Orchard Life

04/11/2025

03/11/2025

I’m very privileged to be teaching from the beautiful oasis of Bab Zouina December 2026. Now taking bookings, some experience of Iyengar yoga is essential. For full details contact me in the first instance mariayoagalife@gmail.com

03/11/2025

✨️ APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE THIS AFTERNOON, MONDAY 3 NOVEMBER with Tomomi for NEW or RETURNING patients

✅️ BOOK ONLINE at www.nolanosteopathy.co.uk/book-online.php
✅️ CALL 01635 597290
✅️ WhatsApp 07591 094223

28/10/2025

Did you know our amazing osteopath Danny also has amazing skills with horses 🐴

🐴💪 Building Strong Hind End Muscles for a Powerful, Balanced Horse

The hind end muscles are the powerhouse of your horse’s movement — responsible for propulsion, balance, and stability. Key muscles include:
🔹 Gluteals — provide thrust and help with uphill movement
🔹 Hamstrings (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus) — extend the hip and flex the stifle
🔹 Quadriceps — straighten the stifle and support weight bearing
🔹 Gastrocnemius (calf muscle) — aids in pushing off and absorbing impact

Strong, well-conditioned hind end muscles improve your horse’s performance, reduce injury risk, and help with carrying weight evenly.

How to build them up:
✅ Gradual hill work — encourages powerful, controlled muscle engagement
✅ Transitions between gaits — improve strength and responsiveness
✅ Cavaletti and pole work — promote coordination and muscle activation
✅ Strength and balance exercises — like backing up, lateral work, and hill trot sets
✅ Regular osteopathic care — helps maintain muscle health and identify areas needing attention

Remember: slow, consistent work is key — building muscle safely over time avoids strain and keeps your horse happy!