Stable Hands Equine Therapy

We need the reminder that riding is a privilege and NOT a right.

I think one of the hardest truths in the horse world is this:

A lot of horses are trying their hearts out for people who are not listening to them.

Horses will compensate for us constantly.
They’ll run hollow.
They’ll brace.
They’ll carry themselves incorrectly.
They’ll keep showing up long after their body starts struggling.

Until one day they can’t anymore.

And then suddenly it’s:
– kissing spine
– injections
– ulcers
– lameness
– behavioral issues
– “he just doesn’t want to turn”
– “she’s being hot”
– “he’s lazy”
– “she’s a problem”

No. Just No. The horse has been talking the entire time.

People just didn’t want to hear it because slowing down is inconvenient.
Because sitting out is inconvenient.
Because rebuilding a foundation is inconvenient.
Because taking months to strengthen a horse correctly is inconvenient.

Everybody wants the quick fix.

The bit.
The tie-down.
The gadget.
The injection.
The program.
The magic answer that somehow lets them keep doing exactly what they’ve been doing.

But here’s the reality nobody likes:

If the horse doesn’t have the strength or education to carry itself properly, it WILL compensate.

And eventually the horse pays for that compensation physically.

Not the rider.
The horse.

That’s the part that bothers me.

The horse doesn’t get a choice.
The horse doesn’t get to say:
“Hey, this hurts.”
“Hey, I’m struggling.”
“Hey, I’m trying but I can’t carry myself like this.”

They just keep trying for us until they physically cannot anymore.

And if you find out your horse is hurting, but your biggest concern is whether you’ll miss runs, have to step down a division, or won’t get to compete for a while…then maybe it’s time to ask yourself whether this is really about the horse anymore.

I’ve sat out before.
I’ve made the hard calls before.
And I’ll do it again if that’s what the horse needs.

Because loving horses isn’t about what they can give you.

It’s about what you’re willing to give them in return.

Happy Mothers Day to all who celebrate- in any way they celebrate! 💕

I couldn’t help but repost this adorable memory of my now client (4 this year!) watching her very first bodywork session 🥹 how times flies!

I couldn’t be more excited to expand my knowledge base with such an amazing company staffed by incredible women!

Welcoming Deanna to the EQ Team!

We are thrilled to welcome Deanna as the newest member of our team. Although she has already begun working with us, she officially joins EQ as our 2026 apprentice, and we could not be more excited to have her as part of our growing community of skilled practitioners.

Deanna owns and operates Stable Hands Equine Therapy in Langley, BC. Since becoming certified in Equine Massage in 2015, she has pursued advanced education at every opportunity. Her training includes myofascial release, low level light therapy, and certification as both a kinesiology tape practitioner and instructor.

She is currently enrolled in EQ’s Orthopedic Assessment and Craniosacral courses and now joins us on Tuesdays, assisting Angie with one-on-one sessions and contributing behind the scenes as part of the team.

Horses have been central to Deanna’s life from a young age. She has worked in nearly every corner of the industry: stable hand, groom, tack store retail, equine photographer, horse trainer, riding instructor, and more. After her own experience with chronic pain, she developed a deep appreciation for how pain affects behaviour and wellbeing, ultimately guiding her toward the bodywork field.

We are looking forward to sharing more about her journey and contributions in the months ahead.

Check out the group Team BC RAWF 2025 to bid on silent auction prizes in support of our BC riders’ trip to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto!