Soft Eyes Equine Bodywork

12/14/2025

What fun it was to meet Barn Besties Megan and Steph last summer in Madison all because we love our bib overalls! Thank you for the opportunity to share my passion for horses and their wellness. 💕💕

Besties went to the Region 10 Arabian Championships at the Alliant...

12/11/2025

Rhinebeck Equine has been wonderful to share updates on the national EHV outbreak. My heart aches for those who have lost their horse or their horse has been affected by the virus.

I have been following the EDCC site for new case reporting. In the meantime, I continue to practice extra biosecurity measures.

🐴 As of December 11th, 2025 at 4PM, pictured are the current numbers for positive EHV-1 and EHM cases in the United States that are associated with the WPRA event in Waco, TX. And a new confirmed EHV-1 neurologic case in Florida at Tampa Bay Downs that is not associated with the WPRA event.

🦠 We are aware of two confirmed positive EHV-Neurological and 1 suspected positive in Lancaster County, PA. One horse has been euthanized based on clinical signs. These cases are not connected to the WPRA event in Waco, TX.

🦠 Currently, there are no confirmed positive EHV-1 nor EHM cases in the state of New York. We will continue to provide up to date and reliable information as the situation continues to develop.

🐴 Our hearts and support goes out to the horses, owners, trainers, grooms, veterinarians, technicians, assistants and office staff that are caring for these horses, practicing good biosecurity, and fielding the litany of questions and negativity surrounding this outbreak.

🙋 Be sure to check out our previous Q and A posts for more information about EHV-1 and EHM. If you have any further and respectful questions, please comment them below and we will do our best to answer them in a future post.

🔗Please follow this link to the Equine Disease Communication Center: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/

11/21/2025

Audrey Schneider has been a client since shortly after I started Soft Eyes. Regretfully this week, her beloved Red was diagnosed with EPM. To say this is overwhelming is an understatement. She is working closely with her vet for the treatment and rehab plans. And of course, I will help however I can.

The good news is that Red is a strong minded, athletic American Saddlebred. Together they qualified for Louisville/Worlds a few years back and now they really enjoy jumping cross-country. Audrey is a very dedicated horsewoman, and I am hopeful that Red will make a fantastic recovery.

But Audrey could use some financial help with all that is coming. She has a gofundme page, which was so hard for her to put out there. If you can help her and Red, I know she would be very grateful. Thank you so much for your consideration.

and last... please send them lots of positive energy. xoxo
https://www.gofundme.com/f/red-my-heart-horse

11/13/2025

I love learning from first appointments. This cutie is going through a lot of transformation guided by her new person. There are many steps and activities involved. But I think it is helpful to remember that this is a process that continues beyond the appointment. I'm really looking forward to the next appointment!

11/12/2025

The best greeting committee ever.... gah! I love when pasture mates come say "Hieeeee" too. And these two, oh.my.goodness. They're hilarious! I also am definitely getting used to my outdoor office!

11/02/2025

This fella had an injury to his shoulder many moons ago before he found his loving person now. This comparison photo is before/after the first appointment. 60% of the session I worked on his hind end, 30% on his limbs, and 10% on his fascial diaphragms. I did not work directly on his shoulders. The fun part for me is seeing the results and hearing the person say, "Oh wow! He's ready to go!" as she is walking him back to his paddock.

So when I encourage you to groom your horse with intention all over their bodies using Goldie Locks touch, this is why. The anatomical reason soft tissue is a lot like our skin; it's found just about everywhere in the body connecting all the parts. It's what helps everything work together all the time. It is not isolated in silos like canisters of flour, sugar, coffee, and tea on the counter waiting to be used.

11/01/2025

Great opportunity for Madison, WI area horsie peeps!!!

Join us for an informative evening focused on Equine Emergency First Aid. Whether you’re a horse owner, barn manager, or equine enthusiast, this seminar will help you feel confident and prepared to handle common emergencies before the veterinarian arrives.

Space is limited! Please RSVP to reserve your spot.

https://www.irongateequine.com/clientseminar

11/01/2025

Working with horses brings me so much peace. It is always an honor, always.

10/30/2025

What is the best thing I can do over the WINTER with my horse? Ground poles, in hand, at the walk. This seems too simple! It is! So start doing it! YOUR HORSE'S SMALL STABILIZING MUSCLES AND LIGAMENTS AND TENDONS NEED A WORKOUT TOO!

And your horse's brain! Change it up every time. Do different layouts, walk through wonka doodle paths. Keep it fun! And go slow. Your horse is telling you it needs more work if it wants to trot through or cut corners.

This ONE activity over the winter will set your horse up for a great start in Spring. Giving your horse the winter off means you start over in the Spring. Two weeks without exercise and muscles start to atrophy.

Yes, you have extra set up and clean up. Yes ground poles can be heavy. Yes riding is much more exhilerating. But this gives YOU a new workout too: Cross fit at the barn!

It can be done with your horse's blanket on as long as you keep it leisurely. If you're getting too warm in your coat, your horse is getting too warm in its blanket.

10/29/2025

Often, I remind my clients to breathe from their bellies while grooming their horse. This helps relax their hands and arms. Their horse feels the difference too! And we become more present and aware of the little things our horses are telling us during these times of loving engagment. PS This helps have light hands on the bridle too.

10/28/2025

Working with horses ain't for the weak! HA! This fella enjoys this gentle release for his scapula. Me, on the other hand? I get a good glute and leg workout! Not all my clients can do this or especially not hind limbs. It's fun when the horse relaxes and I feel the limb release down into my hands. Love it!