#equinebodyworker

I haven’t talked about ear tension, but it can contribute to many connection issues. Everyone knows that poll tension is bad and can affect the quality of your rides, but few people realize that a lot of poll tension can be released through the ears. Moving the ears can help release the rectus capitis muscle group, which when contracted can affect the horse’s ability to travel straight and step through. Diesel was particularly stuck on the left side in this session. Swipe to see what changed after we released the tension! - Things that can cause tension in your horse’s ears include unsteady or rigid hands, ill-fitting bridles, dental issues, and even eating out of a hay net (ever watch your horse repeatedly rip at his hay net? That pattern can cause major tension down the road!). - #hannasomatics #massage #somatics #bodywork #equinemassage #equinemassagetherapist #equinebodywork #equinebodyworker #equinehannasomatics #hannasomaticeducation #ehs #ears #tension #relaxed #beforeandafter #anatomy #diesel (at Dragonbalance Equine Bodywork) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnMxbI9gv0S/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7toqktxeewsu

I broke out the #rocktapeequine to help support #hagrid's lumbar spine. As he moves forward in his #dressage #training, he's developing #strength but at the same time is getting tight and sore. #rocktape helps him maintain #relaxation and #flexibility between our #bodywork sessions. #rubeushagrid #sirrubeus #younghorse #dressagehorse #draftcross #friesiancross #massage #equinemassage #equinebodywork #equinebodyworker #equinehannasomatics #ehs #hannasomatics #hannasomaticeducation (at Dragonbalance Equine Bodywork)

Muscle Monday Transversus Pectoralis It’s been a few weeks since my last post due to a range of things happening. Not only did I undertake come professional development, I have been assisting my husband and his colleague with the setting up of their webpage and social media platforms. They are in the process of creating a distillery and it’s been rather exciting at our house watching it all play out. Anyhow, I promised to focus on the Transversus Pectoralis when I last posted so that’s the muscle for today. The Transversus Pectoralis is a superficial muscle in the pectoral group. It runs on the transverse plane (or horizontally) of your horses chest originating at the sternum and inserting into the antebrachial fascia (inside of the horses leg). When you look at the image below, the location will become clearer. The Transversus Pectoralis is circled in red on my little mate Oakley. The Transversus Pectoralis is responsible for the protraction and retraction of the forelimb and is an adductor (to bring towards) muscle. This muscle forms part of the Thoracic Sling which is crucial for elevation of the base of the neck and aids in collection. If your horse is restricted or holding tension in the Transversus Pectoralis you may notice increased difficulty in lateral work or the muscle may react to touch. To keep it supple and strong do front leg stretches, carrot stretches to the sternum, a little bit of lateral work, straddling a pole or you may try traversing a hill if it’s safe to do so. #horsemuscles #equinebodyworker https://www.instagram.com/p/B3TbyN2jTbs/?igshid=d2bnvr1ck2ol

I’ll be in Natural Bridge, Virginia this weekend for a bodywork clinic at Hidden Meadows Farm. Contact @lizzycbarker if you’d like to join us! - P.S. auditing is free! - #massage #bodywork #equinemassage #equinebodywork #equinebodyworker #equinemassagetherapist #equinehannasomatics #hannasomatics #hannasomaticeducation #somatics #ehs #learning #virginia #horses (at Dragonbalance Equine Bodywork)

I hope your Monday is as relaxing as Daisy’s! #massage #bodywork #equinemassage #equinebodywork #equinebodyworker #equinemassagetherapist #equinehannasomatics #hannasomatics #hannasomaticeducation #ehs #somatics #saddlebred (at Dragonbalance Equine Bodywork)

Who can spot the differences in this mare’s front legs? What still needs to be addressed? #beforeandafter #hannasomatics #equinebodyworker #horsesofinstagram #hannasomaticeducation #equinemassagetherapist #massage #bodywork #equinemassage #equinebodywork #ehs #conformation #changes #spotthedifference #saddlebred (at Dragonbalance Equine Bodywork)

Tension and balance changes in the front end. This guy has been one big puzzle and today we got to put some big pieces back in place! Check out the difference in his chest and knees! He’s been able to make such good progress because his owner has put in a lot of work outside of our sessions following recommendations I’ve made, working with the vet, farrier, and trainer to help bring out the best in this guy. Top notch horse care really does take a whole team, and I’m proud to be part of this one! #massage #bodywork #equinemassage #equinebodywork #equinebodyworker #equinemassagetherapist #equinehannasomatics #hannasomatics #hannasomaticeducation #ehs #relaxation #beforeandafter #horsesofinstagram (at Dragonbalance Equine Bodywork)