08/30/2025
Lungs ๐ซ The most asked for topic on my page. While most want to know what meds Iโve used on my mares, no one has dove deep in the signs of early breathing issues. While a BAL can pin point asthma, inflammatory airway disease, and whether or not your horse is a confirmed bleeder. While an allergy panel can tell you what they could be allergic to. While scoping them can show you what their upper airways look likeโฆ There is MUCH more to it.
Diaphragm muscle ๐ช๐ผ This muscle hugs your lungs. A happy diaphragm allows the lungs to expand and take those big deep breaths. A contracted diaphragm causes short fast breaths. This muscle starts at their girth and ends up by their lower lumbar. You have a cinchy horse but have exhausted ulcer meds? You most likely have a mad diaphragm muscle. This muscle ties into your psoas muscle. Your psoas is a huge key component to hind end range of motion. Restriction of your diaphragm muscle can cause short strides in the front end, which then causes restrictions in your psoas, leading to short strides in the hind end. Your horses ability to breathe controls much more than you think.
๐ฉShort stride
๐ฉCinchy
๐ฉSore back
๐ฉStiffness
My mare for example has asthma. I know when sheโs struggling to breathe just by how short her stride is in the front end. She wonโt want to walk freely on a loose rein. She will have a short choppy trot, and would rather lope. When this is ignored, over the next few days she will get cinchy and has a hard time recovering after a work out. Anyone with asthma will tell you that their chest hurts and how sore they can be from not being able to breathe.
So while pharmaceuticals are a big help with an athleteโs lungs, so are knowing early signs that your horse is uncomfortable. That is an individual feel! Not one horse is the same. Iโm always willing to help where I can but when you donโt know your horse, or arenโt willing to do the vet work, my hands are tied.
So next question, how do you help a restricted diaphragm? Well, my Acuscope/Myopulse can help with releasing tension and fascia that might be causing this. If you can find an osteopath, they are amazing when it comes to helping a restricted diaphragm. Knowing your horses lungs with vet work! Huge key ๐ factor to keeping the diaphragm happy.
๐ฃ Thank you Tami Elkayam Equine Bodywork for the coolest visual on how things connect! So talented!
