Wild Spirit Equine Bodywork- by Lezli Gale

Motion is lotion!
The more movement they get, the better. For instance, setting your feeder as far away from the water as possible to encourage that movement.

COMMON SORENESSES
STALLED V. FREE MOVING
I’d like to talk about some of the common soreness's I see most often in stalled horses that aren’t as common in horses that have a more free movement environment.

⭕️NOTE⭕️that there are always other contributors that can be part of these issues-the stall is NOT the only problem but the lack of movement seems to be the biggest factor from my experience.

1️⃣POLL TENSION is likely the most common “soreness” I see in horses that have grain and hay feeders that require the horse to eat above neutral head position for all of their meals.
🌱free moving horses RARELY have any poll tension unless it’s caused by a dental issue, bridle fit problem or an unnatural headset posturally.

2️⃣DISTAL LIMB INFLAMMATION
is very common in horses with limited movement. I commonly find swollen/stocked legs and joint areas. This can lead to blocked lymph circulation and present more serious issues over time.
🌱herd living horses move enough to keep this at bay in most cases. Obviously, horses with underlying arthritis issues will still have problems-but I find with increased movement it’s very minimal.

3️⃣COMPENSATION SORENESS
horses carry more than half their body weight on their front end…when there is a body issue, compensation can happen in other areas of the body.
🌱horses in constant motion have the opportunity to work these areas out. They are actually really good at working out quite a few of their own “kinks” when given the opportunity.

4️⃣ULCER BEHAVIORS simply stated-are NOT anything I see in horses that aren’t stalled. Horses that are in a comfortable, established herd with 24/7 forage are very unlikely to experience ulcers.
🌱freedom. forage. friends. make for happy calm horses and bellies.

All of these 👆🏼things are out of the animal's control.
We are our horse's advocates, and we should always strive to make changes needed for their overall health and happiness.

If you would like to learn more about functional equine wellness practices-I would love to travel al bit and clinic on the topics, so feel free to reach out if you and your equine friends would like to learn more!

schaefferbodyworks.com
[email protected]

I got to massage Moose for the first time today! He was so great, I am so happy he's going on my monthly rotation. Just like us having regularly scheduled monthly, or bi-monthly appointments are going to be ideal for prevention, optimal living and even faster recovery. I can see such a big difference in how the horse feels and responds after each appointment, even only 2 & 3 episodes. It's so great to see them experience the benefits of bodywork, and soften into it a little more each session.

I am still working on my hands on hours, I am scheduling for the 2nd week of June! I am charging no service fee, just a travel fee if you are farther than 25 miles from me. To check on the cost of your travel fee just send me a message.

The more you know! Did you know any of these common misconceptions?

HORSEKEEPING MISCONCEPTIONS
Here’s what I consider the 2 biggest horse-keeping misconceptions and 2 of the biggest benefits track living provides:

MISCONCEPTION 1:
Horses get enough “exercise” during limited turnout and work.

TRUTH:
Feral horses move up to 20 miles a day, stalled horses only freely move up to a mile and track horses can move up to 11 miles or more.

MISCONCEPTION 2:
Horses can be on grass 24/7/365

TRUTH:
Much of the average pasture is not suitable for horses in unlimited quantities.
Most horses CAN tolerate it in short well managed times.
Lush, thick, green grass is too high in sugar and starches for horses to process.

My favorite nugget from Amy Dell's book:
https://www.amazon.com/Horse-Track-Systems-Guide-Healthier/dp/0993504841
“This way of keeping horses has caused many health and behavioral problems that are now so common they are rarely questioned. Equine obesity, laminitis and stomach ulcers are on the rise and yet it’s normal to see a horse kept alone with no hay, or weaving/cribbing at a stable door”

WHY am I so passionate about this topic?
Because so much of the “normal” body soreness contributors with horses are directly due to their environment.

All things that can be addressed to give the horses a better quality of life.
I hope that I can inspire just one owner or facility owner to see the value in this concept!!

Fun Fact. I am also a photographer and offer equine sessions, as well as, equine profession branding photos.

If you have any interest in a session please let me know. My rates and options can be found at my photography website listed in the comments!

Happy May 1st!
I have a few dates left for massages free of charge! (There is a travel fee for locations that are passed 25 miles from me.)

Available:
Tuesday May 19th at 12PM BOOKED
Friday May 22nd at 11AM BOOKED
Wednesday May 27th at 11AM BOOKED

When the horses show me signs of relaxation I take that as a sign they're finding benefits in the massage. When their owners who know them so well tell me THEY see a big difference it is the biggest compliment. If the horse is not enjoying the massage, we stop- there's no point if it's not helping them.

I am so grateful for all the horses Ive had the ability to massage so far. I am officially half way through my hands on hours! That means I am still offering free practice massages services, if you are farther than 25 miles from me there is a travel fee. Message me with your location to see about scheduling. I am currently scheduling for mid May. 😊

This sweet old mare looovved her massage today, and I was told she rolled right after I left. 😍