Wellness Services - Mind, Body, Spirit, Soul

Horsemanship... Connection, Communication, Partnership

Light Hand Horsemanship, Horse & Human Connection;

Throughout the past 14 years I've studied master horsemen (women and men) on RFD-TV 'university'. There is an amazingly diverse display of tips and techniques and by subscription you can still watch all those shows. The attended clinics over the years include the likes of those master horsemen my horses mother would approve of. I firmly believe in partnership in training, communicating and working together as equals. Human to horse communication has to be better than horse to horse communication, which if you've ever observed bands of horses, is clear and concise. Horses are spiritually higher evolved than humans and that innate ability and awareness needs to be honored. Whether working on horses, riding or simply being around horses - one needs precise horsemanship and communication skills. Confusion and lack of confidence in the human can be interpreted many ways by the horse. More than likely the results are not what is desired and this combined energy doesn't make for a good partnership. That said, horses are very forgiving and seem to sense when a person is really trying. Many times they really put effort into doing what they feel is their part. Their kindness continues to amaze me.

The skills and awarenesses taught during my lessons include horsenality types, characteristics and recognizing where the horse is at - mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically in different environments. In turn, a lot of activity is focused on working with people so they are aware of how they present themselves to the horse. When both are coherent - the full ability to read the horse and understand how to communicate and help whenever they need help, answers or discussion is demonstrated, then practiced in various activities. An end skill to attempt is an exercise to park 4 horses at liberty in their own corner by 'asking' and by using energy, body language and intent. This is an amazing and humbling exercise (one of the most humbling exercises I've experienced!) but is do-able if you understand herd dynamics.

Every appropriate skill learned to date is taught in my classes and clinics in order to promote harmony and balance between horse and owner. Classes and lessons can be individual or group and taught inside an arena or outside, with your own horse or one of mine.

Groundwork and riding instruction are provided via class or private instruction.

BodyWork... Eastern/Western • Equine & Canine

First session. Mules are thinkers, they need time so take the time it takes, allow them to feel and focus on their body, and release tension. Why does light touch work so well? The Dermis, the layer below the Epidermis, contains two common types of nerve receptor cells. Thermo receptors respond to heat and cold while Mechano receptors respond to light pressure. These points are held gently in specific sequences to help the body achieve and maintain optimum form and function. Light touch also talks to the nerves. As we are aware, the discomfort problem we see/feel is not the preliminary problem, it typically is the compensation. By allowing the mule, horse, dog, person to relax muscle groups, we release the tightness/brace/tension, AKA 'coat of armor'. This allows the blood to flow, muscles to oxygenate and body to realign itself. This affects the mind, emotions and physical state of being, AKA our health.

Therapeutic equine massage is a hands-on massage technique applied to a horse. The reasons are for increasing circulation, releasing muscle adhesion buildup, relaxation, relief of spasmed muscles, enhancing muscle tone and range of motion as well as an aid to training and performance enhancement.

The massage techniques may vary from horse to horse depending on sensitivity and receptivity, however, the basis of the sequencing is traditional Chinese massage - Tuina, which is the manipulation of muscle groups and stimulation and warming of acupoints along acupoint meridians. Other techniques that may be utilized are Rhythmic Muscle Pulsing , a deep two- beat pulsing upon a muscle which imprints the heart beat rhythm upon the muscle tissue and nervous system and creates a nurturing rocking motion on the animal; nerve stroking or hands- on-healing may also be utilized, depending on the animal's receptivity and sensitivity; Swedish massage which utilizes long connected sedative stokes, as well as sports massage which is a faster and deep stimuli of targeted muscles. The techniques used in a treatment include the areas of practice: Focus Meditation, Traditional Chinese Medical Theory, Acupoint Meridians, Anatomy & Physiology, Tuina Rolling & Compression, Nerve Sweeping, Rhythmic, Muscle Pulsing, Hands-on-healing, Deep Tissue - including compression, direct pressure, trigger point release, percussion & palpation, and Stretches.

As a level 2 reiki practioner (Tibetan Usui style, a Japanese form of hands on healing), I've incorporated this amazingly beneficial work into my treatment protocols, when appropriate. The areas of study include: Traditional Chinese Medical Theory, Meridians and Acupoints, Intuitional Development, Energy Fields (Auras), Chakras, Anatomy/Physiology.

I offer an assessment treatment in which I check the horses body, make note of and address the main issues found. The followup treatments work with and for the horse towards a 2 hour full body massage. Some horses love the work immediately and some need a few sessions to really feel comfortable and enjoy the feel. Regardless - progress towards health is always made. One or two treatments is highly effective 2-3 days before chiropractic adjustments.

Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork Masterson Method

The Masterson Method uses the visual responses of the horse to your touch to find and release accumulated stress in key junctions of the body that most affect performance. These techniques enable the horse owner to open new levels of communication and relationship with their horses.

The horses love this work especially when essential oils and acupressure are woven into the assessment and treatment. To find out more or make an appointment for your horse check out Greater Good Points

 

Essential Oils... The key to health and ease

A few years ago my horse came down with a breathing problem. I tried everything - medication, supplements, bodywork... In September 2013 I held a clinic at my place - "because I had the facility"... Little did I know this would transform my life, my animals, my family and friends. Everyone around me thrived, got well, felt great because of using essential oils. I studied plant botany and chemistry and then took an oils and acupressure course. Then followed up with an "Animals and Oils" class. Then I started putting together a database that has look up tables containing full acupressure points for humans and animals, most of the essential oils with a way to pull together protocols for dealing with typical issues. This is still in the works so look for this 'app' in the future!

I incorporate essential oils with horsemanship, bodywork and riding. Clients can include this benefit or not. When I give treatments to animals there typically is an oil or two used to increase the benefits if the owner allows.