What is it? Craniosacral bodywork is very gentle touch, specific hand holds, and techniques that help to release neuromuscular and fascial dysfunctions, tensions, and restrictions which may contribute to discomfort, lameness, behavioral changes, performance issues, and other issues. You can think of it as bringing the horse’s body and nervous system into harmony.

What does it look like? It is quiet, slow, and very subtle movements. I first check in with the horse’s body to feel where it has low energy verses vitality and tension in the tissue. Next I work to ease primary tension patterns. Then I can focus on the areas of the body with the greatest need or where the horse is willing to accept the bodywork.

What do the horses think? Typically, I see horses settle, calm down, and allow their bodies to relax. Sometimes we need to give them time and space to process these changes. This can happen more than once during an appointment. I will be sharing more specific stories in the coming weeks on the socials and my website.

Appointments can be ALL craniosacral, or include a little or a lot!
For Craniosacral ONLY appointments:
If you want to schedule specifically craniosacral only appointments for your horse, please note and plan for this process.

• SLOW: The process and impact may be slower than other techniques.
• 4 Appts: Plan for 4 sessions 1-2 weeks apart. This is the recommendation, but not a requirement. I will work with your schedule, budget, and goals.
• 2 Hours: Each session requires about 2 hours of your time.
• Appt: My normal 90-minute appointment still includes updates, body/gait analysis, hands-on bodywork, homework, questions, and a possible re-evaluation of body/gait analysis.
• Hand Walk: You will need to hand walk your horse for 20 minutes immediately after the appointment. This helps the body more fully incorporate the subtle changes from the bodywork.
• No Riding: It is recommended to not ride for the first 72 hours after the appointment, however in-hand or groundwork is acceptable. This gives your horse’s body time to adjust to the subtle changes before it is responsible for carrying a rider.

Additional Contraindications for Craniosacral bodywork in horses include:
Any alteration of the intracranial pressure, acute stroke, acute skull fracture, acute concussion, cerebral aneurysm.

We will need to consult with your veterinarian prior to an appointment if you are concerned about your horse or if it has been diagnosed with any of these conditions.

Learn or sharpen your groundwork skills in a group setting. These sessions will be customized to the facility and interested parties.

Groundwork may include any of the following: in-hand walking; lunging at the walk, trot or canter; in-hand walk or trot using ground poles and/or cones. This can be done in the arena (indoor or outdoor) or on the facility grounds.

All activities will be agreed upon in writing in advance. Facilities will be provided all necessary documentation.

NOTE: This is not for veterinarian prescribed rehabilitation. This not available as an emergency service. This is not a riding or performance training service.

All activities and appointment dates and times will be agreed upon in writing in advance. Facilities will be provided all necessary documentation.

A small journal for notes from each session will be included for 4-week packages or available for purchase.

NOTE: If the owner is not present, this is available to established clients only and is subject to scheduling availability. To become an established client, you must complete at least ONE 90-minute bodywork appointment.

NOTE: If it is determined that your horse is not able to participate in the appointment after my arrival due to its health or the facility conditions, I will notify the owner of the reason and any details as timely as possible.

NOTE: This is not for veterinarian prescribed rehabilitation. This not available as an emergency service. This is not a riding or training service.