CMF Performance Therapy

01/22/2026

There is a reason I went back and got my human license!

Did you know? The horse adapts to rider stiffness, not just rider weight!

📚 The science
Research on horse–rider interaction shows that rider postural control and stiffness affect force transmission through the saddle, altering how forces are absorbed and redistributed by the horse (Clayton & Hobbs, 2017).

🧠 What this means biomechanically
In biotensegrity terms, stiffness increases pre-stress in the system.
A stiff rider raises the overall tension in the horse–rider structure, forcing the horse to increase muscular tone to stabilise itself.

🧍 In plain terms
You don’t need to be heavy to be disruptive.

If you brace:
• through your core
• through your hips
• through your thoracic spine
• or hold your breath

…your horse stiffens because it has to.

This often looks like:
• hollowing
• shortened stride
• rushing
• loss of swing

This is something we discussed in our webinar with Tuulia Luomala on the myofascial connection between horse and rider (pic)

https://equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/courses/horseriderconnection

🎓 Why this matters (webinar)
Being “strong” isn’t enough. We’ll break down where riders need stability and where they need mobility, and why confusing it all messes horses up!

Join us for a webinar with my good friend and colleague Gus Olds from The Rider Movement

https://equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/courses/riderbiomechanics

01/21/2026

Edit:
22nd- Booked
27th- Booked

📣 February Availability 📣

Not sure if you fit in any of these locations, shoot me a message to check!

01/14/2026

Booked!

*Equine Massage*
I’ve been able to add one more day to my January rotation! My books filled up before I needed to post the schedule, so if you didn’t get on this month and want me out let me know!
February is also filling up quickly but I do have priority to those that I do not hit this month. I will be reaching out later this week to confirm appointments, but feel free to contact me sooner to solidify your dates!

01/08/2026

🏋️‍♀️Train Harder. Recover Faster. Perform Better.

Your body is your most important piece of equipment—treat it like one.

💆‍♂️ Courtney’s therapeutic massage is designed specifically for athletes who want to move better, recover quicker, and stay injury-free.

Whether you’re:
• Pushing for a personal best
• Managing a training load
• Coming back from injury

👏I help reduce muscle tension, improve mobility, and speed up recovery so you can get back to doing what you love—stronger than before.

💪Train hard. Recover properly. Perform at your best.

☎️Call the office to book your session with Courtney and feel the difference in your next workout!
✨For the most in depth consultation appointment, request a 90 minute session✨
(540)-719-0821

01/04/2026

Proudly introducing CMF Performance Sponsored Rider Kayleigh Burke!

Kayleigh works alongside her husband at McDonald Equine, training hunter and western horses to become confident, adaptable problem-solvers through in and out of the ring through cattle work and work in the ring.

Prior to McDonald Equine, she taught at two universities, competed on the local and “A” show circuits, and earned her USEF “r” judge license in Hunters and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation. Her experience also includes horse show management, course design, and judging, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the sport.

This year, Kayleigh can be found competing at local SWVHJA shows, select “A” shows, and a few western events while continuing to develop young horses and riders through creative, cross-training-focused programs.

01/03/2026

Proudly introducing CMF Performance Sponsored Rider Huxley Greer!

Huxley grew up immersed in horses and began riding at the age of three. On her tenth birthday, she discovered a passion for the sport of eventing, and by eleven she completed her first Beginner Novice event. A special and pivotal partnership followed with Octavian, purchased by her parents when he was two, whom Huxley developed from his first event through the 2 level of eventing*. Together, they went on to represent the NAJYRC team in 2009.

Over the years, Huxley has developed and produced multiple horses through the levels of eventing and dressage, with a particular emphasis on re-starting and producing off-the-track Thoroughbreds. She is a USDF Gold and Silver Medalist, has competed at the Intermediate 1 level, and is currently schooling Grand Prix with her OTTB, Vesuvian, whom she re-started off the track. She is also bringing along two promising horses, Roman Holiday WE and Royalty Happens WE.

Having competed successfully at the 2* level in eventing, Huxley continues to work toward advancing up the levels. Her long-term goal is to compete at the highest level of the sport in both eventing and dressage.

01/02/2026

Proudly introducing CMF Performance Sponsored Rider Rain Leahy!

Rain has successfully developed multiple young horses through the levels of eventing up to FEI and most recently operated a sales program out of a professional facility. She specializes in producing young horses, with a strong emphasis on their long-term mental and physical development.

Rain spent several years training under Tik and Sinead Maynard, where she gained valuable experience in groundwork and progressive techniques for starting and educating young horses—skills that remain a cornerstone of her program today. She is currently preparing her upper-level prospect, X Mario, for his upcoming 2* debut this season, while also bringing her off-the-track Thoroughbred mare, Threat Level Midnight, back into competition.

“I’m so excited to work with Courtney to ensure my horses are physically and mentally developing in the correct trajectory for our goals, and most importantly keeping them relaxed and feeling their best!“ -Rain

01/01/2026

There’s no better feeling than coming out to work on your horse and they are significantly improved from the last session due to the changes you make based on my assessments!

Making Bodywork Stick

There are many types of bodyworkers in the equine industry—chiropractors, myofascial therapists, massage therapists, PEMF, MagnaWave, and more. When done correctly, all of these modalities can be beneficial to the horse. However, it is important to understand that you are the most important bodyworker of all.

You are the primary physiotherapist for your horse. You spend the most time with them, and because you are the one riding the horse, you have the greatest ability to either improve or hinder your horse’s physical development.

When you receive feedback from your bodyworker, it is essential that you make subtle—or sometimes significant—changes in how you work your horse. If a bodyworker identifies a troubled area and relieves it, but you continue to ride in the same way that created the issue, the horse will return to that state within a ride or two. At that point, both the time and money invested in bodywork are wasted.

If you are a rider who does not adjust your work based on what you feel in your horse—or ignores what your bodyworker tells you—then the problem is rarely just the sore spot itself. More often than not, you are the source of the issue.

Be mindful of how your horse feels and moves. Use the feedback your bodyworker gives you; they may feel things you cannot yet feel from the saddle. Developing a horse is a constant process of listening, adjusting, and riding in ways that meet the horse’s changing needs.

Bodywork can help—but correct riding is what makes it last.

12/20/2025

CMF Performance Therapy is thrilled to announce our 2026 Sponsored Riders! These incredible equestrians embody dedication, passion, and the pursuit of excellence—values that align perfectly with our mission to keep both horse and rider performing at their best.

We’re honored to support these talented athletes throughout the upcoming season and can’t wait to see all they accomplish in the arena, on the cross-country course, and beyond.

Here’s to a year of riding and thriving together 💪✨

Welcome to the CMF Performance Team Ladies!

11/27/2025

Remaining December Availability!

Edit:
5th- Booked
7th- Booked
14th- Booked
21st- Partial Lynchburg

11/15/2025

🚨Application is LIVE!! 🚨

🤝Become part of the CMF Performance Therapy Family by applying to be a sponsored rider for the 2026 show season!

✅ Eligibility requirements include: •Reasonable distance from Moneta, VA, or along current client routes. Message me your location to confirm it meets the standards.
•Be comfortable posting on social media and being posted on CMF Business social media
•2026 competition goals at venues including Virginia Horse Center, Greenhill Park, and Carolina Horse Park.

📗Not an existing client? Submit your application then contact me to schedule your first session so that we may have a chance to get to know one another!

💪 Are you ready to elevate your partnership? Submit an application and get ready to ride and thrive together! 👇👇

https://forms.gle/hetGkdXseDaPRMPZ8

11/05/2025

CMF Performance Therapy is proud to introduce our Rider Sponsorship Program!

We're on the hunt for three ambitious equestrians to partner with for the 2026 show season, focusing on enhancing their horses' well-being to elevate their competitive performance.
While prior affiliation with CMF Performance isn't required, booking a session before selection is mandatory to ensure a harmonious partnership.

The application period runs from November 15th to December 15th. Watch this space for further announcements!