17/02/2026
Have you ever wondered why your bodyworker spends so much time around your horse’s ribs? 👀
The intercostal muscles sit between each rib. Every stride your horse takes relies on good oxygen delivery, and that depends on a ribcage that can expand and recoil freely and comfortably.
When the intercostals are tight or reactive, a few things you may notice are:
• Girthiness
• Reduced lateral bend
• A shortened stride
• Tension through the back
• Poor stamina or slower recovery
The ribcage is also central to thoracic sling function. If there are restrictions here, scapular (shoulder) freedom can be limited, posture can alter, and compensatory tension often develops through the shoulders and into the lumbar (lower back) region.
When we gently restore mobility through the intercostals, you’ll often see:
✔️ A softer, more elastic ribcage
✔️ Improved thoracic lift
✔️ Better swing through the back
✔️ Deeper, more relaxed breathing
It’s a subtle area, but a really important one. When the ribcage moves well, your whole horse moves well 🦴💪
Fancy a Career in Equine Massage? 🎓 Visit us at
www.woldsequinemassage.co.uk