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.

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 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. 

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.

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 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...

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.

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? ...

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…

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...