The Equine Natural Movement Series

Equine Natural Movement practitioners work with their hands to deliver a series of sessions that help return the horse's body to its ideal balanced state. These sessions restructure and realign the body so the horse moves more fluidly with longer strides, smoother gaits, and a lengthened back. Horses feel, look and move better.

The sessions are built on a foundation of trust and respect. Sessions are performed at a pace and an energy level the horse can comfortably accept. Deeper layers of tissue are accessed as the series progresses.

The first three sessions are scheduled about a week apart. Sessions four and five are about a month apart. Between sessions the horse and rider work together. The horse's performance will change because of the body work of the previous sessions. After each session the practitioner will make follow up recommendations.

Effects

When structural tension patterns are released from the deepest layers of connective tissue, muscles are able to glide over, under, and around each other. The horse's movement, previously compromised, is free to discover greater flexibility and a fuller range of motion. The horse has better balance, physically and emotionally, and makes more efficient use of energy.

Each Horse Is Unique

The skeletal and muscular structure, strengths, weaknesses, training, history of injuries, and reactions and attitudes of every horse are different. Equine Natural Movement techniques are tailored to the specific needs of the individual horse and the goals of the rider and trainer. Every horse receives individualized treatment.

The Sessions

 Session One

Superficial holdings in connective tissue are released and tensions are worked out of individual muscles. The horse's core tension pattern emerges and a body map is developed for reference in future sessions.

 Session Two

Deeper holdings in connective tissue are released. Mobility is restored to individual muscles in the areas of the hip, hock, shoulder and knee. This results in increased range of motion in the pelvis and neck and better balance overall.

 Session Three

Holdings are released in the deepest connective tissue of the barrel. With individual muscles in this area free from tensions the process of integration can begin. The hind end is able to relate movement to the front end through the barrel.

 Session Four

Restrictions are released in the deepest layers of connective tissue across the joints. Without these physical limitations, entire muscle groups can relate and work together effectively. Integration now becomes visible. Energy generated in the powerful hind end moves through the body and projects the horse forward gracefully and effortlessly. The horse's motion becomes fluid.

 Session Five

The horse is given a month to continue its regular exercise or training program. The additional time between sessions four and five allows the horse to develop strength and balance, and to further integrate changes in movement. In session five the horse receives body work that reinforces overall structural balance.