Ros Maindok - Equine Functional Solutions with Biomechanics

16/01/2026

As part of a nerve release session we can help your horse find pillar one .. static (standing) and dynamic (walking).

Last week I saw a beautiful TB mare who had an accident a while back. Yes I could see dysfunction in her forelimbs, knees, stay apparatus, extensors … I felt her body and she revealed areas of concern. However her priority was her nervous system, any walk work I wanted to do would have been pointless without her being able to understand, feel the movement.

She tried hard and was quite different afterwards .. more curious, less stuck in survival and her paddock mates also noticed a difference. Her knees and loading was better. Her body seemed plumper, not as “on”. It was great that her person also noticed differences.

Unfortunately no photos … something that I need to learn to remember.

https://www.balancethroughmovementmethod.com/nervepractitioners

16/01/2026

16/01/2026

I wish I could have just said it like that ! No matter 🙌✨ there it is 😊

16/01/2026

Training comes in many forms and in our hurry to get things done, amazing opportunities are glossed over.

This morning when the horses didn’t come down together for breakfast, I had to go and get the other two. I could have lead them the short cut straight across or I could have taught them the way back to the others that was achievable without me, the long way.

Asking one or the other to bring attention and follow was not easy .. but we did it. Once they got to a certain point they remembered where to go and I left them to continue, whilst I went to the otherside. I made the judgement call by how they were finding their way as to how much support or guidance I needed to give. Was interesting to see how each negotiated the maze (cattle yards/fences) to get out. That to me was lessons in nervous system, movement, problem solving, trust .. so many things 😊

Inka followed but Commander got stuck at the cattle yards ..
Inka didn’t wait she followed me to help him.
So then she made decisions that impacted him not listening to me.

Getting his attention was an interesting exercise and also for him to see my instruction. In the end an old piece of tape off the fence became a “guide”. Here mate this is what I mean .. follow me. If the tape was taunt I waited or stepped back to help him understand the ask. When we walked together the tape was just there .. as a reference.. sometimes I would take it off to see if he had related the tape/lead to the ask of come with me ..
Meanwhile Inka was now “stuck” .. I watched from a diatance to see how she was coping and degree of escalation with her nervous system.

I asked Commander to wait (he is great at that) whilst I started the trek back to assist her. I watched and she worked out where the gate was she needed. Problem solver Percheron.
While this was happening I called her to let her know where we were .. again assessing how dialled her nervous system was. When she was trotting or cantering I am watching what speed and how she does it .. panic (not great biomechanics and chemicals flooding the system) compared to a slow/faster canter that has some power but able negotiate spatial awareness/rocks/fences/people. It was a little dialled but her brain was still online.

Then as she caught up she did decide to go not at a walk … I got to watch her movement in all paces/nervous system .. I thought she might get to be a fun hunter trial horse (baby jumps) or working equ for sure.

Anyway … when I am watching horses for bodywork, movement rehab,
applying practical exercises ..

it is not about certain repetitions.. that will only get you so far …

it is not about certain exercises because I know from extensive learning what they do .. even though touted as a the be all.

Would have been great to video to show the different states (body/brain/balance).

Enjoy and questions always welcome 😁

15/01/2026

❤️

This course is not about learning more techniques.
It is about learning to see differently and once you do, you cannot unsee what truly limits soundness, performance, and longevity in the horse.

The Chrysalis Course begins now.

If you are ready to move beyond convention and work at the level of causes rather than symptoms, we invite you to join us.

A Journey
My journey began with hands-on experience, from the early stages of riding to the highest levels of international competition. In striving for excellence, I reached a point where tradition no longer offered sufficient answers. Most training systems ask the horse to adapt to the method. I felt that it would be more effective to adapt the method to the horse. While success at world-class championships was possible, it came at a high cost: excessive pain, frequent injuries, and explanations that relied on stereotypes rather than individual understanding. That realization led me to science. For deeper, more truthful explanations of equine performance and preparation.

James Rooney's study of the biomechanics of lameness paved the way for a deeper scientific understanding of the relationship between training techniques and equine health. Rooney's work highlighted the need for a more evidence-based approach, yet a gap remains. While riders often incorporate new scientific insights into long-standing theories, the scientific community itself refrained from challenging prevailing training practices. Instead, their focus was on developing diagnostic tools and medications, overlooking the potential of modern training methods to address underlying dysfunctions, such as spine issues that could lead to lesions.

During my collaboration with James Rooney, this disconnect became evident. Rooney was notably surprised to observe that, upon upgrading riding techniques according to his explanation of the horse’s physiology, it was possible to correct spine dysfunction and improve limb kinematics. This experience demonstrated that with an updated understanding and application of training methods, it is possible to address and resolve the root causes of certain physical issues in horses, moving beyond temporary fixes toward lasting soundness.

The Science of Motion’s Chrysalis Course is designed to help riders break free from limiting beliefs and approaches, encouraging personal and professional growth. It will be one posting each week or more if a document is necessary to respond to your questions. Ask questions; it is no way for Betsy, Michelle, and me to know what you have been told and why you interpret what we explain the way you do. Asking questions is the most effective way to get accurate, informed answers.

Chrysalis is a living course.

It is built around dialogue, observation, and thoughtful questioning. There is no shame in asking a question it is often the only way to uncover what truly supports the horse’s soundness and development.

Enrollment is open, and the course begins now.
If this approach resonates with you, you are welcome to join us.
Jean Luc
https://www.scienceofmotion.com/documents/chrysalis.html

14/01/2026

🙌

14/01/2026

WA OTT people .. a great series of workshops to help you and your horse

Equestricare is very excited to be a part of the 2026 Off the Track WA Community Fund, an initiative of Racing WA.
As part of the Initiative we are offering a series of 6 workshops on equine health aimed at the OTT. These workshops will be free for OTTWA passport holders (also available to non passport holders).

The series includes 6 Workshops covering many topics that are relevant to OTT horses and riders.

1. Underneath the Skin (looking at the skeleton and anatomy of the Thoroughbred/Standardbred)
Using our bone lab and live horses, participants will explore the skeleton of the Thoroughbred and relate structural features to the live horse. This helps owners understand how conformation and skeletal stress from racing can affect movement and comfort..

2. How Your Horse Moves (Muscles, Muscles, Muscles)
This workshop will focus on the muscular system, with emphasis on the back and neck—common areas of strain in ex-racehorses.

3. Your Helping Hands (Massage techniques and Tools)
This workshop will cover practical training in massage techniques and the safe use of supportive tools to relieve tension, improve circulation, and support recovery. Owners will practice techniques and walk away with a routine they can use at home themselves.

4. Posture for Performance (Stretching & Strengthening Exercises)
This workshop will teach safe stretching, groundwork, and ridden exercises designed to strengthen the musculoskeletal system, build correct posture, and support long-term soundness of our equine partners.

5. Your racehorse Inside & Out (Body Systems & Nutrition)
This workshop will cover the major body systems (digestive, respiratory, circulatory) and how racing affects them, including the transition to a different diet post-racing. Owners learn to make informed choices around nutrition, feeding routines, and general care.

6. What tack is that? (Impact of Tack on Body and Behaviour)
This workshop will explore the differences between racing equipment and tack used in equestrian disciplines, including saddle fit and bit choice. The aim of this workshop is to help owners make informed, responsible choices and create a smoother transition into new careers.

Come along to all 6 workshops and get a free goody bag plus free access to the online course and books. Workshops will be held at our venue Quenda Glade Equine in Gidgegannup and run from 10-3 inc morning/afternoon tea. Participants can bring a horse or use one of ours.

Email info@equestricare.com.au to go on the mailing list or for more information.