Long Meadow Equine Massage

16/12/2022

29/11/2022

Thank you so much to those who have donated already

21/11/2022

25/10/2022

Credit to freely forward body work on Instagram

23/10/2022

05/09/2022

29/08/2022

We are VERY excited for our 2nd Annual Halloween and Fall Festivities event this year! Join us October 22nd from 3-8PM for so many fun adventures, activities, games, crafts, and more!

To get your tickets today, text FallFun22 to 41444 of visit the link below. Tickets also available for purchase at the office!

https://igfn.us/form/V2kPXA

23/08/2022

Why is it important to stretch our horses? We have all heard it time and time again, stretch your horse after exercise, but why?
Much like human athletes (non athletes too!) our horses muscles need attention to remain healthy. Muscles can become stiff, and tight which increases the chances of a tear or sprain. We often do not think enough about injury prevention. By putting our horse through a series of gentle stretches, we increase their range of motion and ability to move more fluidly and in balance. Plus! Most horses really enjoy performing stretches 🥕

🐴10 benefits of stretching your horse 🐴
1. Increased range of motion and flexibility
2. Helps prevent injury by strengthening supportive tissue
3. Helps reduce post exercise soreness, stiffness and muscle fatigue
4. Helps improve dispositions by increasing relaxation and reducing stress
5. Increases performance on the ground and under saddle
6. Increases mental well being
7. Provides early warning signs to injury
8. Increases longevity of the musculoskeletal system
9. Fosters the ideal posture
10. Helps the rider/owner bond with their horse in new and exciting ways

Some science behind the stretch: muscles are made up of several muscle bundles, which in turn are made up of muscles fibres. These fibres have bundles called myofibrils which are rod like structures that run parallel to each other. Muscles as well as everything in the body is covered and interpenetrated by fascia. Fascia does much more than hold the body together, it also has nerves that make it almost as sensitive to touch as the skin. When it is under stress, it tightens causing restrictions and discomfort.

Book a session and I will be happy to spend the time showing and describing to you how to safely stretch your horses for maximum comfort and performance 🥰

10/08/2022

THE OUTLINE - TRAIN YOUR EYE
Whichever discipline you practice, you're aiming to achieve balance through strength and lift. But how do we achieve this and what does it look like?

This diagram created by Naomi Tavian, perfectly illustrates extension and flexion. Study this diagram and look at your own photos, train your eye to see the forces acting on the horse's body.

One thing I notice is that in the diagram, there is no bridle. This is because technically speaking you don't need any bit or bitless bridle to achieve it. Lift does not come from the head, just as it also doesn't come from the hind. Lift of the thorax is achieved purely through the thoracic sling, which is made up of pectoral muscles and the Serratus ventralis cervical & thoarcis muscles. The croup will naturally tuck under to support the lift (balance), creating the perfect 'outline'. As the horse becomes stronger, they will raise the poll to be the highest point to full collection (not shown in diagram).

How we strengthen these thoracic muscles correctly comes from a combination of exercises including extension and stretching (both on the ground first and then ridden). Just pulling on the reins and driving with the leg is not the way forward (pun intended). Training for strength and flexibility doesn't come from endless trotted circles, it comes from a proper plan, understanding of the horse and good management to ensure a horse is in the right place to start such a journey.

18/07/2022

KEEPING COOL DURING THE SUMMER HEAT

* Provide constant access to clean, cool water at all times. Make sure to scrub troughs more often during warm weather, as they can be more prone to developing algae.

* When our equines have access to a shelter, a barn-safe fan can provide relief from high temperature and help reduce flies to keep them more comfortable. Bonus points for a shady stall or run out! Be careful & stay safe-- always use barn quality fans!

* Access to trees and/or shelter that provide shade always makes us feel better! If your horses paddock or field doesn't have shade access, consider turning out during the cooler hours of the day, like dusk, dawn or overnight.

* Consider providing loose salts and electrolytes to your horses. As they sweat, they lose vital minerals & nutrients (like potassium, calcium & magnesium) that help proper muscle function, including cardiovascular health and digestion!

Always remember to provide fresh water along side salts or electrolytes!

* Remember to watch for signs of heat distress, including but not limited to colic symptoms, lethargic attitude, lack of coordination, heat induced fever, and loss of ability to sweat.

Call your vet immediately if you suspect your horse is overheating. Cold hosing can help lower body temperature.

01/04/2022

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Located in Great Barrier Reef, Aus.