Equine Kinection

Your horse can only perform to the level their body is capable of supporting, and that’s something we can’t afford to overlook when we’re asking horses to progress through the levels.

As the demands of training increase, so do the physical demands placed on your horse. More collection requires strength and control. More advanced movements require greater mobility, coordination and stability. And when the body can’t meet those demands efficiently, compensation can start to appear.

It can look like a horse taking longer to warm up, feeling different on one rein, finding a movement harder than usual or simply not feeling quite like themselves.

Those changes give us an opportunity to ask why something has changed rather than simply asking the horse to work through it.

That’s the foundation of our approach.

We’re not interested in making every horse move in the same way or chasing a particular aesthetic. We want to understand the individual horse, identify where restrictions or compensations may be influencing their movement and consider what their body needs to meet the demands of their training.

Brandi’s progression from Training Level to Grand Prix is a great example of why this matters.

That progression wasn’t created overnight. It has been built through consistently supporting her horse’s body, responding to what they needs at each stage and addressing the smaller things before they have the opportunity to become bigger limitations.

Performance-focused bodywork shouldn’t be about chasing problems. It should be about understanding the horse behind the performance and giving their body the support it needs to keep progressing.

If you’re interested in understanding where your horse could benefit from additional support, DM the word “PERFORMANCE”and let’s talk.

Have you ever heard riders talk about flying change hell? 🙋🏼‍♀️

It is something I am all too familiar with. Getting a clean change consistently when I started them with Junior seemed like it was never going to happen, we started out getting it like 25 percent of the time, then a bit more often and more.

We just kept chipping away with the training, supporting his body that was working hard, with massage to make sure there were no restrictions holding him back. And finally one day they were there.

The last couple of years we have received comments from multiple judges about how his changes were his highlight or party trick. Those comments mean the world because for a little while a handful of years ago, I struggled to think we were ever going to get a single clean change consistently. But with consistent bodywork and working with the rest of his team (vet, farrier, chiropractor) we were able to make sure his body was feeling good, so that we could keep building the proper strength, suppleness, and straightness with his training.

Meet our client Kjirsten and her two, very different, mares. We started working together to relieve any areas of restriction, and to make sure they both can perform their best.

Kjirsten is incredibly diligent about her homework which helps to support the changes we make in the bodywork sessions. This improves each horses’ strength, suppleness, and straightness, and in turn improves their overall performance.

Working with such amazing owners is one of the things that makes our work an absolute joy.

If you’d like to talk through how we can support you and your horse, DM us the word “SUPPORT”.

Wow what a weekend our founder Brandi had at the Regional Championships last weekend!

The weather meant that the weekend started out a little rocky… It rained a lot and meant that Brandi’s horse was very unsure about the footing the first day.

But they then went on to have their best ride yet at I2 on Saturday, despite the rain!

It was so much fun and we’re loving supporting clients for those final few championships over the next couple of weeks.

Three horses. Three very different needs.

Addisen has trusted Brandi with her horses over many years, and hearing how bodywork has had impacted them physically, mentally and in their performance, means so much.

From recovery and relaxation to confidence, willingness and development, this is why we do what we do.

Swipe through to read about Addisen’s three horses: Klaas, Zeckra and Sovvy!

For more information, DM us the word “TEAM” to find out more about working together.

Your horse’s progress shouldn’t feel like something you have to figure out on your own. Sometimes, you need someone who can look at the bigger picture with you, help you understand what your horse is telling you, connect the dots and work alongside you to make things feel more manageable.

That’s what being in your corner means to us.

It’s not just about what happens during a massage. It’s about the conversations before and after, the little changes we notice, the exercises that fit into your existing routine and helping you work alongside your other professionals towards the same goal.

Ultimately, we want you to feel completely supported.

Whether you’re working towards your next competition, trying to help your horse feel more comfortable or wanting to understand them better, we’re here to help you and your horse move forward together.

And honestly? There’s nothing better than that moment when something finally clicks. When the movement that’s always felt difficult suddenly feels easier. When you get off and think, “wow, that felt different”!

If you’re ready to overcome those little hurdles that have put a ceiling on your horse’s performance, bodywork could be the answer to unlocking the next level! DM us and let’s chat.

Red Pine Finals at Otter Creek is just 10 days away! Over the next few days, we will be sharing some of the fun activities planned for the weekend.

Most importantly, Red Pine would like to recognize and thank our WONDERFUL sponsors who are helping make this an extra special show.

And don't forget that Huppert Photography will be taking pictures and St. Croix Saddlery will have a tack trailer onsite. Food stand will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Equine Kinection will also be available onsite by appointment for equine body work/massage. Boxes by Genna will also have many horse themed gift boxes for purchase.

If you caught our post recently about how important strength, suppleness and straightness are key to your horse’s movement, you’ll know how fundamental these three areas are.

That’s why our approach uses these fundamentals to guide the way we support your horse. We will always start with these 3 areas to identify strengths and weaknesses, highlighting where your horse needs our support.

The answer is never just one exercise or a training plan that is a tick box exercise, it’s about looking at your horse as a whole and tailoring their experience.

✅ Building strength progressively without overstretching
✅ Developing suppleness through varied movement that encourages freedom
✅ Improving straightness by understanding why your horse moves the way that they do

These three key foundations don’t exist independently, so you can’t expect to improve them independently.

Better movement starts with better foundations.

DM us the word “MOVEMENT” to discuss how our approach can support your horse.