12/08/2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Azy8DKWMJ/
Shared from a fellow track system livery.
🌿 Movement is Medicine 🌿
Movement is the Key - right down to a cellular level.
Every cell in a horse's body is listening. Movement is not just physical- it's energetic. In horses, it's essential for health, healing and harmony- right down to a cellular level.
Here's why :-
1. Lymphatic system activation (detox and immunity). Horses don't have a central lymph pump (like a heart pumps blood)- instead movement is what drives lymph flow. The Lymphatic system is responsible for -
• clearing toxins and waste from tissue
• supporting immune function
• reducing swelling and inflammation.
At a cellular level, waste products from metabolism are flushed more efficiently when the lymph moves - and Movement is the Key to that.
2. Mitochondrial Health (energy production). Every cell in a horse's body contains mitochondria - the powerhouses that generate energy (ATP). Regular, natural movement :-
• increases mitochondrial efficiency
• promotes the production of new mitochondria
• helps cells resist oxidative stress and fatigue.
This is vital for endurance, recovery and long term vitality.
3. Cellular oxygenation and circulation. Movement enhances blood circulation, which means :-
• more oxygen is delivered to every cell
• nutrients are better absorbed
• cell repair and regeneration is faster.
Without movement, horses can experience cellular stagnation, leading to chronic inflammation, stiffness and even disease.
4. Fascial health and cellular communication. The fascial network (the connective tissue wrapping every muscle, organ and bone) is a communication super-highway in the body. It is full of sensory nerve endings and even responds to vibration and subtle movement :-
• movement keeps fascia hydrated and pliable
• it allows cells to 'talk' to each other more efficiently
• when fascia tightens or dries out (due to lack of movement), it impairs both function and energy flow.
5. Hormonal and stress regulation.
Movement- especially free voluntary movement (like walking freely in a herd, herd play etc) helps regulate:-
• cortisol (stress hormone)
• endorphins (natural painkillers)
• insulin (which ties to metabolic health).
At a cellular level, stress hormones affect gene expression, inflammation and even cell lifespan. So regular movement protects horses against the wear and tear of emotional and physical stress.
6. Hoof Health = cellular movement in the foot. The hoof capsule expands and contracts as the horse moves. This:-
• pumps blood through the foot (called the hoof mechanism)
• oxygenates the cells within the hoof
• supports healthy horn growth and laminar integrity.
No movement = poor circulation = poor hoof health right down to the cells that build and maintain the hoof wall.
7. Gut motility and microbiome balance.
Movement stimulates the gut, aiding:-
• digestion
• nutrient absorption
• the health of trillions of gut microbes that 'talk' directly to cells throughout the body.
A stagnant gut can lead to colic, ulcers, and even behavioural issues- all of which reflect poor cellular regulation.
In Nature, Movement is Medicine.
Wild and feral horses walk app 20 miles per day. As they graze, move and explore - every stride:-
• nourishes their cells
• prevents disease
• keeps their systems flowing
Modern domesticated horses often lack this movement, unless it's intentionally provided - through track systems, natural turnout and management. Movement is the Key, it's essential for health and wellbeing, mentally, emotionally and physically. 🌿
By Liane Wilding.
Three Ravens Natural Boarding Track System Livery
