Rockin’ B Equine Therapy

FALL IS COMING!
Are you preparing for the fluctuations in forage sugars that can impact your horses?!

We commonly hear people talking about the gradual introduction to lush, spring pastures-but don't really talk enough about the dangers of fall grass sugar spikes too!

While fall pastures may look browner and “there isn't much grass out there”, cold nights + sunny days = sugar spikes, stressed grasses (from drought, cold nights, frost) will store carbohydrates in their stems and roots, when eaten will still pose a problem for many horses.

Horses that have been diagnosed with ANY metabolic concerns should be closely monitored during these times for any hoof inflammation or laminitic signs.

Some easy tips:
+use grazing muzzles if pasture is your only option
+feed good quality hay in slow feeder nets to provide some of the good things they will miss from pasture grasses while grazing may be restricted to safest times.
+ideal grazing times would be early in the morning before the sun really starts to hit the pasture (IF the temps the night before didn’t drop below 40 degrees)
+monitor weight, condition and hooves
Knowledge is power-with the right tools and understanding you can avoid major issues that can be prevented.
I found this great article by Green Guard Muzzles that also links to a list of articles explaining the fall grasses further! Be prepared!!

https://www.gg-equine.com/blogs/news/fall-frost-grass-sugar-horses

Heel Bulbs Matter More Than You Think

Take a look at the heel bulbs in this photo. They aren’t just soft tissue at the back of the hoof, they’re an essential part of your horse’s shock absorption system. Healthy heel bulbs help cushion impact, support circulation within the hoof, and contribute to overall soundness.

But here’s the bigger picture…

Hoof angles can make or break a horse.

A hoof that is too long in the toe, underrun at the heel, or simply out of balance changes how every joint, tendon, ligament, and muscle functions up the leg. Over time, poor hoof angles can contribute to:
-Heel pain
-Tendon and ligament strain
-Navicular stress
-Suspensory issues
-SI and back soreness
-Reduced performance and shortened stride

The saying “No Foot, No Horse” exists for a reason.

Every horse is an individual, and proper hoof balance is about much more than making the hoof look pretty, it’s about creating the correct alignment for the entire body to move efficiently and comfortably.

As an equine bodyworker, I often see horses compensate for poor hoof balance with muscle tension throughout the neck, shoulders, back, and hindquarters. Massage and bodywork can help relieve those compensations, but maintaining correct hoof angles through a knowledgeable farrier is what helps keep your horse moving at its best.

Your farrier and bodyworker should be a team working together for your horse’s long-term health and performance.

Healthy feet build healthy horses. 💛

Let’s talk Kinesiology Tape!

One of my favorite services to offer is kinesiology taping, and for good reason!

Many people think the tape works by “holding” muscles in place, but that’s not actually how it works. The magic is in the gentle lift it creates on the skin and hair, providing continuous sensory feedback to the body. This can help support normal movement patterns while encouraging the horse to move more comfortably.

Some of the potential benefits include:
Supporting muscles and joints without restricting movement
Helping reduce swelling and improve lymphatic drainage
Encouraging better body awareness and movement patterns
Complementing massage, stretching, PEMF, and other bodywork techniques
Providing support between appointments

Kinesiology tape isn’t a cure-all, but when paired with a well-rounded bodywork program, it can be an incredibly valuable tool to help your horse feel and move their best.

Have you ever had your horse taped? I’d love to answer your questions in the comments!

Great information and helpful advice!

🌡️🐴 Hot Weather is Here – Help Your Horse Beat the Heat! ☀️💦

High temperatures combined with high humidity can make it difficult for horses to cool themselves, increasing the risk of heat stress and heat exhaustion. A few simple steps can go a long way in keeping your horse safe and comfortable this summer.

☀️ Hot Weather Tips:
💧 Provide unlimited access to clean, fresh water. Maybe add an extra bucket.
🧂 Offer electrolytes when appropriate, especially after sweating heavily or exercising.
🌳 Make sure your horse has access to shade or a well-ventilated shelter.
🪭 Use fans or good airflow in the barn whenever possible.
🌅 Ride or work your horse during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Or just skip the ride altogether.
🚿 Cool your horse with water after exercise, focusing on the neck, chest, and large muscle groups.
🌾 Make sure your horse is eating and drinking normally, and monitor for any changes.

⚠️ Know the Signs of Heat Stress:
• Rapid or labored breathing
• Excessive sweating, or suddenly not sweating
• Elevated heart rate that doesn't recover
• Weakness or lethargy
• Stumbling or uncoordinated movement
• Decreased appetite

If your horse is showing signs of heat stress, move them to a shaded area, begin cooling them with water, offer fresh water, and contact your veterinarian right away.

A little extra care during hot, humid days can help keep your horse healthy, happy, and ready to enjoy the rest of the summer! ☀️

Hi there! 😊
With busy schedules and warmer weather here is a little friendly reminder!!

While horses are my primary focus, I also work with show cattle, and K-9s. Show and performance animals go through a lot physically and can experience stress, soreness, muscle fatigue, and tension just like we do.
I offer a variety of services to help keep your animals comfortable, healthy, and performing at their best, including:
• Equine & animal massage therapy
• Thermal imaging
• Raindrop therapy
• Saddle fitting assistance
• Sports taping/support taping
Whether your animal is competing, working, traveling, or simply aging, bodywork and preventative care can make a huge difference in their comfort and performance.
Help keep your 4-legged babies in top-tier condition!

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule an appointment 😊

This is your friendly reminder 💛

Getting performance horses ready for competition doesn’t always mean riding them harder or getting them “fit.”

The real goal is proper body movement, a horse that is functioning correctly and working with you, not against you.

When a horse is moving correctly, they’ll take you to the winner’s circle far faster than a horse trying to perform through discomfort or pain.

Like I’ve been told many times…
you can’t out-train pain.

What a great example !!

🐴 Laminitis in Horses: What You Need to Know 🌾
Laminitis (founder) is a serious hoof issue that can come on quickly and cause lasting damage if not addressed. Inside your horse’s hoof are tiny structures that hold everything in place—when those become inflamed, it weakens the support system of the foot. In bad cases, this can lead to structural changes that affect your horse’s soundness long-term.

⚠️ Early Warning Signs:
Pay attention to small changes—they matter.
• Moving slower than usual or not wanting to walk
• Shortened stride or stiffness
• Shifting weight off the front feet
• Heat in the hooves or a noticeable pulse
• Trouble turning or acting sore on hard ground
• Spending more time lying down

🌿 How to Lower the Risk:
A few good habits go a long way in prevention.
• Be mindful of rich pasture—lush grass can be a trigger
• Keep your horse in a healthy body condition
• Stick to a simple, low-sugar feeding program
• Make sure they stay active and not standing idle too much
• Stay on a regular hoof care schedule
• Keep an eye on horses prone to metabolic issues

🐎 Grazing Muzzles: Worth It?
For many horses, absolutely.
They help control how much grass your horse consumes without taking away turnout time. That means your horse still gets to move around, socialize, and be a horse—just with less risk of overdoing it on sugar-rich pasture.

👉 In Conclusion:
Laminitis isn’t something to take lightly, but it is something you can manage and often avoid with the right approach

Rockin B is hitting the road this summer!

If you’d like on-site services at your event, please reach out! I would love to be part of your show, barrel race, jackpot, roping, rodeo, or any other equine event.

Available event services include:
• Equine Sports Massage
• Kinesiology Taping
• Stretching & Mobility Work
• Warm-Up Sessions
• Cool-Down / Recovery Sessions
• Thermal Imaging Assessments
• Basic Saddle Fit Checks
• rain drop therapy

Let’s help keep your horses feeling their best, performing their best, and ready to compete all season long.

Message me to book your event dates!

There’s no age limit when it comes to helping your horse, show cattle or k9 💛

I work on horses,cattle and k9 from babies all the way up to 26–28 year old retired friends. Every stage of life comes with different needs, and each one deserves proper care and attention.

It’s important to support your animals no matter where they are in their journey, whether they’re just getting started or enjoying retirement.