11/06/2025
You’ve probably seen a horse lick, chew, sigh, blink, or yawn during a bodywork session — subtle moments that might seem small, but tell us a lot about what’s happening beneath the surface.
These are called releases, and they’re signs that the nervous system is shifting from a state of tension (sympathetic activation) to one of rest and repair (parasympathetic activation). When that happens, the body begins to process stored tension, improve circulation, and allow tissues to move and communicate more freely.
In practical terms, it means the horse is responding — the work is landing. Tight areas begin to soften. Restriction in the fascia eases. The breath deepens. The eye softens. Those visible changes often mirror deeper internal shifts that support performance, recovery, and overall comfort.
Not every horse releases in the same way or at the same time. Some show obvious physical signs early on; others process quietly and respond later, once they’ve had time to integrate. The goal isn’t to “get” a release, but to create conditions where the body feels safe enough to let go on its own timeline.
Bodywork isn’t about forcing change — it’s about helping the body find its way back to balance. Each release, no matter how subtle, is a reminder that the horse’s system is doing exactly that.
