Equine Performance Therapy

05/03/2024

HEADACHES 😵‍💫

Yep, even our horses get those miserable headaches…
But how to tell if it’s a headache vs something else.
A few sure signs are a sudden reactiveness to touching the poll when this previously hasn’t been an issue.
Hard time focusing, training, or seem off their game.
Difficulty framing up or collecting. Stumbling or bumping into things.
Dazed, out of it, eyes look glossy or concerned.
Headaches come in similar ways it does for humans, meningitis, poll trauma, cervical vertebrae issue especially in the atlas, TMJ issue, jaw trouble, and over extension or collection which can make a horse stiff and throw them out!

Best course of action for a headache are acupressure points, adjustments and corrective stretching!
One of the best places I test for headaches during assessments is the upper gum known as GV26, this point blocks the release of adrenaline and activates parasympathetic response which will cause the horse to lean in relieving the pressure in the head. If a horse is fighting with a headache I can typically hold this point until the horse is almost asleep. If no headache is present usually it will be a battle to stay in the mouth!

If you suspect a headache present it’s a great idea to get it assessed and treated to keep your horse on top of their game!!💪

04/01/2024

Invermere, Cranbrook, Golden!

April is here! 🌼I’m staying local for the month of April, book in to get your spring riding off to the right start!! And don’t worry I didn’t add the 23% carbon tax into my prices 😉

03/18/2024

Who else is taking advantage of this weather?!? ☀️

Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system which causes horses to go into a deep state of calm. Before a ride I like to massage a few points on a horse to relax them, especially in early spring to help them keep a level head. Even a massage a few days before you plan on riding can bring your horse to a more level place for these early spring rides!

After a long winter our horses can come out a little sore from slips, not much movement over a long period of time, so massage can be very beneficial to get the winter rust off!! 🦄💖

03/07/2024

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/buying-selling-olivia-sword-lpvbc

03/04/2024

Let’s talk buying new horses🦄

Buying a new horse can be kind of stressful, there’s the time and energy it takes finding the “right” one and then everything that comes afterwards - pre purchase exams, test rides, travel, hauling, etc.

Let’s look at the red flags 🚩 of horse buying:
- horse is already saddled when you arrive
- horse is sweaty and seems like they were just worked prior to you arriving.
- they seem lethargic or dazed
- they have poor feet, malnourished or look nothing like the photos.

The above are absolute red flags when buying a horse, these are typical signs that the seller is hiding something about the horse they don’t want you seeing.
Already saddled could mean the horse is cinchy, dodgy, or sore.
Sweaty could mean the horse was heavily worked before you arrived so you don’t see bucking, hard to catch, or bad habits that are worked out before you see them.
They seem lethargic or dazed could mean the horse was given a sedative before your arrival for many different reasons usually indicating the horse is reactive.
If the horse is in bad condition with poor feet, malnourished or look nothing like the photos, this should have been disclosed before you made the visit, all of these are indicators the horse is not taken care of and the seller is lying about the horses condition.

Although buying a horse can be exciting you should always bring a reputable horse person with you, get your horse a pre-purchase exam, and do a test ride or have the seller ride the horse for you once you’ve seen them caught, saddled, bridled, feet picked, ect. (Unless otherwise disclosed, horse is green, unbroken or a rescue) so of course there are exceptions as long as you are aware and know exactly what you’re getting into!

We offer pre purchase exams & buying support when looking for a new partner! We want you to have ease when buying a new horse and the best chance at a long successful partnership with your horse! Feel free to reach out with more questions on finding the right horse for your goals!

03/01/2024

Golden!
Planning a trip your way MARCH 9th (weather pending) PM me to grab a spot!! 🤠🦄

02/26/2024

Little Update: we have updated our phone number so everyone who books via text or phone, please email or private message us to get our new number or feel free to just book through pm or email!!
Thanks so much 🤠

02/16/2024