Majestic Horse Functional Therapy

29/09/2025

I love working with horses of all ages, but there is something extra special about working with the young ones (foals, weanlings and yearlings). An osteopathic approach can significantly benefit these younger horses by supporting balanced development; improving proprioception and posture; and preventing functional restrictions before training even begins. By identifying and treating imbalances and somatic dysfunctions that occur as a result of birth trauma, slips and falls, growth spurts, and daily activity, an osteopathic approach helps to ensure a healthier, more balanced horse that is better prepared for being brought into work when the time comes.

Birth Trauma: Foals may experience birth trauma as they move through the birth canal, primarily due to the pressure from uterine and abdominal contractions. Even in normal births, this trauma can occur, and it may be exacerbated if the foal is not correctly positioned during the birth process. The fact that a foal can stand and walk soon after birth does not mean it is free from trauma—common issues include problems with the ribs, brachial plexus, limbs, pelvis and sacroiliac area, head, as well as general muscle soreness and tenderness. Birth trauma can also result in neurological "scarring" or altered neurological function, which often does not resolve without intervention. Early treatment is therefore essential to prevent lasting impacts on the horse's development (Bidstrup, 2022).

Slips and falls: Young horses are naturally energetic and curious, making them prone to injuries from activities such as ‘zoomies’, spooking, slipping on surfaces, collisions with gates or fences, and pull-back or flip-over incidents. Early osteopathic treatment can be helpful in addressing some of the dysfunctions that arise from birth or from the activities of a young, growing horse. This intervention can prevent dysfunctions from becoming chronic as the young horse matures and is brought into more work/exercise/training.

A wide range of gentle and effective osteopathic techniques can be employed to address the unique needs of the younger horse. Technique choice and treatment length is tailored to suit each individual, taking into account the young horse’s level of handling experience and their comfort with being touched in various areas. The surrounding environment is also carefully considered to ensure it supports effective treatment while prioritising the safety and comfort of the young horse (and the handler etc).

It is crucial to note that if there is any suspicion of injury in a foal or young horse, a veterinarian should always be consulted first. Those trained in osteopathy can then collaborate with the veterinarian to address any dysfunctions, provided the vet confirms that the young horse is ready for manual therapeutic intervention.

Working with foals and young horses whose growth plates are still maturing means that only qualified practitioners should be involved who are fully aware of their specialised needs and all contraindications (either to treatment or to technique choice, or to potential pathology etc).

An osteopathic approach offers numerous benefits for young horses. It supports balanced growth and musculoskeletal development; helps the young horse understand their own body in space which leads to better coordination, balance, and posture; and identifies and treats any emerging restrictions/dysfunctions so that they don't become larger, more chronic issues down the track. If referral to another equine professional is needed, this will also be addressed as part of the osteopathic management plan. 💙

Reference:
Bidstrup, I. (2022). The Impact of Birth Trauma on Horse Welfare and Performance, Horses and People Magazine.

09/09/2025

I love this post of Lucy’s (for many reasons). In any manual therapy, the true skill is in being both precise and gentle. When you have a clear understanding of the anatomy; know exactly which structures you are influencing and why (locally and globally); and can feel how they are responding (and therefore know when a change has occurred), you don't need to use force. Precision and finesse allow you to achieve the right amount of change without doing too much or too little.

Softness then – as Lucy writes – is a strength because along with this skill, you are valuing and honouring the horse’s experience throughout the process as well. Softness, calmness and intentional movements and energies are always appreciated by the horse. And as they are the ones who are ultimately doing the healing (the therapist is simply removing the barriers to health so that the horse can self-heal), their experience throughout the process should be in line with an approach that creates the best environment in which to heal.

If you have followed American horse trainer and author Mark Rashid's work, you will know how highly he also speaks of developing internal and external softness (in both working with horses and in how one approaches life in general). And this is because softness transforms – it’s about having the sensitivity to feel the changes the horse makes (both internally and externally). Developing softness whilst also mastering ‘feel’ takes time and a dedication to the work. The experience gained as manual therapists trained in osteopathy is through a significant amount of time spent touching the horse and understanding the different feel of fascia, muscle, ligament, tendon, bone, joint, barriers, and so on. Having this developed sense of feel and then applying it with softness, precision and intention is a game-changer (and this cannot be achieved from machines and gadgets). A treatment session is an ongoing two-way communication – in which the therapist is ‘asking’ certain things from the horse’s body and the horse's body is ‘answering’. The subtlest of responses and changes needs to be received and understood. Often the softer you are in your hands, in your body and in your mental awareness, the more you receive the feedback. Softness allows the ‘awareness’ of the therapist to be available to all the layers of communication the horse is giving so that only the right level of touch is used to illicit the desired change (and then we step away – ‘find it, fix it, leave it alone’).

Furthermore, the softness of your own presence—your way of being in the world—is equally important. It lends itself to compassion, kindness, empathy, and respect, all of which ultimately deepens the connection, which is vital in a therapeutic environment.

Nicely written Lucy and so very true! 💙

Working with horses every day has taught me so much about softness, not as a weakness, but as quiet strength.

Horses don’t respond to force. They respond to presence, to patience, to genuine connection.

As an equine osteopath, I’ve learned that real change doesn’t come from pushing harder, it comes from listening more deeply, holding space, and meeting each horse exactly where they are and where they need to be.

In a world that often feels hard and fast paced, I’m choosing to stay soft and kind. To lead with empathy and stay true to my values, even when it’s not the easy route.

So if you’re someone who feels deeply, and treads softly, keep going. You don’t need to toughen up to make an impact.

Softness heals. Authenticity connects. And there’s real power in that.

08/09/2025

This week’s webinar, #4 of the Business Education Series offered by the ETAA. Presented by Teresa Tidball, who did a brilliant job on our first webinar of the series!

Being such an important topic for any business owner, this week’s webinar is well worth attending 🙌 FREE for members.

For our 4th webinar of the Business Education Series, we will be welcoming Teresa Tidball back to talk about GST & Record Keeping!

Promo code available for all current ETAA members - please contact info@equinetherapies.net.au to verify your membership and get the promo code. Registrations now open via the Eventbrite link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1661571889249?aff=oddtdtcreator

GST & Recordkeeping: Your Key to Staying Compliant (and Stress-Free!)

Learn the essentials of GST and the recordkeeping practices that keep your business compliant, efficient, and audit-ready.

Teresa Tidball, FIPA FFA is an award-winning accountant with a specialist focus on the equine industry. As the Director of Tidball Accountancy Pty Ltd, she brings over a decade of experience in public practice along with a lifelong passion for horses. Her deep understanding of the equine world—from breeding and training to competing—makes her a trusted advisor to horse owners and equine-based businesses across Australia. Teresa’s dedication to empowering women in business and her innovative, environmentally conscious approach have earned her multiple accolades, including the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative’s Business Lady of the Year for 2023 and Earth Keeper for 2024. Her ability to blend professional excellence with niche industry insight sets her apart as a go-to expert in her field.

06/09/2025

I am thrilled to have been recently voted in as the President of the Equine Therapies Association of Australia (ETAA) Committee. I love being involved with this association and am passionate about the ETAA's mission to:
• improve recognition, education and standards of equine therapies in Australia
• ensure the client receives services from a fully trained and qualified therapist
• maintain a high standard of practice and code of conduct by all its members.

Horse owners across Australia can find all ETAA-registered therapists (from many different therapeutic modalities) on the association's website. The therapist listings provide the peace of mind that every equine therapist has verified their qualifications and carries the necessary insurance to cover them for the work they do. There are also many resources available for members 💚💙 www:equinetherapies.net.au

05/09/2025

A wonderful opportunity has opened up to expand your skills under the guidance of an experienced, knowledgeable, respected and kind trainer. Nicolette at Cavit Equine is not only a talented rider and trainer— she's a true horsewoman. She understands that a horse's well-being during training is about more than just their physical body; it also involves their mental and emotional states, and how each horse can learn effectively and calmly. Nicolette also acknowledges all the factors that influence our equine partners and athletes, as well as the important role each individual rider plays in getting that balance right. No matter where you are in your current journey—whether you're returning to the saddle; fine-tuning your techniques; or setting your sights on new heights—Nicolette will meet you where you are at and guide you toward your goals 💙

🌟 Exciting opportunity at Cavit Equine 🌟

Nicolette is thrilled to share that she now has some openings for regular lessons and, for the first time in a while, a rare training spot for one horse has become available! 🐴

As an FEI dressage rider and trainer, with extensive training in the ESI system plus competition experience up to FEI, she brings a kind, clear approach to every horse and rider combination. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, refine your training, or step up in competition, Nicolette would love to help you achieve your goals.

📍 Based in Jimboomba
📲 Contact Cavit Equine here, on Instagram , or call 0421 252 853 to secure your place.

Spots like this don’t come up often – get in quick to join Cavit Equine Crew! ✨

29/08/2025

Is your horse afraid of the chiro? Try an osteopathic approach instead.

Many owners have shared with me that their horses, who are anxious about the chiro and don't respond well to the forceful 'thrusting' involved, are much more relaxed and comfortable with osteopathic techniques. In my experience, the gentle yet powerful osteopathic approach is very effective for all horses, but especially for those who are prone to being more sensitive or nervous.

This is likely because an osteopathic approach to treatment uses a wider range of techniques to improve mobility and function in joints, bones and vertebrae, the nerves, the internal organs, the muscles, fascia, ligaments and tendons, and bodily systems — all without the ‘need’ for forceful adjustments. There is no hammer or rubber mallet involved, so if your horse is sensitive to the more intense chiropractic techniques and tools involved, they might find the application of osteopathic techniques to be a far more comfortable and positive experience.

Some horses can have trouble tolerating the short-lever HVLA (high-velocity, low amplitude) techniques that chiros use. HVLAs can be utilised in an osteopathic treatment session too to engage the restrictive barrier, but if your horse does not tolerate this technique well, there are many other osteopathic techniques that can be employed such as LVHA (low velocity, high amplitude) techniques; long lever techniques; Balanced Ligamentous Tension; Functional Method Technique; Fascial Unwinding, cranial osteopathy; craniosacral; pumping techniques and lymphatic pump; vibratory force techniques; soft tissue manipulation, visceral manipulation – all aimed at restoring overall whole-body balance, mobility and functionality, and to reduce any pain and discomfort.

After a thorough case history and assessment, I take into account not only what your horse needs physically, but also what will work mentally and emotionally for your horse too. If your horse has been afraid of the chiropractic techniques, I will take that into account and choose a technique that will deliver the desired results while also keeping your horse calm. I work with your horse and want them to have a great experience.

An osteopathic approach to treatment also has a broader scope and focuses on the whole body and the interconnectedness of the systems; and in helping to restore the horse's natural ability to self-heal and self-regulate towards homeostasis (by removing the barriers to health, mobility and function). While the practice of chiropractics stems from the early beginnings of osteopathy (the founder of chiropractic, Daniel David Palmer was a student of osteopathy's founder, Dr Andrew Taylor Still), osteopathy differs in its philosophy to that of chiropractic. To put it in very simplified terms, chiros tend to centre around the alignment of the spine, and how it affects the nervous system while in osteopathy, the guiding principles acknowledge that the body functions as an integrated whole, and disturbances in one area (local) can affect overall (global) health. How the muscles, joints, joint capsules, tendons, ligaments, bones and vertebrae, nerves, fascia, viscera, fluids and systems of the body all inter-relate and communicate is of importance. Osteopaths understand that structure and function are reciprocally interrelated and that a change in one will affect change in others. Mobility and function are important, as is the body’s innate ability to heal itself if the barriers to health are removed. The practitioner trained in osteopathy is that ally to help identify and facilitate the removal of those barriers.

So, if your horse doesn’t respond well to chiro treatments (and if you find yourself having to have the chiro out very regularly to make adjustments), and you're looking for a gentler way to help your horse feel their best for longer, let's chat. Send me an email at: majestichorse@outlook.com.au or text me on: 0466077561. You can also contact me through my website: majestichorse.com.au 💙

22/08/2025

My clients know I love the respiratory diaphragm…..but why exactly?

Well, put simply, because the respiratory diaphragm has such a massive influence on the health and wellbeing of your horse. I often refer to it as the ‘pump’ of the body. In an osteopathic approach to treatment, fluid flow is SO important – it directly impacts tissue health, immune function, and the body's natural healing processes. When the diaphragm is restricted from optimal movement in any capacity, the results can be far-reaching. For example:

🐴 Interrupted fluid flow: Fluid exchange is vital for normal physiology, as all the necessary processes of the body occur because fluids flow. If you don’t have good fluid flow (through channels, spaces and across membranes), all systems of the body are impacted and the return to homeostasis is significantly impeded resulting in a reduction in vitality in the body. When this occurs, disease shortly follows. If the respiratory ‘pump’ is not working optimally, then the blood flow (specifically the aorta and vena cava which pass through the diaphragm) as well as the lymphatic, interstitial, and cerebrospinal fluids are affected.

🐴 Postural and functional change: Beyond fluid dynamics, a dysfunctional respiratory diaphragm can lead to significant postural and functional issues. When the diaphragm isn't working optimally, it can influence the mobility of the ribs, creating a cascade of knock-on effects as other muscles compensate for this impaired function. Periarticular muscles like the intercostals may have to work harder than they were designed to, leading to their own dysfunction over time. Other key muscles such as the erector spinae and latissimus dorsi, can be impacted as well as the thoracolumbar fascia. The result is often wider myofascial issues and postural changes.

The Phrenic nerve which innervates the diaphragm originates in the cervical spine, so if there is dysfunction in the diaphragm there can also be dysfunction in the neck and vice versa (as the phrenic nerve also receives information from the fascia covering the organs). The spleen, liver and pancreas are all in communication with the diaphragm (as are many other organs eg. heart, lungs, stomach) so they may also be influenced by dysfunctional diaphragm action.

If there is restriction in the lumbar vertebrae, there may be an issue with the diaphragm (as the crus of the diaphragm attaches into the lumbar vertebrae). The crus of the diaphragm connects into the hindlimb (via the lumbar and psoas connections), so there may be pelvic changes and hindlimb issues. *I write “may” as each horse must be assessed for their individual presentation and the influencing factors (internal and external) taken into consideration as well. We could also hypothesise that if you have an anxious horse, they are most likely not using their diaphragm correctly (and may instead be using their scalene muscles more).

🐴 Cavity pressure gradients and gaseous exchange issues: The interaction between intrathoracic and abdominal pressure is a key component of spinal and pelvic stability. A dysfunctional diaphragm action may affect cavity pressures which can then affect peristalsis through the digestive system (directly impacting the gastrointestinal system). The diaphragm's movement is also fundamental to creating the pressure gradients that drive the entire process of gaseous exchange. An issue with the action of the diaphragm can lead to reduced lung capacity and oxygen intake, and inefficient gaseous exchange. If you have a horse with asthma, you will automatically be thinking about the lungs and respiration, but there are many ways that the horse can experience diaphragmatic disorder with instances of shallow, laboured, inefficient breathing, intermittent coughing etc, occurring every day that might not be noticed because the horse ‘seems’ fine. These horses however may be labelled as ‘lazy’ during exercise because they either fatigue quickly or don’t appear as athletic as others. It could be that their diaphragms aren’t working optimally, and they aren’t breathing efficiently or effectively.

As mentioned earlier, the diaphragm influences fluid flow (and as fluids also act to provide structural support helping to dissipate forces throughout the body and enabling improved shock absorption), if your horse has arthritis, having a functional diaphragm is imperative to help with this shock absorption and support.

So, everything in the body is connected and in constant communication and correlation. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated (a core osteopathic principle) – if you have a change in one; you have a change in the other. There is also more than one diaphragm in the body and when one diaphragm is impacted; all are impacted – pelvic floor, thoracic inlet, tongue, tentorium cerebelli. This can create a domino effect, leading to multi-layered issues throughout the body.

Just like us, horses are a ‘fluid body’ and fluid mechanics is vital to health and balance. For the restoration of homeostasis; the ability to respond quickly to illness, disease and injury; and the maintenance of health and vitality, we need to have the optimal functioning of the whole body and a large ‘influencer’ on that is the functionality of the diaphragm. The same is true for humans as much as it is for horses.

There are several different osteopathic techniques for addressing the respiratory diaphragm and the choice and application of these will depend on each individual horse’s presentation and current state of health 💙

20/08/2025

Big congrats to Nicolette Cavit Equine and Shari for their first competition together. Here’s to an exciting ‘calm, happy, confident’ adventure together 🥰👏🏻🙌🏻⭐️Such a beautiful horse to treat too!

21/07/2025

I was half way through writing a very similar post and then saw Lucy’s post (she beat me to it 🤣). We both share a passion for the care of the older equines, and seeing as she has so beautifully written the post below, I will share hers instead of mine. 💙

🐎Caring for the Older Equine 🐎

Many older horses when they have finished their 'working' life or 'usefulness' get popped out in the field to live a happy retirement. This is fine and mostly nice for them, however please do not forget about them. Many older horses have age related problems and diseases that still need you to be as proactive about. Such as:

** Nutritional needs - usually much more important to provide a correct and balanced diet appropriate to their weight and any clinical conditions. Some older horses may not manage long stem fibre as well as they used to, so please monitor their droppings for long particles of undigested forage and any signs of quidding and act or adjust their fibre ration appropriately.

** Dental Care - Horses teeth may often become a problem as they age and we must be mindful of diseases such as EOTRH. Routine dental check ups as advised by your BAEDT are of paramount importance.

** Veterinary Care - Just because their working life is over, please do not cut back on this. A lot of older horses suffer with arthritic joints, PPID, poor dentition and as such will need ongoing appropriate Veterinary Care and medication. Do not let them get stiff and in pain and expect them to just cope, and continue to do worm egg counts and treat with Anthelmintics appropriately

** Rugging - Older horses with clinical conditions such as PPID may need clipping and rugging to better manage their thermostat or may need a rug to aid and maintain weight through the winter. Please ensure you rug appropriately for the horse, and never over rug just because you are cold!!!

** Osteopathic Treatment - I treat a lot of older Equines to aid and maintain comfort with Veterinary Consent as appropriate to ensure that we continue to understand and notice any changes within the Musculoskeletal or Visceral system. Treatments are not just for horses in work.

The older horse population and their Care has always been a significant passion of mine and I always try to do my best with those in my care professionally and my two oldies!!! If you are ever in any doubt, then a lot of Vets now will be more than happy to do a health check for your horse and advise on appropriate management and I am always happy to use my professional knowledge and extensive experience to help alongside.

Picture of my fabulous OAP Quest 🫶

12/07/2025

If you have been watching the free Holistic Horse Care conference you will see that my friend and colleague Katey Campbell KC Equine Wellness was presenting on Day 5 with Dr Jeff Grognet. Her topic is: 'Solving the Toxic Overload Problem in Your Horse'.

The webinar is just over 30 mins and I highly recommend watching the discussion, but if you don’t have time to watch all of it straight away (remember the webinars are available for 48 hours after release), definitely watch Katey’s ‘Recipe for disaster’ description (at 21 mins 56 seconds) where she gives a very good example of allostatic loading and allostatic overload. Bear in mind that Katey is based in Canada so some of the stuff she mentions is slightly different to Australia, but the understanding of the actions that we take having a direct influence on the stress on the horse’s body, and how this can have a cumulative effect on the horse in a short space of time, is really important. Allostatic load is something that those trained in osteopathy take very seriously, as the current 'state of health' and the additional internal and external influences on the horse can quickly lead to ‘overloading’ the horse’s systems if not considered.

To watch the Equine Vaccine and Holistic Care Conference, go to this site and click 'sign up now' or see the post below and click on that.

Join us for the Equine Vaccines and Holistic Care Conference, where cutting-edge science meets natural wellness to optimize your horse's health. Whether you're a veterinarian, equine therapist, or a dedicated horse owner, this webinar will provide invaluable insights into:

28/06/2025

🙌🏻 Consistency is so important. My clients know that I reiterate this point all the time - for all the wonderful reasons Lucy mentions below in her post. 💙

Equine Rehabilitation - Being Consistant

When it comes to Equine Rehabilitation, there’s one phrase I come back to time and time again: consistency for longevity

Whether your horse is recovering from injury, managing a chronic condition, or building strength after a period of rest, consistent care and routine are absolutely essential for successful outcomes.

Rehabilitation isn’t a quick fix. It’s a carefully structured plan that requires patience, dedication, and trust in the process.

As an Equine Osteopathic and Rehabilitation Practitioner, I often remind my clients that the body responds best with regular, appropriate exercises. That might mean sticking to as best we can a precise schedule, applying hands on therapy techniques at the right intervals, or adjusting the horse’s environment to support healing.

Why consistency matters:
• Supports physiological adaptation – The body needs repeated and regular input to rebuild strength, improve mobility, and regain balance.

• Builds progression safely – Rushing or skipping steps can lead to nwgative setbacks. A consistent routine ensures gradual, sustainable improvement for longevity

• Allows for accurate assessment – Yhe regular assessment process is paramount. When we keep the variables steady, we can more clearly observe how your horse is responding and adjust the plan as needed.

Rehabilitation is a team effort – between Myself, other Paraprofessionals, The Owner, and the Horse. When we all stay consistent in our roles, we give the horse the best chance at long-term recovery and performance.

If your horse is on a rehabilitation journey, remember: baby steps, done often and correctly, make all the difference.

If you'd like support developing a structured and consistent plan for your horse, feel free to get in touch – Those that know me will know i'm always here to help.