SK Equine Therapy MN LLC

09/22/2025

Finally I am onto the hind end, well dabbling in and out.
We often forget about muscles like the Gastrocnemius yet look where it merges to create part of the Calcaneous tendon 👀, we often look at how the foot lands as just as foot problem yet it can often be further up that is creating an instability, we look at a gluteal issue as a top end problem without looking at why a group of muscles are struggling to create a more even pattern
As someone who suffered a Gastrocnemius tear it literally stopped me in my tracks the pain was immediate and high on the scale of ouch 😃, and it took ages to heal as the tendon had been affected it was a fine line of always maybe doing to much but not knowing was how much
We always forget the middle 😊, looking at how the hocks are moving, looking at how the hocks orientate when stood still can say alot about how the horse is loading the whole hind end, and if the springboard cannot spiring then how can we ask for correct movement without something else compensating for the slack (or wobble)
Remember hocks only tell part of the story and why hip, stifle, hock, fetlock often mirror each other's issue
Try it yourself stand up rotate your hips Inwards and outwards and see how your legs move to accommodate the angle, try walking, then trotting 😉 how long is it before you become uncomfortable, what happens to your ass they either squeeze together or your lower back goes like a duck then what about the sacriolliac joints ??? How many horses stand with their tail stuck in their butt??? Could you run with your knickers doing a wedgy ?? How many horses when you pick up the hind limb over abduct or abduct what about all the other muscles that have to work as a team if one team member is down then the others have to pitch in and then maybe they become tired quicker while multitasking.
It's why I get a bit annoyed when people diss injections because sometimes horses need immediate pain relief and that sometimes comes in the form of an injection
And we havent even hit on any compensatory issues that maybe why the hocks were in trouble right from the start

09/22/2025

SKELETAL DEVELOPMENT should be considered more when we are developing young horses.

I’m not a trainer, and I can appreciate the idea of introducing tack and weight to young horses…slowly and mindfully while keeping the work light enough that the skeletal maturity is allowed for.

What I do wish I saw more of-is developing biomechanical balance in young horses from the ground before introducing tack and rider weight.

From the bodyworker perspective-the most common areas of soreness I see in ridden horses are the areas of the skeletal system that mature last…

While it’s not a clinical study by any means-but with well over 1000’s of massages under my hands I see enough of a correlation to be convinced we are doing too much too soon. More common than not-I see biomechanical imbalances in horses (of all ages) attempting to be corrected under saddle instead of in hand, which creates various compensation patterns elsewhere in the body.

I had these images created for my online classes to help owners and professionals better understand how the maturity timeline can impact performance development.

I share these thoughts in an effort to bring mindful awareness-never to criticize. I hope to see more ridden horses making it to their teens before they’re needing pharmaceutical intervention instead of the 5-10 year olds I see now.
The best time to learn new things and do better for the horse is now.

https://www.schaefferbodyworks.com/

09/21/2025

The Townline Farms Festival is pleased to announce that 22 vendors have registered to participate. Our event will feature a diverse range of products, including handmade crafts, jewelry, fudge, pastries, toys, and decorations. Activities for children will include a petting zoo, face painting, pony rides, and tractor wagon rides and a costume contest. A food truck and various vendors will also be on site. Proceeds from the event will benefit our non-profit educational organization TownlinePropertyManagement. For more information, text 218-428-4549 Townlinefarmsandstable@gmail.com or visit Townlinefarms.org Townline Farms

09/20/2025

Portable, practical, and always ready when you need it most.

The BEMER Horse-Set is built to go wherever you and your horse go, offering peace of mind and reliable support no matter the setting — because your horse deserves nothing less.

09/15/2025

🤘 push yourself

09/10/2025

09/10/2025

With BEMER, enhanced circulation and cellular support aren’t confined to the gym or your home—they travel with you, keeping you performing at your best, anytime, anywhere.

Support your recovery with BEMER therapy!

08/26/2025

Love working on this gentle giant 💙

08/24/2025

Optimizing your horse's performance requires pre- and post-training preparation. BEMER Horse-Set makes this easy.

Support your horse's recovery with BEMER therapy.

08/24/2025

The BEMER Horse-Set is your go-to device for recovery, relaxation, and enhanced performance.

Show love to your horse with BEMER therapy:)

09/25/2024

The term "fat leg" is pretty self-explanatory, but do you know the difference between stocking up and cellulitis?

Many horses will "stock up" with subcutaneous edema (fluid swelling) in two or more legs (usually the hind limbs). Stocking up generally results from a significant decrease in exercise and usually resolves as the horse starts exercising again.

Lymphangitis (or vasculitis, big leg disease, staph infection, or cellulitis), however, is a bacterial infection and a dramatically different condition. While its causes may vary, it’s easy to spot once it sets in. The swelling will be extreme, hot, very painful to the touch, and the horse will be depressed due to the fever and discomfort.

If you think your equine friend has cellulitis or even if you're not sure, we encourage you to seek professional help promptly. Your horse doctor will make the best treatment recommendations, both to reduce swelling and to address any sort of bacterial infection that might be active or that could occur due to the edema in the soft tissue.