Enhanced Equine Performance | Alternative & holistic health service

Enhanced Equine Performance

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25.01.2022 Interested in seeing if an Emmett treatment is what your horse needs? Head over to @Power of Pink Fundraiser by TVEG and make a bid. Chances are you'll grab a bargain and in the process help out a great cause!

25.01.2022 Love @centaurbiomechanics webinars! Really looking forward to this webinar early Tuesday morning

25.01.2022 I have mentioned before about the importance of the thoracic sling muscles for performance horses. This video from Caroline Lindsay Veterinary Physiotherapist demonstrates & explains the negative effects of working horses in fixed or elasticated training aids. It is a 'must see' for anyone that currently uses or is thinking of using these so called training aids

24.01.2022 Have a couple of appointments available early this afternoon in the Alstonville/Ballina/Byron/Lismore areas. Call or text me to book - 0417 783 070

24.01.2022 Bits...there are so many options available for you to choose from! Why did you choose the bit you are riding in? Was it because it is a "soft" bit or because your friend uses one on their horse & recommended it or because it is what you have always used and it's worked for your past horses? Was your horse's anatomy considered when purchasing the bit or just the outcome that you wanted to achieve? A correctly fitted bit can improve the communication between you and your horse and considers many different factors. If you are interested in a bit fitting then give me a call or send me a message #equineperformance #bitfitting #enhancedequineperformance

24.01.2022 I love receiving parcels from my postie especially when it new bits! Restock of Trust Equestrian weymouths and some new Fager bits added to the collection #trust_equestrian #fagerbits #bitfitting #enhancedequineperformance #horse_bit_emporium

24.01.2022 First road trip to New England & North West NSW to treat horses since March...such a beautiful part of the world & happy to be back!

23.01.2022 This will be a more enjoyable way to sharpen my anatomy knowledge...can't wait to get started!

23.01.2022 Today we have some more pole exercises that can be done in hand or ridden. These exercises are suitable for all horses regardless of your chosen riding discipline and are ideal to use daily as a warm up pre ride. Here is the first exercise - Stepping obliquely over poles. This exercise stimulates use of the very important thoracic sling muscles, strengthens muscles that stabilise the pelvis, opens the chest & pelvis and strengthens the stifles. Start with poles on the ground then graduate to raised poles. Can be done with a single pole, but if you have more than one create a longer line. Make sure you approach the poles from each side. Video below shows the angle of approach. Thanks to Verity from NV Park and NV Luminosity & NV Gyminy Cricket for demonstrating. Credit to Gillian Higgins for the exercise.

23.01.2022 And I'm one of the lucky Australian students! Having completed 2 qualifications with Neue Schule over a year ago I'm so impressed with the "whole horse" approach of this course and it works in so nicely with my equine bodywork. Looking forward to spending 5 days with Natascha in the Netherlands once Covid-19 buggers off!

23.01.2022 Perhaps you are new to towing a horse float or have a friend who is. Lots of important information covered and it's FREE!

22.01.2022 Excited to be heading to Melbourne today to undertake the practical component of my Certified Equine Ergonomist course. Will have next Tuesday/Wednesday available for limited Emmett appointments before heading off on the New England NSW treatment run early Friday

22.01.2022 Here are the final 2 walk pole exercises before moving onto some trot and canter exercises. Figure 8 over poles can be done in hand or ridden & requires 2 poles. This exercise challenges co-ordination & balance and works muscles on the underside of the scapula. Space the poles 5ft apart and walk over diagonally making a figure 8 pattern keeping your horse bending through the spine on the curved lines. If your horse is new to poles start with them on the ground then raise up. ... Straddling a Pole requires 3 poles or you could use 2 poles and the arena wall/fence. This exercise is great for all horses especially the nervous ones as it releases tension from the nervous system by interrupting habitual diagonal movement patterns. It trains brain/limb communication/co-ordination and activates stabilising muscles of the hip. Most horses find this exercise difficult...it's much harder than it looks believe me! Take small controlled steps & halt in the middle so they get a feel for where their legs are. If your horse is struggling just accept the forelegs correctly straddling to begin with. Thanks to Verity from NV Park and her student Bella Clancy for demonstrating. Credit to Beaumoor Sentire for the exercises. Think about using all or some of the walk pole exercises given as your warm up each time you ride See more

22.01.2022 My supervisor this afternoon, making sure the horses are getting the bodywork they need

22.01.2022 It's finally arrived! Grateful that I now have it to add to the collection and looking forward to adding one from ICPBC in the near future (bugger off covid!)

21.01.2022 Muscle release using Emmett technique...just 3 corrections made these changes! #emmett4horses #equinebodywork #enhancedequineperformance

21.01.2022 How cute are the pony bit guards! Currently have pink and black available

20.01.2022 I love receiving feedback & updates from clients about how their horse/pony are going. I treated this super cute fellow at SIEC during the country hack champs and he has finished the year at the International Welsh show with some fantastic results! Happy pony and owners...Congratulations Emma & Bruce :)

20.01.2022 Do you consider correctly fitting tack when thinking about the management of your horse's needs? Poor-fitting bits, bridles and saddles can create discomfort through pressure, this leads to muscle tension and compensatory movement patterns which can also affect hoof morphology. If you are having contact issues or seeing behaviours in your horse that you think maybe coming from the bit, not sure if your bit is the correct size or would like to ensure that your bridle fits correctly then give me a call. I have studied with Bombers, Neue Schule & currently with ICPBC and carry a range of bits from companies such as Bombers, HBE, Neue Schule Sprenger, Trust, STC & Zilco. I will happily source the correct bit for you and your horse from any brand in the marketplace!

20.01.2022 Does your horse have different canters? Have a read, I think she makes a good point. One of the horses I work for a friend definitely as a warm up canter! (and a warm up trot if I'm honest) Then it's into the more 'dressage correct' work once we have got the blood pumping and blown out the cobwebs

19.01.2022 Pole exercises @ Trot & Canter Let's start with a basic exercise that is great for young horses or horses not familiar with pole work and it only requires 1 pole Circle over a Pole - Ride a circle from the track over the pole, start & finish the circle on a letter on your arena or if you are not in an area mark a spot with a cone, tree, mounting block to assist with accuracy. This exercise helps you to keep cadence & pace as well as looking in the direction you are going ...to keep your circle round. This can also be done with a raised pole. Tip - Don't stop riding just before the pole or you will loose your circle after the pole! Next try Figure of Eight over a Pole. Again only 1 pole which can be raised once you've mastered it with the pole on tbe ground. Trot a figure of eight over the middle of the pole, making the circles evenly sized, round & with the same cadence. This is a great suppling exercise with many variations - true bend changing with the directional change, alternate between bend & flexion on the circles, flexion to the inside change direction but maintain the flexion so it now becomes counter flexion. If cantering this exercise make a change of lead over the pole or ride a counter canter circle. Thanks to Verity from NV Park & NV Gyminy Cricket for demonstrating. Credit to Brightmare Productions for the exercises See more

19.01.2022 Spent Saturday morning doing a bit and bridle fitting with this lovely combination that are getting ready to step up to a double bridle. I often find with off the shelf bridles that not all components of the bridle fit the horse well. Headpieces to wide or anatomically shaped but not correct for the horse, browband to tight, cheek pieces to longall of which can have a negative effect on the horse’s comfort & performance. Measurements were taken as part of the fitting to assist Belinda in finding a suitable bridle for Jude to go with his new weymouth bit. Looking forward to watching these two progress :)

19.01.2022 For all of my New England & North West NSW clients, unfortunately I will have to cancel my planned trip for 14-16 August, with the reclosure of the Qld border from this coming Saturday. For all of my Northern NSW clients I will be down this Friday, if you would like to book a spot please contact me on 0417 783 070, I have half the day booked out already :)

19.01.2022 Could your horse benefit from: Improved posture Reduced muscle tension/stiffness Improved balance, flexibility and range of motion Increased circulation and faster recovery... Emmett is a non-invasive light touch muscle release technique that yields great results. Book a treatment session for your horse today! Group discounts available for 3+ horses. Servicing Gold Coast & Northern NSW weekly and every 4-6 weeks for New England & North West NSW (next visit 14/15th March) I also offer kinesiology taping for horse & riders See more

18.01.2022 Take a look at this amazing surgery to stabilise a cervical vertebrae fracture recently done at UQ...the first in Australia

17.01.2022 Was great to have some time on my September treatment run to watch friends and clients competing (and taking home some ribbons/prize money) at Quirindi Show

17.01.2022 For all of you that have decided to take this competition downtime as an opportunity to train hard and come out firing these webinars will give you something to think about and possibly improve. For $50/60AUD it's well worth it!

16.01.2022 Lucky enough to be spending the weekend at Tamworth World Cup Showjumping treating horses and watching friends & clients jump. If you're in area and would like your horse treated let me know

16.01.2022 This is what I love about my studies with ICPBC...it's so much more than just changing a bit! Looking forward to heading to the Netherlands in May for the practical days!!

16.01.2022 Are you riding the best version of your horse/pony into the competition arena? An Emmett treatment can reduce muscle tension and make improvements to balance, flexibility & range of motion

15.01.2022 Kinesiology taping is a fantastic add-on to muscle release & chiropractic treatments & when beneficial I will tape horses after completing an Emmett treatment. Kinesiology tape can be used to improve circulation, support muscle activity, improve proprioception & assist with pressure or pain relief. Below are 2 videos that show the improvement that can be made using kinesiology taping. This horse is starting rehabilitation after injury. In the first video you can see the dragg...ing toes of the hindlegs especially the offside hind & the tendency to swing the limb outwards when turning. After applying tape to improve proprioception of the offside hindleg, along with taping to support muscle activity you can notice the toe dragging is reduced & so is the outward swing of the leg. Facilitating correct movement patterns are an important part of this horses' rehabilitation back to being ridden. See more

15.01.2022 Woohoo the border bubble will soon be getting bigger!! Good news for all my northern NSW clients...looking forward to seeing you all again very soon

15.01.2022 Today's pole exercises are all about forward planning and riding precision. 3 poles is all you need, set out in a T shape as shown in the photo (see comments). First ride the T obstacle as an eternal figure, starting in walk, then try it in trot. The more educated horses can also do this exercise in canter with simple or flying changes. Aim to ride over the centre of each pole changing smoothly between straight & curved lines. Then for something a little different don't ride ...over the poles, instead ride through the gap. If you use poles regularly both you & your horse will be used to aiming for the poles, this route trains the precision & framing of your riding. Start with the gap slightly smaller than what you had set up for the 1st exercise (see photo in comments) and continue to decrease the gap to make the exercise more advanced. Your choice of gait will also set another level of difficulty! Thanks to Verity from NV Park and NV Gyminy Cricket for demonstrating. Credit to Brightmare Productions for the exercise. See more

15.01.2022 Some great information worth reading and why I take a whole horse approach to bodywork and bridle/bit fittings

14.01.2022 This is a great post to point out how changes in the horses body whether they be feet, teeth, chiro or muscles effect how your tack fits. Think you need to have saddle fit assessment...also consider are your horses feet due, were your horse's teeth done in the last 6-12 months and be proactive and have a bodywork session like Emmett to release muscle tension prior to paying for the saddle fitter to ensure the best fit possible!

13.01.2022 My first client today...an Emmett treatment and then a nice snooze in the sun. What a great way to start the week!

13.01.2022 Any NNSW clients that have not yet booked in I will be in the area this Thursday 27th February. Yet to try Emmett therapy for your horse/pony...now is your chance

13.01.2022 If you are looking for a barefoot trimmer, I recommend you give Sarah a call. I've seen some nice changes in some of my bodywork clients that use Sarah. Good hoof health & balance is so important for your horse's biomechanics and posture!

13.01.2022 While I have been unable to travel into NSW to treat horses I decided to to some professional development courses online. I have just completed How to Recognize the 24 Pain Behaviours in Ridden Horses - Dr Sue Dyson - https://www.equitopiacenter.com//how-to-recognize-the-24-/ It was fantastic & I thoroughly recommend this course to all horse owners, riders & equine professionals! Here is a link to receive a small discount should you be interested in doing any of the online courses available at Equitopia Centre (there's lots of interesting courses to choose from) - http://equitopia.refr.cc/melissadenton

12.01.2022 What a fantastic day of learning about horses teeth with Anna Minogue-Equine Dentist! Teeth are something that I knew little about, today I got to see and feel common issues & learnt so much. So interesting to see how issues in the mouth can correlate to what is shown in the body. Always learning....thank you Anna

12.01.2022 A stretch a day keeps the bodyworker away Well not quite, but it does assist in maintaining your horse's muscle health. Let me know if you would like some basic stretches that are suitable for all horses #equineathlete #equinebodywork #equinestretchingformobility #horsesofinstagram #enhancedequineperformance

11.01.2022 After an Emmett treatment to release muscle tension I tried a new kinesiology taping technique for the poll. The taping incorporates the splenius & temporal muscles along with the TMJ. The video shows some nice processing...zoom in to watch the nostrils/breath, chin and eyes

11.01.2022 Everyone loves a release of tension from the shoulders! Teamed with some corrections to the muscles of the thoracic sling, nice changes were made for this OTTB earlier in the week

10.01.2022 At the end of an Emmett session I often suggest some stretches/activations and even some pole exercises that will benefit the horse's training. Although I demonstrate them at the time, I thought it may be helpful to create reference sheets for some of the basics that all horses will benefit from. I will carry printed versions with me but I can also provide an electronic version that you can save to your phone for easy reference. Foreleg & Hindleg Stretches, Pony Yoga (carrot stretches/activations) and Basic Pole Exercises. Send me a message if you would like a copy!

09.01.2022 Something that every rider should remember...

08.01.2022 A nice day out at Beaudesert treating horses at the PCQ State Jumping Equitation & Show Jumping Championships. If you are at the champs and think your horse would benefit from a muscle release session I have some spots available this afternoon or again tomorrow. Contact me on 0417 783 070

08.01.2022 Working on straightness or controlling your horse's shoulders, then this pole exercise is for you! L-Obstacle needs 4 poles, set at right angles - see photo in comments. For less experienced riders/horses make the corridors a little wider, for more experienced riders/horses you can do this exercise at trot (even canter if you're training is at that level!). Walk in with focus on getting the horse straight, past the angle & exit. You don't want to force the turn with an unbalanced horse so collect each step. 2 demo videos below showing the exercise with a less experienced rider (more open L) & an advanced level rider. Thanks to Verity from NV Park, Bella Clancy & NV Gyminy Cricket for demonstrating. Credit to Brightmare Productions for the exercise.

08.01.2022 Worth a read (yes it's a long post) and something that all riders should consider. I often see half pads added for "fashion" purposes and sometimes riders think they are being kinder to the horse by providing cushioning under the saddle but they don't consider how this affects the fit of the saddle. Would you put on thicker socks when your shoe is a bit tight....

08.01.2022 A huge thank you to all of my clients for being a big part of what has been a wonderful year for me! Looking forward to working with you & your lovely horses in 2020...exciting times ahead

08.01.2022 This client is a great example of how everything is connected. This TB is rehabilitating from a leg injury when the work steps up and his leg is put under more load it is getting a little sore and tired. This has a flow-on effect to his back as he adapts a posture with the hindleg a little out behind, less strain on the leg but more on his SI and back. An Emmett treatment was done to release muscle tension and then kinesiology taping was applied to assist with the release of tension and to activate the antagonistic muscles. The blue tape along the backline is relaxing and the red taping is activating the external abdominal obliques to help support the spine.

08.01.2022 Next in the trot/canter pole exercises is for the horses with a little more education. Only 1 pole required, placed on the centre line (if working in an arena). I would suggest starting from the quarter line as this makes the angle a little less steep. Leg yield in trot towards the CL, when you reach the CL straighten and travel along the CL & over the pole, then continue to leg yield in the same direction towards the quarter line/long side. Lot of variations for you to play ...with - try yielding in the opposite direction after the pole or make a transition to canter once you reach the CL , canter over pole & continue down CL or add a transition back to trot just after the pole and leg yield to the longside. If you horse is strong enough to leg yield in canter this is a good exercise to gain control over the canter & vary the collection. If your horse is still relatively new to leg yielding you can always start in walk, yielding to the CL, straighten & travel over pole and either continue along the CL or continue yielding after the pole. Then try adding a transition to trot on the CL before the pole and a transition to walk after the pole. Thanks to Verity from NV Park and NV Treasure & NV Gyminy Cricket for demonstrating, it was the first attempt at this exercise for both these horses. Credit to Brightmare Productions for the exercise. See more

07.01.2022 Is your New Year resolution to improve your riding? Rider posture not only affects the clarity of your aids but also the movement of your horse! Do you struggle with: Rounded shoulders... Slouching at the waist Looking down or a forward head position (neck/chin poking forwards) Wrists that turn in or down Collapsing a hip Weak core or lower back soreness Dropping your heels All of these can be improved with postural Rocktaping and muscle release using the Emmett technique. Rocktape (or you may know it as kinesiology tape) can be used to re-train riders movement patterns through muscle memory. The tape allows full range of motion, is water resistant, zinc & latex free and can be worn for up to 5 days so you receive increased stimuli both on & off the horse. Add a mini Rocktape and/or Emmett treatment for you when booking in your horses bodywork session for only $25.

07.01.2022 With the recent changes to travel with Covid-19 it will obviously be affecting my travel into NSW to treat horses and I will continue to monitor the situation (let's hope it's not for long!) On the upside it means I have more time available for Queenslanders :) As most of my customers already know, after every treatment I wipe down with antibacterial wipes and also use hand sanitiser and any bits used on bit fittings are also thoroughly cleaned so no changes here for me but I will ask that clients have their horses ready and tied up somewhere that we can keep our 1.5-2mtr distance as required.

06.01.2022 So lovely to hear of my clients success. Well done Becca & Manny for your 3rd place in the Thoroughbred class at Aquis over the weekend. Improving with every outing

06.01.2022 It was a rather warm this afternoon treating horses in Currabubula but this fella had the right idea...stand over a sprinkler

06.01.2022 I recently purchased a set of Sure Foot Equine Pads and have been trialling them with some of my regular bodywork clients. The pads challenge your horse’s balance, activate proprioception & work the small postural muscles. One of the biggest changes I have seen so far is shown below. This dressage horse has adopted a posture with his weight over his front legs, regular Emmett sessions & tailored exercises to help shift his weight to the hind legs have improved his posture but... not as much as my client & I would like. With the pads placed under the hind feet there was a marked difference in his posture. Not only is his posture more correct when standing on the pads but his body has also softened. The posture was not corrected after one session on the pads BUT it did identify that the horse received enough comfort to allow him to transfer his weight back onto his hind legs. After discussing the outcome with the farrier, changes have now been made to his shoeing with great results. The client has reported that the horse is so much happier in his work showing no resistance and is moving actively with engagementa totally different horse! This is why I do the work I do #happyhorsehappyrider #TeamWorkMakeTheDreamWork #equinebodywork #enhancedequineperformance #surefootequinepads See more

06.01.2022 No-one likes cankles! Filling in the legs from the hocks down was impeding normal movement. Lymphatic drainage bodywork supported & complimented with some kinesiology taping helped this guy walk of of the stables better than he walked in! So rewarding

05.01.2022 Thought I would share this informative little video from Anna Minogue-Equine Dentist as I agree with Anna that alot of horse owners don't understand "why" it is important to have regular dentistry for their horses. It is one of the first questions that I ask when bit fitting and even with new bodywork clients as the flow on effect from the teeth can be seen in the body of ridden horses as they compensate for the discomfort coming from their mouth.

05.01.2022 With the cancellation of competitions for the foreseeable future & self isolation being recommended, think about adding some fun with pole exercises. Aside from being something a little different for a lot of us, pole exercises strengthen important muscle groups & improve your horses proprioception. I've selected exercises that can be done in hand or ridden using minimal poles. I'll post a new exercise at least once a week. Here is a basic exercise to start with, great for ...young horses or horses that have never done any pole work before. Standing still/halting between poles - walk in through 2 poles or 1 pole and the arena fence/wall, halt & stand still for a while before moving forward again. Once you have this mastered, move onto backing up straight between the poles. TIP : It's important that the horse is relaxed with this basic exercise before tackling the back up exercise. Slow, small backward steps & if doing it as a ridden exercise ensure you have halted straight between the poles, the horse's head is straight & you are sitting evenly over both seat bones otherwise you will not back up straight! A big thanks to Verity from NV Park & her young WB colt NV Luminosity for demonstrating the exercises in hand. He did well for his first session with poles. (Credit to Brightmare Productions for the exercises) See more

05.01.2022 Offering a special rate for competitors at the hack champs $50

05.01.2022 Today's pole exercise is a trot exercise requiring 4 poles, a diagram of the layout is below. You may notice that we have used 5 poles in the demo video as we were working with poles that were a bit short in length If you have a less educated or younger horse this exercise is best done in open area or if using a dressage arena in the centre so that you are heading across on a line at B-E which will give you more room to loop around the poles. Space the poles 4ft apart. This... exercise is good to check that you really end up where you planned to. Trot on a diagonal over 2 of the poles, ride a circle around the end of the poles to ride straight over the middle 2 poles, then ride another circle and head diagonally over the other 2 poles. TIP: Make sure you look to your target lines not your horse's poll or down at the poles otherwise you will miss your required line. Ride at a steady trot not to forward and once you have your rhythm you can work on your bend & flexion through the circles. Thanks to Maeva & NV Gyminy Cricket for demonstrating. Credit to Brightmare Productions for the exercise. See more

04.01.2022 Really enjoyed this webinar with Centaur Biomechanics and Dr Marie Rhodin. Movement asymmetries in horses - Biological variation or lameness. Does movement asymmetry mean lameness? Are all horses with movement asymmetry in pain? Do movement asymmetries come with training or are horses born with them? Are asymmetrical horses sound? Some really interesting research has been conducted, and with many issues relating to horses, there is not a definitive answer as there are so many... variables. Rider asymmetry, poor fitting tack & hoof imbalances certainly amplify asymmetries in horses. Research shows that a number of untrained young horses show movement asymmetries. The same applies to high-performance horses across a number of different disciplines with 60-92% of horses studied showing movement asymmetry. The question is do we need to change our handling & training methods in order to keep our equine athletes performing at their best for longer? Education & access to research is so important as I believe many riders would make changes for the better of their horse if they understood the reasons why....definitely food for thought! See more

03.01.2022 This great YouTube video by Wendy Murdoch (internationally recognized & published clinician) is part of my bit fitting studies with ICPBC. It explains how the horse doesn't "drop the shoulder" but actually rotates the ribcage and how this flows through to the rider. Posture and the thoracic sling muscles of the horse are so important, especially in performance horses. An Emmett treatment can help correct posture, take a look at my post from July 17 for some great before/after photos.

03.01.2022 Here is the other exercise that I planned to go with the earlier exercise but it made for to big a post. Walking over raised poles. Did you know that walking over raised poles requires greater flexion in the joints than trotting!! This exercise improves suppleness & flexibility of the shoulder, elbow, hip, stifle & hock and strengthens muscles and structures involved in engagement, hip flexion and pelvis stability. Walk slowly over the pole starting low & raise up to knee hei...ght in stages once mastered. Encourage lowering of the head to look at the pole. If you have multiple poles try alternate raised poles like in the video. Hopefully you will be able to see the extent of the flexion of joints in the slow motion clip (sorry the light is not so good but it was to hot in the sun!) Can be done in hand or ridden. Thanks to Bella Clancy for helping demonstrate. See more

03.01.2022 Love seeing the blood flowing into the area after an Emmett release! Emmett can help relieve muscle tension allowing the horse to move more efficiently. If you would like to see what Emmett therapy can do for your horse give me a call or send me a message

02.01.2022 Due to scheduling changes I now have availability in Armidale on Monday morning for treatment sessions. All horses regardless of your chosen discipline can benefit from a reduction in muscle tension/stiffness, improved range of motion and increased circulation which promotes healing. To book call or text 0417 783 070.

02.01.2022 What a fantastic 4 days of learning! Thanks so much to Jochen & the Saddlefit 4 Life team for your knowledge & assistance throughout the course. Also a big thanks to David & Rebecca at Highfield Equestrian Centre for their hospitality, great facilities & supplying horses for us to use One step closer to being a Certified Equine Ergonomist!

02.01.2022 Due to scheduling changes, I now have some availability this Thursday between 1.30 & 3pm for anyone in the Ballina/Byron/Alstonville or Lismore areas. Due to the time of day, we will require shade for the welfare of your horse and us!

01.01.2022 Thoroughly enjoying my studies with ICPBC and looking forward to being able to share my knowledge and provide bit & bridle fitting along with bodywork to my clients.