Welcome  to Just Breath Equine Ortho-Bionomy®
~ to improve performance
~ to heal from any injuries
~ to connect rider and horse more closely
~ to overcome compensatory patterns
~ for better general health and maintenance

The health of your horse is as important as your health. Equine Ortho-Bionomy® is a therapeutic conversation between human and horse. It is a relationship based on the principle that gentle, non-invasive bodywork has a positive influence on alignment and physical and emotional well-being. It is a gentle and comfortable way to employ “user-friendly” techniques to assist the horse in releasing tightness and bracing patters formed from injuries, improper riding or training techniques, or poor saddle fittings. The release positions are specific to each horse. When both the rider and the horse are engaged in Ortho-Bionomy® it can assist in finding greater balance both on and off the horse which results in better athletic performance and longevity. This method of bodywork is not a list of techniques done “to” the horse, but rather a very specific conversation “with” the horse. In Equine Ortho-Bionomy® we do less to encourage the horse to feel safe and comfortable as we release the tension. The horse relaxes, licks and chews, yawns and becomes very much a part of the conversation. This work is very different than other modalities that “do to” the horse rather than “working with.” The horses receive this work willingly and happily as the release positions move away from the painful patterns into comfort. Sometimes the simplest method is the most profound, especially if it uses a system already in place. This accesses the innate intelligence of the being to self-correct. The resetting and re-balancing of the body has a longer lasting effect if it is done from within.

A typical equine session begins with an evaluation and conversation with the rider or owner regarding the concerns of their horse. Not all horses need help with being under saddle; many horses I work with have issues with connecting to their rider or owner, have anxiety, or show signs of depression or sadness. When I work with a horse it’s important that I create a bond first and they connect to me through Liberty or ground work. Once we have a connection and they feel safe we can begin our work. Sessions can be done in pasture, in an arena, or in stall depending on the circumstances. Being in a halter is not always necessary. In conjunction with the Ortho releases I may use Sure Foot pads as an aid. Most sessions last about 60-90 minutes.

I have been studying Equine Ortho-Bionomy® and working towards my certification through Susan Smith’s Equine Body Balance™ program for more than 5 years. It is my love of Ortho and structure that keeps me curious and fascinated with this work. I volunteer at WindWalker’s Equine Therapy in my spare time, helping to maintain the health of their herd.

Please call for further information on scheduling a session for your horse, yourself, or both.

The horse knows. He knows if you know.
He knows if you don’t know.
~ Ray Hunt