Wild Heart Equine Bodywork

22/05/2026

What happens in a bodywork session?

Initial sessions start with an assessment of your horse which will help me understand how your horse has been moving and feel how their body feels. I then spend time releasing tightness and restriction. When the body is much more relaxed I like to include some targeted stretching and mobilisations to help improve your horses flexibility, posture and range of motion. Finally I introduce some strengthening exercises and movement to help your horse find more relaxed and effective movement patterns.

15/05/2026

Hello everyone 👋

Just popping in to say hi, I’m Michelle.
I’m an Equinology certified equine bodyworker that works locally in Kundabung, and services the wider Mid North Coast from Coffs Harbour to Taree. I focus on helping horses move more comfortably, whether they’re in regular work or just enjoying life in the paddock.

I love meeting other local horses and their owners, so feel free to say hi or reach out if you ever want to chat about your horse and book in a session.

15/05/2026

Always great info from Dr Raquel Butler from Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics.
Check out the Equine Functional Posture podcast if you’re a horse owner wanting some extra information, helping you understand your horse’s body on a deeper level.

Pre & Post Ride Back Checks Matter 🐴

One of the most valuable habits you can develop as a horse owner is checking your horse’s back before and after you ride.

Not just to see if they’re “sore” but to observe how they are coping physically with the work you are asking them to do.

✨ Does the back feel soft and supple or tight and reactive?
✨ Is there symmetry from one side to the other?
✨ Does your horse comfortably perform a belly lift?
✨ Has the shape of the back changed after work?
✨ Does your horse look more relaxed and connected after the ride or more braced and fatigued?

Every stride, every compensation, every change in balance, hoof comfort, rider position, saddle fit, and posture travels through the back. Often, by the time horses become girthy, cold-backed, buck, rush, hollow, or resist work, the body has already been compensating for some time.

Your horse shouldn’t need to “warm out” of discomfort when you first get on.
They shouldn’t consistently feel tight, reactive, or hollow at the beginning of every ride.

Those subtle changes are valuable information to identify problems and recognise progress.

✔After a good ride, your horse’s back may feel:
- Softer & fuller
- More uniform in tone
- Comfortable to lift through the core and thoracic sling
- Improved shape

That tells you the work supported the horse rather than overloaded them.

Observation is your superpower.

The more familiar you become with your horse’s normal, the earlier you can recognise changes and the more meaningful conversations you can have with your saddle fitter, bodyworker, farrier, vet, trimmer, or coach.

Recognising changes in posture shape and function will often occur first so that we can be proactive before the horse has to show behavioural alterations.

Sophie and I unpack this further on The Equine Functional Posture Podcast

https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/podcasts/the-equine-functional-posture-podcast/episodes/2149203888

24/04/2026

Observation Is Your Superpower for Your Horse ✨

One of the most valuable skills you can develop as a horse owner is simply the ability to observe.

In my courses, I often hear people say, “I can’t believe I never noticed that before.” And that’s the power of learning to truly see your horse.

Observation can alert you to issues before they become major problems. It also helps you recognise the small positive changes that show you you’re on the right track.

❓Start asking more questions.

Things to Observe That Can Transform Your Understanding of Your Horse:

How do they stand to urinate or defecate?
- Does it look easy and balanced?
- Do they strain, grunt, brace, or seem awkward?

How do they stand to eat?
- Are they calm, square, and comfortable?
- Or do you notice tension, leg lifting, kicking out, or constant repositioning?

Where do they hold their head when you let go of the reins?
- Can they remain balanced and neutral?
- Does the head lift high, drop low, or drift to one side?

How do they move in the paddock?
- Do they happily walk, trot, or canter toward you when called?
- Or do they move slowly, drag their feet, twist limbs, or carry tension?

When you ask them to walk or halt…
- Do they initiate movement willingly, or always need encouragement?
- Are they light in the hand?
- Do they halt with balance and organise their limbs well when they stop?

💥Observation Builds Connection
Observation is more than noticing problems - it is a pathway to deeper connection.
When you truly notice your horse, they begin to show you more.

🧐You become more aware of their:

Comfort and function
Stability and balance
Confidence and emotional state
Physical challenges and compensations

And that means you can create a safer, more supportive environment because you understand why something feels difficult for them, not just that it does.

19/04/2026

That bottom lip when the session hits just right 😌

07/04/2026

Everyone likes to get in on the energy of a good bodywork session. ✨

05/04/2026

Happy Easter everybody! 🐣🍫🥕

25/03/2026

Struggling with a horse that’s not quite right? Book an appointment today for an assessment and treatment so we can help your horse thrive. 🌈

18/03/2026

🌟 Wellness Wednsday! 🌟 This morning, I had the pleasure of doing a bodywork session with this amazing horse. Check out these before and after photos! 📸 There’s a noticeable difference in the shape and tone of her rump, and I'm thrilled with the results.

Can you see the changes? What else do you notice? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🐴💪

28/02/2026

Fun fact: Horses carry their stress in their bodies just like we do! Equine bodywork can help reduce tension and promote relaxation. Here is the lovely Monty enjoying his bodywork session.

27/01/2026