Tag: bodywork

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What I have learnt from massaging horses

Catherine Bird

Easter is a time of reflection for when I give thanks and review my world.   I wrote this article over a decade ago and I am learning from each horse (and most humans) in my life.  The humans who belonged to these horses are still friends and I thank them for allowing me into their special  ‘horse space’. I will add the caveat that these were my experiences and reflections and are quite personal at the time.   This Easter’s gratitude is for accepting that I do not know everything  –  Each horse/human interaction brings its own unique dynamic and … Continue reading What I have learnt from massaging horses

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I’ve tried everything but nothing has worked!

Catherine Bird

I’ve tried everything but nothing has worked! When a new client makes an exclamation like this, a therapist’s response may vary from “well I won’t be able to help you either” – through a range of thoughts – from seeing this client as their next great challenge and/or wanting to be competitive with the series of therapists the client has seen; and any where in-between these responses. It will depend on how this exclamation is made to me as to what my response is on that day. So in today’s blog I am just throwing around some ideas for pondering … Continue reading I’ve tried everything but nothing has worked!

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Stretches for Your Horse

Catherine Bird

Sometimes a simple stretch can help your horse with a movement that may be a bit ‘sticky’. Before you stretch your horse, warm the muscles. You can do this by walking your horse for ten minutes, or massage the area you intend to stretch. Ensure your horse is squared up behind and on balanced ground before picking up the foreleg. It is important your horse relaxes into the stretches because if he tenses you will find it difficult to achieve the desired results. Your stretches should always be slow and gently moving into a slight resistance. Do not tie a horse … Continue reading Stretches for Your Horse

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Horse Rub Hint

Catherine Bird

Is your horse giving you a hint as to where he needs you to massage? Ever thought your horse was trying to tell you something? If you scratch him he may move to where he really wants that scratch. If you miss this hint, and your horse rolls in dirt or sand, watch carefully. You may catch where his trying to put pressure himself. If you are lucky, when he stands up, the sand or dirt may have stuck to a few spots. Note this places before he shakes the dirt off. This is where he was trying to put … Continue reading Horse Rub Hint