Equestrian Bowen

18/07/2025

There is an extensive network of nerves associated with the gut and they are connected directly to the brain via the vagus nerve. Time to take gut health more seriously??

Showing the sub mucosa in relation to the outer layer of the stomach that also has its own nerve branch’s.

18/07/2025

This also applies to horses !!!

Chronic gut inflammation is being linked to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. Researchers are uncovering how disrupted gut signaling can impact blood sugar regulation.

17/07/2025

The Centaur Biomechanics dismounted Rider Analysis sessions are truly revolutionary!
I’ve always had to work hard on my symmetry. None of us are born symmetrical. Seasoned horse riders have no doubt had a few falls in their careers. And then there is a whole raft of horse care activities and day-to-day living activities which get done one sided. Russell MacKechnie-Guire has some clever exercises which help you to recalibrate your body symmetry and body awareness. And this visual tool is invaluable in helping you to understand how simple movements affect how your seat bones transmit pressure to the horse. I’d highly recommend one of these dismounted sessions to anyone who sits on a horse !

Great day doing rider biomechanics ridden and dismounted sessions. Image of a rider pre and post mobilisation and Pilates based exercises improving their seated position. Great to help riders improve their biomechanics off horse, to help them improve their riding position. Massive thanks to for organising and for hosting.

16/07/2025

This is one of the reasons why bowen therapy which works extensively on fascia is so effective 🙂

26/06/2025

20/06/2025

Some more information on the effects of glyphosate. Definitely good for you to consider whether these are risks you want to accept for you or your horse.

Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, has been shown to affect various metabolic processes in both plants and animals, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes. It can disrupt metabolic pathways, including those related to amino acids, carbohydrates, nucleotides, and lipids, and may also contribute to oxidative stress and endocrine disruption.
Effects on Metabolic Pathways:
Amino Acid Metabolism:
Glyphosate can reduce the levels of certain amino acids, such as glycine and glutathione, and impact arginine metabolism.
Carbohydrate Metabolism:
Glyphosate can affect carbohydrate metabolism, potentially leading to changes in glucose levels and energy production.
Nucleotide Metabolism:
Glyphosate can disrupt nucleotide metabolism, particularly purine synthesis, resulting in reduced levels of deoxyguanosine and other purine-related compounds.
Lipid Metabolism:
Glyphosate has been linked to lipid metabolism disorders, potentially leading to health risks.
Effects on Energy Metabolism:
Mitochondrial Dysfunction:
Glyphosate can impair mitochondrial function, which is crucial for cellular energy production.
Oxidative Stress:
Glyphosate can induce oxidative stress, leading to cellular damage and contributing to metabolic disruptions.
Energy Metabolism Disruption:
Glyphosate can interfere with energy metabolism pathways, potentially affecting how cells generate and utilize energy.
Other Effects:
Gut Microbiota:
Glyphosate can alter the composition and function of the gut microbiota, which plays a vital role in various metabolic processes.
Endocrine Disruption:
Glyphosate exposure has been linked to endocrine disruption, potentially affecting hormone levels and impacting reproductive health.
Insulin Resistance:
Glyphosate consumption has been associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance, a condition linked to type 2 diabetes.
Potential Health Implications:
The metabolic disruptions caused by glyphosate can contribute to various health issues, including:
Liver Disease:
Glyphosate exposure has been linked to liver inflammation and metabolic disorders, potentially increasing the risk of liver cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Intestinal Diseases:
Glyphosate-induced changes in the gut microbiota can lead to intestinal dysbiosis, potentially contributing to diseases like Crohn's disease.
Neuropsychiatric Conditions:
Glyphosate has been linked to neuropsychiatric conditions, potentially through its impact on gut microbes and metabolic pathways.
Further Research:
While research suggests potential adverse effects, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term health consequences of glyphosate exposure and its impact on various metabolic processes.

09/06/2025

For years I’ve been talking about the influence of the gut on the spine and pelvis and consequently the horse’s ability to move. Looks like I’ve got a friend who is on the same path!!

YES.
The hindgut tension your horse is carrying — due to everyday stress, diet, dehydration, or subtle fear — is directly connected to the tightness in the pelvis, the psoas, and the tongue.

Why does it matter?
Because:

A horse cannot step under with ease if the colon is inflamed & cannot suspend his back if the intestines are tight.

And here’s the shocking consequence:

Your horse will lose the ability to sit, to coordinate his body, to breathe & to elevate.

Your doesn’t die due to lack of muscle engagement. It dies in the gut, long before you ever ask for the first step.

This is not a metaphor. It’s anatomical fact:
🧠The vagus nerve connects the gut to the brainstem
👅 The tongue is a fascial continuation of the digestive tract
➿The pelvis shares myofascial lines with the intestinal system.

So if your horse’s gut is inflamed, the piaffe will be blocked — no matter how much you practice. Intestines are not passive tubes. They are living organs with constant peristalsis, rich in nerve endings, wrapped in layers of smooth muscle, and deeply connected to:

✔️ The psoas (hip flexor and spinal stabilizer)
✔️ The diaphragm (which regulates breath and rhythm)
✔️ The tongue and jaw (via the vagus and facial nerves)
✔️ And the entire pelvic sling (which you rely on for sit and suspension)

Most trainers will never tell you this. Because they don’t know.
But in my course From Walk to Piaffe, we begin where others don’t even look:

– Relaxation of the gut,
– Restoration of vagal tone & relaxation of the pelvis.
– Activation of tendon-based movement,
– Oscillation before steps
– Pelvic vector correction from within

If your horse shows:
– Lack of sit
– Explosive reaction to piaffe aids
– Uneven steps or diagonal loss
– Lack of forwardness
– Or chronic tension…

Then you are not dealing with a training issue.
You are dealing with a GUT-SPINE COORDINATION BREAKDOWN.

And that is where I work.

➡️ Comment GUT below and I’ll send you on Monday more information about my system.
Or DM me the word PIAFFE and I’ll make sure you get link 🔗 to an early access! 💜

Because this time… we don’t train harder.
We go deeper 📈📈📈

05/06/2025

Interesting that Jim Blurton Farrier Products has developed this glue on hybrid shoe in conjunction with Easycare

The 3D Roller offers lightweight support and excellent impact absorption, ideal for both therapeutic and performance-focused hoof care.

A collaboration between Jim Blurton, 3D Hoofcare and EasyCare Inc, this glue-on shoe is designed for durability, balance and everyday practicality.

Available for Worldwide delivery at jimblurton.co.uk
🔗 https://www.jimblurton.co.uk/product/3d-roller/

01/06/2025

This combination are doing really well this season. 😊