Moss Equine Matrix

06/02/2026

One of the big "aha!" moments for the students was realizing that everything in the body is connected. In equine bodywork, we don’t just look at where it hurts; we look for the source.

We discussed anatomical chain reactions, like:
The Jaw & Poll: Tension in the Masseter (chewing muscle) often leads to secondary tension in the poll (Re**us Capitus Lateralis).

Dropped Shoulders: A tight TMJ and hyoid can create tension in the Brachiocephalicus, which is often responsible for "dropped" shoulders.

The "Engine": Problems in the Iliopsoas (deep in the hindquarters) are a common cause of lower back pain and can even make the rib muscles (Intercostals) reactive!.

By understanding this neural communication loop, we can treat the cause of a "toe drag" or a "stiff back" rather than just the symptom.

05/30/2026

These students and I also chatted about the tools of the trade. Many were surprised to learn that it’s not just about the hands!
I use:
Hands: Our most vital tool for palpation, feeling for muscle tension, heat, and imbalances.
Wet Wrags: Used to provide traction and gentle release for tight structures.
Guasha Tools: Specialized detail tools used for myofascial release, applying pressure into connective tissue restrictions to restore motion.

But the real magic is putting the puzzle together. 🧩 We have to "listen" with our hands through palpation while simultaneously listening to the owner, trainer, or rider. They provide the context for performance problems—like an inability to bend or pick up a lead—that helps us determine the best approach for that specific horse.

05/27/2026

I had the pleasure of hosting two high school students for a school career immersion experience! One of the first things we tackled was a common question: Is this just a horse massage?

While often used interchangeably, equine bodywork is a broader, multi-faceted approach that incorporates various physical therapies—including myofascial release, stretching, and massage—to maintain athletic performance and holistic health. While equine massage specifically focuses on manipulating muscles and soft tissues to relieve stress and enhance circulation, bodywork aims to improve the interconnectedness of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

It was so fun showing these ladies that our goal isn’t just relaxation—it’s functional performance!

05/25/2026

💚🐴💚🇺🇸

05/14/2026

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05/11/2026

💚🐴💚

TRAIN YOUR EYE 👀

Most owners stand beside their horse - very few stand behind them and actually look properly.

From this angle we can start assessing:

• symmetry through the wither and thoracic sling
• scapular muscle development
• topline contour
• ribcage shape and loading patterns
• hindquarter muscle balance
• overall spinal tracking and posture

Small asymmetries don’t automatically mean something is “wrong”, but they can tell us a lot about how a horse is organising load through their body.

Posture reflects movement habits, compensation strategies, saddle influence, rider asymmetry, limb loading and overall balance.

Often, these subtle changes appear long before obvious performance issues do.

This is why I always encourage owners to:
➡ stand behind their horse
➡ compare left vs right
➡ look at muscle shape, not just size
➡ learn what ‘normal’ looks like for their horse

Because posture is information - not the diagnosis, but most definitely a clue 👀

04/23/2026

We made it!! KY3DE 🐎💚

04/18/2026

I am still riding the educational high that was last weekend! I am forever grateful for the experience and I have been down a research hole for things I was shown, discovered visually and chatted about with other professionals. Thank you Critter for being my teacher.

04/14/2026

This weekend, I first hand was able to evaluate and feel the scarring as a result of spur misuse. I cannot be more adamant… if you cannot explain to me the ethical use of a tool and the reason why you’re using it, you need to do better and figure it out.
**courtney steps off her soap box **

04/13/2026

What a weekend! I flew into MO on Friday feeling very ready. Ready to explore and learn and see what story a horse body was was going to tell me.

The actual experience blew me away. It was more. More connections than I thought I would make. More humbling in my knowledge and now driving my need for more knowledge further. More grateful for the kindness horses show us even as we make mistakes, repetitive mistakes, that impact their bodies. More perspectives to reflect on.

I was surrounded by so many diverse professionals who had insightful, experience based wisdom to share. And can I admit that I got to meet and converse with several professionals that I personally enjoy and follow online and it was wonderful!

I am so grateful to Ciara for sharing her boy, Critter, with us so we could learn. The dissection of each piece of his body was done with grace and with education in mind and I am so grateful for that gift.

I am so grateful that Becks and Kerry came all the way from NZ to share information they’ve gathered over 136 dissections and to have open dialogue on everything we uncovered. It was incredible to hear so many testimonies from every part of the body.

I have a lot of further reflection to do with all the content I took away from the weekend but let me assure you, I will share my thoughts and experience openly 💚🐴

**pic from the bathroom mural 😉