Crescent Moon Equine Bodywork

When it's slow at your boring full time job, you write case studies and chase the dream!

rule #2 also applies to horses that have had a break from work due to YOU taking time off. They aren't going to be right where you left off. Take the time to not only strengthen yourself but also your horse.

𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙨𝙡𝙤𝙬... 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙩
I think that one of the biggest misconceptions with horses is that because they are big, they must be strong. Because they look mature, they must be mature.

This isn't inherently true.

Strength, maturity and healing are all things that take time. A LONG TIME.

As an equine bodyworker, I really believe that the vast majority of issues (both physical and behavioral) are the result of people asking too much of horses, too quickly. If we would focus more on the basics, we would get to our end goals much faster, with happier and healthier horses.

If you want to take it slow, here are some tips:

1️⃣ With young horses, focus more on HOW you start them... not WHEN you start them. Train them on the ground to not only be good citizens, but also train their bodies to develop good muscle mass, posture and movement patterns. Don't add the complexity of a rider until a horse is strong, balanced and confident in their body. Preparing a horse to carry a rider can take a year or more.

2️⃣ The same rule applies to horses that are recovering from an injury or being restarted. Don't just assume that because they are fully grown and mature that their body can carry a rider. Become your horse's personal physical therapist. Spend a lot of time doing consistent groundwork and bodywork.

3️⃣ WALK your horses! All horses, regardless of age, discipline or fitness level, can benefit from spending more time at the walk. Faster gaits improve cardiovascular fitness, but the walk has no suspension and a greater "mind/muscle connection". The walk improves muscle development, posture, movement and proprioception. The walk is where true fitness is built.

It was a mare filled weekend minus Mr. Dakota 💕

As women, most of us have experienced menstrual cramps, hormonal fluctuations, or just days where our bodies don't feel quite right.

Now imagine trying to carry on with your normal routine while someone expects you to perform exactly the same as you do on your best days. I think most of us have also experienced this to some extent and when you're in discomfort it's HARD to be patient and forgiving.

It's easy to label mares as moody, sensitive, or "just being a mare," but the reality is that mares can experience reproductive discomfort too. Hormonal fluctuations, ovulation related discomfort, uterine inflammation, and pelvic tension can all influence how a mare feels in her body.

Yesterday I was working with a mare and spent some time on her p***c symphysis point. (This is the cartilaginous joint where the two halves of the pelvis meet.)
She made it very clear she wanted me to stay there. She leaned into the pressure and when I say leaned she back up to a wall and used that to push my hand harder into that joint. She would sway back and forth on my hand and seemed to find a lot of relief through that area.

It got me thinking about how much discomfort mares may quietly carry while still being expected to go to work, carry riders, and perform like nothing is bothering them otherwise they are labeled as being "a mare."

I'm not saying every behavior is hormone related, but sometimes what we dismiss as attitude, resistance, or sensitivity may be worth getting curious about.

Our mares put up with a lot. Maybe they deserve a little more grace and a little more consideration for what they might be feeling because I know as women we appreciate it.

Post session scratchies for this girl. Celeste says, "More please, mother!"

My summer reading list this year. Just a little light reading! 😉

Meet this handsome hunk with luscious locks, Woody!

Woody was diagnosed in early November with right front navicular changes and has been living out 24/7 as a pasture pet while his owner and veterinary team monitored how he responded to turnout and time.

His owner has now chosen to take a more structured rehab approach and has entrusted me with his ongoing care. Working closely alongside his vets, I will be supporting Woody with regular bodywork sessions and light, targeted strength work aimed at improving hindquarter engagement and developing his thoracic sling so he can gradually unload his front end more effectively.

We have also transitioned him onto an anti inflammatory forage based diet, and he will remain in consistent turnout as he is pasture sound, keeping him moving in a natural, low stress way that supports circulation and overall comfort.

We recently trialed wedged aluminum shoes, which were clearly not Woody’s preference, so we are continuing forward barefoot and adapting from there.

I am really looking forward to this rehab journey with him and grateful for the trust placed in me to support his recovery.

This is why it is so important to listen to those behaviors that "come out of nowhere." Chances are the horse has been communicating the problem for a while but the whispers and normal talking didn't work so they start to scream and shout in order to be heard. Next time your horse behaves out of the ordinary, ask why.