Wainionpaa Equine Services

06/19/2026

To round out looking at the horses head we’re going to look at the nerves and blood supply. Again, this drawing is not all inclusive but does show where there’s concentrations of structures.

The main thing I want to focus on here is what lays under our tack. Our halters and bridles, specifically the nose bands, lay directly on top of a collection of both nerves and blood vessels.
Too much pressure on these areas can cause restrictions and even nerve damage. This is why properly fitting tack is so crucial.

My goal with pointing out all of this is to help people ride with an understanding of what they’re influencing. When we ride with anatomy and biomechanics in mind we can work with it to create a balanced and happy partner.

06/17/2026

Continuing to talk about the horses head! Today we’re looking at the muscles of the face.

The musclarture of the face is much more complicated and extensive than my drawing, with attachments forming between different muscles, bone, and fascia. Some of these muscles are incredibly thin and sensitive. Some of the muscles are larger (though still smaller than the muscles throughout the body).

Like any muscle the muscles of the face can hold tension. Part of craniosacral therapy is the goal of reducing the tension in the face.

These muscles are also close to the surface, laying right on top of bone, without fatty layers of buffer. Meaning the tack we use on their face can affect them directly, and in some cases put them ‘between a rock and a hard place’ so to speak.

06/16/2026

The galleries from this weekend at the North Woods Dressage schooling show are up!

It was a jam packed weekend. It was the first show of the year for Fancy and I, this go round we only rode western dressage tests. Fancy was great as always! I also was involved with the Working Equitation, which has been an ongoing learning process that I’m very excited to keep expanding on. And! I was lucky enough to be the photographer!

I was at the dressage rings Saturday. On Sunday I spent part of the afternoon at the jump ring once I was done riding my own tests. I tried my best to cover as many riders as I could with the crazy schedule I had.

2026 NWDA Fun in the Sun June Schooling Show

06/15/2026

This week we’re going to take a deeper look at the horses head! Since I started studying craniosacral therapy I’ve become fascinated in just how intricate their heads are.

We’re going to start with the skull and the different cranial bones! While not a complete drawing here is an overlay of the cranial bones. The different joints (sutures) are one of the things I’m palpating when I’m working on their face.

One of the things I want to highlight in this mini series is the structures that our tack interacts directly with. Looking at this you can see the floating end of the nasal bone. Improperly fitted tack can sit on that floating portion, causing issues with the horses airway and potentially even breaking the bone.

Craniosacral therapy spends time slowing down and focusing on the skull, searching for tension and asymmetries in the muscles that are acting on the bones beneath them.

06/11/2026

Another example of craniosacral therapy and facial symmetry! Releasing the tension in the head not only improves symmetry but can help with relaxing the nervous system as well

06/09/2026

What does a relaxed hip look like? Yachti will show you!

A great example of how far their hip can stretch downward when it’s relaxed. During sessions we watch for them to alternate which hip they’re dropping, how far it drops, and if both sides are able to drop.

06/04/2026

How low can we go!

A great visual for relaxing into the work being done, Silee loved the work on her face

06/01/2026

I’m very excited to announce that I am now certified in Craniosacral Therapy! I’ve spent the winter working toward this and am now taking on clients!

Craniosacral therapy uses light touch and manipulation of tissue to promote the release of tension through a horses cranium, cervical and thoracic spine, pelvis, and sacrum. It focuses on the craniosacral system which is made of membrane and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The flow of the cerebrospinal fluid can become restricted and dysfunctional through multiple types of tension. The gentle techniques of CST can help release these restrictions and can provide potential benefits to the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of equine health.

05/29/2026

It’s always an awesome feeling to get the first large release on a new horse 😆

05/27/2026

A busy busy craniosacral day yesterday! Four horses all new to Cransiosacral therapy. I love seeing how differently each horse responds to CST and massage. Some are more stoic, the signs of release smaller and harder to see. Some are dramatic and easy, showing off for everyone stopping by to watch (like Casper 👻). No matter how they express their feelings the relaxation and benefits are clear