear clients! ☎️
I have been thinking of a way to say thank you for entrusting me with the care of your athletes and companions.
Keep your eyes peeled! 👀 I have been working on something that will benefit your animal and your wallet! It's all about rewarding the care and commitment you give to your animals.
💥It will be available to all!
💥Allow your money to work in your favor!

Send a message to learn more

08/28/2025

September is upon us!
Have a great Labor Day weekend! 🇺🇸

08/26/2025

Happy National Dog Day to all the special dogs out there! 🐾

08/13/2025

08/11/2025

I am back from my vacation and have a lot of openings! PM me to get on my schedule!🐴🐾