Optimized Equine Wellness LLC

02/09/2026

Check out OptimizedEquineWellness’s video.

01/29/2026

Did you know you can follow Optimized Equine Wellness over on TikTok? Take a look and follow for equine bodywork videos! (And probably a few of my two cute dogs) 😍

34 Followers, 511 Following, 56 Likes - Watch awesome short videos created by OptimizedEquineWellness

01/29/2026

It’s cold 🥶… but horse girls die hard…. Because we love our horses. 🙌🐴🥰

01/26/2026

ACCUMULATED TENSION IN HORSES

🟦Accumulated tension doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t disappear with force or more work.

When a horse has been compensating for weeks, months, or years, the body learns to hold itself together through tension.

🟦What is accumulated tension?

➕ Repeated low-grade stress held in muscles & fascia
➕ Often develops slowly and quietly
➕ Common in the neck, back, rib cage, psoas, and poll
➕ Closely tied to the nervous system, not just workload

🚫 It is not always caused by hard work or bad riding

🟦 HOW IT BUILDS

Tension accumulates when:

➕ The horse compensates for imbalance, discomfort, or pain
➕ Postural muscles stay “on” too long
➕ Movement options become limited
➕ Stress responses are never fully resolved

Over time, the body adapts by bracing.

🟦 WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE

Accumulated tension may show up as:

• Reduced topline development
• "Bunching" of the body.
• Hollowing or stiffness through the back
• Shortened stride or asymmetry
• Resistance without obvious lameness
• Difficulty relaxing into work

🚫 These are often labeled “training issues”

🟦 KEY TAKEAWAY

🚫 Tight muscles are not the root problem
✔️ They are the result of prolonged compensation

Strength and balance cannot develop on top of chronic tension.

🟦Before adding:

• More conditioning
• New equipment
• Increased intensity

Ask instead:
➡️ Can this body let go first?

Supporting the nervous system and posture allows muscles to change safely.

🟦 Bodywork helps the horse recognize options beyond holding and bracing.

Softening is not the opposite of strength —
it’s the foundation for it.

Change begins when the nervous system feels safe enough to release.

This is where bodywork supports true, lasting improvement; not by forcing muscles to relax, but by giving the body better information.

01/23/2026

The girls were very excited to get their new blankets for this week. While they normally have a blanket, these are a step heavier for deep cold.

01/14/2026

When your amazing client who does pottery makes you your new favorite mug! ❤️ 🐎 ☕️

01/14/2026

01/14/2026

When you're in a session and you get the feeling you're being watched. Cutest ever.