The physical demand we put on our horses in order to compete or pleasure ride requires a combination of flexibility, strength, endurance, balance, and coordination. Through trauma, repetitive movements / positions, and the everyday life of a horse, fascia can become solidified and shortened. This shortening and thickening of the connective tissue, referred to as fascial restrictions, can impact any system in the body causing pain, discomfort, dysfunction, poor performance, and
unfriendly moods.

Myofascial Release is a non-forced, hands-on technique that helps restore essential elasticity to the connective tissue which allows the horse to return to optimum health and performance. It treats the cause of problems, not just the symptoms. “Myo” means muscle and “fascial” refers to the connective tissue, fascia.

Fascia is a tough connective tissue that creates a 3-dimentional web which extends without interruption from head to hoof. It surrounds, supports, and connects every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel, and organ throughout the entire body. Fascia is an elastic component that allows for muscles, tendons, and joints to flex and stretch.

Consider the white stringy substance in an orange; it surrounds the fruit inside, and is also interlaced into each piece of fruit. It holds everything inside together, and it also holds the "skin" or the peel onto the outside of the fruit. Without it, the inside of the orange would basically be liquid. The same concept is how the fascia system works inside our bodies and our horses'.

The treatment process uses non-forced, sustained hands-on pressure to release fascial restrictions that are pulling on the web of connective tissue throughout the horse’s body. This hands-on pressure is held for a minimum of 3-5 minutes per restriction. The time component, which separates Myofascial Release from other forms of bodywork such as massage or chiropractic, allows the hardened tissue to return to its original, elastic state. This is what allows for permanent changes in the horse’s body.

Myofascial Release has many benefits including, but not limited to:
Increasing blood flow
Improving range of motion and muscle function
Reducing muscles soreness and recovery time
Assisting in moving through and overcoming trauma
Improving and maintaining proper digestion
Aiding in releasing tension, tightness, and stiffness throughout the body

Our bodywork program is a safe and effective way to prevent injures, assist in the healing process of a current injury, and to enhance and maintain your horses’ overall health, happiness, and performance.