The learning hub
With a few minutes of the right homework, a few times a week: carrot stretches after a ride, belly lifts for the core, in-hand polework on non-riding days, and knowing the signs that tension is building again.
"I'm only one person and I can't be there every day, but my clients can."
That's why every session ends with a detailed session report and individualized homework, and that's why this page exists. Everything here comes from what I do at the barn every day. It's free, it's practical, and most of it takes a carrot and ten minutes. Whether you're getting ready for your next show or keeping an older horse moving well, you are my people.
Interactive horse map
Most horses hold tension in the same seven places: the poll and jaw, neck, withers and shoulder, back, belly and core, hindquarters and tail dock. Tap a spot to see what your horse might be telling you there, and one thing you can try between sessions.
1 of 7 · Poll & jaw
Lightly trace the jawline, the big chewing muscle and the joint just below the ear with your fingertips, and notice any flinching.
Signs to watch for1 of 7 · Poll & jaw
Lightly trace the jawline, the big chewing muscle and the joint just below the ear with your fingertips, and notice any flinching.
Signs to watch for2 of 7 · Neck
A gentle forelimb retraction stretch lengthens this muscle. Keep the leg low and never pull.
Simple stretches3 of 7 · Withers & shoulder
The front limb mobility stretch: lift the leg, ease it forward until you feel resistance, and hold for 3 to 5 seconds.
Simple stretches4 of 7 · Back
Run your fingers along both sides of the spine before and after every ride, and notice any change.
Signs to watch for5 of 7 · Belly & core
Belly lifts: "zipper" your fingertips along the midline and look for a small lift at the withers. Hold for 5 to 6 seconds.
Belly lifts, step by step6 of 7 · Hindquarters
Walk over a few raised poles, two or three times in each direction, on a non-riding day.
In-hand polework7 of 7 · Tail dock
Slow, gentle tail lifts and circles. Notice which direction feels stiffer and mention it at your next visit.
Signs to watch forThese are clues, not answers. Lots of things can cause them, including teeth, feet and saddle fit, so check with your vet first if your horse is lame, unwell or recovering from injury. Only stretch a warmed-up, sound horse, stand to the side, and stop if your horse braces or seems uncomfortable.
Book a SessionSimple, safe homework
Carrot stretches, belly lifts and in-hand polework are the exercises I leave with clients most often, from busy show horses to happy retirees.
My three go-to ways to build your horse's core: carrot stretches, ground poles and the Equiband system, and how I fit them into a week.
Carrot stretches and limb stretches, how to hold them and the mistakes to skip. Stretching should never be a wrestling match.
The "zipper" method, how long to hold, and five signs your horse's core could use some help.
How to space poles for your horse, raised versus flat, and why you change one thing at a time.
Listen to your horse
Watch for changes in performance, under saddle, on the ground and in the body itself. Here's what your horse might be trying to tell you, and what's normal after a session.
Toe dragging, a tight jaw, a horse who won't stand for the farrier: what your horse might be trying to tell you.
What's normal after bodywork, the aftercare I ask for, and how to read your session report.
The kit, explained
What that big grey loop is, plus the scraper, books and gear I use on my own horse.
What that big grey loop is, what a session looks like, and when your horse shouldn't have it.
The books, bands, balance pads and pole risers I use on my own horse and recommend.
What a small 2024 pilot study of 10 horses found, and what it doesn't show yet.
Free download
Stick it on the barn fridge, the tack room door or your phone. One page, six stretches, all the tips. Free download confirmed. Jen is redoing it with new images
Watch on YouTube
New ones go up most weeks. [CONFIRM WITH JEN: posting rhythm] Find them at @flourish-animal-bodywork.
Bodywork supports your horse's wellbeing alongside veterinary care. It is not a substitute for it. If your horse is lame, unwell or recovering from injury, please check with your vet first.
Book a Session
Send me a booking request with a little about your horse and your goals. I'll get back to you personally to set up your session.
Or email me at info@flourishequinebodywork.com
