SWF Equine Bodywork

07/15/2025

Bad behavior is their way of communicating.

He wasn’t naughty
He wasn’t an a**hole
He wasn’t “just being difficult”

He was however so skeletally compromised that a comfortable ridden life was never going to happen and time was against him. Not every horse is suitable to be ridden just the same as not every human is compatible with being an athlete. We need to normalise that behaviour is communication. We need to accept that there are many things in a horses body that make riding super hard for them.

This horse went through two breakers before his owner very diligently persisted with positive reinforcement training. He did make excellent progress, that is to be commended! But here’s my issue, positive reinforcement sometimes still masks these issues. It became obvious to his owner that he was becoming more internalised and less happy even in the paddock. Horses will try harder if you ask them nicely and there’s rewards for good behaviour. I’m not saying positive reinforcement is bad, it’s a great tool….im just saying it can mask serious issues. The biggest give away was how seriously assymetric he was. This is something I have felt many times while ridng these types. Asymmetry is normal but riding a horse that has wildly different left and right reins is not normal.

This is so complex on so many levels, so many.

Ever met a horse that was odd from birth? I believe inherited trauma is also a real factor, if you haven’t read the study on mice and how it took many generations to stop passing along, I suggest you do. It’s now well documented in humans too. Link below.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fearful-memories-passed-down/

This guys story is available on patreon.

https://www.patreon.com/collection/1606429in

02/28/2025

Let’s talk about the thoracic sling!

A dip in front of the withers is always a red flag! If your horse has this it’s time to make some changes!!

It is a sign that the horse's thoracic sling is not properly developed and not functioning as it should. A dysfunctional thoracic sling will always cause further issues down the line.

Some typical problems that accompany a dysfunctional thoracic sling are:
1.) Unabalanced hooves
2.) Poll tightness and TMJ issues
3.) A tight lumbar area
4.) Lack of range of motion through the ribcage
5.) Intermittent lameness in the front end
6.) Lack of range of motion through the shoulders
7.) Tightness through the brachial muscles
8.) Contact issues
9.) Unbalanced gaits
10.) Unwilling to move forward

This is by no means an exhaustive list, as dysfunction in the thoracic sling will, in the long run, affect the entire body.

As a therapist I will always check on the health of the sling. I will use myofascial release to help the sling reduce tension so it can do its job of shock absorption. If the sling is jammed down the horse will be relying on only its joints and hooves to absorb impact from the ground. As the horse is front heavy, a horse not using his sling will suffer more concussion which creates further problems. The goal of riding should be to have as healthy a sling as possible and have the horse use his sling as much as possible.

10/30/2024

09/05/2024

📢 Exciting News from Schaeffer Bodyworks LLC! 📢

Schaeffer bodywork’s is thrilled to announce that they will be hosting a 4-day Equine Massage Clinic in Aberdeen, NC, this coming January or February! 🐴✨

Details:
Duration: 4 days

Price: $650 per person

Eligibility: Open to current equine massage therapists or students training to be certified

This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your skills and connect with fellow professionals in the field. Don’t miss out on this chance to learn and grow with us!

Stay tuned for exact dates and more information. We can’t wait to see you there! 🌟

Please contact Schaeffer Bodyworks, LLC to sign up!



Feel free to share this post with anyone who might be interested! 😊
April Schaeffer Bodyworks