
TOP 5 MUSCLE RELEASES
The essential bodywork program for all equestrians.
Step 1 | Learn the strokes
Your first step is to watch these quick videos where we go over the 5 strokes used in the program to relieve tension in your horse’s muscles.
Stroke | The 50
The 50 is the perfect opening stroke for most of the muscles we will be working on. In traditional massage, The 50 is called Effleurage, and is used to warm up the muscle fibers before deeper work. It can also promote relaxation for the horse.
Stroke | Percussion
Percussion helps “wake up” the muscle fibers and is an ideal stroke for weak or atrophied muscles. It can also encourage a deep sense of focus as the horse mentally zeros in on the rhythm of the stroke.
Stroke | Passive Touch
Passive Touch can have a profound impact on muscle tissue and also on the nervous system of the horse. It is a wonderful opening stroke to prepare both the horse and practitioner for the session. It also helps warm tissue and can promote relaxation throughout the body.
Stroke | Lines
Lines are a fantastic stroke for enhancing flexibility in the muscle by lengthening the muscle fibers. They also help release constricted connective tissue that may be influencing your horse’s movement.
Stroke | Compression
Compression is one of the most widely used strokes in traditional massage. Compression is a perfect stroke to release muscle tension and underlying adhesions, commonly known as “knots” in the muscle fibers.
Step 2 | Get Hands On
Next, discover the hands on routines to release tension in the top five most over-worked muscles in the horse’s body.
The Hamstrings consist of three muscles running along the back of the hind end. Along with the Glutes, the Hamstrings are the pushing muscles of the hind end. They extend and flex the hip and stifle and are some of the powerhouse muscles in the horse’s hind.
Step 1: The 50 - 50 strokes
Step 2: Lines - 2 to 4 minutes
Step 3: Compression - 2 to 3 minutes
Step 4: Percussion - 2 to 3 minutes
Step 5: The 50 - 50 to 100 strokes
Here we cover the five steps to relieve tension in the Glutes of the hind end.
Step 1: The 50 (Effleurage) - 50 to 100 strokes
Step 2: Percussion - 3 minutes
Step 3: Compression - 3 to 5 minutes
Step 4: Lines - 2 minutes
Step 5: The 50 (Effleurage) - 50 to 100 strokes
In this video we go over four steps to relieve back pain and release tension in the long back muscles.
Step 1: Passive Touch - 1 minute
Step 2: Passive Touch with Movement - 2 to 5 minutes
Step 3: The 50 (Effleurage) - 50 to 100 strokes
Step 4: Compression - 3 to 5 minutes
The Brachiocephalicus muscle is responsible for moving the neck up and down and left and right, and it also helps to bring the front leg forward.
Step 1: The 50 - 1 to 2 minutes
Step 2: Passive Touch w/ Movement - 2 to 5 minutes
Step 3: Lines - 3 to 5 minutes
Step 4: The 50 - 1 to 2 minutes
The Splenius is a large muscle in the neck running from the poll all the way down to the withers. Most of the Splenius is located underneath other muscles, but there are sections in the upper portion of the neck that are easy to palpate. The Splenius elevates the head and neck and extends the poll, it also helps stabilize the neck while the horse is moving.
Step 1: The 50
Step 2: Lines 1
Step 3: Lines 2
Step 4: Passive Touch
Step 5: The 50
Step 3 | Head to the barn
Now follow along with our Audio Guide where I walk you through the back release sequence step by step, so you’re confident you’re doing it correctly!
Use this audio guide to release muscular tension in your horse’s back. Keep the pressure light - if you go lighter than you initially think you should, and you’re probably doing it correctly.
Reminder: For your safety, please keep the volume level low on the Audio Guide so that you can still hear your surrounding environment.
GET $100 OFF EBO
WITH NWSAM100 AT CHECK OUT
The essential bodywork program for every horse.
The low-impact strength training program for every horse.
The ultimate wellness programs for every horse.
30 DAY REFUND
We are so confident that you and your horse will benefit from EBO that we offer full refunds within 30 days — no questions asked.
GET $100 OFF EBO
WITH NWSAM100 AT CHECK OUT
The essential bodywork program for every horse.
The low-impact strength training program for every horse.
The ultimate wellness programs for every horse.