Cutting Edge Performance Horse Therapy

Cutting Edge Performance Horse Therapy CESMT & Rehab
Specializing in Equine Trauma Release and Performance Horse Care
Serving AZ, NV & CA

Today’s office views
11/22/2025

Today’s office views

Winter Care Tip: Why Extra Forage Matters As the temperatures drop, one of the best things you can do for your horse is ...
11/22/2025

Winter Care Tip: Why Extra Forage Matters

As the temperatures drop, one of the best things you can do for your horse is feed extra forage. Many people think of blanketing first when it gets cold — but a horse’s best natural heater is actually their digestive system!

When horses eat forage, the fermentation process in the hindgut generates internal heat. This natural process helps them regulate their body temperature and stay warm from the inside out. So, by simply offering more hay during the colder months, you’re giving your horse the fuel they need to maintain warmth and energy without relying solely on blankets.

Along with extra forage, don’t forget the importance of hydration. Horses often drink less in the winter because the water is cold, but they still lose fluids through respiration and digestion. Dehydration can sneak up fast, especially when diets are higher in dry forage.

Here are a few simple tips:
• Offer fresh, unfrozen water throughout the day
• Add electrolytes or a bit of salt to encourage drinking
• Monitor water intake closely, just like you would in the summer

Keeping up with forage and hydration is key to keeping your horses healthy, comfortable, and warm all winter long.

Let’s talk about saddle fit.One of the most overlooked pieces of equine wellness is making sure your horse’s saddle actu...
11/16/2025

Let’s talk about saddle fit.

One of the most overlooked pieces of equine wellness is making sure your horse’s saddle actually fits their body. A correct saddle fit isn’t just about comfort. It directly affects biomechanics, muscle development, and long-term soundness.

When a saddle fits properly, it allows your horse to move freely through their back, shoulders, and rib cage. It distributes weight evenly, protects the soft tissues underneath, and supports healthy posture and engagement. A well-fit saddle sets your horse up to work correctly and comfortably every single ride.

But when the saddle doesn’t fit? The body starts to compensate.

➡️ Muscle soreness and atrophy
Pinching or uneven pressure can create soreness and eventually cause the topline to drop or hollow.

➡️ Restricted shoulder movement
A saddle that interferes with the scapula shortens the stride and creates stiffness or tripping.

➡️ Hollowing and bracing through the back
Pain causes the horse to drop their back, disengage the core, and tighten through the topline.

➡️ Compensation patterns throughout the body
You may see hip soreness, SI discomfort, rib tightness, neck tension, or asymmetrical muscle development.

➡️ Behavioral changes
Bucking, refusing to go forward, ear pinning during tacking, or anxiety under saddle are often the horse communicating discomfort — not misbehaving.

Your saddle is one of the biggest factors in your horse’s comfort and longevity.
If you want your horse to perform, feel good, and stay sound, start with the foundation: a proper saddle fit.

Your horse’s body will thank you for it.

Thank you to Kim with Desert Gems Saddle Fitting for getting my boy set up for continued success!

11/15/2025

Happy 5 years to Cutting Edge Performance Horse Therapy! I have learned so much through my clients, networking with other bodyworkers, and continued education. I will continue to learn while giving my very best to each of your horses. Thank you to all of my amazing clients who trust me with their ponies.

Lesson Horses: The Unsung Professionals of Your Program 🐴Do you operate a lesson program?Do you have a bodyworker dedica...
11/11/2025

Lesson Horses: The Unsung Professionals of Your Program 🐴

Do you operate a lesson program?
Do you have a bodyworker dedicated to maintaining your lesson horses?

Lesson horses are among the most important members of any program. They work multiple times a day, multiple times a week, carrying riders of varying sizes, experience levels, and balance. This constant change requires them to continually adjust, compensate, and remain patient — often without complaint.

Because of this, lesson horses experience unique physical and mental strain. Consistent bodywork is essential to help them stay comfortable, sound, and able to perform their job safely and effectively.

Each of my sessions is tailored to the individual horse and may include, as needed:
• Massage therapy
• Color therapy
• Acupoint and acupressure work
• Muscle scraping
• Cupping
• Myofascial release
• Trauma release
• Cryotherapy (available at an additional cost)

🐴 Herd discounts available
🚙 No travel fees

Your lesson horses give everything to your students — maintaining their physical and emotional well-being ensures they can continue to do so safely and comfortably.

Text with questions or to book!

Anissa
520-955-4132

11/10/2025

🥱😴

11/06/2025

🌬️ What Does Cryotherapy Actually Do?

You’ve probably seen videos or posts showing horses receiving cryotherapy — but what does it really do, and why is it beneficial?

Cryotherapy, or cold therapy, is the controlled application of cold temperatures to specific areas of the body to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling. It works by constricting blood vessels (vasoconstriction), which helps decrease tissue damage after exercise or injury. Once the area begins to warm again, blood flow increases (vasodilation), bringing oxygen and nutrients to support the healing process.

🧊Benefits of Equine Cryotherapy:
• Reduces inflammation and swelling in joints and soft tissues
• Eases soreness and muscle tension after intense work or competition
• Aids recovery from strains, sprains, or other soft tissue injuries
• Helps manage chronic conditions like arthritis or tendonitis
• Supports overall post-performance recovery and comfort

Cryotherapy is a simple, non-invasive way to help your horse feel their best — promoting quicker recovery, reduced discomfort, and improved long-term soundness.

11/05/2025

💧 The Importance of Hydration During and After Equine Massage

Hydration plays a crucial role in your horse’s recovery and overall well-being during and after massage or bodywork sessions.

When massage and soft tissue work are performed, they help stimulate circulation, release muscular tension, and flush out metabolic waste that has built up within the muscles. As these toxins and byproducts move through the lymphatic and circulatory systems, your horse’s body relies heavily on adequate water intake to effectively process and eliminate them.

Here’s why hydration matters:

✅ Supports Detoxification: Massage increases blood and lymph flow, which helps remove lactic acid and other metabolic waste. Proper hydration ensures the kidneys and liver can efficiently filter and excrete these substances.

✅ Aids Muscle Recovery: Water helps transport nutrients and oxygen to muscle cells, promoting faster recovery and reducing post-massage soreness.

✅ Maintains Joint and Tissue Health: Hydrated muscles and fascia are more pliable and resilient, improving flexibility and reducing the risk of stiffness or re-tightening after a session.

✅ Encourages Relaxation: Proper hydration helps maintain electrolyte balance, preventing fatigue or dehydration-related discomfort that can counteract the benefits of the massage.

After a session, always make sure your horse has free access to clean, fresh water and, if needed, electrolytes (especially after heavy sweating or work). Some horses may also benefit from a light hand-walk or turnout to help the body continue processing the releases from the session.

11/05/2025

Talk about a come back!!! This boy has had quite the year with an injury, lameness, stall rest, and everything in between. This last weekend him and his rider took the champion title home along with a few other ribbons. It truly takes a village. Their trainer and team with alongside myself and . I’m so proud of these 2 🥰

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Marana, AZ

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