10.04.10
Even I am reminded of the need for regular body balancing treatments!
I probably annoy clients with my incessant preaching on frequency of treatment. Whether due to lack of finances or lack of understanding, I find that horses and riders as major athletes are not tending to their bodies enough. Complementary and alternative therapies are not meant to be a once in a while kind of treatment. It is almost impossible for a body to remain in balance on its own. Especially when subjected to stress, wear and tear and the hectic life of today’s culture. Lack of body balance can cause a whole host of issues from muscle and connective tissue injuries to insomnia, headaches, digestive upset, organ dysfunction, emotional upset… the list is endless.
There are many ways to bring the body back into balance including massage, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, acupuncture, asian body work, yoga, pilates, qi gong, tai chi, alexander technique, feldenkrais, nutritional therapy and herbal therapy to name just a few.
And yes, I even need to remind myself not to neglect my body or my horses’ body because I run out of time, have too much going on or just plain too tired. Luckily, my horses are always my best teachers and yet again they have taught me a valuable lesson. Most of you know how valuable acupuncture and craniosacral therapy has been to my black horse (Indy) that deals with chronic pain issues. Even me, who sees the results on a regular basis, still tends to forget that energetic work is my best line of defense when things go wrong. But my chestnut (Dancer) has been quick to remind me. In the past, he has received regular treatments because (1) I know how important they are for prevention (2) I see his performance blossom when he gets them and (3) well just because I can! 
Most recently, Dancer started acting sore behind from starting more collected work. Being the beginnings of an issue, he is not lame (so a vet probably wouldn’t be helpful) but I wanted to act quickly to prevent a major injury. So, I rested him… no help. Tried medication… no help. Finally I went back to his regularly scheduled treatments and viola… Dancer is back to his ole self.
OK off of my soapbox. The message… get regular treatments for you and your horse. Your body & your horse’s will thank you. Believe me when I say that some prevention now will be well worth the savings in the long run. I have seen it time and time again with clients both human and horse.
