VeeFit

04/02/2026

01/02/2026

This!!!!! 100%!

💨 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗺: 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲

From an Equine osteopathic perspective, the diaphragm is one of the most influential structures in the horse’s entire body, yet it’s still commonly thought of as “just” a breathing muscle.

𝘠𝘦𝘴, 𝘪𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

But more accurately, the diaphragm is a pressure regulator, a mechanical integrator, and a meeting point between structure, organs and the nervous system.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗺 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝘀:

The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped musculotendinous structure separating the thoracic (chest) cavity from the abdominal cavity.
It is not a flat sheet > it is a dynamic, three-dimensional structure designed to move, adapt and transmit force.

𝗔𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:

♦️The Sternum (Sternal Fibres): The ventral part of the diaphragm attaches to the xiphoid process (the rear part of the breastbone).
♦️The costae (ribs)often listed around ribs 9–18, depending on the source
♦️The lumbar spine (crural attachments)

At its centre lies the central tendon, a strong tendinous region that acts as a hub for pressure transmission and mechanical continuity.

From this centre, the diaphragm forms two domes, left and right, which attach caudally into the lumbar spine via the crura:

➡️The right dome and right crux are stronger and extend further caudally into the lumbar region
➡️The left dome and left crux are shorter and less robust

This asymmetry is normal, but it has important implications for spinal mechanics, visceral tension and movement patterns.
(These implications will be explored in later parts of this series.)

‼️𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀:

The diaphragm is structurally integrated into the ribs, sternum and lumbar spine, it cannot move well if those structures cannot move well.

𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦:

During the process of both inspiration and expiration, the diaphragm should move rhythmically:

Caudally and ventrally (backwards and downwards) on inspiration
Cranially (forwards towards the head) on expiration
When the diaphragm contracts, it flattens and moves caudally.
This caudal–ventral movement creates expansion in three dimensions:
Vertical: the dome descends
Transverse: the ribs widen and elevate
Sagittal: the sternum lifts

𝗔𝘀 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁:
Pressure within the chest cavity drops, drawing air into the lungs
The abdominal contents are gently compressed and then released
Pressure is redistributed rather than trapped

During expiration, the diaphragm returns cranially with a smaller amplitude, relying on rib mobility and abdominal compliance to regulate airflow and pressure efficiently.

Crucially, as the ribs move ventrally at the costovertebral joints, the spine is passively guided into extension, allowing the vertebral column to follow the respiratory motion while maintaining integrity of the spinal canal.

Straight away, we can see why rib mobility, sternum alignment and thoracolumbar freedom are so important for something as seemingly simple as breathing. Here we can think of why thoracic adjustments without rib n diaphragm & visceral assessment may not bring real long term alignment!

Why this matters beyond breathing
Because the diaphragm attaches to the ribs, sternum and lumbar spine, and blends into fascial continuities with the liver, stomach, spleen and kidneys, its movement affects far more than respiration.

When diaphragmatic motion is free and elastic:
✴️The ribs, spine and viscera move as a coordinated unit
✴️Blood and lymphatic flow are supported
✴️Pressure is managed efficiently throughout the body

In faster gaits such as canter and gallop, this becomes even more relevant.
At that point, breathing and locomotion are mechanically linked ↙️ the diaphragm becomes the primary driver of respiration, working in rhythm with spinal motion and abdominal mass.
If it cannot move well, the horse must compensate elsewhere.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝗽:

When diaphragmatic movement is restricted; whether by rib stiffness, fascial tension, visceral load or neurological irritation, the effects are rarely local.

This is why diaphragm restriction may present as:
°Reduced performance or stamina
°Rib or thoracolumbar stiffness
°Apparent loss of core stability
°Hindquarter or “terrain-related” issues
°Horses that look barrel-shaped or bloated > then visibly change after treatment

Many owners are surprised when a horse looks physically slimmer or lighter post-treatment.

That isn’t weight loss, it’s pressure redistribution.

🧠 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟭 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗺 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗺𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁.

Over the coming parts, I’ll begin to unpack:
Its anatomical relationships in more depth
Why ribs and sternum matter so much
How pressure, posture and organs influence one another
And why diaphragm work is never just about breathing.

Some parts will be subscriber-only, where I’ll go deeper into clinical thinking, assessment priorities and real-world patterns I see repeatedly in practice.

📩 For professionals: this topic alone forms multiple days of CPD content coming in March.. There is far more to this than can ever fit into a social media post.

👉 Part 2 next weekend: the anatomy and pressure story behind the diaphragm.

29/01/2026

Read!!!!

Horse keeps bucking or swishing their tail?

Often, it’s not just “naughty” behaviour, it can be your horse telling you something is off internally.

Here’s a simple way to understand it:

If the sacrum and/or ilia are in dysfunction, the spine will naturally try to compensate.

• Sometimes the spine bends slightly to one side to adjust, that’s self-compensation, the body’s clever way of keeping things moving.
• But if the compensation doesn’t follow the normal biomechanical pattern, it becomes a decompensation...... and that’s when pain shows up.

What I often see:

• One section of the spine is stiff, not moving laterally in one direction
• Another section in the opposite way to adapt from something else

This misalignment creates tension and discomfort, which can show up as:

• Bucking under saddle
• Swishing tail
• Resistance to certain movements or simple things like rider mounting

The key?

Addressing just one area isn’t usually enough.
You have to look at the whole horse, understand the compensatory pattern, and help the body relearn the correct movement.

That’s especially important when you remember that fascia is one continuous, uninterrupted web of connective tissue.

It spans the entire body from head to toe, forming a three-dimensional network that connects muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels, and organs.

So when one area is under strain, other areas often adapt around it.

That’s why I focus on terrain and compensation patterns finding where the body has decompensated, rather than just chasing symptoms or working in isolated areas.

Next; what is a terrain > I will try to explain

💬 Curious about how SI dysfunction links to the diaphragm and overall movement? My new diaphragm post series starts this weekend

23/01/2026

This!!!!

16/01/2026

Red Light vs 🔥 Infrared vs 🔬 Laser Therapy in Horses

What’s the Difference & What Should Owners Know?

Light therapy has become a powerful tool in equine care—but not all light is the same. Understanding the difference between red light, infrared light, and laser therapy helps owners choose the right tool for their horse’s needs.

🔴 Red Light Therapy (LED)
Best wavelengths: 630–660 nm
How it works:
Red light works at a more superficial level, supporting skin, fascia, and shallow muscle by stimulating cellular energy (ATP).
Pros:
✔ Supports fascia & superficial muscle
✔ Improves circulation & oxygen delivery
✔ Calming to the nervous system
✔ Very safe for routine use
✔ Excellent for maintenance & recovery
Cons:
✖ Does not pe*****te deeply
✖ Not ideal for acute or deep injuries
Best used for:
• Muscle soreness
• Fascial restriction
• Recovery after training
• Maintenance care

🔥 Infrared Light (Near-Infrared LED)
Best wavelengths: 810–880 nm (commonly ~850 nm) This is what I have.

How it works:
Infrared light pe*****tes deeper than red light, reaching muscle, joints, connective tissue, and to the bone. I have experience this myself with healing a broken bone. With Infrared light its a broader light . I tell my students, that where that red light shines its hitting that area compared to a laser that you have to pin point.

Pros:
✔ Penetrates deeper muscle & fascia and bone
✔ Helps relieve muscle & joint discomfort
✔ Supports muscle recovery
✔ Improves circulation to deeper tissues
✔ Safe when used correctly
Cons:
✖ Don't shine in the eyes
Best used for:
• Muscle tension
• Joint stiffness
• Performance horses
• Post-work recovery
• Healing injuries

🔬 Laser Therapy (Class III & IV)
Typical wavelengths: 800–980+ nm
How it works:
Laser therapy uses focused, coherent light to deliver higher energy into tissue, allowing for deeper pe*******on and targeted treatment.
Pros:
✔ Strong anti-inflammatory effects
✔ Targets acute injuries
✔ Effective for tendon & ligament damage
✔ Useful post-surgery or trauma
Cons:
⚠ Higher risk if misused
⚠ Can overheat tissue
⚠ Usally requires veterinary use

🚨 Veterinary Use Notice:
Class IV lasers are considered medical devices and are typically restricted to licensed veterinarians or used under direct veterinary supervision, depending on state regulations.

🐴 Which One Is Best?
There is no single “best” light—only the best tool for the job.
✨ Red Light → Superficial tissues & maintenance
🔥 Infrared Light → Deeper muscle & joint & Bone support
🔬 Laser Therapy → Acute injury & veterinary-directed care
In equine therapy, the most effective results come from combining appropriate light therapy with skilled hands-on bodywork, movement, and veterinary collaboration when needed.

📌 Educational Reminder
Light therapy does not replace proper assessment, manual therapy, conditioning.

07/01/2026

#“My horse won’t do a belly lift!”

The first thing I would say is this:
It’s far more likely that your horse is unable to do a belly lift - not unwilling.

If your horse needs a lot of pressure, or you’ve been tempted to use a hoof pick… please don’t.
Pause. Step back. And ask Why.

Jelly used to really struggle with the belly lift.
Now, when his body is in a good place, the response is effortless - for him and for me, it it isn't is is a useful indicator for me where there is tension/restrictions in his body. That change didn’t come from pushing harder; it came from improving how his body functioned.

There are many reasons a horse may not be able to perform a calm, correct, easy belly lift, including:

- Thoracic sling dysfunction - reduced ability to lift and open the base of the neck and wither due to muscle tension
- Rib or wither restrictions
- Sternum trauma
- Pectoral muscle scarring
- Gut or visceral pain
- Lumbosacropelvic restrictions, including sacroiliac ligament involvement
- Abdominal muscle strain or trauma
- Neck arthritis
- Kissing spine
- Poor overall posture that does not allow for correct structural function

When these structures can’t move or load appropriately, the belly lift simply isn’t accessible to the horse.

So instead of continuing to apply more pressure, shift your focus to structural function.

Ask whether the necessary regions can actually lift, soften, and coordinate to perform the movement.

Otherwise, all we create is brace - not mobility.
Tension - not stability.
And compensation - not true core strength.

🌿 Belly lifts are not about force.
They’re about readiness, comfort, and functional posture.

Please share if you found this post useful and sign up to my free Posture & Behaviour Masterclass where I go into ore depth in relation to core muscle function!

https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/registration-fb-jan26

23/12/2025

This!!!!! 💯Please read!!

🐴🧠 When Behaviour Changes, Don’t Blame the Gut First! Look at the Whole Horse

One of the problems in modern equine care is how quickly gastric issues get blamed for every behavioural change.

Yes, the gut matters.
Yes, diet, forage access, feeding routines, and stress can absolutely contribute to gastric disease.
And yes, gastric discomfort can absolutely influence behaviour.

But here’s the key point we keep missing:

👉 Gastric issues are often the result of something else going wrong, not the root cause.

The two biggest and most commonly overlooked contributors?

1️⃣ Musculoskeletal Pain

Musculoskeletal pain, even subtle, low-grade, or chronic, is one of the most frequently missed problems in horses.

As discussed in one of my old articles

https://www.theequinedocumentalist.com/recognising-pain-in-the-horse/

When a horse is working in pain:
• Cortisol rises
• Eating patterns change
• Resting patterns change
• The nervous system shifts into protection mode
• And the gut is one of the first systems to suffer

Pain doesn’t just change movement, it changes physiology.
Ulcers may then develop secondary to the stress and compromised function caused by the underlying pain.

2️⃣ Psychosocial Stress

Horses are highly social, highly emotional animals. Their environment shapes their physiology.

As discussed in our ethology series

https://equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/bundles/how-can-the-equine-industry-maintain-its-social-licence-to-operate

Psychosocial stresses such as:
• Inconsistent routines
• Social isolation
• Frequent transport
• High-pressure training environments
• Poor turnout opportunities
• Rider inconsistency or conflict
• Unpredictable handling
• Lack of choice or agency
…all elevate stress hormones, suppress the immune system, and destabilise the gut environment.

These stresses can cause or worsen gastric disease.
And yet, these are rarely the first things examined.

⚠️ The Gut Is Vital, But Often Not the Starting Point

Of course, diet and gut health can be primary issues.
Poor forage quality, long fasting periods, high-starch feeds, dehydration, and certain medications can all contribute directly to gastric discomfort.

But more often than we acknowledge, the gut is the victim of a larger, unaddressed problem, not the villain.

🧩 Behaviour rarely has a single cause

A horse may show gastric symptoms…
But that doesn’t mean gastric disease is the origin of the behaviour.

A whole-horse approach means considering:
• Musculoskeletal integrity
• Hoof balance and farriery
• Saddle fit
• Rider influence
• Workload and biomechanics
• Environmental stability
• Herd dynamics
• Stress load
• Diet, forage access, and feeding rhythm
• And finally… gastric health

🌿 The message is simple:

When a horse changes behaviour, look deeper than the stomach.
Recognise that the gut is part of a wider system, influenced by pain, emotion, environment, and biomechanics.

Gastric disease deserves attention.
But we should never allow it to become the easy scapegoat that distracts us from the real underlying welfare issues.

See the whole horse. Follow the root cause. Honour what the behaviour is telling you.

Join Dr Ben Skye’s and I tomorrow for a delve into gastric disease.

https://equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/courses/egus

Recording will be available!

12/12/2025

12/12/2025

This!!!!! I find so many horses who are so sore in their glutes and the the atrophy starts....

The gluteus medius muscle also covers the tubera sacrale. When the gluteus atrophies, those bony projections become more prominent.

11/12/2025

Supporting Elite Dressage Horses with Osteopathy

By Dr. Amelie Villeneuve-Moore

A comprehensive review of osteopathy in elite dressage horses and its role in supporting performance and health.

https://www.animalosteopathycollege.com/blog/supporting-elite-dressage-horses-with-osteopathy

06/12/2025

Super interesting post!! Please read!! Thank you Koper Equine for all your educational blogs!!! ❤️

From Poll to Sacrum: The Dural Sleeve and Dural Fascial Kinetic Chain

1. What the Dura Mater Actually Is

The dura mater is the tough, collagen-dense outer membrane surrounding the brain, spinal cord, and emerging nerve roots.
It behaves like fascial tissue, meaning it:
• transmits mechanical tension
• responds to load and stretch
• influences neurodynamics
• affects posture and movement

In horses, the dura anchors firmly at:
• the base of the skull (occiput)
• the upper cervical spine
• the sacrum

These anchor points give the equine dura significant biomechanical influence.

2. The Dural Sleeve

As the spinal cord travels through the vertebral canal, the dura mater extends outward around each spinal nerve root.
These tubular extensions are called dural sleeves.

The sleeves:
• protect emerging nerve roots
• allow nerves to glide during movement
• transmit tension between the central and peripheral nervous systems
• integrate with surrounding fascia

When the sleeves glide smoothly, the horse’s nervous system can move freely with the spine.

When restricted, you may see:
• nerve mechanosensitivity
• localized or referred discomfort
• protective muscular bracing
• asymmetrical movement
• changes in stride rhythm or proprioception

Because the sleeves form a mechanical and neurological bridge, restrictions here easily produce widespread compensations.

3. The Dural Fascial Kinetic Chain

The dural fascial kinetic chain is the entire tension system formed by the dura and its fascial connections from the poll to the sacrum.

It links:
• cranial membranes
• cervical fascia
• thoracic and lumbar fascia
• pelvic fascia
• the sacral dural attachment

Mechanically, this chain:
• influences spinal mobility
• shapes topline tone
• guides neuromuscular sequencing
• transmits tension through the horse’s core axis
• integrates movement between forehand and hindquarters

Because it is continuous, tension anywhere in the chain can create whole-body effects:
• poll restriction → lumbar tightness
• sacral fixation → neck bracing
• dural irritation → global muscle tension

This is why releasing one end of the chain often improves movement throughout the body.

4. Why This System Matters in Horses

The dura and its sleeves are richly innervated and highly sensitive. Their state influences:
• spinal motion
• topline elasticity
• coordination
• balance and rhythm
• muscle tone and flexibility
• emotional regulation

Horses with dural fascial tension often present with:
• difficulty stretching forward/down
• inconsistent or fussy contact
• topline rigidity
• uneven hind-end engagement
• hypersensitivity at poll, withers, or sacrum
• guarded or anxious behavior

These patterns often get mislabeled as “attitude,” when they are in fact biomechanical and neurological.

5. The Big Picture: Anatomy Meets Behavior

The dura and its fascial extensions form the deepest structural and neurological line in the horse’s body.
Because this system connects the poll, spine, and sacrum, it influences:
• posture
• movement
• behavior
• proprioception
• the horse’s ability to relax or brace

When this inner chain moves well, the horse moves well.
When it’s restricted, the horse compensates — physically, emotionally, and behaviorally.

Myofascial Network Notes - https://koperequine.com/myofascial-network-notes-how-fascial-lines-stabilize-support-and-transmit-power/