Equine Sports Massage Therapy

12/20/2025

Did you know.....The Tongue 👅 is the most sensitive part of your horse's mouth and the most prone to injury.

This very large muscle extends from its tip, which you can see, to the hyoid apparatus and its attachment to the ramus of the mandible at the back.

The tongue is vital for swallowing and influencing the hyoid apparatus

Like any other muscle, restriction or tension within it can induce a muscular chain reaction.

The sensitivity of the tongue is a crucial consideration when fitting a bit. An ill-fitting or harsh bit or excessive pressure on the bit from your hands can cause pain and discomfort. In some cases it can result in tension throughout the body and poor performance.

Like and follow our page for lots more tips, exercises and advice on equine anatomy and biomechanics.

12/19/2025

𝐄𝐲𝐞 𝐔𝐥𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲

Eye ulcers are not something to “wait and see” on. Horses produce a lot of tears, blink hard, and rub their faces, which means even a small ulcer can turn into a big problem fast. When a horse comes in squinting, tearing, or with a cloudy eye, diagnostics matter before treatment ever starts.

𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰:
- Fluorescein stain to identify if an ulcer is present and how deep or wide it is. The stain sticks to damaged cornea and shows us the exact shape and severity.
- Full eye exam to check pupil response, swelling, pressure concerns, and rule out deeper issues like uveitis.
- Once diagnosed, treatment is based on severity, location, and how fast the eye needs medication.

If an ulcer requires frequent medication, this is where the eye catheter comes in. A subpalpebral lavage system is a tiny tube placed through the eyelid and secured so medications can be given without fighting the horse or irritating the eye further. It allows accurate dosing multiple times a day while keeping everyone safer and reducing stress on the eye.

Bottom line: eye ulcers are painful, progressive, and time sensitive. Early diagnostics and proper treatment make the difference between healing and permanent damage.

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

12/19/2025

Last post about the plexus brachialis created a bit of confusion in some of you - it was about the spinal nerve C8. The horse has, of course, 7 cervical vertebrae! But there are 8 pairs of cervical nerves!

I prepared an image to illustrate the numbering of the cervical spinal nerves.

There is a unique system for numbering the cervical spinal nerves, which is the confusing part.
The first cervical nerve emerges through the foramen on the wing of the atlas (seen almost in the front of the atlas). The second cervical spinal nerve emerges through the intervertebral foramen of the axis (C2). So, unlike the rest of the body, cervical spinal nerves C1 - C7 emerge cranial to the vertebra of the same number. And then, there is a nerve emerging caudal to vertebra C7, in between C7 and Th1, and that is the mysterious C8 cervical spinal nerve.
The good news is that the rest of the spinal nerves emerge just caudal (behind) their corresponding vertebra.

12/18/2025

12/16/2025

I have some open dates if need some work done 903-629-5706

12/16/2025

12/16/2025

12/11/2025

𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬, 𝐬𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. . .

If I had a dollar for every time someone pulled out this tired argument, I could finally build that new barn I have been dreaming about.

So I am here to set the record straight. Comparing domestic horses to wild horses is not the slam-dunk some people think it is. Rather, it falls apart once you get past the surface because it was never solid logic to begin with.

Yes, ‘wild’ horses, moose, elk, antelope, and whatever other critters people like to use in this argument don’t wear blankets. But here’s the part that is conveniently left out: they survive by paying a price. There is no safety net. Nature is not kind. And when a wild horse isn’t thriving, nature removes it. And it can be a painful and drawn out process.

Thankfully, domestic horses don’t live this way. But the trade off is that they are required to live within the constraints of human expectations.

They live in limited space, depend entirely on what we provide, and do not have the ability to roam miles to find shelter, better forage, or protection from the elements. Some drop weight dramatically in winter. Some have metabolic disorders, clipped coats, low body conditions, or age-related problems. We groom them, ride them, and many have been bred for refinement and traits that excel in the show pen, not rugged survival.

And here’s the biggest difference: our responsibility to domestic horses is not to simply allow them to survive but rather we have a responsibility to help them thrive.

I am a huge advocate for letting a horse be a horse. But it is not always that simple. Humans domesticated them so it has become our duty to manage them.

Blanketing is not about pampering. It’s not about fashion. It’s not about treating horses like fragile glass figurines. It’s about understanding the individual needs of the animal in front of you. Some horses will be perfectly fine naked all winter. Others will burn calories they don’t have, shiver for hours, lose weight, or struggle quietly.

Will they survive without a blanket?
Most likely.

But will they thrive?
That depends on the horse. And as their caretakers, it’s our job to know the difference.

So stop using that lazy “wild horses don’t need blankets” line.

We’re in the 21st century. We have knowledge, tools, and compassion. Use them. Do what’s best for your horse, not what a wild animal has no choice but to endure solely based on principle.

And I want to be clear. I think MANY horses do just fine without blankets, just not ALL horses. And that is the distinction I am trying to make here.

Cheers,
Dr. DeBoer

I am also super grateful for Untamed Souls Photography (link to their page in the comments!) for letting me use their picture in this post. While I pride myself in creating my own visuals, I didn’t have anything I loved for this post and her picture captured my vision perfectly!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cmm3YCV3q/?mibextid=wwXIfr

12/10/2025

12/08/2025

Longissimus Dorsi ✨
Today on the calendar we’re turning our attention to one of the most important muscles in the horses body, the Longissimus dorsi.

This strong muscle runs along either side of the spine from the poll to the pelvis, forming a major part of the horse’s topline. It plays a huge role in spinal stabilisation, posture, propulsion, and collection.

🙌 There are many things you can do to support this muscle:

🎄Correct, progressive training to build strength without overloading. Groundwork like poles, long-reining, and hillwork to activate the topline.

🎄 Regular massage and physiotherapy to maintain flexibility and reduce tension. Good job you are following our calendar this month 😉

🎄 Ensuring saddle fit and rider balance to avoid undue pressure.

Don’t forget to watch our mini vlog today treating this area 🎥 https://woldsequinemassage.co.uk/course/christmas-2025-advent-vlogs

Career in Professional Equine Massage 🎓 Visit ⬇️
www.woldsequinemassage.co.uk

12/08/2025

Fascia, the Prime Vascular System and Massage’s Effects on Them (The Body’s Hidden Highway)

The concept of fascia and the prime vascular system as an integrated communication network is a fascinating area of study, blending biomechanics, biophysics, and traditional medicine.

Fascia as a Communication Network

Fascia is a continuous web of connective tissue made primarily of collagen, elastin, and a gel-like extracellular matrix. It surrounds and integrates every muscle, bone, organ, nerve, and blood vessel in the body, connecting all parts into a unified whole. Recent studies show that fascia:

• Transmits mechanical forces: It plays a critical role in force transmission across muscles and structures, supporting movement and stability.

• Facilitates biochemical signaling: The fascia contains mechanoreceptors and sensory nerve endings that respond to stretch, pressure, and vibration, influencing the nervous system.
Prime Vascular System

The prime vascular system (PVS) is a more recently described anatomical structure, first identified in animal studies. It consists of microtubules that appear to be filled with structured fluid. Its functions are still under investigation, but it is hypothesized to:

• Facilitate communication via bioelectric and biochemical signals.

• Serve as a physical substrate for the flow of energy or “qi,” as described in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

• Contain stem cells, potentially playing a role in regeneration and healing.

Light, Sound, and Frequency Transmission

Both fascia and the prime vascular system are thought to have piezoelectric properties, meaning they can generate electrical charges when mechanically deformed (e.g., by movement or pressure). This property allows them to:

• Transmit bioelectric signals throughout the body.

• Influence cellular communication and tissue repair.

Structured water, which lines the fascia and PVS, may amplify these signals. Structured water is water that is organized in a hexagonal lattice at biological interfaces. It is theorized to facilitate energy flow and information transfer at a quantum level.

Connection to the Meridian System

The meridian system, central to TCM, describes pathways through which “qi” flows. Modern research suggests that the prime vascular system aligns closely with these pathways. Furthermore:

• The alignment of meridians with fascia and PVS suggests they may be anatomical
correlates of energy flow described in TCM.

• Acupuncture points, often located along meridians, show distinct bioelectric properties, further linking these systems.
Implications

This integration of fascia and the PVS as a communication network provides a possible bridge between Western anatomical science and Eastern energy medicine. If confirmed, it could explain:

• How information (mechanical, biochemical, or energetic) is transmitted across the body.

• The effects of modalities like acupuncture, myofascial release, or vibration therapy on health and healing.

Research in this area is ongoing, and while much is theoretical, the findings could revolutionize our understanding of the body’s interconnected systems.

The Relationship Between Fascia, the Prime Vascular System and Massage

The relationship between fascia, the prime vascular system, and massage is profound, as these structures and their functions help explain the therapeutic effects of manual therapies like massage. Here’s how:

1. Enhancing Fascial Communication
Massage directly influences the fascia, which acts as a communication network in the body. By applying pressure, stretch, and movement:

• Mechanical Stimuli: Massage deforms the fascia, triggering piezoelectric effects that generate bioelectric signals. These signals can improve cellular communication and tissue repair.

• Hydration of Fascia: Massage helps redistribute structured water within the fascial layers, improving glide between tissues and optimizing the network’s ability to transmit information.

• Release of Adhesions: By releasing fascial restrictions, massage restores the continuous, integrated communication pathways of the body.

2. Facilitating Prime Vascular System Function
If the prime vascular system (PVS) serves as a conduit for bioelectric and energetic signals:

• Massage may enhance the flow of these signals by stimulating the PVS, particularly around acupuncture points and meridians that align with it.

• Techniques like acupressure or myofascial release may influence “qi” flow, aligning with traditional Chinese medicine principles.

3. Resonance and Frequency Effects
Massage techniques often involve rhythmic, wave-like movements or targeted vibrations.

These may: https://koperequine.com/fascia-the-primo-vascular-system-and-massages-effects-on-them-the-bodys-hidden-highway/

12/06/2025

Fibrotic Myopathy: A Comprehensive Guide Plus Tips for Prevention and Recovery

Takeaways

Fibrotic myopathy is a mechanical lameness that occurs when scar tissue forms in the muscle.

• It most commonly affects the hamstring muscles in the upper part of the hind limb.

• Involves thickening and scarring of connective tissue that can progressively worsen.

• Scar tissue does not behave the same way as normal muscle fibers. It is inelastic and can restrict normal function

• Affected horses display a characteristic gait abnormality.

• Fibrotic myopathy can be caused by trauma, hyperextension, repetitive strain, infection, or repeated IM injections.

• The prognosis for affected horses is generally good, with many returning to full work in about a month.

What is fibrotic myopathy?
Fibrotic myopathy is a type of mechanical lameness that occurs when abnormal scar (fibrotic) tissue forms in the muscle. Unlike normal muscle fibers, scar tissue is inelastic and can restrict the muscle’s natural elasticity, altering its function. This condition can result from various causes, including trauma (such as getting kicked, slipping and falling, catching a foot in a fence, or leaning on the butt bar of a trailer or stocks), hyperextension, repetitive strain (commonly seen in reining, cutting, roping horses and horses involved in activities that require abrupt turns and sliding stops), infection, or repeated intramuscular injections. There is also a congenital form of the disease present at birth.

Fibrotic myopathy most commonly affects the hamstring muscles in the upper part of the hind limb, particularly the semitendinosus,
semimembranosus and biceps femoris muscles.
Typically, it affects one leg at a time and involves the thickening and scarring of connective tissue, which can progressively worsen over time. The muscle fibers bond together and eventually harden. Once healed this condition is not usually associated with pain, although it can limit or prohibit performance.

How is fibrotic myopathy diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and patient history. Affected horses exhibit a distinctive gait characterized by a jerky forward stride, with the foot pulled back slightly before being placed on the ground. In some cases, the hardening of the muscles can be felt. X-rays and ultrasound imaging can help determine the location and extent of muscle damage.

Signs of fibrotic myopathy include these
commonly observed signs:

Sudden onset of warm, painful muscles.
Hind hoof slapping down at the front of the stride

Short-strided movement in one or both hind limbs.

Chronic hind limb lameness

Choppy or short gait

Visible dents or changes in the rear muscles.
Resistance to raising, lifting, or bending a limb
Hesitancy to walk on hard surfaces.

Chronic cases exhibit hardened areas of muscle
less commonly observed

Not Engaging or Collecting, Lacks Impulsion

High-Stepping Gait of One or Both Hind Limbs

How should fibrotic myopathy be addressed?

The initial tearing of the hamstring causes lameness, reluctance to move the limb, and pain and swelling in the rear of the limb. Rest is crucial during the early stages to alleviate pain and limit damage. In milder cases, massage and movement therapy soon after injury may be beneficial.

Fibrotic myopathy can be managed with a combination of treatments,

including rest,
cold therapy,
therapeutic ultrasound,
massage therapy,
stretching,
shockwave therapy,
laser therapy,
red light therapy,
water treadmill therapy,
cavaletti exercises,
and passive range-of-motion exercises.

Within 30-60 days post-injury, enough scarring typically develops to cause the characteristic gait abnormality.

By 90 days, the scar is usually fully mature.
For severe symptoms, surgery may be necessary to remove the scar tissue, cut the ligament attached at the stifle or remove ossified tissue. However, scarring can also occur at the surgery site, so this approach does not always restore full range of motion in the affected limb(s). While most horses show improvement after surgery, only about half achieve a full recovery. The procedure is often performed on a standing horse.

Questions to Ask Your Vet

Is my horse lame due to pain or is this a mechanical problem?

Is this a short-term issue or a chronic condition?

Will this condition affect my horse’s ability to do his job?

Would surgery help this condition?

How can I best manage his condition going forward?

How can fibrotic myopathy be prevented?

To reduce the likelihood of fibrotic myopathy (and other injuries),

ensure good footing,

proper warm-ups,

and careful conditioning.

Avoid sudden hard stops and turns,

limit intramuscular injections,

and minimize trauma to the hamstring muscles.

Regular massage therapy can help maintain muscle and connective tissue health, and improve exercise recovery, reducing the risk of injury. Think of it as proactive soft tissue care and maintenance.

For a horse with a mild case of fibrotic myopathy, massage can help maintain muscle condition, allowing him to continue an active and functional lifestyle.

For a horse with a more severe case, massage can help minimize the impact of compensation patterns caused by the goose-stepping gait, reducing additional wear and tear and alleviating muscle tension.

Prognosis and Relevant Factors - https://koperequine.com/fibrotic-myopathy-a-comprehensive-guide-plus-tips-for-prevention-and-recovery/