Light Touch Equine Bodywork

04/26/2026

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Common trends I see at events -
𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐭. 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬. 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐬.
𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.

I am CONSTANTLY picking up inflammation in these three specific areas with my acuscope readings at every major event I go to. Hands down they are some of the most common hot spots I see.

It’s the accumulation of small stressors that compound together.

The hauling, the competing, the stalls, the STRESS

After only 1–3 hours hauling horses show significant increases in cortisol (stress hormone) which is produced from the adrenal glands… Guess where they are located? Low back😉 (Miller, et.al. 2021) Can you imagine if we multiply that number by 10? A huge percentage of the horses at these big events aren’t just hauling an hour or two down the road… A number of them are traveling 10, 20, even 30 hours. Then we ask them to compete.

In addition to an increase in cortisol, physiologically there are also an increase in inflammatory responses post-hauling, PLUS an increase in white blood cells (specifically neutrophils). Now add in several nights in small stalls (in a loud barn with lights consistently on) AND competing (inflammation + microtrauma = more stress)… All also significantly affecting immune function.

Cortisol increases
Neutrophils increase
Lymphocytes decrease
Lactic acid + anaerobic metabolic byproducts accumulate

The extra little details add up when it comes to recovery!!

Some consistent patterns I’ve recognized with horses that are often see recovering faster -

• Lots of walks out of their stalls
• Magic cushion, lots of shavings, mats, etc…. their poor feet get SO sore standing in those stalls
• Cold spa and/or icing to control inflammation (I love adding in salt and Lameaway)
• On a regular acuscope schedule
• Happy tummies!! This is HUGE

Every 1% matters… even MORE when it comes to preventative maintenance and recovery!!

#𝙐𝙣𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨

04/26/2026

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04/26/2026

04/26/2026

I’ll never understand why people think this is cute or harmless, because it’s not. It’s dangerous. Period. End of conversation. Letting a horse hang its head out of a trailer window while you’re driving might look like they’re “enjoying the breeze,” but what they’re actually exposed to is a long list of risks that can end in serious injury or worse.

Debris on the road doesn’t just hit your windshield, it hits them too. Rocks, gravel, bugs, trash… all of it is coming at their face at highway speeds. One bad hit to the eye and you’re looking at an emergency that could cost them their vision.

Then there’s the risk of impact. All it takes is one passing vehicle getting too close, a mirror clipping them, or the trailer shifting slightly, and now you have a catastrophic head injury. Even something as simple as sudden braking can cause them to lose balance while their head is outside, putting strain on their neck or causing them to slam into the trailer.

And let’s not ignore the respiratory side, constant wind, dust, and exhaust blowing directly into their airways for miles. That’s not “fresh air.” That’s irritation and stress on their system.

Your horse is safest with its head inside the trailer, properly secured, with good ventilation designed into the trailer itself. That’s what those windows and vents are for.

We spend so much time trying to protect our horses, this is one of the easiest ways to do it.

It’s just not worth the risk.

04/23/2026

04/20/2026

🐎 Tip Tuesday
Releasing Tension in the Poll

This is something I often show my students on their first day as it’s a simple way you can help your horse relax. The poll is such a common area for tension, especially in horses that are in regular work or can feel a little tight through the neck.

Standing safely to the side, place your fingers just behind your horse’s ears at the top of the neck. From here, use very light pressure and either make small, slow circles or simply hold the pressure and wait. Don’t feel like you need to “do” too much. This area responds best to a quiet, gentle approach. Watch your horse closely. You might notice blinking, licking and chewing, soft eyes, or even the head lowering slightly. Those are all signs you’re on the right track.

Just 30 to 60 seconds on each side is plenty. If your horse feels unsure, lifts their head, or moves away, just ease off and give them a moment. It should always feel comfortable for them.

Careers in Equine Massage
www.woldsequinemassage.co.uk

04/20/2026

04/14/2026

04/13/2026

This!!