EXERCISE RECOMMENDATIONS POST OSTEOPATHIC BODYWORK:

DAY 0 (The same day of the Bodywork, after the session )

1. Light exercise after the session. A relaxed walk / light trot in-hand for 10 to 15 minutes around the arena or property

   • No stress / no sweating / no heavy breathing / no elevated heart rate.

   • No circles smaller than 20 metres.

   • No lungeing.

DAY 1 Options (the day after the Bodywork session):

1. It's advised that your horse has a day off from work, however you can follow the same recommendation as Day 0 or go on a relaxing 30 minute trail ride at walk (on the buckle / loose rein, no sweat, no elevated heart rate). If your horse gets stressed when riding out, rather work in the environment where he/she is relaxed.

DAY 2 Options (the 2nd day after the Bodywork session):

1. If your horse is has regular Bodywork and is fit and healthy then a 30 - 45 minute light schooling session.

   • Example: a 15 - 20 Warm Up and a 15 - 20 minute Cool Down.

     • Keep the work easy, large, light, and free. Do some long and low and work through the back.

     • Change the rein frequently (large figure-8’s, large serpentines), and work on some smooth transitions.

     • Including raised poles or low Cavalletti (on a straight line), are especially beneficial if your horse has any particular hind end issues, tightness, stiffness, weakness, etc.

     • No jumping, however, If you have to jump, keep it low (50cm - 70cm). Keep the heart rate down, and avoid a sweaty horse.

     • No tight circles of 20m or smaller,

     • No high intensity (no sweating and no elevated heart rate),

     • No lungeing.

2. A working trail ride/hack can be done (in all 3 relaxed gaits if your horse feels balanced under you, if not... then stick to walk and trot).

DAY 3:

1. Now the horse may typically go back into full work (unless otherwise stated by the Bodyworker or other Healthcare Practitioner treating your horse (e.g.: Vet).

RECOMMENDATIONS for COMPETITION HORSES:

• Bodywork is recommended at least 3 days before the Competition to give time for the body to feel its best & work through any re-balancing before the show.

• Bodywork after a Competition helps relieve tensions built up from travelling to the show and back, and the Stress and Physical Strains the horse experiences during Competition.

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DISCLAIMER:

Bodywork can create changes in the horse’s biomechanics for the better, but can also make old tensions and dysfunctions that the horse may have developed compensations for more noticeable at first by bringing that discomfort to the surface once the restrictions have been removed. This is part of the healing process as the body recalibrates toward it’s own natural correct balance and alignment, please do not be concerned, simply work with and through the process and allow it to continue.

* If a significant lameness arises to the surface and remains for more than 3 days a vet may be referred for deeper investigation.

For your horse to enjoy the maximum benefits from their Osteopathic Bodywork session, light exercise after the session helps to encourage parallel alignment of muscle fibres and helps with any possible next day soreness in the horse by flushing lactic acid from the muscles, and draining toxins out through the lymphatic system, especially if any chronic or acute issues were addressed and if the work needed was on a deep level.