04/21/2026
This lesson horse was quietly compensating—and it showed.
On assessment, there was clear soreness through the left longissimus dorsi and right SI region, a classic example of how the body shifts load to avoid discomfort. What’s interesting is how often these horses keep doing their jobs without obvious “lameness,” but underneath, the imbalance is building.
You can see three different taping approaches here, each with a purpose.
The pink tape is helping support muscle function, improve proprioception, and encourage more correct movement patterns while the body resets.
The tan tape along the topline is applied with decompression in mind. By lifting the skin slightly, it helps reduce pressure, improve circulation, and support the back while encouraging better engagement and lift through the topline.
The neck tape is placed along the cervical musculature to help reduce tension, improve mobility, and support proper carriage. Horses that are compensating through their back and SI will often brace through the neck, so addressing this area helps break that cycle and allows for more relaxed, correct movement.
When one area hurts, another area works overtime. Over time, that compensation becomes the new “normal”… until performance, behavior, or soundness starts to decline.
Lesson horses are some of the hardest-working athletes out there. They carry multiple riders, adapt constantly, and rarely get the credit they deserve. This owner is proactive and great about following my recommendations, which makes a huge difference in keeping this horse comfortable and able to do their job well.
Regular bodywork helps:
• Reduce compensation patterns
• Improve comfort and performance
• Support longevity in their job
• Keep them feeling their best for every rider
If your horse is “fine” but not quite right, there’s usually a reason.
Message me to get your horse on the schedule—because they shouldn’t have to work through discomfort.
