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Whinnies Equine Wellness - Kassie Knur

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Sandwich, IL
Whinnies Equine Wellness - Kassie Knur

Serving Northern IL
(1)

WEW focuses on trigger point release techniques designed to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, reduce stress and promote overall health ensuring your horse feels their best whether they’re in the pasture or the show ring!

08/20/2025

🐴The 72-Hour Effect: The Gift That Keeps On Giving

When your horse gets a massage, you’ll notice immediate changes: softer muscles, improved flexibility, and often a calmer demeanor. But the benefits don’t stop when the therapist leaves. In fact, a single session can keep working for up to 72 hours afterward.

Here’s how:

1. Circulation & Lymphatic Support

Massage boosts blood flow and lymphatic drainage. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your horse’s muscles while removing metabolic waste. These improved circulatory effects continue for days, supporting tissue repair and recovery.

2. Nervous System Balance

Horses often live in a state of heightened alertness. Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and allowing muscles to let go of tension. The nervous system “reset” doesn’t vanish instantly — your horse continues to enjoy the calming effects for 2–3 days.

3. Fascia & Range of Motion

Myofascial release hydrates and loosens connective tissues. Once restrictions are eased, tissues remain more mobile for several days, allowing your horse to move with greater fluidity and less restriction.

4. Biochemical Benefits

Massage stimulates the release of endorphins and nitric oxide, chemicals that reduce pain sensitivity and enhance circulation. These chemical shifts linger in the tissues, extending the therapeutic effects beyond the session.

5. Neuromuscular Integration

Perhaps most importantly, your horse’s body “learns” new movement patterns once restrictions are gone. Over the following days, your horse will explore freer strides, better weight distribution, and improved posture — reinforcing the gains from the massage.

Bottom line: One massage session sets off a cascade of healing responses that can last for 72 hours. That’s why sessions spaced every 2–4 weeks are so effective. Your horse continues to improve long after the hands-on work ends, making massage not just a momentary fix, but a lasting investment in health and performance.

https://koperequine.com/massage-therapy-positively-affects-atp-production-and-ion-balance/

08/19/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C64Xfpwmw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

08/15/2025

✨This message from a new client made my whole day!!✨

They’ve had this mare for a few months & got her from a sale barn with an unknown history. Yesterday was my first time working on her. She definitely struck me as a bit shut down from her past experiences & was not really expressive during her massage. We got maybe 2 licks & chews? Most of our session she was kind of checked out or needed hay to stop moving.

One of her owners main concerns was that they had not been able to get her on her right lead in the time they’ve had her. Well now today she got it!! I’m so happy to have helped loosen her up & get her comfortable enough to try ❤️

I really wanted to share this this to highlight that just because a horse might not seem super “into” a session or not be very expressive, (I know we all love to see those big yawns), it doesn’t mean they aren’t still getting plenty of benefits!🐴

08/07/2025

Hello all! I will be available to take 1-2 appointments in the Hampshire area/along this route Wednesday afternoon (13th). With the heat & pesky bugs I’ve been finding lots of tight shoulders & necks lately. Many of your show, rodeo & trail horses have been working hard this summer too so let me help give them some TLC! Please pm me to get on my schedule ☺️

**Spots are Booked! Thank s friends 🥰**

07/22/2025

When your massage is so calming you nearly lose consciousness 😂🥰😴 This handsome guy had been struggling with some discomfort in his hind end recently. His owners had given rest and medication but sought my assistance in relieving his muscle tension to help facilitate a full recovery. I think it’s safe to say he thoroughly enjoyed his session! B&B Horse Ranch

07/09/2025

Recent research shows that oxytocin—often called the “bonding” or “feel-good” hormone—is released in response to certain types of touch, including therapeutic techniques like massage and myofascial release. While oxytocin is known for fostering relaxation and emotional connection, it also plays a key role in promoting healing and supporting tissue repair.

In horses, oxytocin release can:
🔹Reduce stress and anxiety
🔹Promote a sense of safety and trust
🔹Strengthen emotional bonds
🔹Modulate pain
🔹Enhance the body’s ability to rest, digest, and repair

Massage therapy can help stimulate oxytocin, supporting both the physical and emotional well-being of the horse.

07/08/2025

20 Handy Tips About Lameness That Everyone Should Know -

1. A lameness can stem from many sources, including musculoskeletal problems, hoof issues, joint inflammation, tendon or ligament injuries, and neurological conditions.

2. A forelimb lameness is identified by looking for the head nod. The head will go up when the lame limb hits the ground and down when the sound limb hits the ground. It is easier to notice the ‘head nod’, therefore when the head nods, it is the opposite leg that is lame.

3. Check for heat, swelling , pitting and a pulse. Inflammation brings blood to the area. (“Pitting” is a condition where pressure on the swollen area creates an indentation or pit that remains for a short time after the pressure is released. This type of inflammation is often associated with bacterial infections where fluid accumulates in the tissues, leading to swelling and the characteristic pitting appearance when pressure is applied)

4. A horse with arthritic wear and tear (common in older horses), will often get better as he goes, which is known as ‘warming out of it’. The lameness will usually be less obvious after a few minutes. Additionally he will often be worse on hard ground (tarmac) in comparison to the arena. This is due to more concussion on his joints.

5. A horse with soft tissue damage will often get worse as he goes and is often lamer on a soft surface (arena), as the tissue such as an affected tendon or ligament is being stretched more than it would be on a hard surface with no give.

6. A hind limb lameness is more difficult to detect. If you watch the horse trotting away from you, the lame leg usually has more movement at the hip. It helps to attach white sticky tape to both hip bones to make this more obvious to the eye. The limb will also often swing out wider.

7. A horse with sore muscles may also get better as he goes, or ‘warm out of it’, although he will continue to show subtly altered mechanics, with the horse lack of connection, crookedness, unevenness, reduced power or endurance or difficulty performing certain tasks he has been capable of in the past.

8. Read the rest of these very important tips here - https://koperequine.com/18-handy-facts-about-lameness/

06/16/2025

I have an opening to massage in the Sandwich to Elburn area this Wednesday @ 3pm!

Pm me if you’d like to take it 😉

06/04/2025

Why Bridle Buckles Should Sit at Eye Level — Not on the TMJ

I thought id do a post about this for educational / awareness purposes, I see this alot and most of the time its simply because people are not aware.

Proper placement of the bridle’s cheekpiece buckles is more than just a matter of appearance — it’s crucial for your horse’s comfort and health. Buckles should sit roughly in line with the corner of the horse’s eye, not higher, where they can press against the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

The TMJ is located just in front of the ear, where the jaw hinges. It’s a sensitive, complex joint that plays a vital role in the horse’s ability to chew, flex at the poll, and respond softly to the bit. When bridle buckles sit too high, they can put direct pressure on this joint, especially when a noseband or bit is engaged.

Why This Matters:
Pain and discomfort: Constant pressure on the TMJ can cause soreness and inflammation, which may result in the horse displaying signs of discomfort such as head tossing, grinding the bit, or resisting contact.

Restricted movement: Pressure on the TMJ can limit the jaw’s natural motion, affecting chewing and soft acceptance of the bit.

Behavioural issues: A horse in discomfort may become anxious, unwilling to work, or develop avoidance behaviours under saddle.

By positioning the buckles at eye level, you ensure they rest on the flatter part of the horse’s face where there’s no joint or nerve pressure. This promotes relaxation, clearer communication through the reins, and a much more comfortable experience for your horse.

I personally prefer to ride without a nose band at home, less it more when it comes to a horses sensitive face/nerves in my opinion.

* The left bridle is made to measure, fly veils can alter fit so it was fitted with and without to ensure there was no pressure points. The right bridle is an example of an ill fitting " off the shelf " bridle.

05/23/2025

All horses are built different & have different saddle needs but I’m a big fan of Stubbens for high withered horses. Some great information here about the horse anatomy & tree point length. Help keep your horses back healthy and functioning correctly with a well fitted saddle!

05/08/2025

I’ve been so busy working on others horses my own girl was way past due for some love! Dez was the biggest reason I wanted to learn to massage equines. She’s come such a far way & is able to relax both physically & mentally so much easier now with consistent bodywork. I see this in many of my clients who book multiple sessions with me as well! It’s truly remarkable to see nervous or defensive horses learn to lean into our sessions & release so much tension. I’m honored to be a part of it ❤️

05/06/2025

It’s been week of the sorrels so far! 🧡

Let’s see your favorite red heads, share them in the comments 😊⬇️

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Sandwich, IL
60548

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+18157397572

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