Synergy Bodywork, LLC

Free Mini Series Introduction to Head and Neck Muscles This is an ongoing series in which UK-based consultant, Eiddwen Skellon takes us on a journey through some of the key muscles and their functions as they relate to the correct development of our equine partners.

Incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help so many horses feel their best. Grateful for clients who understand the importance of bodywork and work their hardest to ensure their horse’s success. Grateful for all the things in the works I’m so excited to roll out for everyone 😉

It truly is an honor to do this work.

Enjoy this time with your loved ones, 2 and 4 legged. Happy holiday season ✨

❓ ARE YOU CONDUCTING THIS STRETCH CORRECTLY?

A stretch is not just simply moving a part of the body from A to B and back to A. It is the careful repositioning of a body part from neutral (A) gently to correctly mobilised (B), held for 10-15 seconds before a controlled return back to neutral (A).

A stretch that is commonly struggled with in relation to this progress is a lateral cervical mobilisation stretch. In the left photo you can see the stretch being incorrectly carried out, with the tilting of the head and neck to get the treat without stretching the muscles of the top of the neck and poll region.

In the right photo, the ears remain perpendicular to the ground and you can see a clear stretch of the muscles around the body of the handler. You can imagine here that each vertebral joint has an even extension around the handler, rather than some joints being mobilised and others locking.

If you are using stretches for your horse, ensure your physiotherapist has seen you conduct them to make sure the desired result is being achieved. ✨

Some different exercises that can be used instead of just plain circles!

Horses that are anxious and insecure will usually be way more locked up in their heart energy - the sternum, shoulders, withers, thoracic sling muscles.

These days I’ve been finding myself tuning into the more complex physiological / emotional energies that get harbored in the body.

They are not as ready to trust, to let their guard down. They won’t perform their best, their energy is locked instead of in flow.

It’s not “just how they are.” I meet your horse where they’re at, and work with what they’re willing to offer me. It’s my goal to always have a good experience, so they can learn it is okay to trust and let go.

Happy horse, happy rider, happy life

PC: Natasha Raina

I am always suggesting pole work to my clients to help with proprioception, core and hind end engagement, and a little something different to boring flat work.

Add in some transitions within the gait and your horse is on the road to better posture!

Mindful Flatting: Including Ground Poles - The Plaid Horse Magazine BY ABBY FUNK If there is one thing that we can all agree on, horses probably need to jump less than they do. Between the demands of learning, practice, preparation, and actual horse showing, it can sometimes be a difficult balance to keep the number of jumps to a manageable level. In this article, w...

Massage is more than you think it is 😊

I often see people posting about their horse having muscle knots and being muscle sore, talking about having the chiropractor out, Pemf and red light, kt tape, vet’s been out and still the horse is not better, why?

My question is; why are you doing everything you can think of to help your horse feel better EXCEPT the one thing that actually addresses those sore, tight muscles directly?!

Other therapies are NOT stand-ins or substitutes for massage - they do different things for the horse.
Learn why massage is the best therapy for your horses muscles -
https://koperequine.com/why-hands-on-massage-is-the-best-way-to-for-sore-care-muscles/

Massage is one of, if not the, most effective muscle and myofascial therapies available and it can be customized to meet each horse’s physical needs. Leaving it out of your regular care and exercise routine leaves a huge hole and a missed opportunity.

Koper Equine, LLC
Equine Massage and Bodywork
Happy, healthy horses.