Young Horses With Cow-Hocked Posture

A cow-hocked horse refers to a conformational issue where the horse’s hocks are positioned closer together than normal when viewed from the rear. We’ll explore why this happens and discuss ways to address and prevent such issues for a healthier, sound, and rideable horse.

You can potty-train your horse, here’s how

Wouldn't it be nice if your horse put all his manure in a nice pile for you? In this episode of Holistic Horseworks Talks, I talk about my own personal horse journey. Among the things I learned, by accident was that you can potty train horses! It is much easier to...

High-Low Hoof Syndrome: Unlock the Underlying Secret to Balanced Hooves

High-low hoof Syndrome is a condition that has long puzzled vets, farriers, and horse owners. It refers to an imbalance in a horse’s hooves, where one hoof has a steeper angle compared to the other. Standing and working on this imbalance can lead to a variety of biomechanical issues that affect not just the hooves but the entire musculoskeletal system of the horse. 

The Hyoid and First Rib Connection

Many people talk about the hyoid as the cause of an issue. The equine industry has established that the hyoid is connected not only directly to the tongue, forelimb, and poll but also indirectly to the hindquarter. However, looking at this from a holistic perspective, it is also important to consider what else the hyoid is affected by. The prominent first rib misalignment, as we talk about so often here at Holistic Horseworks, will not only impact the front end of the horse but also back to the hind end and even all the way up to the hyoid.

Sidebone; what can you do about it?

Sadly, in my travels, I have seen sidebone starting on horses as young as 3 years old!   What causes 'calcifications' like sidebone, ringbone, arthritic hocks and knees that can lame our horses and decrease their ride-able years? When our body is not correctly loading...

Emotional Healing for Healthier & Happier Horses

Emotional Healing for Healthier & Happier Horses Share this episode:   Table of Contents   In this episode of Holistic Horseworks Talks, April Love delves into equine care, focusing not only on the physical aspects but also on the emotional well-being of...

The Importance of the First Rib in Horses

Join us in this episode of Holistic Horseworks Talks with April Love as we explore the often-overlooked significance of the first mobility rib in equine anatomy. She sheds light on how misalignments of the first rib can lead to various issues with people such as thoracic outlet syndrome, frozen shoulder, tendonitis, bursitis, and carpel tunnel syndrome. So think about all the things it could be impeding your horse’s freedom of movement in the front end. This is what starts the high-low hoof syndrome, horse not picking up right or left lead, mysterious lameness, kissing spine, behavioral issues, and even roaring in horses requiring expensive tie-back surgery.

Improper Saddle Fit Can Have Far-Reaching Effects on Your Horse!

Does your saddle fit properly?  I invite you to go out to your horse and tie them, standing on a level surface.  Next, stand on a stool or bucket five to ten feet behind them.  Notice the alignment of the horse’s body.  Is one side of the rump higher than the other? ...

Mystac Mag Interview: Unwinding the Secrets of Equine Performance, April Love’s Journey to Holistic Healing

April Love, the visionary behind Holistic Horseworks LLC and the creator of the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT), has always been captivated by the grace and power of horses in motion. Her journey began with a simple observation: some horses move more fluidly than others. This curiosity led her to uncover the deeper physical and emotional challenges…

Love riding your horse? Here is how to help them be more comfortable in their bodies and be rideable into their 30’s

Is your horse tripping or short striding? Do you wonder why your horse is pinning ears, swishing tail when saddled or when being asked for the trot or canter? A horse unwilling to flex at the poll, bend to the bit, unwilling to extend the gait, canter on the other...
Horses Are Talking, Are You Listening?

Horses Are Talking, Are You Listening?

Holistic equine expert April Love wants you to know: your horse is speaking. And once you learn how to listen, everything changes. In her recent appearance at the Holistic Horse Conference, April sat down with Dr. Jeff Grognet and animal communicator Joan Ranquet to share her revolutionary approach to equine wellness.

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How a Distance Reading CHANGED Kimberly and Her Horse

How a Distance Reading CHANGED Kimberly and Her Horse

In this interview, holistic healing expert April Love uncovers the deep, often invisible threads connecting horse and human wellness. Join Kimberly, host of The Backyard Horse Enthusiast, as she shares her transformative experience with April’s intuitive healing techniques.

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Summer Travel Tips for Your Horse: Keep Them Happy, Healthy, & Hydrated

Summer Travel Tips for Your Horse: Keep Them Happy, Healthy, & Hydrated

Traveling to summer shows and events can be exciting, but for our horses, it often comes with a heavy load of emotional and physical stress. Here are some key things to consider when prepping your horse for summer travel, and the strategies I’ve personally used to help mine stay healthy, limber, and ready to shine.

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Mud Fever Prevention and Remedies

Mud Fever Prevention and Remedies

Mud fever, also known as pastern dermatitis, scratches, grease heel, etc., is a common skin condition in horses caused by a combination of wet and muddy conditions, bacteria, and fungi. It typically affects the lower legs, especially white ones, and, if not addressed properly. can cause discomfort and lameness. Immune-challenged horses are also more susceptible to getting mud fever.

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Is It Really a Training Problem, or Is Your Horse in Pain?

Is It Really a Training Problem, or Is Your Horse in Pain?

If your horse bucks, resists the canter, or just feels off under saddle, the first thing many people assume is that it’s a training issue. Maybe the horse is being stubborn, or maybe it just needs more groundwork. But I want to let you in on something I’ve seen over and over again—those “training problems” are almost always your horse trying to say, “Ouch, that hurts!”

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Did You Know That Saddle Fit Issues Are Really Horse Body Issues?

Did You Know That Saddle Fit Issues Are Really Horse Body Issues?

Saddle fit isn’t just about the saddle — it’s about the ever-changing body of the horse beneath it. While it’s tempting to invest in custom saddles or quick fixes like padded inserts, lasting comfort and performance come from addressing the root of the issue: your horse’s physical balance and symmetry.

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How to Find the Cause of Lameness in Horses

How to Find the Cause of Lameness in Horses

When a horse shows signs of lameness, pinpointing the exact cause can be challenging due to compensatory mechanisms. Horses often redistribute weight and movement to avoid pain, making the actual injury difficult to locate. Here’s a practical step-by-step guide to help you identify the root cause of lameness in horses.

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5 Must-Know Hore Care Tips for Winter

5 Must-Know Hore Care Tips for Winter

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share five essential cold weather horse care tips straight from the experts at Holistic Horseworks.Whether you’re dealing with freezing temperatures, icy conditions or relentless mud, these strategies will help you keep your horse happy and healthy through even the harshest of winters.

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Dogs Love Bodywork, Too! (Prevents ACL Tears and  Hip Displaysia.)

Dogs Love Bodywork, Too! (Prevents ACL Tears and Hip Displaysia.)

If you’ve ever watched your dog run and noticed something a bit off—like both hind legs moving together or noticeably dragging their toes—it might be more than just an aging issue or a minor injury. Proactively managing canine skeletal health can prevent long-term joint issues such as hip dysplasia and ACL tears.

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Effective Pain Relief for Horses with Kissing Spine

Effective Pain Relief for Horses with Kissing Spine

Kissing spine sounds terrible and it can end your horse’s career by causing bucking or bolting under saddle which can be extremely dangerous to the rider. When the vertebrae’s bony parts, called the “spinous process,” are too close together, they rub against each other, causing friction and heat. This leads to calcium buildup, resulting in calcification that can almost fuse the vertebrae in some areas. The irritation a horse experiences from kissing spine would be similar to you having a back spasm or herniated disc!

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Natural Remedies for Laminitis in Horses

Natural Remedies for Laminitis in Horses

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Avian Flu and Other Viruses May Be Affecting Your Horse’s Vitality

Avian Flu and Other Viruses May Be Affecting Your Horse’s Vitality

There has been a lot of news about Avian Flu infecting cattle and humans. Is it possible horses could contract this and other diseases? What can horse owners do to protect their horses? In this episode of Holistic Horseworks Talks, April discusses ways to keep horses as healthy as possible and empower people to help their horses rather than always relying on paid services.

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Mystac Mag Interview: Unwinding the Secrets of Equine Performance, April Love’s Journey to Holistic Healing

Mystac Mag Interview: Unwinding the Secrets of Equine Performance, April Love’s Journey to Holistic Healing

April Love, the visionary behind Holistic Horseworks LLC and the creator of the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT), has always been captivated by the grace and power of horses in motion. Her journey began with a simple observation: some horses move more fluidly than others. This curiosity led her to uncover the deeper physical and emotional challenges…

read more
High-Low Hoof Syndrome: Unlock the Underlying Secret to Balanced Hooves

High-Low Hoof Syndrome: Unlock the Underlying Secret to Balanced Hooves

High-low hoof Syndrome is a condition that has long puzzled vets, farriers, and horse owners. It refers to an imbalance in a horse’s hooves, where one hoof has a steeper angle compared to the other. Standing and working on this imbalance can lead to a variety of biomechanical issues that affect not just the hooves but the entire musculoskeletal system of the horse. 

read more
Foals Need Bodywork, Too!

Foals Need Bodywork, Too!

Early bodywork can profoundly impact your foal’s development, ensuring they grow into healthy, balanced, and well-adjusted adults. Let’s talk about essential timing and techniques of early bodywork, helping you recognize signs of misalignment and understand the benefits of starting bodywork from a young age.

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Summer Heat and the Best Electrolytes for Horses

Summer Heat and the Best Electrolytes for Horses

As the summer heat sets in, it’s important to consider your horse’s electrolyte needs. Proper electrolyte supplementation can help keep your horse happy, healthy, and performing their best even in the hottest weather. Discover the importance of electrolytes and get our top recommendation for the best electrolytes, along with tips on when and how to use them effectively.

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