Is your horse… feeling a little off-balance?
Having trouble taking the correct lead on one side?
Reacting strongly when you touch certain parts of the body?
Having trouble engaging the hind end?
Dealing with a past injury or chronic musculoskeletal problem?
Are you, as a horse person, … thinking of moving up in competition levels and want to help your horse improve abilities?
Bringing your horse back to fitness after a long break or an injury?
Working with a horse who is new to you and feeling a little intimidated?
Wanting your horse to feel comfortable and have good quality of life?
Interested in ongoing learning about how to best work with your equine partner?
Therapeutic Body Work
What is Equine Structural Integration?
Equine Structural Integration (SI) is also referred to as Equine Fascial Integration Therapy (EFIT).
This powerful bodywork, based on myofascial release techniques and human structural integration therapy (called “Rolfing”), re-establishes long lasting equilibrium and balance in the body through manipulation of connective tissues (especially fascia) in the horse’s body.
Fascia (“fash-ah”) provides connection and stability throughout the joints, muscles, organs, and other tissues of the body. It is one of the tools the body uses to adapt to injuries, chronic problems, and repetitive patterns of movement. This is a valuable service, but sometimes the fascia can get “stuck” holding things in a way that is no longer serving the body. SI work focuses on releasing and lengthening fascial tissues so that the body can return to its intended patterns of movement. These changes are often accompanied by reduction in pain, increase in range of motion and muscular function, and overall improvement in quality of life.
It takes time to get to the deeper tissues, so this therapy involves doing multiple sessions and typically includes some recommendations for stretches or exercises that can be done between sessions to support your horse and improve outcomes.
Single Sessions of Equine Body Work
Not looking for a series of sessions? It may be that a single session is a better fit for you and horse.
I offer single sessions that incorporate aspects of different types of body work and are tailored to your horse’s needs. Single sessions stand alone, but can be scheduled as often as you wish. These sessions are a great option for horses who are new to receiving body work, do not have any significant issues, but would benefit from some general therapeutic touch, or have strong sensitivity to touch and might prefer something less intense than SI work to start.
Single sessions may be preferable for owners who would like to see how things go with a single session before considering a structural integration series, have limited time or resources for equine body work, or would like to wait for the “off-season” to do more in-depth therapeutic work with their horse.
Trauma Recovery Ground Work
Sessions to work with a horse with lack of confidence, history of abuse, neglect, or trauma to address problematic behaviors, facilitate release of negative memories, and build or restore horse’s confidence. Approaches to this will vary from horse to horse and may include groundwork
and/or body work.
I can do these sessions directly with the horse or coach the owner on strategies for helping their horse. Each situation will require assessment as to the feasibility/safety of addressing behaviors. These processes often take time and would likely require a series of sessions.
Note: What I offer is NOT a substitute for the work that a trainer will do to prepare a horse for working under saddle, or training that is provided for riding or performance in riding disciplines. This work would promote the horse’s readiness for those forms of training.
Wellness Support Visits
Part of an SI series is recommendations for exercises and stretches to be done with your horse between sessions. This is similar to human physical therapy, when we are given “homework” to do between visits. At a minimum, it will be helpful for a horse going through an SI series to have time to move freely outside the stall.
I offer wellness support visits for those horse owners who might want a bit of additional guidance on the between-session exercises, or who might have limited availability for barn visits. Wellness visits could be as simple as getting the horse out for a hand walk, or could involve doing some intentional groundwork with poles, for example.
Horsemanship Coaching/Instruction
Individual sessions for horse people to build confidence in basic horse handling and care including instruction in groundwork to build trust and confidence for both horse and human. These sessions will be based on horse-centered approaches to managing horses.
Group programs presenting horsemanship skills for youth or new horse people. These will be custom designed for each situation. Prepayment may be required.
Single Equine Body Work Therapy Session
Structural Integration Series
Wellness Visits
Available for horses within 30 min drive from Kearneysville, WV
Trauma Recovery Ground Work
Horsemanship Coaching for Humans
Trip Charge
First session free for horses belonging to veterinarians, farriers, and trainers who provide referrals.
Discounts or pro-bono work available for rescues and/or therapeutic riding facilities.
Will consider work-trade or barter for services.
Are you, as a non-horse person,… looking for some stress relief? inspiration? support for grieving or life transition?
Or just want to visit with a horse?
As part of a group… looking for an experience to improve your team connections, understandings, and performance?
Group Development Programs
These programs will be custom-designed to suit the needs of the client. Programs could range from a single hour interaction to a half or full day to a series of sessions. Each program will be dependent on identifying the horse(s) and location for the session(s).
Note: Do you have rescue or retired horses? I am seeking horse and facility owners with interest in contracting time and space for these activities. These kinds of programs provide an excellent “job” for horses who have conditions that prohibit more physical work. Please contact me to discuss.
Individual
Experiences custom designed for stress-relief, personal insights, inspiration, conquering fear of horses, and more. This service begins with a phone call to discuss your interests and goals. Come find out how great it can be to hang out with a horse!
These session are NOT psychotherapy. If you are interested in doing therapy with a horse, I can partner with a licensed therapist to create that type of experience. The programs also do NOT include horse back riding. Interactions with horses are from the ground.
Group
A group session provides an opportunity for a family, office team, club, church group, or any kind of group to engage in activities that bring focus to communication and collaboration styles, offer opportunities to build trust, find humor, and learn about each other, or to simply enjoy a novel experience together. This service begins with a phone or live meeting to learn about your group, your interests, and your goals for outcomes of the experience.
A program will typically include an introduction to safety around horses and a sequence of activities, some with horses and some without, with conversations following activities to draw learnings from experiences. No previous horse experience is necessary. These programs do NOT include any horseback riding. Interactions with horses are from the ground.
Individual Guided Session with Horse
Two-person Guided Session with Horse
Group Teambuilding Experience
Programs for human wellness are pending identification of horses and locations. If you have a horse and/or location that might be suitable for these types of activities and you would like to donate or contract to provide this, please call me to discuss.