Sarah JackSarah RileySarah Agent

Equine Natural Movement

What is Equine Natural Movement?
Equine Natural Movement is a distinctive type of bodywork which focuses on the horses connective tissue or fascia. Also known as Structural Integration, this scientifically validated method aligns and re balances the body by lengthening and repositioning the connective tissue.  The five sessions that make up a series are designed to unwrap the structural and neuromuscular holding patterns that compromise fluid movement.  By gently removing these restrictions and compensation patterns, your horse gains the freedom to move fluidly, with balance, strength and grace.  This work is done in a manner that promotes trust and is respectful of the horse.


What is Connective Tissue?
Connective tissue is an uninterrupted, three dimensional web of tissue that interpenetrates and surrounds muscles, bones, organs and nerves. It is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the body. Its purpose is to connect the entire system into a harmonious whole. Ideally, connective tissue is elastic and gel-like, allowing each muscle and bone to glide by its neighbor, supporting and working in harmony with each other.


How is Connective Tissue Compromised?
Injuries, surgeries, chronic stress, strain, aging and accumulated years of being an active horse, can cause the fascia to thicken into adhesions as the tissue repairs itself, often becoming fibrous and glue-like in the process. This reduces the flexibility  of the joints and prevents muscles from lengthening to their full extent. All horses, even healthy ones, develop inefficient movement habits and accumulate a history of kicks, falls and bruises. Over time holding patterns can develop in the horse's body which compromises comfort and movement.


What happens during a Session?
Using firm pressure and gentle movements, Sarah initially focuses her work on the superficial layers of muscle and tissue. As outer layers become more flexible and less restricted, she is able to work deeper into the horse's structure to help the horse organize intrinsic muscles and joint relationships more efficiently.  As the series of sessions progress, chronic adhesions are released. Freedom of movement emerges as the different layers of connective tissue begin to glide effortlessly over one another. This brings more energy and power to the muscles and rhythmic grace and smoothness to the horse's gait. Sessions can be 75 to 90 minutes long, depending on the horse.


After a Session
Your horse will likely be feeling active and frisky.

If possible, after a session lunge your horse at the walk, trot and canter ten times in each direction to integrate the structural changes into his body. This allows the work to penetrate deeper into his body. If he wants to kick up his heels, let him. If he wants to roll, encourage him to do that, too. He is exploring how his body moves in different ways and this is good.

It is a good idea to turn your horse out and let him run, turn, twist and roll.  Your horse will have a good time exploring his new flexibility. This play is an important part of the session because it helps your horse know what he is capable of doing.

Horses are not sore from the bodywork but once in awhile a horse might overdo the exploration of his new flexibility. Most horses have common sense about what they can do, but once in awhile a horse feels so good he wants to jump over the moon. If soreness is a concern to you, monitor his field play that day.

Don't ride for the rest of the day after a session so your horse can move without your weight and directions. Do half the normal workout the following day so he can move around and integrate the neuromuscular changes. This helps him learn on his own what is different in his body and how to use himself better.


The Equine Natural Movement Series

                 Session 1
Purpose: Build trust. Get to know the horses tension patterns
Method:   Release holding in surface musculature. Identify deep holding patterns                    that are a road map for a continuing series.

                 Session 2
Purpose:  Give the horse a better sense of stability so he's more secure in                               moving on and off the ground.  Bring out the power available in                                 the horse's hind end.
Method:    Emphasize vertical line integrity in standing. Free up tendons                                     and musculature of all four legs. Free up superficial and midlevel fascia                   restrictions in shoulders, pelvis, lumbar and hip joints.

                  Session3
Purpose:  Integrate muscle groups that share movement functions.
Method:    Begin to shift vertical line integration into horizontal plane. Work                               focuses on quadrants rather than individual muscles.

                  Session 4
Purpose:  Bring out fluidity of whole body motion.
Method:    Connect front and hind ends through the barrel.  Emphasize horizontal                      line cohesiveness.

                  Session 5
Purpose:  Reinforce changes after horse has practiced his discipline.
Method:    Maintain flexibility of fascia while horse strengthens into an integrated                     movement pattern.         


What is the cost?
$75 for each session
$300 for a series of five sessions, paid in full at the first session

This work is not appropriate for every horse.  Sarah offers a complimentary evaluation to determine if this work is right for you and your horse.  Call today to schedule your evaluation 520-780-0543.
A Client Intake Form needs to be filled out at the time of the evaluation.  Click on the link to print and fill out your form ahead of time.


Clinics and Speaking Engagements
Equine Natural Movement Clinics are designed to teach the basics of Equine Natural Movement to the interested horse person. In this two day clinic, horse owners will learn about and explore the relationship of connective tissue in the body. The different bodywork strokes are practiced on human volunteers before we practice on our horses.  After learning the basic strokes, participants will be able to keep better tabs on their horses health and well-being, take an active role in maintaining their horses vibrant state of health and take home tools that can deepen and strengthen their connection to their equine partner. Average cost for a two day clinic is $200 per person.Those interested in hosting a clinic at their barn or stable can attend the clinic for a reduced, pre-negotiated rate.  

Sarah is very passionate about Equine Natural Movement and loves to educate people about this unique type of bodywork. If you belong to an equine club or organization, Sarah would welcome the chance to speak to your group about the unique work that she does and how it can benefit the horses.

See the Equine Natural Movement Event Calendar for dates on upcoming clinics and speaking engagements. 

Insured through Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals