Bodywork 4 Horses

Always important to evaluate the ENTIRE horse!

THE SYMPTOM IS IN THE FOOT. THE CAUSE IS OFTEN SOMEWHERE ELSE.

A horse becomes footsore.

The natural assumption is that the problem must be in the foot.

Sometimes that's exactly what's happened.

An abscess is in the foot.

A puncture wound is in the foot.

A crack is in the foot.

The problem and the symptom occupy the same place.

But not always.

A horse lands toe-first.

What you see is in the foot.

The cause may be hock arthritis.

A horse starts wearing one foot faster than the others.

The symptom is in the foot.

The cause may be a change in how the horse is loading its limbs.

A horse repeatedly loses a shoe from the same foot.

The symptom is in the foot.

The cause may be a movement pattern that has changed because the horse is uncomfortable elsewhere.

A horse develops bruising in the same area over and over again.

The symptom is in the foot.

The cause may be altered movement from joint disease higher up.

A horse develops contracted heels.

The symptom is in the foot.

The cause may be persistent avoidance of loading part of the limb because something else hurts.

A horse grows noticeably uneven feet.

The symptom is in the feet.

The cause may be asymmetry elsewhere in the body changing how those feet are loaded.

A horse struggles on hard ground.

The pain shows in the feet.

The cause may be endocrine disease affecting the lamellae.

A horse develops laminitis.

The pain is in the feet.

The damage is in the feet.

Yet the process often begins with insulin dysregulation or other hormonal disturbance long before the foot shows it.

A horse develops recurrent abscesses.

The symptom is in the foot.

The cause may be chronic lamellar damage that has been present for months or years.

A horse struggles to turn.

The symptom may look like foot pain.

The cause may be the hocks.

Or the stifles.

Or somewhere else entirely.

A horse doesn't want to go forward.

The feet may be blamed.

The cause could be orthopaedic pain.

It could be gastric disease.

It could be respiratory disease.

It could be something else altogether.

The point is not that the feet are unimportant.

Quite the opposite.

The feet are often the first place the horse reveals that something is wrong.

But they are not always telling us where the problem started.

One of the most valuable habits in equine healthcare is learning not to stop at the first thing you can see.

The foot matters.

But it is attached to a whole horse.

And sometimes the foot is not the problem.

It's the messenger.

My heart will always have a special place for Arabians where are my roots lie deep in the horse industry! Thankful for Linda Clay for letting me come love on her beauties today with some maintenance bodywork! 🐴💖🙌🏻

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There were a lot of people that appreciated the post the other day about setting the saddle before tightening the girth, so I figured I would share a few tips about tightening the girth itself.

A few things I try to focus on:
• Tighten the girth equally from both sides of the horse
• Go SLOW - one hole at a time is appreciated by your horse
• Create movement throughout the process
• Don't over tighten - don't check at the elastic, check from the sternum area

I think it's best to allow the horse to move at least once before the final tighten, and then again after the final tighten and before mounting. This gives the skin, muscles, and soft tissue time to adjust to the pressure rather than being suddenly restricted all at once.

A few common “problems” and things to think about:

1. “Blowing up” or bloating:
Horses are not actually filling themselves with air just to make things difficult. More commonly, they are tightening their muscles and bracing in anticipation of pressure or discomfort. Slow the process down and add more movement. Often that alone changes a lot.

2. “Girthy” horses:

Sometimes girthiness is pain related. Gastric ulcers, back pain, or poor saddle fit are the most common reasons, so having the horse evaluated by a veterinarian, body worker, and saddle fitter is always the first step.

However, girthiness can also become a learned or habitual response based on anticipated discomfort with a history. In those cases, it helps to look closely at the girthing habits of everyone handling the horse. Are people rushing? Tightening all at once? Small changes in timing, pressure, movement, and even where you tighten the girth can help start changing the horse’s association with the process.

One thing I learned from a vaulting lesson I took years ago: you don’t vault onto a horse standing completely still. Why? Because landing force on relaxed muscles is harder on the horse’s back.

While girthing obviously isn’t the same level of impact, the same idea applies. Tightening the girth while the horse is walking calmly in a straight line allows the horse to engage and organize their muscles more naturally instead of bracing against sudden pressure.

Sometimes slowing down for 60 seconds creates a much more comfortable experience for the horse.

Horses can lose a significant amount of essential electrolytes through sweat as the May humidity begins to rise even during relatively light training sessions or short trail rides. We emphasize the importance of providing constant access to clean water and salt blocks to ensure that your horse maintains the proper fluid balance required for muscle function. Dehydration is a leading cause of impaction colic and decreased athletic stamina so monitoring water intake is a top priority for every owner.

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Thunderstorms and tornadoes can be a terrifying experience for both horse owners and their animals. Horses, being large, sensitive creatures, may become anxious or fearful during severe weather. It’s crucial to take proactive steps to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some key tips to help care for your horses during thunderstorms and tornadoes:

🌪️ 1. Bringing Horses Indoors: It can be hard to choose what is right when contemplating bringing your horse inside during severe weather. Ultimately it comes down to your horse, your barn options, how safe the structure you would use is, and sticking to your plan once you commit. Bringing your horse inside a well constructed barn or stable can provide them with protection from wind, rain, and flying debris. Leaving horses outside in open fields is a double edge sword as they could be at risk from lightning, hail, or falling debris; but in the event of a true tornado an open area where they are free from debris or trapped inside of a structure may be the safest option. Any horses outside during strong winds should have fly masks on to protect their eyes. While there are very few true "tornado proof" horse shelters a run-in shed or a sturdy structure that offers protection from the wind and rain can help during a severe thunderstorm.

🌪️2. Ensure Secure Fencing: Before storms hit, check your fencing to make sure it's secure. Loose or broken fences can cause chaos, especially if your horses are scared and try to run. Make sure gates are securely latched, and that there are no areas where the horses could get tangled or escape.

🌪️3. Avoid Tying Horses: During a storm or tornado, do not tie your horses. Horses tied in stalls, cross ties, or to posts may become panicked and injured, especially in high winds or if the area becomes flooded. Allow your horses to move freely in their stall or shelter to reduce the risk of injury.

🌪️4. Keep Calm and Keep Yourself Safe: Horses are highly sensitive to their owners' emotions. If you remain calm and composed, your horse is more likely to remain calm as well. Sticking to your normal barn "routine" as much as possible is helpful as horses may become more stressed by change. Putting hay in nibble nets or hay bags can help offer distraction from loud storms. It is important for you to seek shelter during severe weather so securing your horse safely and moving to a basement or interior room of your house as directed is best. You cannot help your horse if you are injured so remember: PEOPLE ALWAYS COME FIRST.

🌪️5. Monitor the Weather: Stay updated on weather forecasts and warnings. If a tornado watch or warning is issued, take immediate action to get your horses into a safe location. Pay attention to weather apps, local radio, or emergency services for alerts.

🌪️6. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Having an emergency kit (like the one offered by our office) can make a world of difference during severe weather. An additional kit for summer storms may include:
•Flashlights and batteries
•First aid supplies for both humans and horses
•Extra halters and leads (put in different places in case the structure is compromised)
•A portable radio or battery-powered weather radio
•Emergency contact numbers for local veterinarians and animal rescue services
•Blankets or wraps for warmth

🌪️7. After the Storm: Once the storm has passed, take the time to check on your horses carefully. Look for signs of injury, stress, or trauma. Check the barn or shelter for any damage, and ensure that fencing and gates are still secure. If there’s been flooding or downed trees, clear the area to prevent further injury.

For more information check out this article from The Horse magazine: https://thehorse.com/116017/preparedness-is-key-to-surviving-tornadoes-with-horses/

Our office is always available for emergencies within our radius or by haul in. Our emergency line is the same as the daytime line: 816-779-0100 (you must wait to be connected to the answering service! Do not hang up!)

The best way to ensure emergency care for your horse is to have a current relationship with your vet (regular visit within the past year). Call or click the link to schedule a visit with our office: Call or click to schedule today: https://practices.allydvm.com/online-booking?practice=wilhitefrees

The rapid growth of lush spring pastures often leads to a significant increase in non-structural carbohydrates which can pose a serious risk for horses prone to laminitis or metabolic issues. We recommend monitoring grazing time closely during the month of May to prevent sudden sugar spikes that may lead to systemic inflammation or hoof pain. Ensuring a gradual transition to pasture and utilizing grazing muzzles when necessary are practical ways to protect your horse's long term soundness.

Big topic in my human practice as well! Being able to regulate your nervous system goes a long way in a happy, healthy life!

The Vagus Nerve, Fascia, and Bodywork in Horses

The vagus nerve is a major pathway of the parasympathetic nervous system—the branch responsible for rest, recovery, and regulation. It connects the brain to many organs, influencing heart rate, breathing, digestion, and overall physiological balance.

In horses, this system plays a central role in how they respond to stress, recover from effort, and organize their bodies in both stillness and movement.

Where the Vagus Nerve Lives (and Why It Matters)

The vagus nerve runs deep within the body, traveling through the neck alongside the carotid artery and jugular vein, then continuing into the thorax and abdomen.

It is not something we directly “touch” in bodywork.

But the environment it travels through—muscles, fascia, posture, and breathing mechanics—can influence how effectively it functions.

Fascia: The Interface Between Structure and Regulation

Fascia is not just structural—it is sensory and responsive. It contains mechanoreceptors that communicate constantly with the nervous system.

When fascial layers are:

* Restricted
* Dehydrated
* Overloaded
* Poorly coordinated

…the quality of information sent to the nervous system changes.

This can influence how the horse organizes tension, breath, and posture—all of which are closely tied to vagal expression.

Massage and Fascial Therapy

Massage and myofascial work do not “stimulate the vagus nerve” directly. What they do is change the conditions around it.

Through touch, we can:

* Improve tissue glide and hydration
* Support circulation and lymphatic flow
* Reduce unnecessary muscular tension
* Increase sensory clarity

These changes often shift the horse toward a more regulated state:

* Slower breathing
* Softer eye and facial tone
* Reduced bracing
* More adaptable posture

This is the nervous system becoming more balanced—not forced into relaxation, but able to access it.

Movement and Posture: Where Change Becomes Functional

Bodywork creates opportunity. Movement is where that opportunity is used.

The vagus nerve is closely linked to:

* Breathing mechanics (diaphragm function)
* Head and neck organization
* Thoracic mobility
* Core stability

When movement and posture therapy are introduced thoughtfully, they help integrate the changes created through manual work.

This can look like:

* Improved coordination between head, neck, and body
* More efficient breathing patterns
* Better weight distribution and balance
* Reduced compensatory tension

Over time, this supports a system that can regulate itself more effectively—during work, rest, and stress.

Putting It Together

Massage, fascial therapy, and movement are not separate tools. They are different ways of influencing the same system.

* Touch changes tissue quality and sensory input
* Movement organizes that input into function
* Posture reflects how well the system is managing both

The vagus nerve sits within this larger picture—not as something to target directly, but as part of a system that responds to the overall state of the horse.

When the body is more comfortable, more coordinated, and easier to organize, regulation improves.

And that is where meaningful, lasting change happens.

The Vagus Nerve in Horses - Where it runs, what it does, its relationship to fascia, and how to influence it -
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TRAIN YOUR EYE 👀

Most owners stand beside their horse - very few stand behind them and actually look properly.

From this angle we can start assessing:

• symmetry through the wither and thoracic sling
• scapular muscle development
• topline contour
• ribcage shape and loading patterns
• hindquarter muscle balance
• overall spinal tracking and posture

Small asymmetries don’t automatically mean something is “wrong”, but they can tell us a lot about how a horse is organising load through their body.

Posture reflects movement habits, compensation strategies, saddle influence, rider asymmetry, limb loading and overall balance.

Often, these subtle changes appear long before obvious performance issues do.

This is why I always encourage owners to:
➡ stand behind their horse
➡ compare left vs right
➡ look at muscle shape, not just size
➡ learn what ‘normal’ looks like for their horse

Because posture is information - not the diagnosis, but most definitely a clue 👀

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Most horses are being underfed in forage without people even realising it. That little biscuit of hay might look like enough to us, but horses are designed to eat almost constantly. Their digestive system depends on a steady flow of fibre coming through all day and night. When forage is too restricted it can show up as: – ulcers – stress behaviours – weight fluctuations – metabolic issues – poor hoof quality – gut imbalance – and horses that just never fully settle A horse’s stomach doesn’t work on “breakfast and dinner” the way ours does. They were built to roam, graze and trickle feed for the majority of the day. Especially if you have mowed/overgrazed paddocks (grass shorter than 10cm) you need to provide 10kg of grassy hay to the average size horse.

25 of the Most Interesting & Important Properties of Fascia

Fascia is a truly fascinating tissue that plays a central role in how the horse moves, feels, and functions.

Here are 25 of the most interesting and important properties of fascia

1. Fascia is a full-body communication network.

It connects every muscle, bone, organ, and nerve—literally a three-dimensional web that transmits mechanical, chemical, and electrical signals faster than nerves in some cases.

2. It’s a hydraulic system.

Fascia is made up largely of water, and its gel-like matrix allows for gliding, shock absorption, and pressure distribution. Movement and massage help keep this system hydrated and functional.

3. It has more sensory nerve endings than muscle.

Fascia is densely packed with mechanoreceptors (for pressure, tension, stretch) and nociceptors (pain sensors). It’s key in body awareness (proprioception), coordination, and even pain perception.

4. It transmits force across the body.

Muscles don’t work in isolation—fascia distributes force across chains of movement (like the deep front line or superficial back line) spreading forces both across joints and parallel to them through other tissues.

5. Fascia can contract independently of muscle.

Thanks to tiny contractile cells (myofibroblasts), fascia can hold tension on its own—even without conscious movement. This contributes to stiffness, guarding, or holding patterns.

6. It responds to emotion and stress.

Fascia tightens during physical or emotional stress as part of the body’s protective reflexes. Trauma, fear, and chronic stress can create lasting changes in fascia tone and texture.

7. It’s plastic, not elastic.

Fascia can be slowly reshaped through use or movement. Unlike muscle, which contracts and relaxes quickly, fascia responds best to slow, sustained work (like myofascial release).

8. Healthy fascia glides.

When fascia is well-hydrated and mobile, it allows tissues to slide smoothly over each other. When it’s restricted (due to injury, inflammation, or lack of movement), tissues get “sticky,” causing discomfort and dysfunction.

9. It adapts based on how your horse’s uses his body.

Fascia thickens and remodels based on your movement patterns—or lack of them. Repetitive motion, poor posture, or inactivity can lead to densification, adhesions, or restrictions.

10. Fascia has memory.

It “remembers” tension patterns from past injuries or compensations. That’s why https://koperequine.com/25-of-the-most-interesting-important-properties-of-fascia/