Soft Eyes Equine Bodywork

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!

10/27/2025

Don't forget to groom your horse's belly! Lots of soft tissue holding in their insides under there. That tissue is packed full of receptors for your pony to know where its own body is, like its legs and feets. So be sure to give a nice gentle curry to the tummy, a little more pressure than dusting. (yes, I know feets is not correct grammar, but it sounds funner than just feet.) (For my fellow anatomy geeks, those receptors are for proprioception.)

10/26/2025

Progress can be slow and quiet. This cutie had a few sessions in row where she was not thrilled about touch on her right hip. Thankfully we have moved past that and helping her get a more supple bootay.

10/25/2025

Board Meetings are the best meetings!

10/17/2025

Good morning from my dreams. So excited to learn more craniosacral techniques from industry leaders I admire and respect, make new horsie friends, and spend time with the best teachers…. the horses.