Bodywork 4 Horses

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Progress in equine medicine continues to change what’s possible for horses. Dr. Bramlage explains how advances in veterinary care are helping horses recover from injury and move forward, challenging long-held beliefs about what can be achieved 🐴

Does bedding depth affect rest? The answer is yes

When horses are stalled, especially when they are stalled for an injury, we often want to ensure that they will get adequate rest. Many factors affect how much horses lay down to rest and many of those factors are things that are difficult for us to control. Bedding depth is a factor that we can control, however bedding is expensive. It is tjherefore good to evaluate if deeper bedding does in fact encourage horses to lay down.

Researchers Suomala et al published a research study where they evaluated the affect of bedding depth on the rest of horses stabled overnight.

They evaluated two bedding depths - 5cm and 15cm - They used peat bedding so results may be different on shavings which are more commonly used in the US.

A cross over design was used meaning the same horses were evaluated bedded in 5cm and 15cm to control for individual horse variation

Healthy riding horses were used, so results may be different for horses that are injured or on stall rest.

What they found:

Horses actually spent very little time laying down overnight

Increasing the bedding depth almost doubled the amount of time the horses spent laying down - From a mean of 35 min to a mean of 70 min

Increasing bedding depth increased the amount of time horses spent in sternal recumbency but did not affect the amount of time horses spent in lateral recumbency (laying flat out)

While this is only one study, it does provide some evidence that increasing bedding depth does help extend the amount of time a horse lays down and rests.

Here is the link to the article
https://www-sciencedirect-com.proxy.mul.missouri.edu/science/article/pii/S016815912600287X

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The Energy Connection Between Horse and Human: Science and Sensation

The“energy” you feel from a horse when you’re working closely or riding isn’t just poetic language — it’s a very real combination of biological, psychological, and sensory phenomena. Here’s a breakdown of what’s going on:

1. Body Heat & Heart Rate Synchrony

Horses are warm-blooded and have a large body mass. Standing near them exposes you to a lot of radiant heat, which your nervous system interprets as comforting and grounding.

Research also shows that when humans and horses are in close contact, their heart rates and even heart-rate variability can synchronize. This entrainment can make you feel calmer, more “in tune,” and subtly energized at the same time. Studies at the HeartMath Institute and at universities in Europe have shown that when a person touches or stands near a horse, their heart rates and heart-rate variability can become synchronized within minutes.

HRV reflects the balance of the autonomic nervous system. Synchrony usually correlates with calmness and a sense of connection.

This phenomenon has also been documented between humans, but the effect seems stronger with large animals like horses.

2. Electromagnetic Fields & Subtle Sensations

Every heart generates an electromagnetic field. Because a horse’s heart is about four times the size of a human’s, its field is stronger and can be detected several feet away. While the field is weak in terms of measurable force, our nervous systems are very sensitive. Many people describe feeling more grounded, peaceful, or alert when near a horse — a likely mix of the electromagnetic field and your own body’s mirror responses.

Every heart generates a small electromagnetic field detectable with instruments like magnetocardiograms. Because a horse’s heart is about four times bigger than a human’s, its field extends farther — estimated up to several feet.

3. Mirror Neurons & Emotional Contagion

Horses are highly attuned prey animals. They pick up on micro-expressions, tension, breathing, and subtle movements. When you approach a horse, your nervous system unconsciously mirrors its state. A relaxed horse can calm you; an anxious horse can make you tense. This bidirectional feedback is part of what people describe as “energy exchange.”

You can also influence your horse by extending your positive, calm energy to merge with your horse’s.

4. Thermal and Sensory Input

Horses give off substantial body heat (around 101°F/38°C core temperature). Being near that much warm mass can affect your peripheral nervous system, blood flow, and comfort levels.
Touching or grooming a horse activates mechanoreceptors in your hands, releasing oxytocin and reducing cortisol.

5. Rhythm & Movement (especially when riding)

Riding places you in direct, rhythmic contact with a living being. The horse’s stride creates a 3-dimensional movement under you, which gently mobilizes your pelvis and spine. This motion is similar to human walking patterns, which is why therapeutic riding can stimulate balance, proprioception, and even emotional regulation. The regular rhythm is naturally soothing to the autonomic nervous system.

6. Presence & Mindfulness

Horses live in the present. They don’t ruminate or plan ahead the way humans do. Being with them can “pull” you into the present moment, lowering stress hormones and making you feel more centered. Because they’re so sensitive, they also respond instantly to your emotional shifts, giving immediate feedback that deepens your self-awareness.

7. Bioenergetic or “Chi” Interpretation

In many bodywork and equine-assisted modalities, practitioners describe this as an exchange of “chi” or life-force energy. While this isn’t measurable in the same way as heat or electromagnetic fields, it’s a powerful framework for understanding the felt sense of connection.

8. Psychoneuroimmunology

Positive, emotionally regulating interactions with animals (including horses) can improve immune markers, lower blood pressure, and increase serotonin and dopamine levels.

Putting it together

When you’re close to a horse, you’re experiencing:

Heat + electromagnetic fields (literal physical energy) Nervous system co-regulation (heart rate, breathing) Rhythmic input (especially riding) Heightened presence and attunement

This unique combination can feel like a warm, powerful, yet calming “energy” that many people find transformative.

https://koperequine.com/how-horses-store-energy-in-their-muscles/