Level Gaits - Equine Body Work

21/12/2025

Embracing the Winter Solstice: The Longest Night of the Year

The Winter Solstice, which typically falls around December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the official start of winter and the shortest day and longest night of the year. It happens when the Earth’s axial tilt is farthest from the Sun, making the Sun appear at its lowest point in the sky at noon.

For many cultures, the Winter Solstice has held deep significance throughout history. In ancient times, it was seen as a time of renewal and hope. After the solstice, the days begin to lengthen, and the sunlight slowly starts to return, bringing a sense of warmth and light after the long, dark days of winter. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, the light will return.

In modern times, the Winter Solstice is often celebrated with festivals, traditions, and gatherings, marking the turning point from darkness to light. Some people observe this day with quiet reflection, while others enjoy festivities like bonfires, feasts, or even stargazing. It’s a beautiful time to take a pause, look inward, and honor the natural cycles of the Earth.

Whether you’re bundled up in front of a fire or out watching the night sky, the Winter Solstice is a moment to connect with the rhythm of the seasons and appreciate the world’s quiet beauty during the colder months. 🌌 ❄️

07/11/2025

Beautiful moment caught on camera 📸

Thanks to the young talent I met on Wednesday Melie's Media give her a follow!

05/11/2025

Thank you Level Gaits - Equine Body Work for coming out today!

I’ve been working with Laura for over 5 years now, her passion towards the horses and the sport are what make her so good at her job. The horses feel fantastic all year round and i believe it is an essential part to your horse/ ponies routine

Thank you Melie's Media for the pictures of laura working📸

28/10/2025

Working with Molly today, we focused on finding her centre using balance pads to improve equine balance. This is crucial for stabilising and protecting the spinal column, especially after proprioceptive deficits or musculoskeletal injury.

27/10/2025

I’m not just a bodywork therapist; winter is coming, need a helping hand to keep up your horses fitness.

I can offer the following services:

- Long Lining
- Balance Pads
- Stretching Program
- Equine Taping

DM me to discuss how we can create a bespoke package that works for you.

24/10/2025

Kickstart your 2026 with a healthy start!

Our diary is now open for January appointments.

I offer a range of equine sports massage, body work, kinesio taping, ground work (long reining, lunging, and stretching), and flatwork lessons.

Regular body work improves circulation, enhances overall tissue nutrition and elasticity, improves blood flow, and increases oxygen delivery to tissues. It also relieves stress, reduces negative health responses related to chronic stress, and decreases cortisol and insulin levels.

* Improved circulation
* Enhanced muscle tone
* Relaxed muscle spasms
* Prevention and relief of adhesions
* Increased range of movement

I am fully qualified and insured, with over 30 years of equine experience. I have happy clients and reviews available.

I offer evening and weekend appointments.

For more information, please call 07880496440, email Laura@levelgaits.co.uk, or visit our website at

Equine sports massage, massage techniques, Happy Horse, Benefits of massage, Horse, Cob, Pony, Laura Davies

19/09/2025

Things certainly happen for a reason…..but look 👀 at Kara smile!

That’s one of the reasons I’m proud to work with Kara Arnold Equestrian horses well being comes first!

21/08/2025

Love 🥰 this, I’ve always sung in my head while riding

Wednesday Wisdom - Why Forward???
If you ride dressage long enough, you will inevitably hear that “forward fixes everything.” Surely, you have had a comment or two on a test that says that the horse needs to be “more forward.” Or perhaps, you have had the comment, “forward, not fast” or "rushing." Let's talk through the concept of forward.

Forward, in the literal sense, is about the direction of travel. But in the context of dressage, we are talking about both the physical aspect and the mental aspect. Forward in the physical sense is when the horse is covering ground in their normal rhythm. If the horse is pushed beyond their balance point, they will fall onto the forward and will begin running. This would be similar to a person running down a hill and then leaning forward slightly. If the person continues to go faster, they will eventually fall on their nose. The horse will do the same.

The rider should be aware of this feeling and apply the appropriate half halts to re-balance the horse and encourage a slower, more appropriate rhythm. The appropriate beats per minute (bpm) for each gait and some popular songs that correspond are listed below.

Walk: 50-65 bpm
songs like “My Girl” by the Temptations (50-60 bpm) or “Me too” by Meghan Trainor (60-65 bpm)

Trot:75-90 bpm -
songs like “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood (75 bpm), Paul McCartney’s Can’t Buy Me Love (89.5 bpm) or Mambo No. 5 by Lou Bega (89.5 bpm)

Canter: 95-110 bpm -
Songs like “I Love Rock N Roll” by Joan Jett (90 bpm) or “Think” by Aretha Franklin (110.1 bpm)

Physically forward is only part of the equation though. In order for a horse to be truly “forward,” he must be forward thinking - meaning that he must be promptly responsive to the driving aids. Believe it or not, horses can cover ground nicely without being forward thinking as is indicated by a delayed response to your seat and leg aids. A horse that is mentally forward will respond appropriately to the slightest seat and leg aids by moving forward. Additionally, a forward thinking horse will maintain his own energy. In our Thinking Thursday, we will look at ways to get the horse forward.

27/06/2025

Great to see Kara doing well! Hard work and determination