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Learn simple techniques
you can use at home
in a practical program to help maintain soundness, maximize performance and develop a stronger connection with your horse. |
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Bodywork can be an important part of the training and management plan for your horse. Knowing some equine bodywork basics empowers you to maintain your horse's flexibility, balance and comfort and to make choices about training techniques that may interfere with any of these.
With just a few easy-to-learn "tools," you can maximize suppleness and range-of-motion in older bodies and help prevent unnecessary concussion and stiffness from shortening the careers of youngsters. Hands-on bodywork aids riders who are reschooling horses who are stiff and tight from restrictive training techniques and helps maintain horses who carry riders who are still learning balance and stability in the saddle. And you'll have the ability to quickly and mindfully undo training mistakes - soothing overworked muscles, releasing tension and toning underdeveloped muscles. |
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In addition, spending time with your hands on your horse in an intentional way provides you with useful information. You can detect potential trouble spots before they become full-blown lamenesses and you'll have detailed information to share with your vet or other health-care practitioner.
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That's what Desert Horse Equestrian Services' bodywork clinics for horses owners are all about. This informational series is most often organized into three or four half-day clinics, broken down as follows:
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Intro. Massage for
Horse Owners - The introductory session will cover basic massage strokes, pre- and
post-event massages and early-warning signs of stress. |
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Intermediate
Massage/Acupressure - The intermediate session will include use of essential oils in
massage and introduce acupressure techniques for relaxation and more. |
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Therapeutic Movement for
Horses - The third session introduces horse owners to kinetic bodywork, a series of "massage in motion"ground techniques
with the horse in motion to increase awareness of issues related to the horse's posture and gaits. |
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Therapeutic Exercises for
Stallbound Horses - This session is especially for horse owners facing the challenge of
keeping a horse happy and toned during extended recovery from an injury or illness |
See photos from a recent Introductory Bodywork for Horse Owners Clinic
Interested in learning more? Check the Desert Horse schedule
or
Customize your own learning experience!
The three sessions of bodywork information can also be presented in a two-day intensive or three-day clinic, or can be broken down over several weeks in private lessons. Participants receive an introduction to Kinetic Bodywork, and a three-day clinic could be designed to emphasize more of that work after the introductory massage techniques are covered. We'll work with you to meet you needs, and most importantly, those of your horse! Print this brochure and share with friends who might be interested in attending or hosting a clinic.
We also teach these concepts in an expanded clinic that includes bodywork and movement awareness for the human participants. If you're interested, read more about The Body Connection.
Lesson,
Professional Services
and Clinic Rates
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