Will bodywork fix my horse?
Spoiler alert: bodywork is not a magic fix - it’s a component in your horse’s comprehensive wellness plan.
I’ve seen some pretty wild claims by bodyworkers online…
“Fixed kissing spine after k-tape application”
“Locking stifles cured after one session”
“Horse is no longer bucking under saddle after PEMF”
Maybe these claims have some semblance of truth to them, but the fact of the matter is that bodywork takes time.
I often get calls with something along the lines of “My horse has been back sore, can I get him in for a session to help his back?” Yes… but I’m going to be looking at the whole horse and one session isn’t going to “fix” the back soreness. We are often looking at months if not years of compensation in the body and it takes several sessions to begin to unwind that work.
Additionally, bodywork cannot outperform underlying pathologies. So often, there is more happening than just a sore back. There can be a multitude of reasons for the back soreness and as bodyworkers, it is important to us to try to help identify the root cause - not just slap a band-aid on the problem by making them feel better for a few days.
Because of this, there are several critical components that I recommend every owner prioritize before bodywork can really work.
Living Space
Nutrition
Farriery + Dental Care
Tack Fit
Veterinary
Workload/Work Type/Training Methods
1️⃣ Living Space
Prioritize spending money on a living space for your horse that has ample turnout time (horses are designed to walk 18+ hours per day), access to other horses (friendship is key, they are herd animals), and an equine-centered feeding schedule (slow feeders or other feeding system that keeps food in their belly all day). We have to allow horses to be horses first and foremost before asking them to bend to our human needs (riding, trailering, etc).
2️⃣ Nutrition
Good-quality forage fed in appropriate amounts is a non-negotiable. A horse should have access to food 24/7 but at least every 4 hours in order to avoid stomach acid creating ulcers (some estimates show that 80% of horses have stomach ulcers…). Before buying supplements willy-nilly, I always recommend getting your hay tested to give you a full picture of what your horse’s diet may be lacking in and then supplementing only with what you need. Consider working with an equine nutritionist to gauge your horse’s specific needs. Always feed by weight - not just “two flakes” or “one scoop” as hay and supplement weight can vary greatly.
3️⃣ Good Farriery + Dental Care
If your horse does not have correct hoof care, nothing else matters. You cannot out-train, out-vet, or out-bodywork bad feet. The problems will keep coming back. I recommend owners participate in their horse’s hoof care as much as possible by investing in basic hoof care education so that they have a good idea of what a healthy hoof looks like and can notice changes before they become a problem.
Ensuring your horse has well-balanced teeth is another critical component of overall body health. Did you know that there are multiple bands of strong connective fascia that connects the horse’s head to their hind limbs? 🤯 Meaning that if there is a dental imbalance and the horse begins to chew crooked, the fascia will begin to change and create a “pulling” effect that could affect the horse all the way into the hip or hind limb - wild!
4️⃣ Correct-Fitting Tack
When we’re budgeting, it seems much easier to buy the cheapest saddle you can find - but you can be doing a great disservice to your horse. Used tack is a great option, but purchase it under the guidance of a trained saddle fitter. Some of the most severe cases of dysfunction I find are the result of poor tack fit (saddles, bridles, girths, etc.).
5️⃣ Veterinary Care
I like to do as much on my own as I can… but I do make sure my horses see the vet at least once annually. Having an established relationship with your vet is imperative so that you can call on them with questions (even if you’re DIYing their care) and they are more likely to be available when there is an emergency. Good quality vterinary care should absolutely be a priority for every horse.
6️⃣ Workload/Training Methods
The final component before bodywork… how your horse is worked or ridden. Are they physically fit enough to be doing the work that is asked of them? Is their training program compatible with their ability or potential ability? Are the techniques used in their training program supporting or inhibiting the composition and health of their body? If a horse is constantly ridden behind the vertical or asked to stay in frame when their body cannot physically support it… the body will always return to a compromised state, even with the best bodywork.
7️⃣ Bodywork
My favorite! Prioritizing bodywork after all of the above will allow bodywork to work to its fullest potential.
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So, am I saying you should stop getting your horse bodywork? Definitely not!
But I am encouraging you to occasionally take a step back and view your horse’s entire care plan from a 10,000 foot view. I’m encouraging you to educate yourself on horse care, tack fit, farriery, training methods, and more. I’m encouraging you to get curious and ask why when something doesn’t sit with you.
Why does my trainer use a Pessoa?
Why does my barn feed 1x/day?
Why does my farrier use a wedge on my horse?
By becoming a curious horse owner, it empowers you to provide the best care for your horse and ensure that each investment you make in them is adding up to a comfortable, well-rounded horse set up for longevity and success.
