Ailsa

What sort of relationship would you like with your horse? Ki-equine bodywork and training – building healthy partnerships

Growing and riding

Here is a real quick one today! Growth plates are the soft ends of bone from which the bone grows. Until they are fused, the bone is still growing. Now horse breeds all mature at different speeds but for the most part none of those breeds have fused growth plates on their back before theContinue reading “Growing and riding”

Exercises to improve the hind end – #jumping #dressage #rehabilitationafterrest

Do you have a horse who is ‘heavy in the hand,’ seems to be ‘going downhill,’ or that struggles to make the bigger fences when jumping? Here are a few exercises to get you started! One of the key components to a healthy body is the hind quarters, or hind end of the horse. ThisContinue reading “Exercises to improve the hind end – #jumping #dressage #rehabilitationafterrest”

Equine Bodywork på svenska

Vad göra jag mest för behandling av hästar utan ridlektion eller mark-arbetet med övningar, eller kosttillskott och matning råd, samma rådet om hästens miljö för åretrunt träningen? Jag har arbetat som Hästterapeut och hästmassör i Norrland under namnet Fyra Fötter sedan 2017 innan jag var i Storbritannien och arbetat sedan 1989 med hästmassör och stretchning,Continue reading “Equine Bodywork på svenska”

Get your horse fit part 3 – the plan!

What kind of level of work is your horse used to and where do you want to be? (This is helpful when determining which food your horse should be eating too)! Classification of work None . Stands in a field and occasionally goes for a walk Please note this horse does not need feeding otherContinue reading “Get your horse fit part 3 – the plan!”

Getting fit part 2

In part one I looked at what kind of measurements you need before you start your fitness training and their are a few other considerations you might want to think about! Age & Experience: If working with a younger horse consider how established they are in their work and their level of development with regardsContinue reading “Getting fit part 2”

A fitness plan for the year – let’s get a bit technical!

As spring is firmly knocking on the door even here in the north of the north, with longer days and the whiff of warmth in the air, we usually begin to get ready in earnest for the new year of competitions and shows with our horses and ponies. Even for those of us who doContinue reading “A fitness plan for the year – let’s get a bit technical!”

Myofascial release technique – not the same as massage but how can it help your horse?

(Muscle Fascia Release) is used for the release of fascia (connective tissue) which has become stuck, hardened and dehydrated. Fascia is a three dimensional web that surrounds every bone, muscle, nerve, organ and vessel down to the cellular level from head to toe. Restrictions can develop in fascia from trauma, poor posture and repetitive training.Continue reading “Myofascial release technique – not the same as massage but how can it help your horse?”

Which therapy will help my horse

There are many different types of equine therapies, but which is the best for your horse? Here we will outline the benefits of using PEMF, Cold Laser Therapy, Massage Therapy and ultrasound on horses. There are also forms of bodywork that release tight fascia with small amounts of pressure in specific spots or that offerContinue reading “Which therapy will help my horse”

Why I like the backup L shape exercise

You find this ridden exercise in competitions like handy pony, equitation and western trail. I really like the L shape back up for several reasons; ⁃ it increases body and limb awareness (proprioception) and coordination both of which shield our horses against injury ⁃ It builds partnership as we practice this slowly and carefully bothContinue reading “Why I like the backup L shape exercise”