Caitlin Hughes Equine Massage

A great reminder if your horse has had some time off and your goal for the new year is to get riding again.

Just like humans horses will need time to rebuild their fitness levels so make sure to gradually increase work the length and amount of work you are expecting of them. And don't forget to spend lots of time walking when warming up, cooling down, and riding horses who have been out of work for a long period of time!

Just like with people, horses don't respond to fad diets or fitness plans.

There is no magical cure to getting your horse fit or competition ready. It takes TIME which is not something people like to hear.

The body needs TIME to build, rest, recover, grow and strengthen.

Your horse can be stronger this season but you will need to start bringing them back to work now.

📸: .tales.photography
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Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a healthy and happy 2023 spent with your horses.

Coming in 2023: Kinesiology Taping

I am currently finishing up a certification for equine kinesiology taping from Sozo Equine. Once completed and I'm ready to start offering kinesiology taping as an add on to massage appointments an announcement that includes pricing will be posted.

I can't wait to add kinesiology taping to my list of modalities.

If you have any questions DM me or email [email protected].

🎁 Holiday Giveaways 🎁

One prize per day will be given away from Monday December 19th to Friday December 23rd. Winners will be announced each morning via a Facebook post and will also be contacted directly.

The prizes include:
1) Free digital SMART Stretching Program
2) Free digital Multidiscipline Reconditioning Program
3) 10% off either an Initial Assessment or Maintentance Massage
4) 20% off either an Initial Assessment or Maintenance Massage
5) 40% off either an Initial Assessment or Maintenance Massage

Deadline to enter for a chance to win these prizes is Sunday December 18th at midnight.

To enter DM me, comment on this post, or email [email protected].

smartreconditioning

Product Spotlight: Muscle Anatomy & Myology Study Cards

The Muscle Anatomy & Myology Study Cards are 25 Coloured Cards isolating muscles that are commonly affected by work & exercise.

Each card isolates one muscle and includes indications of issues that a horse may show.

Ideal for bodyworkers, beginners, coaches, students, trainers, – ANYONE & EVERYONE.

Digital: $15.99/set
Hardcopy: $29.99/set (shipping included)

To order your set DM me, comment on this post, or email [email protected].

Product Spotlight: Multidiscipline Reconditioning Program

The SMARTcert Canada Multidiscipline Reconditioning Program was updated in 2021 and is available in an online or hardcopy format!

The MRP is great for horses who are already in work but could use some reconditioning to help address the skills that they need to build the three main components of performance: strength, power and endurance.

The MRP includes:
🐴 10 exercises & 16 weeks worth of reconditioning for your horse
🐴 Info on how each exercise works, which parts of the horse's body it targets, and what issues/habits it helps to fix
🐴 Helps riders choose exercises to target specific issues
🐴 Trackers to help you plan & score your rides
🐴 Educational material
🐴 MORE!

Order your copy of the MRP now!
MRP Online Volume: $14.99
MRP Hardcopy Volume: $59.99 (shipping included)

DM me, comment on this post, or email [email protected] to request your copy!

Product Spotlight: SMART Stretching Program

Regular stretching is important for every horse, even if they don't get massages. The benefits of stretching over time can lead to; improved muscle growth and tone, a wider range of motion in joints plus quicker recovery post-exercise.

The SMART Stretching Program includes:

🐴18 SMART Stretches
🐴Instructions for each SMART Stretch
🐴Photo of muscles isolated by each SMART Stretch
🐴Signs that a horse may require a SMART Stretch
🐴Glossary, Terminology, & More

Digital: $14.99/program
Hardcopy: $59.99/Program (shipping included)

To order yours DM me, comment on this post, or email [email protected].

Service Available: Equine Massage

Weekday evening and weekend equine massage appointments in Simcoe County and the surrounding areas are available. SMARTcert Canada certified equine massage therapist.

December - limited availability including a few weekday appointments between Boxing Day and New Years Eve

January - booking weeknight evenings and weekends

2022 Prices:
- Initial Assessment Massage: $80
- Maintenance Massage: $60
- 4 Maintenance Massages Pack: $200 (save $10 per massage)

I've held off increasing prices but unfortunately with the increasing cost of everything I've had to increase prices slightly for 2023.

Book your 2023 appointment now to take advantage of 2022 prices.

2023 Prices:
- Initial Assessment Massage: $85
- Maintenance Massage: $70
- 4 Maintenance Massages Pack: $240 (save $10 per massage)

If you have any questions or to book an appointment DM me or email [email protected].

A very busy summer and fall meant that I ended up neglecting social media, but now I'm back! Over the next few days I'm going to be posting more information about the services and products both currently available and coming in 2023.

Currently available:
- Equine Massage Appointments
- single appointments
- packages of 4 appointments
- SMART Stretching Program
- digital or hardcopy version
- Multidiscipline Reconditioning Program
- digital or hardcopy version
- Muscle Anatomy & Myology Study Cards
- digital or hardcopy version

Coming in 2023:
- Kinesiology taping will be available as an add on to massage appointments in 2023!

Holiday Giveaways 🎁
One prize will be given away daily from December 19th to 23rd. The prizes will include massage discounts and copies of the SMART Stretching Program and Multidiscipline Reconditioning Program. To get your name in the draw message me or comment on this post by December 18th at midnight.

To book an appointment, order one of the programs, or with any questions DM me or email [email protected].

❄️ Cooling Stategies ❄️

With the return of the hot and humid temperatures lets discuss effective and ineffective cooling strategies for your horse, as well as some common cooling myths.

The most effective cooling techniques include:
- Repeated sponging or hosing with cold water
- Keeping the horse in a breeze (I.e. using fans if inside)
- Keeping the horse in the shade

Ineffective cooling techniques include:
- Placing cool towels on the skin (they may act to trap the heat)
- Placing a wet sponge on the horse's poll

Common Cooling Myths

- Cold Water and Muscle Tying Up
The cold does not pe*****te deeply enough to result in tying up of muscles. At most, it may slightly affect the surface of the muscle, but the blood supply is so great and the blood flooding the working/recovering muscles so great, that any impact is transient. The kidneys are also richly flooded with blood vessels and are beneath the back muscles so will not experience any sensation from cold water applied to the skin.

- The Need to Scrape the Water
Do you scrape the water off or keep applying more? Yes, as the water sits on the skin, it heats up and, if not removed, can actually insulate the horse in very hot and huimid conditions where it will not evaporate quickly. BUT when rapid cooling is a priority, why take the time to scrape? Just putting more cold water on the skin will prevent the insulation factor and will cool the horse faster. Monitor the temperature of the water coming off. Once the water is not gaining heat, then scrape and walk the horse. Then, monitor the temperature of the skin and the body for heat.

- Don't Give Water to a Hot Horse
This myth is widely accepted and particularly well engrained. However, the latest research suggests that horses can and should drink right after exercise to ensure proper rehydration (as long as we also keep them moving and cooling them down as aggressively as needed). A horse needs to consume water as part of exercise recovery. To help restore blood volume and fluid balance, aid in the return to optimal function of multiple tissues and body systems, and assist with thermoregulation and cooling. Therefore, by definition, if a horse is hot - it needs water!

Remember the safe temperature and humidity zones for exercise, and stay cool out there!

Muscle Monday: Rhomboid

The rhomboid is a deep muscle that runs along the top of the horse's neck. It lies underneath the trapezius muscle. It has two portions, the cervical portion and the thoracic portion.

The function of the rhomboid is to loft and draw the scapula forward. It also assists in raising and lengthening the neck when the front legs are on the ground. It therefore has an important effect on shaping the base of the neck and the freedom of the shoulder.

Potential indications of tension or issues with the rhomboid can include: reluctance to bend/flex the neck; atrophy of the withers; swelling, soreness, or heat at withers; reluctance to lift the neck; difficulty with collection; shortened or choppy strides in the front end; problems picking up the correct lead; reluctance to go up or down hills; head tossing when saddled; and refusing jumps.

Muscle Monday: Semimembranosus

The Semimembranosus is the third main muscle in the equine hamstring. With the other two main muscles being the bicep femoris and the semitendinosus that we previously discussed.

Of the three main muscles in the hamstring the semimembranosus is the most medial, which means it it closest to the midline of the horse.

The role of the semimembranosus is to extend the hip and stifle when the hind leg is weightbearing, which facilitates propulsion. When the hind leg is non-weightbearing, the semimembranosus adducts and retracts the hind leg.

Hamstring Hypertonicity and Tarsal (Hock) Pathology 🌟

I often talk about the “spiral of dysfunction”, an ever progressing degenerative down turn in musculoskeletal health. So I thought I would share one of the most common spirals I see.

- Hock arthritis = pain and joint inflammation in acute stages, progresses to structural joint adaptations as the condition progresses.
=> reduced hock joint range of motion.
=> rotation of hock joint inwards during movement
=> external rotation of stifle joint in synergistic response to hock motion
=> hip drop on flex/ext depending on pathology => sacroiliac joint strain and gluteal tension
=> use of hamstring muscle group and other medially placed hindlimb muscles to facilitate this gait pattern
=> medial (inside) weight placement through the hoof = uneven wear of shoe and asymmetrical hoof conformation
=> hamstring muscle hypertonicity and pain on palpation due to overexertion/repetitive strain outside of functional means.
= reduced hindlimb joint range of motion due to restrictions in muscle tone and pliability.

It is super important to identify the cause of asymmetry/lameness in order to prevent this cycle of dysfunction from occurring.

Muscle Monday: Semitendinosus

The semitendinosus is a superfical muscle in the horse's hindquarters and is one of the three muscles that make up the equine hamstring. The other two that make up the hamstring are the semimembranosus and the bicep femoris.

The semitendinosus extends the horse's hip and hock joints, and flexes the stifle when the hock is flexed. It works as an antagonist to the tensor fascia latae muscle discussed several weeks ago. As a result, if there is disfunction in one of these muscles then the other will have to compensate.

Indications of issues with the semitendinosus can include a shortened stride in the hind end, possibly with lameness and a tendency to stand with one hind limb resting.

🌡Hot Weather and your Horse🌡:

With the return of hot weather to Ontario it's important to know how to keep your horse cool and healthy during the summer months.

Have a copy of the safe temperature and humidity zones for exercise handy. Horses have a larger body mass to surface area ratio than humans so they are less effective at cooling themselves than we are. Additionally, they have a large mass of contracting muscles which produce heat, making them even hotter.

The "safe" zone in the chart represents the combinations of temperature and relative humidity at which the majority of healthy horses can effectively thermoregulate. When a temperature-humidity combination lies within the unsafe zone, then prolonged or strenuous exercise is highly likely to result in excessive increases in heat storage and body temperature, resulting in heat strain and injury.

It's also important to consider heat acclimation. This refers to a set of physiological adaptations that occurs upon repeated exposure to hot conditions for at least a few hours a day over a period of weeks. The main adaptations are an earlier onset of sweating and an increased sweating rate which allows for better dissipation of heat to keep the body from overheating. Heat acclimation takes at least 14 days.

Muscular contraction results in the production of heat within skeletal muscle cells. If this heat is not adequately removed from the muscle cells, the contracting muscles and the horse itself will rapidly overheat, resulting in heatstroke or other heat injuries.

The skin provides a very important route of heat transfer from muscle production sites to the ambient environment.

The main routes of heat loss are:
1. Evaporation of sweat from the skin
2. Radiation of heat from the body to the air
3. Radiative transfer of heat from the lungs to the exhaled air
4. Convective loss of heat due to the wind moving over the surface of the horse's body

Remember!
The greater the temperature difference between body temperature and ambient temperature, the greater the heat loss. As the ambient temperature gets close to body temperature, heat loss slows accordingly.

During high humidity, evaporative heat loss is severely compromised. The phrase "It's not the heat, it's the humidity!" is even more applicable to the horse than to humans. Remember, if you are finding it hot and sticky, it is even worse for your horse!

Muscle Monday: Serratus Ventralis

The serratus ventralis is the largest muscle holding up the chest between the horse's forelimbs. It consists of two sections, the cervical (neck) and thoracic (chest).

The serratus part of the name is because the bottom edge of the muscle looks serrated. The ventralis part of the name is because it is the lower (ventral) serrated muscle, the serratus dorsalis is close to the top of the back.

The serratus ventralis lies underneath the latissimus dorsi and some of the neck muscles, but the lower most ends of the thoracic section are just below the skin and some of the cervical section are just below the skin in front of the cervical trapezius and between some of the other neck muscles.

The thoracic section of the serratus ventralis pulls the shoulder blade back as the forelimb is extended and also aids in respiration. Indications of tension in this section of the muscle can include girthy, poor respiration, reduced extension and stride length, and a refusal to jump.

The cervical section of the serratus ventralis draws the scapula forward and up which rotates the shoulder joint down during the stance phase of the gait (when the hoof is on the ground). It also extends and laterally flexes the neck when the forelimb is weight bearing. Indications of tension in this section of the muscle can include restricted stride length of the forelimb and lack of ground "travel", reduced shoulder extension and flexion, high head carriage with a reluctance to lower the neck when standing.

May Availability 🗓

Only a few spots still available in May, book your appointment today before they fill up! Also booking appointments in June.

Weekdays: Simcoe County only

May 20th - After 1 pm

May 27th - After 5:30 pm

May 30th - After 5:30 pm

Weekends: Within 2.5 hrs of Barrie, ON

May 22nd
May 28th

Email [email protected] or DM me to book your appointment.

Stretch of the Week: Neck Lateral Flexor

The lateral flexor stretch is a great stretch for many of the muscles in the neck including the brachiocephalic, splenius, and the cervical ventral serratus. It also stretches the intercostal muscles between the ribs.

To do this stretch use a carrot or other type of treat your horse likes. Standing next to your horse's shoulder show them that you have the treat and take a small step backwards while luring their nose towards their barrel.

If your horse is trying to turn in a circle it may help to stand them next to a wall to support the side opposite you while they get used to the stretch. Your horse may not be able to stretch very far at first so only go as far as they are comfortable. Do this stretch daily and ovr time aim to get your horse's nose to the point of their hip/stifle.

Repeat the stretch on both sides up to 5 times daily.

Muscle Monday: Brachiocephalic

The brachocephalic is a largely superficial muscle that is located at the bottom of the horse's neck. It runs from the poll to the point of the shoulder and consists of two muscles, the cleidobrachialis and the cleidomastoidius, that are collectively known as the brachocephalic.

The roles of the brachocephalic are to extend the shoulder, move the limb forwards (protraction), and flex the neck towards the side of the protracting limb.

The main causes of injury to or tension in the brachiocephalic muscle are direct trauma, rider asymmetry in their rein grip/contact, chronic lameness, tack, and compensation movement patterns.

Indications of issues may include restricted forelimb stride length when moving forwards and backwards, reduced shoulder flexion and extension, reduced ability to flex the neck when working on a circle.

Muscle Monday: Ascending Pectorals

The pectoral muscle group consists of 4 different muscles. Two of these pectoral muscles are superficial muscles while the other two are deep muscles. One of the deep pectoral muscles is the caudal deep pectoral muscle also known as the ascending pectoral muscle.

The ascending pectoral stretches from the sternum to the outside of the abdominal muscles and cartilage of the horse's fourth to ninth ribs. It goes forward inside the leg to the front of the humerus, where it attaches to its top end. The ascending pectoral is the largest of the 4 pectoral muscles, is a fan or triangular shape and is the only one of the pectoral muscles that comes into contact with the girth.

The function of the ascending pectoral is to suspend the horse's trunk between the thoracic limbs, forelimb retraction, and stabilization of the glenohumeral joint. It also reinforces the action of the latissimus dorsi which supports the back, flexes the shoulder, and moves the body of the horse forward over the foreleg when it is on the ground.

Indications of pain or tension in the ascending pectoral can include rapid jerking of the back upwards with a light to medium palpation, objection or struggle to perform a forelimb protraction stretch, shortening of stride, poor synchronicity, decreased stamina, shortening of the cranial phase of the step cycle, or placement of the limb medially (towards the center) during the weight bearing phase of the step cycle.

If your horse is experiencing tension or pain in the ascending pectorals check saddle fit, girth type and fit, and whether or not there is tension or pain in the latissimus dorsi.

I see it too often: Fried horses

They are:
❌ Grumpy
❌ Tired
❌ Anxious
❌ Don't want to listen/ Mentally somewhere else
❌ Tight

It is:
✅ OK to give them a day or two off
✅ OK to give them the week off
✅ OK to work on groundwork and not ride
✅ OK to take that trail ride
✅ OK to just walk around the property
✅ OK to just groom and hand graze one day

They need to re-charge just like your phone or you.
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Muscle Monday: Latissimus Dorsi

The latissimus dorsi is a superficial muscle in the horse's trunk that is attached to the supraspinous ligament and thoracolumbar fascia.

The latissimus dorsi's role when the horse's foreleg is on the ground is to retract the foreleg, thus providing impulsion by drawing the body forward. When the foreleg is off the ground the latiasimus dorsi flexes the shoulder and lifts the elbow and leg higher off the ground.

Signs of tension or discomfort in the latissimus dorsi can include negative reactions such as ear pinning or biting when being brushed in this area, a shortened stride with the front leg, or negative reactions to being saddled.

Since the latissimus dorsi is a superficial muscle it is impacted by both saddle fit and a poorly fitting girth that could be causing pressure points.

The Stifle:

The stifle is the joint where the femur meets the tibia in the horse's hindquarters that has a similar function to the human knee. However, unlike the human knee which is upright when people stand still, the stifle is angled when a horse is standing still.

The stifle is considered to be the most complex joint in the horse's body since it is the largest joint in their body and it is actually a combined 3 joints (the medial femorotibular joint, the lateral femorotibular joint, and femoropatellar joint) held together by 14 ligaments with 2 menisci cushioning the femur and tibia.

Because it is a complex joint there can be many factors involved with stifle lameness. The most common causes of stifle lameness include arthritis, bone cysts beneath cartilage, meniscal tears, osteochondrosis, and stifle trauma.

Initially the signs and symptoms of stifle lameness are often subtle. These signs and symptoms can include reluctance to work, toe dragging, reluctance to canter, a canter that has become more rough than normal, difficulty backing up, a shortened stride, issues transitioning between trot and canter, difficulty going up and down hills, a sore back or croup, and/or clicking noises coming from the stifles.

Any activity in which the horse makes sudden stops, changes direction quickly, or travels quickly can increase the odds of stifle injuries. Stifle injuries are more common in disciplines such as barrel racing, cutting, eventing, harness racing, and upper-level dressage.

The best ways to keep the stifle in good condition and possibly prevent stifle injuries are plenty of turnout, performing strengthening exercises regularly, hill work and keeping your horse at a healthy weight.

Exercise of the Week: Lateral Tail Pulls

Lateral tail pulls are a strengthening exercise for the stifle. Only perform this exercise after your horse has been warmed up.

Stand next to your horse's hindquarters and grasp their tail below the dock so that you are holding hair only. Gently pull the tail toward you until you feel your horse resist the pressure and pull back. You will notice their back, abdominal muscles and, importantly, their tensor fasciae latae and quadriceps muscles tighten as they brace against your pull. Hold pressure for 5 to 20 seconds and release. Repeat this exercise 5 to 10 times on each side. Begin by holding the exercise for 5 seconds and increase the time, then number of repetitions gradually as your horse builds strength. You can also perform this exercise by pushing the horse's hindquarters to the side instead of pulling the tail.

https://youtu.be/6dHp8k_Scrg

Equine Stifle Dysfunction: Strengthening Lateral Tail Pulls Part 7 of 7 Equine Stifle Dysfunction Series: ERS LLC at Equine Affaire 2010, Part 7

Muscle Monday: Tensor Fasciae Latae

The tensor fasciae latae (TFL) is a superficial muscle located in the hindquarters of the horse. It is indirectly attached to the patella and flexes the hip, extends the stifle and draws the hind leg forward. The TFL acts in opposition of the Semitendinosus and is closely connected to the surrounding muscles including the bicep femoris and quadriceps.

Atrophy of the TFL could indicate that a horse has issues with their stifle joint or has a weak stifle in general.

Indications of atrophy or tension in the TFL can include restriction in flexion of the stifle and hip, not stepping under straight, lack of impulsion, difficulty with engagement of the hind end, short stride in the hind end, or toe dragging.

All set up for the HMF Trade Show and Tack Swap! If you're in the area come spin the wheel for a discount on an initial assessment massage and check out the other vendors.

11 am - 4 pm at 834497 Line 4 East, Mono

Why a Regular Massage Schedule is Beneficial for your Horse:

While a one-off massage session is a great treat for your horse and they will likely feel great afterwards, it won't be productive in the long term. Most horses have years worth of compensation and asymmetry that will take more than one massage session to fully work through and correct.

A regular massage schedule for your horse will help to reduce preventable injuries or setbacks in existing conditions/injuries by increasing circulation, improving movement, relieving tension, enhancing muscle tone, increasing flexibility and range of motion and aiding in healing.

While the schedule for massage will be very dependent on an individual horse's situation, I typically recommend a massage:
- Every 2 - 3 weeks for horses with active injuries or high levels of pain
- Every 2 - 4 weeks for 4 sessions for horses who are returning from injury, have obvious compensation, are coming off no work, etc.
- Every 4 - 5 weeks for 6 months or ongoing for horses needing reconditioning, in a competitive season, in high levels of work, breeding, etc.
- Every 8 - 12 weeks (or once per season) for simple maintenance or "check-ups"

Stretch of the Week: Belly Lifts

Belly lifts have a dual function as a stretch and a core exercise. Belly lifts stretch the withers, back and loin. The specific muscles stretched are the trapezius, serratus ventralis, spinalis, longissimus dorsi, and the intercostal muscles of the ribs.

Belly lifts are like horse sit ups, the horse must engage their abdominals in order to lift their back. This strengthens the horse's abdominal and pectoral muscles.

Instructions:
Stand next to your horse and place your hands at the midline of their belly at the girth area. With your fingertips pointing upwards (hand in a claw shape) wiggle or rub/press your fingers upwards. While your horse is getting used to the stretch you may need to move your fingers up and down the midline of the belly to get a reaction. The horse will lift their back and lower their head slightly. Release the pressure in your fingers as soon as the horse lifts their belly. Repeat 5x daily after exercise.