Caitlin Hughes Equine Massage

01/03/2023

A great reminder if your horse has had some time off and your goal for the new year is to get riding again.

Just like humans horses will need time to rebuild their fitness levels so make sure to gradually increase work the length and amount of work you are expecting of them. And don't forget to spend lots of time walking when warming up, cooling down, and riding horses who have been out of work for a long period of time!

Just like with people, horses don't respond to fad diets or fitness plans.

There is no magical cure to getting your horse fit or competition ready. It takes TIME which is not something people like to hear.

The body needs TIME to build, rest, recover, grow and strengthen.

Your horse can be stronger this season but you will need to start bringing them back to work now.

📸: .tales.photography
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01/02/2023

Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a healthy and happy 2023 spent with your horses.

12/19/2022

Coming in 2023: Kinesiology Taping

I am currently finishing up a certification for equine kinesiology taping from Sozo Equine. Once completed and I'm ready to start offering kinesiology taping as an add on to massage appointments an announcement that includes pricing will be posted.

I can't wait to add kinesiology taping to my list of modalities.

If you have any questions DM me or email [email protected].

12/17/2022

🎁 Holiday Giveaways 🎁

One prize per day will be given away from Monday December 19th to Friday December 23rd. Winners will be announced each morning via a Facebook post and will also be contacted directly.

The prizes include:
1) Free digital SMART Stretching Program
2) Free digital Multidiscipline Reconditioning Program
3) 10% off either an Initial Assessment or Maintentance Massage
4) 20% off either an Initial Assessment or Maintenance Massage
5) 40% off either an Initial Assessment or Maintenance Massage

Deadline to enter for a chance to win these prizes is Sunday December 18th at midnight.

To enter DM me, comment on this post, or email [email protected].

smartreconditioning

12/16/2022

Product Spotlight: Muscle Anatomy & Myology Study Cards

The Muscle Anatomy & Myology Study Cards are 25 Coloured Cards isolating muscles that are commonly affected by work & exercise.

Each card isolates one muscle and includes indications of issues that a horse may show.

Ideal for bodyworkers, beginners, coaches, students, trainers, – ANYONE & EVERYONE.

Digital: $15.99/set
Hardcopy: $29.99/set (shipping included)

To order your set DM me, comment on this post, or email [email protected].

12/15/2022

Product Spotlight: Multidiscipline Reconditioning Program

The SMARTcert Canada Multidiscipline Reconditioning Program was updated in 2021 and is available in an online or hardcopy format!

The MRP is great for horses who are already in work but could use some reconditioning to help address the skills that they need to build the three main components of performance: strength, power and endurance.

The MRP includes:
🐴 10 exercises & 16 weeks worth of reconditioning for your horse
🐴 Info on how each exercise works, which parts of the horse's body it targets, and what issues/habits it helps to fix
🐴 Helps riders choose exercises to target specific issues
🐴 Trackers to help you plan & score your rides
🐴 Educational material
🐴 MORE!

Order your copy of the MRP now!
MRP Online Volume: $14.99
MRP Hardcopy Volume: $59.99 (shipping included)

DM me, comment on this post, or email [email protected] to request your copy!

12/14/2022

Product Spotlight: SMART Stretching Program

Regular stretching is important for every horse, even if they don't get massages. The benefits of stretching over time can lead to; improved muscle growth and tone, a wider range of motion in joints plus quicker recovery post-exercise.

The SMART Stretching Program includes:

🐴18 SMART Stretches
🐴Instructions for each SMART Stretch
🐴Photo of muscles isolated by each SMART Stretch
🐴Signs that a horse may require a SMART Stretch
🐴Glossary, Terminology, & More

Digital: $14.99/program
Hardcopy: $59.99/Program (shipping included)

To order yours DM me, comment on this post, or email [email protected].

12/13/2022

Service Available: Equine Massage

Weekday evening and weekend equine massage appointments in Simcoe County and the surrounding areas are available. SMARTcert Canada certified equine massage therapist.

December - limited availability including a few weekday appointments between Boxing Day and New Years Eve

January - booking weeknight evenings and weekends

2022 Prices:
- Initial Assessment Massage: $80
- Maintenance Massage: $60
- 4 Maintenance Massages Pack: $200 (save $10 per massage)

I've held off increasing prices but unfortunately with the increasing cost of everything I've had to increase prices slightly for 2023.

Book your 2023 appointment now to take advantage of 2022 prices.

2023 Prices:
- Initial Assessment Massage: $85
- Maintenance Massage: $70
- 4 Maintenance Massages Pack: $240 (save $10 per massage)

If you have any questions or to book an appointment DM me or email [email protected].

12/12/2022

A very busy summer and fall meant that I ended up neglecting social media, but now I'm back! Over the next few days I'm going to be posting more information about the services and products both currently available and coming in 2023.

Currently available:
- Equine Massage Appointments
- single appointments
- packages of 4 appointments
- SMART Stretching Program
- digital or hardcopy version
- Multidiscipline Reconditioning Program
- digital or hardcopy version
- Muscle Anatomy & Myology Study Cards
- digital or hardcopy version

Coming in 2023:
- Kinesiology taping will be available as an add on to massage appointments in 2023!

Holiday Giveaways 🎁
One prize will be given away daily from December 19th to 23rd. The prizes will include massage discounts and copies of the SMART Stretching Program and Multidiscipline Reconditioning Program. To get your name in the draw message me or comment on this post by December 18th at midnight.

To book an appointment, order one of the programs, or with any questions DM me or email [email protected].

06/21/2022

❄️ Cooling Stategies ❄️

With the return of the hot and humid temperatures lets discuss effective and ineffective cooling strategies for your horse, as well as some common cooling myths.

The most effective cooling techniques include:
- Repeated sponging or hosing with cold water
- Keeping the horse in a breeze (I.e. using fans if inside)
- Keeping the horse in the shade

Ineffective cooling techniques include:
- Placing cool towels on the skin (they may act to trap the heat)
- Placing a wet sponge on the horse's poll

Common Cooling Myths

- Cold Water and Muscle Tying Up
The cold does not pe*****te deeply enough to result in tying up of muscles. At most, it may slightly affect the surface of the muscle, but the blood supply is so great and the blood flooding the working/recovering muscles so great, that any impact is transient. The kidneys are also richly flooded with blood vessels and are beneath the back muscles so will not experience any sensation from cold water applied to the skin.

- The Need to Scrape the Water
Do you scrape the water off or keep applying more? Yes, as the water sits on the skin, it heats up and, if not removed, can actually insulate the horse in very hot and huimid conditions where it will not evaporate quickly. BUT when rapid cooling is a priority, why take the time to scrape? Just putting more cold water on the skin will prevent the insulation factor and will cool the horse faster. Monitor the temperature of the water coming off. Once the water is not gaining heat, then scrape and walk the horse. Then, monitor the temperature of the skin and the body for heat.

- Don't Give Water to a Hot Horse
This myth is widely accepted and particularly well engrained. However, the latest research suggests that horses can and should drink right after exercise to ensure proper rehydration (as long as we also keep them moving and cooling them down as aggressively as needed). A horse needs to consume water as part of exercise recovery. To help restore blood volume and fluid balance, aid in the return to optimal function of multiple tissues and body systems, and assist with thermoregulation and cooling. Therefore, by definition, if a horse is hot - it needs water!

Remember the safe temperature and humidity zones for exercise, and stay cool out there!

06/20/2022

Muscle Monday: Rhomboid

The rhomboid is a deep muscle that runs along the top of the horse's neck. It lies underneath the trapezius muscle. It has two portions, the cervical portion and the thoracic portion.

The function of the rhomboid is to loft and draw the scapula forward. It also assists in raising and lengthening the neck when the front legs are on the ground. It therefore has an important effect on shaping the base of the neck and the freedom of the shoulder.

Potential indications of tension or issues with the rhomboid can include: reluctance to bend/flex the neck; atrophy of the withers; swelling, soreness, or heat at withers; reluctance to lift the neck; difficulty with collection; shortened or choppy strides in the front end; problems picking up the correct lead; reluctance to go up or down hills; head tossing when saddled; and refusing jumps.

06/13/2022

Muscle Monday: Semimembranosus

The Semimembranosus is the third main muscle in the equine hamstring. With the other two main muscles being the bicep femoris and the semitendinosus that we previously discussed.

Of the three main muscles in the hamstring the semimembranosus is the most medial, which means it it closest to the midline of the horse.

The role of the semimembranosus is to extend the hip and stifle when the hind leg is weightbearing, which facilitates propulsion. When the hind leg is non-weightbearing, the semimembranosus adducts and retracts the hind leg.