30/10/2026
Things that scare me as an Equine bodyworker 😱🎃
🎃 Hes not sore, hes naughty! I think we have learnt enough about horse behaviour now to realise that what we class as naughty is communication and its generally related to pain and discomfort. Stop putting human emotions and reasoning onto our horses we are not the same! If they are acting out theres a reason behind it!
🎃 I had my saddle fitted when I got him 5 years ago! It can take as little as 6 weeks for your horse to change shape either gaining or losing muscle plus taking into account seasonal weight gain/loss so your saddle that was fitted 5 years ago isn't going to cut it. Get it checked at a minimum every 6 months.
🎃 If your horse is sore or tight and they dont normally receive regular bodywork were probably not going to "fix" them for your show. And generally if something is that bad you probably need a vet not a bodyworker.
🎃 Training aids, pessoas, draw reins, bungees really arent going to help especially not during rehab. There have been so many study on these training aids now showing the negative effects they have on our horses bodys so why would we choose to use them during a delicate time such as rehab!
🎃 1 massage will certainly make your horse feel better but if your dealing with long term tension, compensation, underlying health issues its a drop in the ocean. Getting a good team behind your horse and having regular treatments will have a bigger and longer lasting effect for your horse.
🎃 I dont even know where to start with this one, hes not lame hes always moved like that 🙈 just because they have always done/moved that way doesnt mean its normal or right. Gait abnormalities coupled with posture and muscle tension or soreness generally indicate lameness. Just because they have always done it mean it normal it more than likely means they have been lame/ uncomfortable for some time.
As a bodyworker I am always here to support and advise no question is every a stupid question and if I dont know they answer I will point you in the right direction or find it for you.
Dont get caught up in spooky season, routine checks, learn whats normal and what not. Build a support team for you and your horse.
Lisa xx