I want to introduce you to two of my happiest equine craniosacral therapy clients. I have been working with these two girls, an Icelandic and a Shetland sized mini, for many years. These pictures are during their sessions yesterday, so they are dozing and relaxed. The Icelandic initially had some problems in her neck, which have been completely resolved with veterinary orthopedic manipulation and manual therapy including craniosacral and myofascial release work. She has also had some acupuncture work. She came to this country with some cribbing issues that have all but resolved at this point, in part due to releasing the tension in her throat and neck muscles, as well as changes in management including good dental care.
These are some of the first horses I began doing tuning fork (vibrational healing) work with for bony and soft tissue releases several years ago. One impressive response from that work has been improved hoof growth using the forks directly on the hooves after some bouts of founder in these two “easy keepers.” I have seen changes in the pelvis and lumbar spine in the mini as well, after work with a heavier tuning fork in these areas, as she does not like big joint mobilizations on her back.
I have done a fair amount of TTouch with the mini, as she was not used to being handled, and at first she only wanted few minutes of work before she’d move away. TTouch improved her level of trust and helped release tight spots in her back and neck. I also used TTouch with her to familiarize her with ropes on her body and to teach her how to lift her feet quietly. Now, both of these girls stand peacefully for their sessions without a halter or rope, munching hay or resting in the morning sunshine. After a session, they are clearly relaxed, processing the new information in their bodies.